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| Bo Jackson, Ohio State |
2. Oregon Ducks -- Could 2026 be the year Oregon finally climbs the mountaintop and wins their first National Title in program history? The return of quarterback Dante Moore, who passed on an opportunity to likely be the No. 2 overall selection this spring, has Ducks fans thinking big. Moore will have a new play-caller after OC Will Stein took the Kentucky job, but he'll benefit from a loaded roster around him. The projected pass-catcher group is especially exciting - while star tight end Kenyon Sadiq is off to the NFL, sophomore Dakorien Moore is on the cusp of superstardom, and Evan Stewart is slated to return after missing the entirety of 2025. There is turnover on the staff defensively, too, as Tosh Lupoi left for his alma mater, Cal. But Dan Lanning has built a machine here in Eugene, and the cupboard is far from bare. Bear Alexander and Matayo Uiagalelei both held off on their NFL ambitions to run it back for Oregon up front, and cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. has a chance to be special after earning Freshman All-American honors this past fall. Add in names like Koi Perich, who comes over from inside the Big Ten after two superb years at Minnesota, and the Ducks have all the tools to complete their quest towards a National Title. After coming close the last couple years, it feels like only a matter of time before Lanning and the Ducks finish the job.
3. Georgia Bulldogs -- It felt like Georgia overachieved a bit in 2025 given the youth on this roster, which is great news for their 2026 fortunes as they look to stay atop the SEC. Gunner Stockton isn't the most talented QB Kirby Smart has had here in Athens, but he's one of the most clutch, and he answered a lot of questions in his first year as starter. Stockton will benefit from an improved ground game taking some of the heat off of him, as Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens have a chance to be the best Georgia backfield duo since Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The defense had some uncharacteristic struggles this past fall, but gained valuable experience. Linebackers Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole will be the key pieces up front, while I've been long awaiting K.J. Bolden's eventual breakout at safety. Beyond Bolden, however, the secondary has significant turnover and was hit hard by portal defections. How youngsters like Rasean Dinkins play could be the make or break between Georgia merely being Playoff good and bringing home a third National Title for Smart.
4. Texas Longhorns -- Do not be surprised if, for the second straight year, Texas heads into the fall as the
nation's preseason No. 1 team. As much as 2025 was a complete rollercoaster ride for Arch Manning, he finished the season strong enough to warrant considerable Heisman hype for next fall. Texas has also spent huge money around Manning as they look to take this roster to the next roster after the 10-3 2025 mark fell flat. The biggest addition is Auburn's Cam Coleman, who will be a Biletnikoff Award frontrunner entering 2026 and the true alpha in this Longhorn receiver room. Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State were also significant investments as Texas completely overhauled their backfield around Manning. On defense, it's going to be a bit of a throwback, as Will Muschamp takes over his former post as defensive coordinator following the dismissal of Pete Kwiatkowski. With future NFL guys like Colin Simmons leading the way, it's hard to imagine Muschamp not engineering one of the top units in the SEC on that side of the ball.5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- I am incredibly high on Notre Dame heading into next season, and this ranking may end up being far too low for the Irish when it's all said and done. The Irish came away as big winners of the early offseason for one simple reason: Marcus Freeman is back. Despite NFL interest, Freeman appears to have found his home here in South Bend, and he'll have a motivated team following their Playoff snub. C.J. Carr is back to run the offense after a highly productive first season as starter, and he has weapons around him. Jeremiyah Love may be off to the NFL, but the Irish are hopeful the ultra-versatile Aneyas Williams can help fill the void. The receiver corps has a chance to be the best it's been in some time with Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse, and the O-Line will be its usual elite self. The defense found its footing this fall after some well-documented early season struggles, and the prognosis is encouraging for 2026. Linebackers Drayk Bowen and Jaylen Sneed set the tone in the front seven, while the secondary includes difference-makers like Leonard Moore and Christian Gray. You add in the fact Notre Dame is playing a miraculously soft 2026 schedule, I can't think of any scenario in which this team isn't playing in the Playoff next winter. Instead, the focus will be on doing something once they get there.
