College football rankings: Preseason top-25 teams, according to us
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College football is right around the corner.
And we are doing everything we can to get you ready here at SB Nation.
Today, we start our long preview series of the upcoming college football season.
The first stop in this series? Our preseason Top 25. Here is a look at the teams we have ranked to begin the year, and a brief preview of each team (along with their biggest games) for the season ahead.
25. Boise State
We kick things off with Boise State. The Broncos are expected to be one of the teams at the top of the revamped Pac-12, coming off a 9-5 season a year ago with a 6-2 record in the Mountain West Conference. Redshirt senior Maddux Madsen enters his third year under center for the Broncos, but will be working with some new faces out wide and in front of him. But running backs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines are back, after combining for almost 2,000 rushing yards a season ago. The Broncos also lost a lot of talent along the defensive side of the ball, but incoming transfer Jaden Mickey from Notre Dame should help the secondary.
Biggest Game: The opener against Oregon will be a good litmus test, but a November 7 date with Colorado State could determine the state of play atop the Pac-12.
24. Tennessee
The biggest question facing head coach Josh Heupel? That would be quarterback, with Joey Aguilar losing his fight with the NCAA over his eligibility. Ryan Staub comes in from Colorado and offers experience, but five-star freshman Faizon Brandon has the better ceiling.
Speaking at the SEC Media Days, Heupel might have tipped his hand when asked about the quarterback competition. “ Yeah, we’ve played freshmen quarterback in my history, four or five of those guys started as freshmen or redshirt freshmen,” said Heupel.
But while QB is the biggest question, it is not the only question. Tim Banks is out as the defensive coordinator, replaced by former Penn State DC Jim Knowles. Pass rusher Chaz Coleman followed Knowles to Knoxville and should stabilize the defensive front, and the linebacker group is solid given the return of Arion Carter and the addition of Amare Campbell, also from Penn State.
Biggest Game: The penultimate game of the season sees Tennessee welcome Ole Miss and former coach Lane Kiffin to Neyland Stadium. While that will certainly generate some headlines, a late-September date with Texas in Knoxville will tell us much more about the Volunteers.
23. SMU
The Mustangs might be a season removed from their run to the College Football Playoff, but the pieces are in place for a return trip. Quarterback Kevin Jennings is back, after a year that saw him limited outside the pocket due to injuries as he dealt with a lingering ankle injury. But despite those limitations he took a big step forward as a passer last year, which should pay dividends as the Mustangs break in some new receivers around him such as Alabama transfer Jalen Hale and ECU transfer Yannick Smith.
On defense, the linebacker unit is a strength, led by the duo of Brandon Booker and Alexander Kilgore. William Nettles and Marcellus Barnes Jr. are back at corner, to help a defense that needs to be much more consistent in 2026.
Head coach Rhett Lashlee believes last year’s season, while falling short of the CFP, demonstrated that SMU is for real. “Last year was important that we backed it up. I know we didn’t win the league, but to go win nine games, go 6-2 in the league, play well, have some good moments,” said Lashlee at ACC Football Kickoff in July.
“I think [that] backed up that it wasn’t a fluke. We have a chance to have staying power, to be a great member of this league, to compete for this league year in, year out, to compete for the College Playoff year in, year out. That’s our goal.”
Biggest Game: SMU avoids Miami on the schedule — those two could clash in the ACC Championship Game — but a November trip to South Bend will be a big test for both SMU and Notre Dame.
22. Houston
Houston finished 10-3 a year ago, but the expectations are much higher this year for the Cougars. Conner Weigman is back after a career-best season in 2025, and he gets a big boost from transfer Makhi Hughes, who ran for nearly 3,000 yards over two seasons at Tulane, but was limited to a reserve role last year for Oregon. Amare Thomas, who caught 12 passes a year ago for Houston, is back as well and will be a favorite target for Weigman in the passing game.
Houston returns six starters on the defensive side of the ball, including safeties Jordan Allen and Kentrell Webb. Jalen Mayo, a transfer from Stephen F. Austin, likely takes the cornerback spot across from Will James, an All-Big 12 selection a year ago.
But to hear head coach Willie Fritz tell it, there is no reason the Cougars should not be in the hunt for a title.
A national title.
