Georgia Tops Preseason College Football Rankings

Georgia has secured the No. 1 spot in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason college football poll for the second consecutive year, marking a significant start to the superconference era. The rankings reflect a strong showing from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten, with both conferences placing four teams in the top 10. Ohio State follows closely at No. 2, garnering 15 first-place votes and a total of 1,490 points. The dominance of the Big Ten and SEC is evident, as they collectively account for eight of the top 10 teams. The Big 12 contributes five teams, while the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has four. Notably, Notre Dame stands out as the highest-ranked independent team, coming in at No. 6. Colorado, ranked No. 7, marks a significant return to the top, reminiscent of its No. 13 ranking in 1991. Georgia, under the leadership of Coach Kirby Smart, aims to replicate its previous success after starting last season at No. 1. Despite maintaining the top position throughout the regular season, the Bulldogs fell short of the four-team playoff after losing the SEC title game to Alabama. Quarterback Carson Beck, a rarity in college football, enters his fifth season with the same school, having waited three years to become the starter. As the season unfolds, Georgia seeks to become the 12th team since the AP preseason poll's inception in 1950 to maintain its No. 1 ranking throughout the season, a feat last achieved by Alabama in 2017.