Many outlets are publishing their preseason top 25 rankings, and several teams are getting far more credit than they deserve. From top 10 hype for squads replacing key starters and coordinators to programs riding the coattails of departed NFL talent, the overreactions are in full swing. Let’s dig in.

Texas A&M has no business in the top 10

I don’t understand why Texas A&M keeps appearing in the top 10 of most rankings ahead of teams like Oklahoma, USC, and Texas Tech. The Aggies are replacing most of their offensive line and both coordinators. While I trust Mike Elko to get the most out of his defense, the offensive side of the ball is a gigantic question mark. Can Marcel Reed play more consistently while building rapport with a new playcaller? That’s a lot of uncertainty for a team generating top 10 buzz. Until Texas A&M proves it can replace that much production in one offseason, ranking them this high feels premature.

Clemson shouldn’t appear in anyone’s rankings

Clemson should not appear in anyone’s rankings at any point. Last season, the Tigers had a loaded roster with three defensive players picked in the top 50 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite that talent, they were extremely mediocre. Now with all those guys gone and a completely new quarterback, this team is supposed to be one of the best in the country? Not to mention the lazy hire by Dabo Swinney of Chad Morris to fix his offense. I don’t think so. Clemson is coasting on brand recognition, and nothing about their current roster suggests they’ve earned a spot among college football’s best.

Penn State’s top 20 ranking needs more proof

I still don’t understand why people are throwing Penn State into the top 20. Can Matt Campbell actually coach and win in the Big Ten? Can a relocated Iowa State roster keep up with the rest of the conference? That is a lot that needs to be determined before anyone should feel comfortable ranking the Nittany Lions that high.

I’d much rather rank a different Big Ten team like Minnesota ahead of them. The Golden Gophers have an underrated quarterback in Drake Lindsey, a talented offensive line anchored by Greg Johnson and Ashton Beers, and Anthony Smith on their defensive line. Minnesota has the pieces to surprise people, and Penn State hasn’t proven it belongs yet under its new coaching staff.

Tennessee is ranked a little too high

Tennessee landing in the top 20 feels like a stretch. The Volunteers have a talented young core that can make them good in the near future, but it feels too soon to think this is going to be a top 25 team in 2026.

Since losing Chaz Coleman, Tennessee’s defense does not look as dangerous, and it brings up a major question: who is going to lead their pass rush? And with that uncertainty, can we really buy into a team starting a freshman quarterback? The questions outweigh the answers for the Volunteers right now, and projecting them into the top 20 is premature.