Coaches Poll Sparks Indiana No. 6 Snub Claims as SEC Lands 9 Teams in Top 25

1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 4

Indiana’s No. 6 preseason ranking drew the sharpest criticism, with the defending national champion placed outside the top five despite returning several defensive starters and a seasoned offensive line.
Notre Dame at No. 5 was also labeled underrated because it returns most of its defense and offensive line and faces what was described as the easiest schedule among top-10 teams.
Nine SEC teams made the Top 25, including six in the top 11, a level of support the analysis said reflects conference reputation more than recent playoff results after three straight seasons without an SEC finalist.
Oklahoma’s No. 9 slot stood out as the clearest overranking call, given the Sooners were picked seventh in the SEC and still face roster questions, while unranked Louisville was cited as a team that should replace No. 23 Clemson.
Ohio State still opened at No. 1, with its long run of 10-win seasons seen as the likely tiebreaker in a top six where every team received multiple first-place votes.