usatoday
The release of the US LBM Coaches Poll for the 2026 college football season has sparked debate about which teams are ranked too optimistically. While every season brings surprises, a few programs appear to be positioned higher than their circumstances warrant. Historical precedent, such as Penn State's fall from No. 3 in the 2025 preseason poll to a 7-6 record and a coaching change by October, serves as a cautionary tale.
Alabama enters the season at No. 11 but faces significant hurdles. The Crimson Tide lost 15 starters, including 10 NFL Draft picks, with first-rounders Kadyn Proctor and quarterback Ty Simpson among the departures. The offensive line, already underperforming, must be rebuilt, and the schedule is brutal: a five-game stretch includes road games at Mississippi State, Tennessee, and LSU, plus home contests against Georgia and Texas A&M.
Key Analysis
LSU, ranked No. 13, is another team that could struggle. New head coach Lane Kiffin inherits a 7-6 squad with a daunting schedule. Transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt hasn't played since October 2025 due to a Lisfranc injury, and Kiffin didn't bring key players like running back Kewan Lacy or quarterback Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss. Michigan, at No. 16, returns only three defensive starters and faces a tough road slate including Oklahoma, Oregon, and Ohio State, along with a new coaching staff.
Penn State, ranked No. 17, returns just four starters and transitions to new coach Matt Campbell. Despite avoiding Ohio State and Oregon, the Nittany Lions have road games at USC and Washington, and their schedule includes a night game at Northwestern's new stadium. Clemson, at No. 23, has three holes on the offensive line, a new quarterback in Christopher Vizzina with limited experience, and a new offensive coordinator in Chad Morris. Their schedule features road games at LSU, Florida State, and Duke, plus home games against Miami and South Carolina.
Originally reported by usatoday.