Texas, Miami make long runs at No. 1 in 2026 college football season

Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oregon also spend time atop the rankings in a volatile year

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:33pm

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The 2026 college football season saw several teams take turns at the No. 1 ranking, with Texas and Miami making the longest runs. Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oregon also spent time atop the polls in a year marked by volatility at the top of the rankings.

Why it matters

The frequent changes at No. 1 highlight the parity and competitiveness in college football, with multiple programs capable of reaching the top spot. This could make for an exciting and unpredictable season as teams jockey for playoff positioning and the national championship.

The details

Ohio State held the No. 1 ranking for 14 weeks last season before losing to Indiana in the Big Ten title game. In 2026, Texas took over the top spot in Week 3 and held it for five weeks before falling to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish then spent three weeks at No. 1 before Miami claimed the top ranking for the final five weeks of the regular season, including wins over Notre Dame and Clemson.

  • Ohio State was the preseason No. 1 team.
  • Texas took over the No. 1 ranking in Week 3 and held it for five weeks.
  • Notre Dame was ranked No. 1 for three weeks in October.
  • Miami claimed the No. 1 ranking for the final five weeks of the regular season.
  • Miami defeated Louisville in the ACC Championship Game to finish the season 13-0 and earn the top seed in the College Football Playoff.

The players

Julian Sayin

The Heisman finalist quarterback for Ohio State.

Jeremiah Smith

The potential 2027 No. 1 overall NFL draft pick who is returning for his junior season at Ohio State.

Arch Manning

The Texas quarterback who seized the early Heisman lead with his play in the Longhorns' wins over Ohio State and Tennessee.

Hollywood Smothers

The former NC State running back who transferred to Texas and had his first 100-yard game of the season against UTSA.

C.J. Carr

The Notre Dame quarterback who helped the Fighting Irish claim the No. 1 ranking for three weeks in October.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 college football season saw a high level of parity and volatility at the top of the rankings, with several programs taking turns at No. 1. This unpredictability could make for an exciting and compelling season as teams battle for playoff positioning and the national championship.