“You know, we don’t talk about it a whole lot as far as season goals are concerned. We talk about doing the very best we can day after day after day after day. You know, we’ve certainly got the location. We’ve got the university. We’ve got the facilities. There’s no reason why we can’t do that at the University of Houston,” said Fritz at Big 12 Media Days.
“A good template for us has been Coach Sampson and what he’s done with men’s basketball. I think every program in the University of Houston aspires to be national champs, and we certainly do in football.”
Biggest Game: Two road trips stand out for Houston, so take your pick. First is the September 19th trip to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech, but late in the season, the Cougars head to Utah to take on the Utes on October 24.
21. Iowa
Iowa lost eight starters on both sides of the ball, leading to head coach Kirk Ferentz adding 16 players via the transfer portal, the most in program history.
None of them play quarterback, however, so the questions begin there. Sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski and junior Hank Brown are the top options for the Hawkeyes, and expect this battle to go down to the wire. Whichever passer wins the job will have to play behind a reworked offensive line — that lost three starters — and with some new faces in the wide receiver room. Running back Kamari Moulton is back, to provide some semblance of stability on offense.
Ferentz believes there is experience, however, outside the quarterback position.
“I think our skill positions outside of the quarterback position, we’re relatively experienced, feel pretty good there. The offensive line, we graduated three really good players, but I think we’ve got a pool right now of seven, eight guys, maybe nine, that have a chance to play significant reps right now. Just not sure where they’re going to end up, what positions. We’ll figure that out as we go along,” said Ferentz at Big Ten Media Days in July.
The questions are similar on defense. Zach Lutmer holds things together in the secondary from Iowa’s “Cash” position, a hybrid linebacker/safety spot. Tyler Brown arrives from James Madison to help the safety spot, and Iose Epenesa is the next member of the Epenesa family to wear the black-and-gold, and is expected to step into a big role on the edge.
Biggest Game: Schedule makers did not do the Hawkeyes any favors in the early going, as Iowa heads to Michigan on September 26 before welcoming Ohio State to Iowa City the following week.
20. Louisville
In a potentially crowded ACC, there are a few cases to be made for the Cardinals. Louisville added talent along the defensive front, like Demeco Kennedy from Purdue and Tyler Thompson from North Carolina, boosting a front seven that already includes All-ACC pass rusher Clev Lubin and returning linebackers T.J. Capers and Antonio Watts. Koen Entringer joins the secondary from Iowa, where he was a captain, and should key that group.
The main reason? Incoming transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz. The dual-threat quarterback saw limited action at Ohio State, ultimately losing a bid for the starting role to Julian Sayin, but with the success Jeff Brohm has enjoyed in the past with transfer quarterbacks, Kienholz’s athleticism could see that success continue. The Ohio State transfer will have All-ACC running back Isaac Brown to lean on in the running game, and several key transfers up front to protect him.
But the key is Kienholz.
“We’re really excited about Lincoln. I think when you look for quarterback play, you look for guys, in my opinion, that are hungry first, that are willing to put in the work,“ said Brohm in July at the ACC Football Kickoff.
“When we studied Lincoln, we liked what we saw on video. He was highly recruited. He went to a good program. He had to sit for some years. That’s not a lot of fun doing that. At the same time, you learn. Sometimes it’s good for you. But I think he knows it’s his time now to step up and show what he can do. That’s what he wanted to do. He wanted to go somewhere and get on the field and showcase what he’s all about.
“I think he brings us some dimensions and skills that we have not had before. He’s a great athlete. He can run. He can extend plays. He can throw on the run. And he enjoys doing that.”
Biggest Game: The Cardinals avoid Miami during the regular season, which eases the schedule a bit. A home date with SMU in mid-September, however, looms large.
19. Washington
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. flirted with the transfer portal, and a potential move to LSU, before ultimately deciding to run it back with the Huskies.
His return gives Washington a chance to make a run to the College Football Playoff. Head coach Jedd Fisch will need to find playmakers around Williams — incoming four-star WRs Jordan Clay and Mason James might need to contribute early — but having four starters back on the offensive line, and tight end Decker DeGraff returning as well, should help.
On the defensive side of the ball, the secondary contains some award winners from a season ago, starting with All-Big Ten Honorable Mention Alex McLaughlin at one safety spot and Freshman All-American Rylon Dillard-Allen at the other. Emmanuel Karnley arrives from Virginia to handle one cornerback spot, across from Dylan Robinson, a sophomore.
