For the first time since 1990, Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia are all ranked in The Associated Press preseason poll.

West Virginia, the preseason favorite to repeat as Big East champion, debuts at No. 8. Penn State is No. 22 and Pitt No. 25.

Georgia is the AP's preseason No. 1 team for the first time. The Bulldogs received 22 first-place votes from a panel of 65 media members. Ohio State, which lost to LSU in the Bowl Championship Series national championship game last season, was a close second. The Buckeyes received 21 first-place votes and were a mere 22 points behind the Bulldogs.

Penn State and West Virginia have been regulars in the polls the past few seasons, but not Pitt. The Panthers begin a season ranked for the first time since 2005. They were ranked No. 23 entering coach Dave Wannstedt's first season, but lost the season opener at home to Notre Dame and hadn't been ranked since.

Pitt has not had a winning season since being 8-4 and playing in the Fiesta Bowl after the 2004 season.

"The recognition is nice, but it doesn't change the focus or hunger this football team has," Wannstedt said. "No bowl or championship is won in August. Our players understand that, and they know the next step in making our goals a reality is finishing up training camp strong and then getting ready for Bowling Green."

West Virginia has a new coach in Bill Stewart, but expectations remain high for the Mountaineers. Senior quarterback Pat White is a Heisman Trophy candidate and highly touted sophomore Noel Devine replaces Steve Slaton at tailback. They will lead a potent offense that should be among the best in the country.

Penn State, one of the Big Ten's four ranked teams, won six of its final eight games last season, including a victory against Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl.

Georgia is trying to win its first national championship since 1980, but the Bulldogs face some long odds. Only 10 teams have won a national championship after being ranked No. 1 in the preseason. The most recent to do it was Southern California in 2004.

"To have people believing we have one of the best teams in the nation going into this thing, it's exciting for us," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "I don't think anything is guaranteed, but we certainly have put ourselves in position where, at least, the college football world thinks we're pretty good."

Georgia is one of the Southeastern Conference's six ranked teams. That is the most of any conference.

The Bulldogs last won a national championship in 1980.

"I think it motivates the guys to prepare well, but the big thing is: If you think about a championship way back in January ... that can wear you down," Richt said. "It's our responsibility as coaches to help these guys break it down to one day at a time, one workout at a time, one practice at a time. Just prepare to be in position for the challenge.

"If we don't work, we'll have no chance."