6. Indiana Hoosiers -- The Indiana Hoosiers completed arguably the greatest turnaround in college sports history by beating Miami in the National Championship Game. Now, what do they do for an encore? We know they'll be without Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and a host of other key contributors from the 2025 team, but Curt Cignetti and staff have been hard at work in the portal. Veteran quarterback Josh Hoover comes over from TCU and looks to be the heir to Mendoza at quarterback, and he has a rising star at receiver to throw to in Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh. The offensive line should be largely intact and continue to establish Indiana's identity as a hard-nosed, physical football team, while coordinator Bryant Haines works to retool a defense that will suffer some notable losses. A slight step back could be in the cards given the attrition, but how foolish would it be to doubt Cignetti and the Hoosiers at this point?
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders -- Texas Tech is well on their way to being the new power player in the Big 12. No team in this league can spend like the Red Raiders and they've flexed their muscle early this offseason by bringing in quarterback Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati. Sorsby already has comfortability in the league given his time with the Bearcats, but he should benefit from an offense that is deep with weapons. The defense is likely to have more questions just based on who moves on, namely future NFL defensive linemen Romello Height and David Bailey, plus do-it-all linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. However, Texas Tech has already filled several important holes on that side of the ball. Wake Forest transfer Mateen Ibirogba was one of the top linemen available in the portal, while Austin Romaine (Kansas State) and Corey Platt Jr. (Houston) are fellow Big 12 transfers who should see immediate playing time in Lubbock.
8. Michigan Wolverines -- As chaotic of an offseason at it has been in Ann Arbor given the Sherrone Moore debacle, there's reason to believe this team could be in the National Title hunt next fall. Kyle Whittingham is an elite coach, and you do wonder if he's extra hungry now given the way things unfolded during the end of his time at Utah. He has his quarterback - sophomore Bryce Underwood - ready to go, and Jordan Marshall already looks like the next great Michigan tailback. The offensive line has the looks of one of the best in the Big Ten, but the receiver corps needs to step up in a big way after several disappointing seasons in a row. Snatching away Jay Hill to run the defense was quite the early coup for Whittingham, and the Wolverines should be their usually nasty selves on that side of the ball. An infusion of Utah transfers, namely end John Henry Daley and corner Salesi Moa, should provide an additional edge.
9. Miami Hurricanes -- Given how dominant Indiana was for so much of the season, Miami should be incredibly proud of their effort, even in a loss. But we know Mario Cristobal, and this Hurricane alum is not going to be satisfied until he returns to the program to the glory days. Next year's team won't have Carson Beck under center or the likes of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor on defense. However, they return arguably two of their most important pieces: star receiver Malachi Toney and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. Toney has a chance to become a household name in 2026, now catching the ball from Darian Mensah, who Miami stole away from Duke, while Hetherman is out to prove he can work his magic again after doing a miraculous job this past fall. Even better for Miami, it doesn't feel like there's anyone in the ACC that comes even close to them when looking towards next year. The defending league champion is an 8-5 Duke (without Mensah), Clemson is suffering heavy losses this offseason, and Florida State has had a strange offseason to this point. There's little question the conference runs through Coral Gables in 2026.
10. Texas A&M Aggies -- They may not have stuck the landing, but 2025 should still be considered a major success for Texas A&M. In just Year Two under Mike Elko, they won 11 games and made the College Football Playoff, a first for the program. Now they're out to show they not only have staying power, but can elevate themselves into a true National Title contender. Returning a proven commodity at QB in Marcel Reed is a huge deal, and he has his favorite target returning in Mario Craver. The portal will help bolster a defense that suffers notable losses, as Northwestern's Anto Saka and San Diego State's Ryan Henderson should be able to acclimate to SEC football in short order. If there is a thing I'm most worried about for A&M looking ahead to next season? The schedule is an absolute gauntlet. They go on the road to Alabama, Oklahoma, and new-look LSU. If Elko can match 2025's win total again with that schedule, they may as well start building the statue in College Station.
