Without even having played a game, the University of Alabama extended one of the most impressive streaks in collegiate sports history. On Tuesday, the coaches released their preseason poll, which had the reigning national champions once again at the top. Consequently, the Crimson Tide has been ranked No. 1 in one of the two major polls at least once each season since 2008.
The 14-year streak includes every season Nick Saban has been at Alabama minus one (2007). The previous long streak in the Associated Press Top 25, which will be announced next week, was seven seasons by Miami from 1986-92.
Clemson, which kicks off the season against #5-Georgia on September 4th in Charlotte, checks in at number two with Oklahoma and Ohio State ranked third and fourth. The ACC has two other teams ranked, #9-North Carolina and #16-Miami. Meantime, the SEC has a total of six teams ranked. In addition to Alabama and Georgia, Texas A&M (#6), Florida (#11), LSU (#13), and Ole Miss (#25) are all in the preseason rankings.
The Sun Belt has two teams inside the “Top 25”, with Louisiana ranked 23rd and Coastal Carolina tabbed 24th. The Chanticleers open their season on Thursday, September 2nd at home against The Citadel.
USA Today/Coaches Poll
1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma
4. Ohio State
5. Georgia
6. Texas A&M
7. Notre Dame
8. Iowa State
9. North Carolina
10. Cincinnati
11. Florida
12. Oregon
13. LSU
14. Southern Cal
15. Wisconsin
16. Miami
17. Indiana
18. Iowa
19. Texas
20. Penn State
21. Washington
22. Oklahoma State
23. Louisiana
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Ole Miss
Others Receiving Votes
Utah 145; Northwestern 120; Arizona State 90; Auburn 84; Liberty 68; Brigham Young 53; Texas Christian 48; Michigan 30; Central Florida 29; NC State 27; Boise State 27; Kentucky 20; San Jose State 18; Army 13; Virginia Tech 9; Missouri 8; UCLA 7; Tulsa 6; Pittsburgh 6; Boston College 6; Houston 5; Ball State 5; West Virginia 4; Southern Methodist 4; Appalachian State 4; UAB 3; Arkansas 3; Nevada 2; Mississippi State 2; Air Force 2; Stanford 1; Marshall 1; Florida State 1; California 1.