Biggest Game: A big hurdle for this Washington team? The schedule, which contains trips to USC, Nebraska, and Oregon. It is that season finale against the Ducks which looks like the biggest test on their slate.
18. Utah
The Utes might go as far as a rebuilt offensive line can take them, as that unit lost tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, both of whom came off the board in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While there is still some “competition” to sort out those spots, new head coach Morgan Scalley is “excited” about the potential.
“Still some competition there. You’re talking about replacing the offensive line. I’m excited for this group, excited first and foremost because they’ve got an unbelievable teacher in Jordan Gross, a guy that’s done it at the highest level but is an amazing teacher, and the development of those guys has been awesome,” said Scalley at the Big 12 Media Days in July.
“I think you saw that firsthand in the bowl game against Nebraska, the majority of those guys were not starters at the beginning of the season. Those were the guys that you’re going to see come the season. Their development both in the weight room and on the football field has been awesome.
“I love the story of those guys that have been waiting their turn, that have been grinding and getting the work in and finally have that opportunity, and now it’s time. That’s a group that I’m very excited about.”
Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin are back at the quarterback spot having shared time last year, but with Dampier back to 100% after a sports hernia injury, Scalley believes he is in store for a great season. Transfers Braden Pegan and Kyri Shoels will boost the wide receiver room.
Defensively, Utah invested heavily in the front seven via the portal, looking to shore up a run defense that was suspect a season ago. Linebacker Jonathan Hall returns, as does cornerback Elijah Davis and safety Jackson Bennee. But getting the new faces to gel with the returning starters will be a goal for defensive coordinator Colton Swan.
Biggest Game: It does not get much bigger than BYU-Utah, so circle that game on November 7.
17. Penn State
After last year’s collapse, it almost feels like a stretch to have the Nittany Lions this high.
But Matt Campbell brought a ton of talent with him from Ames, starting with quarterback Rocco Becht. With 39 career starts under his belt, Becht is the most experienced quarterback in college football, and he’ll have former Iowa State running mate Benjamin Brahmer with him at tight end. Penn State got much bigger along the defensive line, adding a host of new faces including tackle Siale Taupaki, who embarks on his eighth year of college football.
Yes, you read that right.
Linebacker should be a strength, with Tony Rojas back after his ACL injury last year, which came just before the UCLA game and Penn State’s subsequent nosedive. He’ll be paired with Iowa State transfers Caleb Bacon and Kooper Ebel to key that level of the defense.
Biggest Game: With no Ohio State on the schedule, a trip to Michigan in mid-October is perhaps Penn State’s biggest test.
16. USC
We stay in the Big Ten with USC, where all the questions begin on the defensive side of the ball. This unit gave up 23 points per game last year — in the bottom half of the conference — and over 350 yards per game as well, sixth-worst in the Big Ten. Tasked with answering those questions is none other than former TCU head coach Gary Patterson, who steps in as the new defensive coordinator.
Offensively, quarterback Jordan Maiava returns, one of the most efficient passers in all of college football last season. While the Trojans lost Makai Lemon, as well as Ja’Kobi Lane and tight end Lake McRee, Tanook Hines returns at one WR spot, and the Trojans added Terrell Anderson from NC State. That should keep the passing game on track. As will the fact that USC returns all five starters along the offensive line.
The seat under Lincoln Riley could be getting a bit warm, as the Trojans have yet to reach the College Football Playoff under his tenure. But if the defense takes a step forward, this could be the year.
Biggest Game: Halloween. Ohio State at the Coliseum. Need we say more?
15. BYU
BYU fell short of a spot in the College Football Playoff last year, losing to Texas Tech 34-7 in the Big 12 Championship Game. But there are many reasons to believe this is the year the Cougars crashed the party. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is back for year two, after shocking everyone by winning the starting job a year ago just weeks after arriving via transfer from Stanford after enrolling early with the Cardinal and participating in spring ball with the team. All he did was throw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman, becoming the first true freshman in school history to start the season opener. LJ Martin is back as well, after running for 1,305 yards and securing Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Almost the entire back seven of the defense returns, led by safety Faletau Satuala, a Third-Team All-Big 12 selection a year ago. Keanu Tanuvasa comes over from Utah to anchor the defensive line, and Bodie Schoonover is expected to build off a 2025 campaign where he recorded three sacks off the edge.
