The preseason coaches college football poll revealed on Monday suggests that Cal has a favorable 2026 football schedule. 7 in the coaches poll and the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC title in the conference media poll. Last season, 11 of the teams unranked in the preseason coaches poll were in the top 25 of the final coaches poll. 6 in the 2025 preseason poll, finished with the same record as Cal – 7-6 overall and 4-4 in the ACC. The Associated Press media poll will be released on August 17, although it’s unlikely to reveal any dramatic differences from the coaches poll.