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Texas Tech Football Doesn't Fall Far In Latest Preseason Rankings, Despite Loss Of Sorsby

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(BCSNN) -- A lot of hub-bub surrounded the Brendan Sorsby drama before the quarterback and Texas Tech parted ways, due to a gambling scandal and the legal fallout. Now the Red Raiders, who were betting big this offseason with championship aspirations behind Sorsby, are left wondering whether they can still reach their 2026 ceiling.

With that in mind, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach updated his Top 25 Preseason Rankings, reshuffling the national picture after the Sorsby news sent shockwaves through college football. Familiar contenders remain near the top, and after the dust settled, the Red Raiders didn't tumble all that far. Let's take a look:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (B1G)
Ohio State couldn’t repeat in 2025, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. The Buckeyes fell only to the two teams who played for the national title — Indiana and Miami. Julian Sayin reached New York as a Heisman finalist and returns in 2026 alongside Jeremiah Smith, setting expectations sky‑high once again.

2. Oregon Ducks (B1G)
Dan Lanning has Oregon firmly in the national‑title tier. The Ducks have fallen to the eventual champions in back‑to‑back seasons — Ohio State and Indiana — but return Dante Moore, plus transfer Dylan Raiola, keeping them in the hunt.

3. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
Georgia hasn’t returned to the national title game since its dominant run earlier in the decade, but dismissing Kirby Smart remains a mistake. The Bulldogs have stacked SEC titles and bring back Gunner Stockton to chase more.

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Ind)
Notre Dame won ten straight but missed the 12‑team Playoff, then opted out of bowl season to focus on 2026. With Marcus Freeman and quarterback CJ Carr returning, the Irish are positioned to be one of the nation’s best.

5. Texas Longhorns (SEC)
Arch Manning is back, and Texas is surrounding him with talent across the offense. After missing the CFP in 2025, motivation won’t be an issue as the Longhorns push to return to the expanded Playoff.

6. Indiana Hoosiers (B1G)
Curt Cignetti’s program is fresh off a 16‑0 national championship season. With Fernando Mendoza off to the NFL, TCU transfer Josh Hoover steps in as a capable replacement. Indiana remains a threat.

7. Miami Hurricanes (ACC) +1
Miami felt the sting of losing the national title game, but the roster remains loaded. Under Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have climbed back into elite territory. Darian Mensah replaces Carson Beck and keeps the offense dangerous.

8. Ole Miss Rebels (SEC) +1
Ole Miss fans will enjoy seeing their team ahead of LSU. Pete Golding proved his leadership during the CFP run, and the Rebels hit the transfer portal hard. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss received another year of eligibility, boosting their 2026 outlook.

9. Texas A&M Aggies (SEC) +1
Mike Elko delivered a strong season in 2025, with Marcel Reed shining at quarterback and the Aggies hosting a home playoff game. Reed returns, and another step forward could make A&M a major SEC threat.

10. LSU Tigers (SEC) +1
Lane Kiffin enters Year 1 at LSU with a point to prove. Transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt headlines a strong incoming group. A national title may be ambitious immediately, but ESPN isn’t ruling out the Tigers.

11. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12) -3
The Sorsby departure drops Texas Tech three spots as the program regroups and recalibrates its 2026 expectations.

12. BYU Cougars (Big 12)
13. Oklahoma Sooners (SEC)
14. Michigan Wolverines (B1G)
15. Penn State Nittany Lions (B1G)
16. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)
17. Washington Huskies (B1G)
18. Utah Utes (Big 12)
19. Iowa Hawkeyes (B1G)
20. USC Trojans (B1G)
21. Louisville Cardinals (ACC)
22. SMU Mustangs (ACC)
23. TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
24. Houston Cougars (Big 12)
25. Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)