The 2025 athletic campaign has barely concluded, yet our gaze is already fixed eight months into the future.
Presented here is our preliminary ranking of the top 25 teams for the upcoming 2026 college football season. Numerous developments are certain to occur in the months leading up to late August when the season commences. Nevertheless, this represents our initial, and undoubtedly fallible, forecast of how the competitive landscape might unfold.
25. University of Virginia
How will the Cavaliers build upon their most successful year in school annals? Coach Tony Elliott has brought in quarterbacks Beau Pribula (from Missouri) and Eli Holstein (from Pitt) to fill the void left by Chandler Morris, alongside acquiring several key defensive players through the transfer portal. Virginia is anticipated to contend near the summit of the ACC once more.
24. Illinois Fighting Illini
Starting quarterback Luke Altmyer has exhausted his eligibility, prompting Bret Bielema to secure former East Carolina signal-caller Katin Houser as his replacement. The acquisition of FIU wide receiver Alex Perry could also prove impactful, considering his 56 receptions for 840 yards in 2025. This program has tallied 19 victories over its last two seasons and is expected to comfortably achieve bowl eligibility again.
23. Washington Huskies
The Huskies narrowly avoided a significant personnel departure when Demond Williams Jr. made the decision to remain for the 2026 campaign. Williams is positioned to enter the season as a potential Heisman dark horse, and his presence is the primary rationale for Washington’s inclusion in these rankings. Had he chosen to leave, coach Jedd Fisch would have faced a formidable challenge in securing a starting quarterback.
22. South Carolina Gamecocks
Is the upcoming season critical for Shane Beamer’s tenure? Indeed, the Gamecocks navigated a demanding schedule in 2025, but the defensive unit regressed, and the offensive line struggled considerably. South Carolina has since added NC State offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak via the transfer portal, and quarterback LaNorris Sellers is set to return, as is edge rusher Dylan Stewart.
21. Houston Cougars
Did Houston’s 10-win season in 2025 largely escape public notice? Quarterback Conner Weigman is back for his second year after accumulating over 2,700 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, and the Cougars have assembled a very robust transfer class. The team’s two most notable signees are offensive linemen, and former Tulane running back Makhi Hughes arrives from Oregon, aiming to replicate his earlier success with the Green Wave.
How will the Virginia Tech Hokies perform in James Franklin’s initial season at the helm? (Image credit: Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
(Ryan Hunt via Getty Images)
20. Virginia Tech Hokies
Our expectations are high for the rapid transformation James Franklin can achieve in Blacksburg. He has successfully brought over a multitude of transfers from Penn State, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds, in addition to cornerback Jaquez White from Troy and edge rusher Javion Hilson from Missouri.
19. Louisville Cardinals
Can Lincoln Kienholz experience a breakthrough season with the Cardinals? After spending multiple seasons as a reserve at Ohio State, Kienholz is now the presumptive starting quarterback. Coach Jeff Brohm managed to retain running back Isaac Brown from entering the transfer portal and also acquired wide receiver Tre Richardson from Vanderbilt.
18. Penn State Nittany Lions
While a number of former Nittany Lions have made their way to Virginia Tech, an even greater contingent of Iowa State players has followed Matt Campbell to State College. This group includes quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, cornerback Jeremiah Cooper, and several others. Constructing a roster primarily from Iowa State talent may not seem glamorous, but Campbell’s status as the winningest coach in school history is well-earned.
17. SMU Mustangs
The Mustangs welcome back quarterback Kevin Jennings and have acquired former Cal running back Kendrick Raphael through the transfer portal. Raphael recorded 943 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. The departure of offensive coordinator Casey Woods, now the head coach at Missouri State, could be a setback, but Rhett Lashlee’s offensive scheme is still expected to be among the ACC’s elite.
16. Michigan Wolverines
It’s challenging to imagine Michigan making a better coaching change than securing Kyle Whittingham following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore. Whittingham arrives from Utah, bringing offensive coordinator Jason Beck with him, and Bryce Underwood is poised for a breakout season under Beck’s guidance. Defensive end John Henry Daley and other athletes have also transitioned from Salt Lake City with Whittingham.
15. BYU Cougars
The Cougars lost defensive coordinator Jay Hill after Whittingham recruited him to Michigan and have since replaced Hill with long-standing assistant Kelly Poppinga. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is expected to show further improvement in 2026, and the retention of leading rusher LJ Martin for his senior year provides a significant boost to the squad.
14. USC Trojans
The Trojans boast the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class entering the 2026 season. The crucial question is how many of these incoming players can deliver an immediate impact. Lincoln Riley’s offensive unit is once again projected to be exceptional. The primary emphasis, yet again, rests on the defense. The Trojans have not conceded fewer than 5.5 yards per play since allowing 5.4 yards per play in 2018 under Clay Helton.
