The preseason US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 has been unveiled, ranking Alabama at No. 8, while Auburn is notably among those receiving votes. This marks the lowest preseason ranking for the Crimson Tide since they were unranked entering the 2008 season, in stark contrast to Auburn, which has failed to break into the Top 25 for the fifth consecutive year.
Leading the pack this year, Texas holds the No. 1 spot for the first time in the history of the coaches poll, garnering 28 first-place votes and a total of 1,606 points. The defending national champions, Ohio State, are ranked second with 20 first-place votes and 1,565 points. Other top contenders include Penn State at No. 3, Georgia at No. 4, and Clemson at No. 6, all receiving several first-place votes.
The rankings continue with Notre Dame at No. 5 and Oregon at No. 7, ahead of Alabama, which finds itself at No. 8. LSU is placed at No. 9, while Miami closes the Top 10. Arizona State, Illinois, South Carolina, Michigan, Ole Miss, SMU, Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, and Kansas State follow in the subsequent spots, culminating in a tie at No. 21 for Texas A&M and Iowa State. BYU, Texas Tech, and Boise State fill out the remainder of the Top 25.
Oklahoma has the highest number of points among teams not in the Top 25, followed by Missouri, Louisville, USC, Utah, and Baylor. Auburn ranks No. 32 overall with 50 poll points.
Kalen DeBoer of Alabama and Hugh Freeze of Auburn are among the 67 FBS coaches who cast votes for the poll. The Associated Press media Top 25 preseason rankings are set to be released on August 11.
This preseason ranking reflects a significant moment for both Alabama and Auburn and sets the stage for an intriguing college football season ahead.