Biggest Game: We mentioned it moments ago, but BYU-Utah in Salt Lake City on November 7 is as big as it gets for these two teams.
14. Alabama
Wide receiver Ryan Williams is now Ryan Coleman-Williams, the only returning starter on the offensive side of the ball that lost several key players to the NFL, including quarterback Ty Simpson. Fourth-year junior Austin Mack, and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell, are fighting for that spot, with Russell perhaps holding the edge. Head coach Kaelen DeBoer will need the new faces along the offensive line, including transfers Racin Delgatty at center and Jayvin James at right tackle, to gel quickly.
While the Alabama defense was roughed up at times in 2025, including in the Rose Bowl against Indiana, there is talent. EDGE Yhonzae Pierre could be an early-round pick in 2027, as could defensive back Zabien Brown. Incoming transfers Terrance Green (Oregon) and Devan Thompkins (USC) will help shore up the defensive line.
Speaking at the SEC Media Days in July, DeBoer addressed the big question, contrasting Russell and Mack.
“So I think last year helped them, too, with the reps we give them. We’re very intentional with how we distribute them, and so I think skillset-wise you’re talking about a much taller, bigger quarterback with Austin. Austin I think will surprise people when he really gets out and runs because he runs very well; better I think than most people think,” began DeBoer.
“Keelon is versatile that way, you know, has created with his legs as a high school football player. You can see it at times. It’s hard to replicate in practice and a guy is not live.
“But both of them are more than capable. I think they’re high level elite quarterbacks. Fortunately we have them both in our program and it’s going to be a competition that’s going to lead to a tough decision, one we’re fortunate to have.
“It’s going to be one that when we do make the decision we’ll be confident we’ll do a great job. They are two guys that are well respected by our entire football team because of how they work, who they are as people, and the production and what they look like on the football field.”
Biggest Game: With all the new faces on both sides of the ball, an early October visit from Georgia will be a big test for the Crimson Tide.
13. Texas Tech
With Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility question finally answered, the Red Raiders at least have some clarity on that front.
But what will they do at quarterback now that Sorsby is out of the picture? Head coach Joey McGuire raved about Will Hammond at the Big 12 Media Days, but last year’s backup is coming off an ACL tear. Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis and redshirt freshman Lloyd Jones III are options if Hammond is not ready.
The eventual starter will have a ton of talent around them, led by the two-headed monster of Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams at running back. Three starters return along the offensive line, and All-Big 12 tight end Terrance Carter Jr. will be a presence in the passing game, as will returning starting WR Coy Eakin and Pittsburgh transfer Kenny Johnson.
While the defense lost a ton of talent to the NFL Draft, transfer Trey White could help replace David Bailey, as could fellow transfer Adam Trick. White notched nearly 20 sacks the past two years at San Diego State, and Trick recorded 12.5 tackles for a loss last year at Miami (OH).
Head coach Joey McGuire highlighted both those players during the Big 12 Media Days. “I think Trey White and Adam Trick are two guys [the media is not talking about enough]. You know, it was awesome to see Adam on the All-Big 12 Preseason team. Trey White [is one of two players] that have 28-plus tackles for loss and 19 sacks in the last two years. I don’t know if enough people are talking about Trey White,” said McGuire in July.
Two other standouts on defense are linebacker Ben Roberts — who secured Big 12 Championship Game Most Outstanding Player honors — and cornerback Brice Pollock, whose five interceptions helped him earn First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
Biggest Game: An early season test against Houston on September 19 will show us just how far the Red Raiders can go this year.
12. Michigan
Kyle Whittingham arrives to take over a program going through a significant transition, given the Sherrone Moore saga and the recent announcement that athletic director Warde Manuel would be stepping down at the end of the calendar year. But the former Utah coach inherits a team that could be on the rise, following a 9-4 finish a year ago. Former Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck takes over an offense led by Bryce Underwood, who showed flashes during his true freshman season, and sophomore Andrew Marsh who caught four touchdowns during his first collegiate season. Four starters return along the offensive line as well.
At the Big Ten Media Days in July, Whittingham not only raved about his new quarterback, but offered some context to his freshman year.
“I don’t know what people did expect, but he was able to win nine ballgames and put up some decent numbers. He knows, we know those numbers have to improve. Given the circumstances, I thought he did some good things,” said Whittingham.