11. Alabama Crimson Tide -- It feels strange to have Alabama outside the Top 10 in these rankings, but the reality is that Kalen DeBoer will have his work cut out for him in 2026. The Tide certainly did not end the 2025 campaign on a high note with blowout losses to Georgia and Indiana, and now they'll have to make do with Ty Simpson off to the NFL, along with so many key starters along both the offensive and defensive line. Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will battle to take command of the offense in Simpson's absence, and will have the benefit of Ryan Williams to throw to. But is Williams even still one of the best receivers in college football after a down sophomore season? Between his role in this offense and what Alabama does with this running game, there are significant offensive questions. The front seven on defense is set to have lots of turnover, but the hope is that the secondary may be the saving grace on that side of the ball with the likes of Keon Sabb, Quay Hubbard, and Zabien Brown. Year Three is always an important year for head coaches, and it feels especially pivotal for DeBoer as he aims to prove this program is still at a National Championship level in the unforgiving SEC.
12. BYU Cougars -- BYU proved to be the greatest threat to Texas Tech inside the Big 12 this past fall, and expect that to be the case once more in 2026. The Cougars have an NIL war chest of their own, as evidenced by them holding on to head coach Kalani Sitake, despite very public interest from Penn State. Sitake will have his starting quarterback back to lead the charge in Bear Bachmeier, who was a revelation as a freshman. Even greater things will be expected of Bachmeier next season, and he'll have his backfield mate alongside him in L.J. Martin, who passed on the NFL after rushing for 1,300 yards. The defense is where the primary questions lie after coordinator Jay Hill left for the same post at Michigan. However, the return of Isaiah Glasker will be huge, giving this defense a proven commodity and leader in the locker room to reduce the impact of so much turnover.
13. Penn State Nittany Lions -- Don't be surprised if Matt Campbell hits the ground running in his first season in Happy Valley. Campbell brought a whole bunch of Iowa State staff and players with him, including his likely starting QB, Rocco Becht. Carson Hansen and Chase Sowell also followed Campbell from Ames to round out the offense, while the Nittany Lion defense will now be led by USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. There will be a whole bunch of former Cyclones on this side of the ball, too, and familiar names like Tony Rojas and Zion Tracy provide much-needed stability. But, it's not just the personnel that has to have Penn State fans excited for 2026. The schedule misses Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana each, and the non-conference is almost surely a perfect 3-0. If things go right, double-digit wins is almost certainly in the cards for Campbell.
14. Oklahoma Sooners -- The Sooners had the resurgent campaign they needed in 2025 to save Brent Venables' job, thanks in large part to one of the country's stingiest defenses. Yet, the 2026 edition is likely to lean more heavily on an offense that will return quarterback John Mateer and top target Isaiah Sategna, who passed on the NFL for another run in Norman. The ground game was a massive problem this entire last season, but there's hope for improvement in 2026 with Xavier Robinson and Terry Blaylock both expected to be back in the fold and playing behind a more experienced offensive line. The defense will have notable holes to fill throughout, but names like Taylor Wein and Jayden Jackson up front, plus Peyton Bowen on the back-end, should ensure there's not a significant dropoff. A second straight Playoff berth seems to certainly be in reach, but Oklahoma is hoping next year is the year they do some damage once they get there.
15. Louisville Cardinals -- With how wide open the ACC looks next season beyond Miami, don't be surprised if it's the Louisville Cardinals who emerge as the greatest threats to the Hurricanes inside the league. Jeff Brohm has won nine games or more each of the three seasons he's been in charge since returning to his alma mater, and he's back to lead the Cards again in 2026 despite interest for some big name jobs. His most important returnee is undoubtedly tailback Isaac Brown, who many expected to fetch big-time money in the portal before deciding to stay put. Brown will be the fuel of the offense next fall, while Louisville breaks in a new quarterback after Miller Moss graduated. The Cards were linked to some notable names, but instead settled on Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz. Kienholz has played sparingly in his college career to this point, but has the potential to be a breakout name next year. On defense, Clev Lubin has a chance to be one of the most fearsome pass rushers in the ACC, and linebacker Antonio Watts is back after a brief stint in the transfer portal. With a favorable schedule, Louisville could be a team to watch as one ready to make their first Playoff run in program history.
