AP Poll - November 18, 1986
Preseason poll of the 1986-1987 season; Texas starts at No. 1.
| Rank | School | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Texas | Southwestern |
| 2. | Louisiana Tech | Independent |
| 3. | Tennessee | SEC |
| 4. | Auburn | SEC |
| 5. | USC | Pac-10 |
| 6. | Rutgers | A-10 |
| 7. | Long Beach State | PCAA |
| 8. | Iowa | Big 10 |
| 9. | Virginia | ACC |
| 10. | Georgia | SEC |
| 11. | LSU | SEC |
| 12. | Old Dominion | Sun Belt |
| 13. | Western Kentucky | Sun Belt |
| 14. | Penn State | A-10 |
| 15. | Mississippi | SEC |
| 16. | Ohio State | Big 10 |
| 17. | Maryland | ACC |
| 18. | San Diego State | Big West |
| 19. | James Madison | CAA |
| 20. | Texas Tech | Southwestern |