Notre Dame and Indiana University have secured top positions in the AP preseason college football poll, with Notre Dame at No. 4 and Indiana at No. 6. This marks Notre Dame's fourth appearance in the preseason top 10 in five years, while Indiana, the defending national champion, maintains a strong ranking. Ohio State and Oregon lead the poll at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Among conferences, the SEC dominates with nine teams featured, while the Big Ten has eight. Notably, there are no Group of 6 teams ranked in the top 25.

By the Numbers
  • Ohio State has the best odds to win the national championship at +600.
  • Notre Dame and Texas follow closely at +650, while Indiana and Oregon sit at +800.
Yes, But

Despite strong rankings, the Big Ten's performance remains scrutinized, particularly in comparison to the SEC, which contributes nine teams to the rankings. This disparity raises questions about the competitiveness of the Big Ten.

State of Play
  • Notre Dame is positioned as a strong contender with six first-place votes.
  • Indiana enters the season as a reigning national champion, reflecting its continuing success.
What's Next

As the season progresses, both Notre Dame and Indiana will need to perform consistently to maintain their rankings and playoff prospects. How they handle early-season matchups will significantly impact their standings.

Bottom Line

The AP preseason poll highlights the strong football presence of Notre Dame and Indiana, showcasing their potential as national contenders. Their performances in the early weeks will be critical in shaping the remainder of the season.