“What we’ve seen since we’ve been there, since we’ve analyzed the film, first of all physically he’s got everything you want: 6’4″, 230 pounds, runs about a 4.6 40. Has a cannon for an arm, throws well on the move. He has a very high ceiling. It think he’s going to turn out to be a very successful quarterback at Michigan.
“His work ethic second to none. He wants to be great as badly as any player I’ve ever been around. He’s still got some things to work on. The spring game wasn’t really indicative of the progress that he made during the spring practices. That was a game where we divided the team up exactly in half. We didn’t have the first O-line working together or the first offense working together. It was a little bit of a hodgepodge situation finding enough guys to get through the game.
“We as coaches, and in particular Coach Jason Beck, our coordinator, feel very good about where he is. He has some more things we got to work on, but he’s cleaned up some of the footwork in the pocket. His re-progressions, pocket presence.
“One thing about Bryce, he does a really good job of throwing accurate balls on the move. We’ve got to make sure we as coaches structure that in, change the launch point for him. Also involve him in the run game. He’s a very capable runner.”
On the defensive side of the ball, starting cornerbacks Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry return, and transfer safeties Chris Bracy and Smith Snowden (an All-Big 12 selection a year ago at Utah) will key an experienced secondary. Another Utah transfer, All-American pass rusher John Henry Daley, will lead the group up front. Incoming defensive coordinator Jay Hill, coming over from BYU, is expected to lean into the simulated pressure game as well.
The pieces are in place for Michigan to take a big step forward in 2026. Whether that means contending for a conference title, or something even bigger, will be up to how quickly Whittingham and this new staff can get the pieces on both sides of the football to gel in the year ahead.
Biggest Game: You know the one. November 28 at The Horseshoe.
11. LSU
It all starts with Lane Kiffin.
But it does not end there.
Kiffin arrives from Ole Miss to much fanfare, a national storyline that will dominate coverage throughout the season. However, there are more reasons to believe in the Tigers this year than their new head coach. Sam Leavitt arrives from Arizona State to shepherd the offense, just one full season removed from guiding Arizona State to the College Football Playoff. Leavitt will have incoming transfer Eugene Wilson III from Florida to throw to, and former Colorado LT Jordan Seaton watching his back. Tight end Trey’Dez Green, who caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns, could be a focal point.
While LSU hit some transfer home runs on the defensive side of the ball, most notably pass rusher Princewill Umanmielen who followed Kiffin from Oxford, the Tigers also return some key contributors from last year’s team, including linebacker Whit Weeks and cornerback DJ Pickett. Also back is defensive coordinator Blake Baker, to help the continuity on that side of the ball.
The staff is in place. The roster is much improved. But how quickly can Kiffin fit the pieces together? That is the big question.
Kiffin thinks he has the answer.
“We’ve put together a roster that can win now, but as I look at when you build the program, where it really will go to another level is how you build your depth, and that you can’t necessarily build the first year, but then you can once you sign the high school players and back-to-back classes and portal players,” described Kiffin at the SEC Media Days in July.
“Remember, guys, I think the portal is thought so much about every portal player is a senior or a one-year player. That’s not the case. A lot of times you sign a portal player, they may have two, three years of eligibility left. So then you have them in your program. Now you go into year two. You’ve coached them already. Maybe they didn’t even — all the portal players aren’t top players. You know, you build your depth through that, but they may be backups in year one, and then year two they’re your starters.
“That’s really exciting to me that we were able to build a roster that we can win now and to see the success of the high school elite players coming last year, committing this year into this class and then the portal players that we were able to sign in such a short period of time last year and now to have a whole year leading up to that.
“The future is really bright and really amazing at LSU of what’s to come.”
Biggest Game: As far as the standings go, a November date with Texas in Death Valley is the most important game. But the “biggest?” That is LSU’s trip back to Ole Miss on September 19. That will be national news in the days leading up to the game.
10. Oklahoma
The Sooners jumped out to a 5-0 start last year, climbing as high as No. 5 in the Top 25, before losses to Texas and Ole Miss dropped them down the pecking order. Oklahoma did book a spot in the College Football Playoff, bowing out to Alabama in the first round.
John Mateer is back for another season, and fully healthy after undergoing surgery in late September on his thumb. Ben Arbuckle is back for his second season as OC, and the Sooners return several starters along the offensive line as well as running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock.
