RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 4 sourcesThe preseason US LBM Coaches Poll was released on Tuesday afternoon ahead of fall camp opening up across the college football landscape.
To little surprise, Ohio State came in at No. 1 with Oregon, Georgia, Texas, and Notre Dame rounding out the top five in the preseason poll.
Following the reveal, here are four teams that are being overlooked.
MORE: Ranking every projected ACC starting QB in 2026
Houston Cougars, No. 24
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Houston surged last season and went 9-3 in the regular season, before beating LSU in its bowl game. Conner Weigman is back under center , and after a tough start to his career at Texas A&M, Weigman found his home with the Cougars.
In losses against both West Virginia and TCU, one possession could’ve shaped Houston’s season much differently, and it could’ve been the Cougars playing in the Big 12 title game in 2025.
With Mekhi Hughes at running back and star wide receiver Amare Thomas back, Houston has a chance to compete for a Big 12 title this season.
Utah Utes, No. 21
Typically, coaching changes could result in a major rehaul, especially losing both your head coach and offensive coordinator. However, Morgan Scalley takes over for Kyle Whittingham and there aren’t any wholesale changes under Scalley.
In fact, Devon Dampier is back under center, after he was the Big 12’s leading rusher last season. Wayshawn Parker is also back at running back, along with 10 projected starters on defense, who all return to the Utes.
It’s not a restart for Utah, but it’s keeping the engine running and in an open Big 12 Conference, Utah has the tools to win it.
USC Trojans, No. 14
Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) carries the ball against TCU Horned Frogs defensive tackle Markis Deal (95) in the second half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) USC has yet to make a College Football Playoff under Lincoln Riley, someone the Trojans thought was going to lead them to the promised land. And Riley is on the hot seat , whether you want to believe or not. Luckily for Riley, he gets one of the best quarterbacks back.
At the most important position, you need a gunslinger and that’s what Jayden Maiava is . The Trojans also get running backs King Miller and Waymond Jordan back, along with their star offensive line.
USC’s defense might be the best it’s been under Riley. While the play will do the talking, USC is being overlooked entering 2026.
Ole Miss, No. 10
Lane Kiffin might be gone, and it’s clear his name alone gets you a bump in the rankings, but Pete Golding is back to lead the Rebels as their head coach.
Golding gets star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss back for another season, and running back Kewan Lacy. Ole Miss’ offense could be as good as anyone this season, and with additions from the transfer portal, the Rebels’ defense will be good.
Baylor transfer Keaton Thomas will eat at MIKE this season and Ole Miss being a top-five team isn’t out of the equation.
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