Oregon and Texas A&M Crash Back to Earth in 2026
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Preseason contenders find themselves outside the polls after coaching departures and offensive regressions.
Six weeks into the 2026 season, Oregon and Texas A&M have seen their early-season optimism evaporate, according to CBS Sports. Both programs entered the year with high expectations—Oregon as the preseason No. 2 and Texas A&M as a top-10 team—only to fall out of the rankings entirely.
CBS Sports reports that Oregon's decline was accelerated by the coaching carousel, which claimed offensive coordinator Will Stein (now at Kentucky) and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi (now at California). While head coach Dan Lanning promoted from within to maintain continuity, the Ducks have struggled. The offense has lost its previous efficiency, and a defense touted as one of the nation's best has been merely good. Following a loss to UCLA and the absence of Dante Moore, the 3-2 Ducks now face a grueling schedule, including a game against Ohio State.
Texas A&M has faced similar turmoil. CBS Sports notes that head coach Mike Elko lost offensive coordinator Collin Klein (to Kansas State), co-defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson (to Kansas State), and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman (to Kentucky). While the defense has remained stable, the offense has plummeted under Holmon Wiggins. Quarterback Marcel Reed has struggled to move the ball consistently, with the Aggies scoring only six points in losses to both LSU and Missouri. Facing a difficult slate that includes Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama, the Aggies may now be fighting simply to reach a .500 record.