Oklahoma boasted one of the top defenses in the nation a year ago, a unit that allowed just 15.5 points per game and 272.5 yards per game. While players such as R Mason Thomas were lost to the NFL, linebacker Kip Lewis and pass rusher Taylor Wein return, as do three starters in the secondary.
Biggest Game: You could make the case for two. First is a late-September trip to Georgia, and then following a bye week is the annual date with Texas in Dallas is on the calendar. How Oklahoma handles those two games will be pivotal to their season.
9. Texas A&M
The Aggies were on the cusp of a spot in the SEC Championship Game on Thanksgiving morning.
Then everything changed during their yearly tilt with in-state rivals Texas.
A 27-17 loss to the Longhorns in Austin knocked Texas A&M out of the SEC title game, and ended the Heisman Trophy campaign of quarterback Marce Reed. While the Aggies still booked a spot in the College Football Playoff, Reed struggled against the Hurricanes defense in a 10-3 loss to end their season.
Reed is back for 2026, and will have returning WRs Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman to rely on in the passing game, as well as Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton. Leading rusher Rueben Owens II is back as well, but the Aggies need to replace four starters along the offensive line.
Defensively, the Aggies bring several starters back, including three starters in the secondary. Safety tandem Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks are back, and pass rusher T.J. Searcy returns as well. Searcy will need to pick up the slack with the departure of Cashius Howell, the 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Linebacker Ray Coney, a Tulsa transfer, will prowl the second level alongside returning starter Daymion Sanford.
Biggest Game: On the night after Thanksgiving the Aggies welcome Texas to Kyle Field, and you just know Texas A&M would love to get some revenge after last year.
8. Ole Miss
While Lane Kiffin’s departure for Baton Rouge creates one hole in Oxford, incoming head coach Pete Golding certainly earned the trust of Ole Miss faithful when he took over for the College Football Playoff, guiding the Rebels to wins over Tulane and Georgia before bowing out against eventual champions Miami.
Golding now gets a full season to prove his value, and with the return of Trinidad Chambliss following an extended eligibility fight, the offense is in good hands. Chambliss catapulted himself into the NFL Draft discussion with his play down the stretch, and will have Doak Walker Award finalist Kewan Lacy with him in the backfield, one of the best running backs in the nation. Three starters return along the offensive line as well
Golding lost pass rusher Princewill Umanmielen to LSU via the portal, but Will Echoles and Kam Franklin return up front. Suntarine Perkins is back to hold down the second level of the defense, and the Rebels return both cornerbacks in Antonio Kite and Jaylon Braxton.
But this is a team that finished third in the final AP Top 25, and has a pair of dynamic offensive talents back in Chambliss and Lacy. Kiffin might be gone, but Ole Miss might be just as good, if not better, in 2026.
And that is the hope for Chambliss.
“The standard at Ole Miss is winning a national championship, but we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. Last year is last year. That’s done with. Nobody cares about what we did and what we accomplished last year,” said the Ole Miss quarterback at SEC Media Days.
Biggest Game: Similar to LSU, the home date with the Tigers is the game that will generate the most buzz. But if the Rebels are going to contend for a title, winning the October 24th game at Texas would go a long way.
7. Miami
Miami’s run to the National Championship Game capped off a spectacular season for the Hurricanes, and the pieces are in place for them to make another deep run this year. While Carson Beck is off to the Arizona Cardinals, transfer Darian Mensah arrives from Duke, fresh off a season where he threw 34 touchdown passes and led the Blue Devils to an ACC title. His favorite target at Duke, WR Cooper Barkate, followed him to South Beach, and with Malachi Toney out wide and Mark Fletcher Jr. in the backfield the Miami offense is in good hands. The biggest question might be the offensive line, where only left tackle Matthew McCoy returns.
Miami lost pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to the NFL Draft, but there is a lot of talent on this side of the ball. Starting in the secondary, four key cornerbacks return, including Romanas Frederique Jr. and Xavier Lucas. Safety Zechariah Poyser returns as well, and Boston College transfer Omar Thornton should slot into the nickel role.
Up front, while Bain and Mesidor are gone tackles Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott return, and Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II should give a presence off the edge, after recording nine sacks last year for the Tigers.
The bottom line for Miami? Similar to Ole Miss, while last year’s team was very good, this year’s could be better.
Biggest Game: November 7 at Notre Dame is a must-watch.
