Preseason 1989 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan |
| 2 | Nebraska |
| 3 | Notre Dame |
| 4 | Miami, FL |
| 5 | USC |
| 6 | Florida State |
| 7 | LSU |
| 8 | Auburn |
| 9 | UCLA |
| 10 | Arkansas |
| 11 | Penn State |
| 12 | Clemson |
| 13 | Syracuse |
| 14 | Colorado |
| 15 | Oklahoma |
| 16 | Alabama |
| 17 | West Virginia |
| 18 | Arizona |
| 19 | BYU |
| 20 | Pitt |
| 21 | Houston |
| 22 | Illinois |
| 23 | Iowa |
| 24 | North Carolina State |
| 25 | Ohio State |