16. Utah Utes -- It's been a bit of a turbulent early offseason in Salt Lake City. Longtime head man Kyle Whittingham was essentially forced out in favor of longtime defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. While many expected Whittingham to call it a career, he instead landed at Michigan, bringing offensive coordinator Jason Beck with him and several key defensive transfers. Despite the chaos, there's a lot to like Scalley's first team here. Devon Dampier is back to run the show at quarterback after impressing in his first season with the Utes, while Utah State transfer Braden Pegan gives him an intriguing weapon out wide to work with. Running back Wayshawn Parker is also returning, so you'd expect Utah's offense to take steps forward next fall, even with Beck gone. The defense does have some question marks, but few programs in the country reload on that side of the ball as well as the Utes. Add in the fact the schedule misses Texas Tech and has BYU at home, the Utes are a clear Big 12 Title contender looking ahead to 2026.
17. USC Trojans -- USC made real strides in their second season in the Big Ten this past fall - could 2026 be a breakthrough season for Lincoln Riley and company? He has his quarterback back in the fold in Jayden Maiava, who made steady progress throughout this past season. His favorite target, Biletnikoff winner Makai Lemon, is off to the pros, but Waymond Jordan and King Miller offer plenty of support on the ground. The other side of the ball saw D'Anton Lynn leave to take the Penn State defensive coordinator position, but I'm not sure there's a coordinator hire I loved more this cycle than the Trojans tapping longtime TCU head man Gary Patterson for the role. Patterson has been in off-field roles with Texas and Baylor since his TCU dismissal, but he's still an elite defensive mind who be helped out by a strong portal group and the nation's top ranked high school recruiting class. If there is one thing standing in the way for the Trojans looking to 2026, it's the schedule. Road games against Indiana and Penn State loom, while Oregon and Ohio State will travel to the Coliseum. This may be a situation where the team is actually better next year overall, but aren't able to match 2025's nine victories.
18. Ole Miss Rebels -- It's tricky to know where exactly to place Ole Miss heading into next season given we don't know the status of the appeal for Trinidad Chambliss to seek another year of college football. If he is able to, the Rebels are a legitimate SEC Title contender and Chambliss is almost surely a Heisman frontrunner. If not, Ole Miss likely dips in these rankings, but they should still be interesting given the return of Doak Walker Award contender Kewan Lacy. The rest of the roster also remains in flux, with the receiver room overhauled and the defense filling key holes. Fortunately, star linebacker Suntarine Perkins decided to stay put despite NFL interest, assuring this defense has a clear leader at an important position.
19. Boise State Broncos -- It was a down year for Boise State in 2025 - and they still won a found to leave the Mountain West with a conference title. As they embark on a new mission in the Pac-12 this fall, it feels like they are the team to beat. Veteran quarterback Maddux Madsen is once again under center in what will be his third season as starter, while backs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines keep the Broncos humming on the ground. The defense has notable questions, but the staff has worked hard so far to plug holes in the portal, and star defensive end Jayden Virgin-Morgan provides a great starting point. A season-opening trip to Eugene to face Oregon will provide quite the challenge for the Broncos, but also an opportunity for the program to show what they can do on the national stage.
20. LSU Tigers -- This is likely far too low for the Tigers given what Lane Kiffin has brought in through the portal since his arrival in Baton Rouge, but it's hard to know exactly what we are going to get from all these pieces together. Sam Leavitt arrives from Arizona State to be the starting quarterback of an offense that will look far different than it did during the lost 2025 campaign. Harlem Berry and Caden Durham return to join Leavitt in the backfield, while tackle Jordan Seaton was a massive, addition, literally from the portal. The defense is likely to be the more stable side of the ball, given LSU didn't focus as much of their portal efforts here and instead will rely heavily on returning pieces. Linebacker Whit Weeks is the difference-maker in the middle, and the secondary has some nice pieces in P.J. Woodland and D.J. Pickett. Linebacker T.J. Dottery was one of the few defenders who followed Lane from Ole Miss to LSU, and he should be an immediate impact player for the Bayou Bengals.