13. Oklahoma Sooners
Our projection hinges on John Mateer enjoying a completely healthy offseason. He is returning for another campaign with the Sooners and displayed outstanding form before sustaining a broken bone in his throwing hand during Week 4 against Auburn. Oklahoma’s defense was formidable enough to contend for a national title in 2025, but the offensive production simply waned in the latter half of the season.
12. Alabama Crimson Tide
With Ty Simpson heading to the NFL, the starting quarterback position for the Crimson Tide will be contested between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Mack possesses greater familiarity with Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb’s offensive scheme, while Russell is a highly touted former five-star recruit. The Tide also welcome Ezavier Crowell, the top-ranked running back recruit. Can he rejuvenate Alabama’s ground game?
11. Ole Miss Rebels
To be clear: this ranking is contingent upon Trinidad Chambliss successfully winning his legal petition for a sixth year of NCAA eligibility. The Rebels are unequivocally strong contenders to return to the College Football Playoff if he is back in Oxford. Should he not return, significant questions regarding the quarterback position will emerge following Austin Simmons’ transfer to Missouri.
Will Ole Miss’ Pete Golding and Miami’s Mario Cristobal contend for the College Football Playoff next season? (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen via Getty Images)
10. Miami Hurricanes
Similar to Ole Miss, we are engaging in some quarterback speculation here, operating under the assumption that Darian Mensah will ultimately join the Hurricanes. If this does not materialize, then adjust your expectations accordingly. A youthful secondary is poised for further development in 2026, and Malachi Toney is shaping up to be an unexpected Heisman contender.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Quarterback CJ Carr demonstrated continuous improvement throughout the 2025 season and could emerge as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football for 2026. The Irish made several strategic late additions in the transfer portal, possess the nation’s second-ranked high school recruiting class, and crucially, coach Marcus Freeman declined NFL interest to remain in South Bend.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies see the return of quarterback Marcel Reed, running back Le’Veon Moss, and wide receiver Mario Craver. They also boast On3’s third-best transfer portal class, having heavily reinforced their defensive unit. Five of the Aggies’ top six highest-rated transfers are on the defensive side of the ball, including former Tennessee quarterback Rickey Gibson and ex-Northwestern edge rusher Anto Saka.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Successfully navigating the transfer portal proved highly effective for Texas Tech in advance of the 2025 season. Why not replicate that strategy and acquire a quarterback this time? Brendan Sorsby makes the move from Cincinnati, and Texas Tech is once again bolstering its defensive front following the impressive performance of its defensive line in 2025.
6. LSU Tigers
Lane Kiffin has secured his quarterback talent with former Arizona State signal-caller Sam Leavitt. He also added Husan Longstreet, a former five-star recruit from USC. LSU was among the most significant underperforming teams in 2025. This roster clearly possesses the capabilities to reach the College Football Playoff. And, given the circumstances of Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss, anything less than a CFP semifinal appearance could be viewed as a disappointment.
5. Georgia Bulldogs
Quarterback Gunner Stockton is slated to return after finishing in the top 10 of Heisman voting. The Bulldogs will need to find replacements for Zachariah Branch and CJ Allen, but this is a team brimming with elite recruits. Despite Georgia’s quarterfinal exits in each of the past two seasons, we are not inclined to wager against Kirby Smart’s program anytime soon.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are back, positioning the Buckeyes once again as the pursuers in the Big Ten. The loss of Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Caleb Downs on defense is considerable, yet Matt Patricia’s unit was so exceptionally strong in 2025 that it’s difficult to foresee a substantial decline in 2026.
3. Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers have established themselves as one of the most adept teams at leveraging the transfer portal, and they now possess the nation’s top class for 2026 after capturing the national championship this season. Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is expected to take over from Fernando Mendoza, and wide receiver Nick Marsh is an excellent addition from Michigan State. Furthermore, don’t overlook the impressive depth of edge rushing talent that Curt Cignetti has recruited.
2. Texas Longhorns
Prepare yourselves for another offseason dominated by discussions surrounding Texas. Consider yourselves forewarned. The Longhorns have heavily fortified their offense in anticipation of what might be quarterback Arch Manning’s final season. Running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers have arrived via the transfer portal, alongside former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman. Additionally, the defensive unit is once again under the coordination of Will Muschamp. How effective can he make that group?
1. Oregon Ducks
The return of Dante Moore for the 2026 season is not the sole factor placing the Ducks in this top position. While Oregon will be without tight end Kenyon Sadiq, safety Dillon Thieneman, and linebacker Bryce Boettcher, Matayo Uiagalelei is back on the defensive line, joined by A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. Running back Jordon Davison is expected to perform even better in his sophomore year, and Oregon also secured Minnesota safety Koi Perich through the transfer portal.
