College football power ratings: Proven expert reveals first rankings of 2026 season ahead of Week 0

SportsLine college football expert Thomas Casale looks at how college football's best teams compare as the 2026 season approaches kickoff on Aug. 29

ByThomas CasaleUpdated: Aug 25, 2026 10:17AM ET1 min read

<p>Dante Moore and Dan Lanning, Oregon</p>

The college football season kicks off this Saturday, and that means it's time for my first set of power rankings. Each week during the season, I'll be releasing my Top 20 power rankings for betting purposes. Heading into the year, the Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes sit atop the rankings.