The first major preseason college football poll released Friday places the TCU Horned Frogs at seventh.
The ranking marks TCU's highest preseason ranking since 1956 when the team was also ranked seventh in the nation.
The Horned Frogs have 16 starters returning from last year's 12-1 team which ended the season ranked sixth.
TCU opens the season September 4 in a game against number 22 Oregon State at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
Boise State, which defeated TCU in the Fiesta Bowl will begin the season ranked number five.
Defending national champion Alabama grabbed the top spot in the coaches' poll. The Crimson Tide grabbed 55 of 59 possible first place votes.
The Texas Longhorns were voted fourth. The Longhorns finished the 2009 season with a 13-1 record and a number two ranking after losing the BCS National Championship game.
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Other Big 12 schools in the top 10 include Oklahoma at number eight and Nebraska at number nine.
USA TODAY Coaches' Poll - Preaseason
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. TEXAS
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. OKLAHOMA
9. NEBRASKA
10. Iowa
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Miami (Fla.)
14. Penn State
15. Pittsburgh
16. LSU
17. Georgia Tech
18. North Carolina
19. Arkansas
20. Florida State
21. Georgia
22. Oregon State
23. Auburn
24t. Utah
24t. West Virginia
Also receiving votes: Missouri 23; Oklahoma State 11; Texas Tech 5; Texas A&M 3
