2026 College Football Top 25 Rankings: A Look Ahead

The 2025 college football season has come to a close, marking a historic moment for the Indiana Hoosiers as they claimed their first national championship in a stunning and improbable run. While the 2025 campaign was one of the most thrilling in recent memory, it’s now time to look ahead to the 2026 season. Here is a way-too-early top 25 ranking that outlines potential contenders for the next season.

1. Ohio State
   
   The Buckeyes will be missing some key players from their top scoring defense, but they have replenished their roster through the transfer portal. Returning starters like QB Julian Sayin, RB Bo Jackson, and WR Jeremiah Smith form a strong offensive core. Their schedule includes challenging trips to Texas, Indiana, Iowa, and USC, with home games against Michigan and Oregon. Despite a two-game losing streak, the team is expected to be highly motivated for another College Football Playoff run.

2. Notre Dame
   
   The Fighting Irish should not miss out on the CFP in 2026. While Jeremiyah Love is gone, the offense remains largely intact, with CJ Carr gaining more experience. If healthy, the defense should be among the best, and their schedule features manageable matchups with Miami, SMU, and BYU.

3. Georgia
   
   Kirby Smart’s team has yet to achieve CFP success, but the bulk of the back-to-back SEC champions returns. Gunner Stockton and Nate Frazier lead an offense that became more open last year, while the defense could make a significant leap with many sophomores and freshmen starting. Their schedule includes Florida and Oklahoma, which could prove crucial.

4. Texas
   
   This year could be the one where the Longhorns finally live up to the hype. With additions like WR Cam Coleman and RBs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, the team is set to compete. They face LSU and Texas A&M in November, but their overall schedule is manageable if they can beat Ohio State at home.

5. Indiana
   
   After two consecutive CFP appearances, the Hoosiers are now looking to solidify their status as regular contenders. They added QB Josh Hoover through the portal and fortified their offensive and defensive lines. Crucially, they bring back both coordinators and host Ohio State and USC.

6. Oregon
   
   
   
   Dante Moore’s return sets the stage for another competitive season in Eugene. If his pass catchers stay healthy and Dakorien Moore continues to progress, the defense could be formidable. Strategic additions in the portal, such as Koi Perich, add depth. They must face Ohio State, but their conference schedule is less demanding.

7. Miami
   
   The Hurricanes found a replacement for Carson Beck in Darian Mensah, significantly raising their ceiling. Their schedule includes trips to Notre Dame and Clemson, but they face few ranked opponents. Malachi Toney’s development could help the team remain a top CFP threat in the ACC.

8. Texas Tech
   
   The Red Raiders secured their first Big 12 title, but their Orange Bowl loss to Oregon left a bitter taste. They added QB Brendan Sorsby and other transfers, aiming for higher goals. Their schedule allows them to contend for a return to AT&T Stadium.

9. BYU
   
   Kalani Sitake’s team has come close to the CFP twice. QB Bear Bachmeier could improve as a passer, and the return of tailback LJ Martin adds continuity. Their schedule includes Arizona State and Notre Dame, offering a chance for another Big 12 championship game appearance.

10. LSU
    
    Lane Kiffin will be under the spotlight for the 2026 season. QB Sam Leavitt is a major addition, but the team’s true potential will only be known after their game against Clemson in Death Valley.

11. Michigan
    
    Kyle Whittingham takes over in Ann Arbor, bringing his coaching philosophy with him. Sophomore QB Bryce Underwood and a new coordinator should provide stability. Their schedule features just four road games, setting the stage for a strong season.

12. Texas A&M
    
    The Aggies had a historic 2025 season but ended it with a loss. QB Marcel Reed’s consistency will determine their ceiling, but Mike Elko’s defense is expected to be strong.

13. USC
    
    
    
    Lincoln Riley faces a make-or-break year as expectations rise. QB Jayden Maiava is among the returning starters, and the team must navigate tough trips to Indiana and Penn State.

14. SMU
    
    Kevin Jennings is back for his third season, and the Mustangs have a manageable schedule with a trip to Notre Dame. They are positioned as early favorites in most games.

15. Alabama
    
    Kalen DeBoer has assembled a talented roster, but the offense needs to improve its ground game. Keelon Russell is expected to take over at quarterback, but the team must show better performance on the ground.

16. Iowa
    
    Kirk Ferentz is as invigorated as ever, and QB Mark Gronowski could take a big step forward. The Hawkeyes face Ohio State and must navigate tough trips to Michigan and Washington.

17. Utah
    
    Morgan Scalley replaces the previous coach, but the Utes should continue their winning ways. QB Devon Dampier is back, and their schedule includes BYU and Houston.

18. Mississippi
    
    Pete Golding’s first full season in Oxford is a major storyline. The Rebels host Kiffin’s Tigers and face a brutal SEC slate, but a second CFP trip is possible if they reach double-digit wins.

19. Oklahoma
    
    
    
    John Mateer and the offense return after a breakthrough season. The Sooners will be fueled by the loss to Alabama and the Red River Rivalry. Trips to Michigan, Georgia, and Florida are tough, but a playoff return is possible.

20. Florida
    
    Jon Sumrall has a track record of making conference title games, but he’ll need to earn Gators fans’ trust. The team has question marks at quarterback, but new coordinators should help the likes of RB Jadan Baugh and WR Dallas Wilson.

21. Virginia Tech
    
    James Franklin has brought in talent and positive vibes. The Hokies face tricky ACC tests but have a new coach who can quickly raise their floor.

22. Penn State
    
    The Nittany Lions have imported talent from Iowa State, including head coach Matt Campbell and QB Rocco Becht. Their schedule includes a home game against USC, making for an interesting 2026 season.

23. Boise State
    
    The Broncos ended their Mountain West tenure with a conference title and aim to do the same in the Pac-12. QB Maddux Madsen is back, and the team should be contending for a CFP spot.

24. Washington
    
    The Demond Williams Jr. saga overshadowed the Huskies’ offseason, but they have reinforced their roster. Husky Stadium remains a tough venue, and they host Iowa, Indiana, and Penn State.

25. Memphis
    
    The American Conference lost many coaches and talent, but new coach Charles Huff has a revamped Tigers squad. They have a good shot at a Group of 6 bid with road trips to UNLV and Boise State.

Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde contributed to these rankings.