Preseason 1988 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Florida State |
| 2 | Nebraska |
| 3 | Oklahoma |
| 4 | Clemson |
| 5 | UCLA |
| 6 | USC |
| 7 | Auburn |
| 8 | Miami, FL |
| 9 | Iowa |
| 10 | Texas A&M |
| 11 | Michigan |
| 12 | Georgia |
| 13 | Notre Dame |
| 14 | Alabama |
| 15 | Michigan State |
| 16 | West Virginia |
| 17 | Tennessee |
| 18 | LSU |
| 19 | South Carolina |
| 20 | Penn State |