6. Oregon
The Ducks got a big boost when quarterback Dante Moore decided to return for another season, passing up a chance to be perhaps the second player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. But that was something of a theme for Dan Lanning, as several key players decided to return to Eugene. Running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. are back after contributing as freshmen, and tight end Jamari Johnson saw a lot of time behind Kenyon Sadiq, and the junior tight end is expected to take on a much bigger role. Wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Evan Steward, and Jeremiah McClellan return as well, and transfer Iverson Hooks from UAB could play a key role.
Oregon returns the bulk of the defense from 2025, including the entire defensive line and three players in the secondary. Brandon Finney Jr. and Ify Obidegwu give Lanning both starting cornerbacks from last season, and Minnesota transfer Koi Perich should step in for the departed Dillon Thieneman.
Oregon has been knocking on the door for years, but this is a complete, experienced roster. A return trip to the College Football Playoff is the floor for this team.
Biggest Game: If the Ducks want to reach the Big Ten Championship Game, winning in Columbus on November 7 is a must.
5. Notre Dame
Notre Dame probably still feels slighted after last year’s College Football Playoff snub, and head coach Marcus Freeman likely uses that as fuel for the 2026 campaign. But there are many reasons to believe in the Fighting Irish in 2026, starting with quarterback CJ Carr. He endured the roller coaster of life as a true freshman on the big stage last year, but by the end of the season he looked every bit the part under center for Notre Dame.
While running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are gone, the offense returns several key receivers, including starters Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse. With Carr expected to take a big step forward, expect the passing game to be critical in 2026. Notre Dame also returns three starters on the offensive line.
Numerous starters are back on defense, including four in the secondary, so a group that was tenth in the nation in scoring, and snared 21 interceptions, could be even better in 2026. Pass rusher Boubacar Traore should build off a strong 2025 where he notched 6.5 sacks, and transfers Francis Brewu from Pitt and Tionne Gray from Oregon should solidify the interior of the defensive line.
Biggest Game: We just mentioned it, but the Fighting Irish welcome Miami to South Bend on November 7. You know Freeman will play up the revenge factor ahead of that meeting.
4. Indiana
After a dream season in 2025, you might believe the Hoosiers are in a retooling mode in 2026.
But Indiana could simply reload, thanks to the returning players from last year’s title team and the additions Curt Cignetti made via the portal.
A key question will be how Indiana replaces Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers added Josh Hoover as a transfer, and the former TCU passer has put up big numbers in Fort Worth, throwing for 71 touchdowns over his 31 starts. But he will have to cut down on the interception numbers — Hoover threw 13 a season ago — if Indiana is going to make another deep run. And while the Hoosiers lost Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt to the NFL, Charlie Becker is back and Indiana added wide receiver Nick Marsh from Michigan State to give Hoover some help.
Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines returns six starters to a team that registered 46 sacks last year, second-most in the nation. Tackles Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino return on the inside, and linebacker Rolijah Hardy is back as well after recording 48 tackles and 15 tackles for a loss in 2025.
After winning a title, there is truly nowhere to go but down. But all Cignetti does is win — you can Google him to be sure — and looking at the roster from top-to-bottom it does seem like the Hoosiers are going to be more than a one-year wonder.
Biggest Game: After meeting in the Big Ten Championship Game last year, the Hoosiers welcome Ohio State to Bloomington on October 17.
3. Texas
Perhaps last year’s preseason hype — which saw the Longhorns begin the year atop the Top 25 — was a year early. The Longhorns struggled out of the gate, leading to all sorts of questions about quarterback Arch Manning, but by the time the season ended Texas looked like one of the better teams in the country, and Manning was showing why so many believe he is going to be a star at the next level.
This could be the year the promise turns into reality.
“I think I’ve become more present,“ said Manning at SEC Media Days in July. ”I’ve obviously matured. I think going through those rough times, I learned a lot about myself. And I’ve become a better man because of it and hopefully a better player.“
Manning threw just one interception over the last five games of the season, as the Longhorns made a late push for a spot in the College Football Playoff. He’ll have returning WRs Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V to throw to, as well as Auburn transfer Cam Coleman. Three starters return up front, and transfers Laurence Seymore and Melvin Siani should round out the offensive line.
On defense, Will Muschamp steps in to help that unit take a step forward, and he’ll have talent at every level at his disposal. Colin Simmons is back after leading the SEC in sacks last year, and Graceson Littleton and Jelani McDonald are back in the secondary. Expect this unit to lean heavily on pressure, as Muschamp is going to lean into the blitz schemes he learned while under Kirby Smart during his time in Athens.