21. SMU Mustangs -- Few programs in college football have been as good as the SMU Mustangs in recent years. They've won 31 games over the last three seasons and haven't had any issues with the jump to the ACC, winning 14 of their first 16 in the league. The Mustangs should be firmly in the Playoff hunt again in 2026, with Kevin Jennings back under center at quarterback. He should not only be one of the best in the ACC next fall, but could be a legitimate Heisman contender in what will be his third season as stater. Cal transfer Kendrick Raphael will provide ample support as the team's feature back, and the SMU defense has been restocked through the portal. The schedule includes a road trip to South Bend to take on Notre Dame, but misses Miami and Clemson.
22. Illinois Fighting Illini -- I was skeptical about the Bret Bielema hire when he was brought on at Illinois, but there is little denying what a superb job he has done in Champaign. The Illini are 19-7 over the last two seasons and should be a tough out once again in 2026. They'll have to make do without multiyear starter Luke Altmyer, who graduated, but the program is hopeful East Carolina transfer Katin Houser will be the answer in his return to the Big Ten (started his career at Michigan State). He'll have returnees like Hudson Clement to throw to, as well as FIU transfer Alex Perry, who was an All-Conference USA player last fall. Losing edge rusher Gabe Jacas hurts the defense, but Bielema and staff have recruited extremely well on that side of the ball. We could see some youngsters make an immediate impact, given the 2026 Class is one of the highest-rated in Illinois history.
23. Houston Cougars -- Willie Fritz may be the most underrated coach in college football today. After a stellar run at Tulane, he's engineered a remarkably quick turnaround at Houston, with the Cougars jumping from 4 wins to ten in 2025. Even greater things could be expected, with the offense bringing back starting QB Conner Weigman and receiver Amare Thomas, plus the addition of tailback Makhi Hughes. Hughes was one of the country's best at Tulane before transferring to Oregon and finding himself buried on the depth chart this past season. Fritz has also been active in the portal beyond Hughes, signing 17 players total as he continues to build up this roster. The front seven was clearly an area of focus, with names like Ashton Porter (Oregon) and Jaden Yates (Ole Miss) helping strengthen the defense.
24. South Carolina Gamecocks -- There was hope 2025 was supposed to be a continuation of the 2024 success for South Carolina, when they narrowly missed the College Football Playoff. Instead, the Gamecocks struggled mightily, falling down the SEC totem pole and finishing 4-8. As disappointing as that was, there's reason to believe the program could be in store for a resurgence after locking down their three most important players in the early offseason - QB LaNorris Sellers, wide out Nyck Harbor, and defensive end Dylan Stewart. Sellers has all the physical tools to be special, and he'll likely benefit from the change at offensive coordinator, as Kendal Briles looks to bring his high-octane offense to the SEC. It does feel like Harbor could get even better, as the former five-star prospect has just scratched the surface. Stewart will lead a defense that also saw its coaching staff juggled around after the disappointing season. All of it could equal a make-or-break season for Shane Beamer, who is 33-30 since taking over in Columbia.
25. Iowa Hawkeyes -- It almost feels like these rankings would be incomplete without the ever-steady Iowa Hawkeyes, who remain as consistent as any program in college football. After winning nine games last fall, the Hawkeyes should once again be in the mix for double-digit victories. Sure, Mark Gronowski departs after a one-season pit stop in Iowa City, but Kamari Moulton and the ground attack will continue to lead the offense behind the fearsome Iowa offensive line. Wake Forest transfer Jeremy Hecklinski is considered the very early favorite to take over the offense, although last season's backup, Hank Brown, will undoubtedly push him during the offseason. You can always count on defensive coordinator Phil Parker to lead an elite group on that side of the ball, although there is significant turnover. This defense may have to lean more on incoming transfers through the portal than in recent years.
Just Missed the Cut: Washington Huskies, Vanderbilt Commodores, Missouri Tigers, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Navy Midshipmen, Virginia Cavaliers, California Golden Bears
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