When you add it all up, this might finally be the year that Texas is back.
Biggest Game: Pick one, as this schedule is loaded with big games. The annual tilt with Oklahoma is one such game, as is a late-season trip to Baton Rouge, but the biggest might be the regular season finale against Texas A&M in College Station.
2. Georgia
Looking at the 2025 Georgia season, it was one of learning for the Bulldogs. Kirby Smart relied on young talent on both sides of the football, and even so Georgia won the SEC Championship Game and reached the College Football Playoff.
Now that roster is a year older, and with some incoming talent via the portal, the expectations are sky high.
The key is Gunner Stockton. The rising senior passer shined in some wins, including a four-touchdown performance against Ole Miss in the regular season, but games like the regular season finale against Georgia Tech (where he completed 11-of-21 passes for just 70 yards, a touchdown, and an interception) were low moments. If his 2026 season looks more like his high moments from a year ago, this offense could take a big step forward.
And he will have a lot of help.
Nate Frazier returns as the lead running back, at the front of a jam-packed RB room. Chauncey Bowens, Dante Dowdell, and Dwight Phillips Jr. all made big plays for this group a year ago. While there was significant turnover at wide receiver, Georgia Tech transfer Isah Canion should be the main target, with young players including freshman Talyn Taylor expected to carve out big roles. Up front, three starters return: Left tackle Earnest Greene III, left guard Dontrell Glover, and center Drew Bobo. Figuring out the right side will be key this summer, as true freshman Zykie Helton might earn the starting right guard spot.
Defensively, 21 players are back after seeing significant action for Smart last year. Gabe Harris Jr. and Quintavius Johnson will need to produce off the edge, and Xzavier McLeod and Jordan Hall return on the inside. Smart also added pass rushing coach Larry Knight to try and help put pressure on opposing passers. Cornerback Ellis Robinson IV is back, as is safety KJ Bolden. Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes should earn a spot in the secondary, either next to Bolden or in Georgia’s “Star” alignment.
Bolden was one of the players Smart highlighted at SEC Media Days in July.
“I am excited to see one of the best playmakers we’ve had over the last two years KJ Bolden on defense, and he’s done a really good job,” described Smark.
“I think back to a play he made on the Te4xas overtime game that people don’t talk about where they ran a cross screen to the back and he came out of the top. One of the most instinctive plays I’ve seen a player make, and he made that as a true freshman.”
But the bottom line? Expectations are high in Athens for a reason. If Stockton takes a step forward, the Bulldogs will too.
Biggest Game: After meeting twice last year, Georgia takes on Ole Miss again on November 7, in Oxford. Circle that game — and that date, given all the times we have mentioned it already — on your calendar.
1. Ohio State
Could Ohio State take a step back in 2026?
Yes, that is a plausible scenario, which we will touch upon in a moment.
However, the potential is also there for the Buckeyes to take a giant leap forward.
The optimism starts on offense, where Julian Sayin is back after his first season as a starter ended in New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist. The rising sophomore has plenty of talent around him, including all-world WR Jeremiah Smith and the two-headed monster of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West in the backfield. Four starters return up front, with only the right tackle spot left to be sorted. Sophomore Ian Moore and freshman Carter Lowe are the top options there. Arthur Smith also steps in as the offensive coordinator, with Keenan Bailey as the co-offensive coordinator.
The questions might come on the defensive side of the ball, as Matt Patricia will have to replace the enormous talent lost to the NFL last year. This group lost three first round players — Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Arvell Reese — and replacing them is a tall order.
Pass rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr. will be a key to the defensive front, after notching 6.5 sacks a year ago. Jermaine Matthews Jr. returns as a starting cornerback, and Jaylen McClain is back at safety. But Patricia will need to get the most out of the new faces, including Alabama transfer James Smith at defensive tackle, Duke transfer Terry Moore at free safety, and Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr. in the slot.
If the new faces step up on defense, this will be a very good team. If Sayin takes a big step forward, this will be a very good team.
If both happen?
This could be their year.
Biggest Game: Pick one. September 12 at Texas is an option, as is Halloween at USC or November 7 — there’s that date again — against Oregon. But the game that matters most, every year, is Michigan at the end of the season.
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