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College Football Spring Rankings 2026: CFN Teams 51-100, Sleepers & Rebuilds
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- College Football Spring Rankings 2026: CFN Teams 51-100, Sleepers & Rebuilds
As we take the first look at the college football spring rankings, the teams 51 to 100 tend to span a wide range of talent and possibilities.
They're the teams that should start the season near the bottom of their respective Power Four conferences, or they're the good-to-medium teams from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, and Sun Belt.
Yes, there are more Group of Six schools here, mostly because the talent flows up to the top teams through the transfer portal - the Power Four has more top players.
We continue with our first rankings of the teams to watch out for this spring for a variety of reasons.
CFN 2026 College Football Spring Rankings
Top 25
| 26-50
| 101-138
Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with the team before the game at Kenan Stadium. © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
CFN Spring 2026 College Football Rankings 51-100: Contenders, Rebuilders & Sleepers
91-100: Teams with Plenty of Upside
The ten teams on the bottom of these first rankings have the potential to make some noise on the bowl circuit, but have plenty of work to do.
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100 Tulsa
An under-the-radar team to watch,Tulsa added to a promising group. The spring is about the new guys.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:130
CFN 2025 Final Rank:111
Top Transfer In:Kyran Duhon, EDGE Tulsa
Top Transfer Out:Brody Foley, TE to Louisville
99 Florida Atlantic
The Zach Kittley offense will soon kick in,and then … look out. It's a big spring with so many transfers.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:92
CFN 2025 Final Rank:114
Top Transfer In:Tucker Holloway, WR Virginia Tech
Top Transfer Out:Iverson Hooks, WR to Oregon
98 Kennesaw State
The Owls will be even betterwith QB Rickie Collins (Syracuse) to go along with another great defense.
2025 Record:10-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:126
CFN 2025 Final Rank:84
Top Transfer In:Rickie Collins, QB Syracuse
Top Transfer Out:Christian Moss, WR to Washington
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97 Miami University
With a good combination of depth and help from the portal,the RedHawks will be in the MAC title mix.
2025 Record:7-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:89
CFN 2025 Final Rank:93
Top Transfer In:Mikah Coleman, EDGE Cincinnati
Top Transfer Out:Adam Trick, EDGE to Texas Tech
96 Wyoming
The program is used to playing low-scoring games,but after last year, the offense has to start scoring.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:95
CFN 2025 Final Rank:103
Top Transfer In:Markell Holman, RB Western Illinois
Top Transfer Out:Lucas Samsula, DT Utah
95 Utah State
Can the Aggies be more consistent?They took a big step forward, but now they have to put games away.
2025 Record:6-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:106
CFN 2025 Final Rank:85
Top Transfer In:Sesi Vailahi, RB Oklahoma State
Top Transfer Out:Braden Pegan, WR to Utah
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94 UConn
UConn is undergoing a total overhaul.Jason Candle is bringing a load of Toledo players to fill the gaps.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:77
CFN 2025 Final Rank:63
Top Transfer In:Jake Merklinger, QB Tennessee
Top Transfer Out:Ben Murawski, OT to Michigan State
93 Western Michigan
WMU should be the best team in the MAC, and it might not be close after keeping the backfield stars.
2025 Record:10-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:122
CFN 2025 Final Rank:80
Top Transfer In:Kouri Crump, S VMI
Top Transfer Out:Brady Jones, QB to Oregon State
92 Arkansas State
The Red Wolves have settled in under Butch Jones,and it'll keep going with a great run in the portal.
2025 Record:7-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:132
CFN 2025 Final Rank:98
Top Transfer In:Trey Owens, QB Texas
Top Transfer Out:Drew Collins, EDGE to South Carolina
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91 North Texas
Neal Brown is too good to let things slip too far,but EVERYONE left with Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.
2025 Record:12-2
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:93
CFN 2025 Final Rank:40
Top Transfer In:Tayven Jackson, QB UCF
Top Transfer Out:Drew Mestemaker, QB to Oklahoma State
81-90: Underrated Teams That Will Finish Higher
We admit it - some teams in these first rankings are a bit too low, but there's enough upside and history to expect anything less than a strong season.
90 Air Force
Air Force will be back to form again after a strange year.The experienced defense should be far, far better.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:81
CFN 2025 Final Rank:96
Top Transfer In:None
Top Transfer Out:None
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89 Western Kentucky
Nothing stops, even after getting hammered in the portal.The passing game will continue to be terrific.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:108
CFN 2025 Final Rank:87
Top Transfer In:Roq Montgomery, OT Alabama
Top Transfer Out:Dylan Flowers, CB to Duke
88 UTSA
The offense gets QB Owen McCown back,but overall, the Roadrunners need to be more consistent.
2025 Record:7-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:74
CFN 2025 Final Rank:89
Top Transfer In:Eddy Smith, DT Texas Tech
Top Transfer Out:Davin Martin, CB to Texas Tech
87 James Madison
It's JMU, it'll be terrific under Billy Napier,and … there's a ton of turnover with everyone leaving for UCLA.
2025 Record:12-2
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:129
CFN 2025 Final Rank:45
Top Transfer In:Joseph Simmons, OT Auburn
Top Transfer Out:Alonza Barnett III, QB to UCF
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86 Georgia Southern
With a terrific run in the portal,the Eagles should make a push in the Sun Belt and be far more dangerous.
2025 Record:7-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:103
CFN 2025 Final Rank:104
Top Transfer In:Kam Mikell, WR Colorado
Top Transfer Out:JC French IV, QB to Cincinnati
85 Army
There are big changes, and as always,new guys are ready to step up. The offense will be fantastic.
2025 Record:7-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:84
CFN 2025 Final Rank:78
Top Transfer In:None
Top Transfer Out:Josh Manacke, OT to James Madison
84 Troy
Is this when Gerad Parker has Troy back among the Sun Belt elite?He has the team in place for a big year.
2025 Record:8-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:99
CFN 2025 Final Rank:100
Top Transfer In:Marcus Goree, Jr. CB Tennessee
Top Transfer Out:Tae Meadows, RB to Auburn
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83 Colorado State
Jim Mora should do big things with the Rams,and it starts with a huge spring for an all new team.
2025 Record:2-10
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:86
CFN 2025 Final Rank:117
Top Transfer In:Hauss Hejny, QB Oklahoma State
Top Transfer Out:Owen Long, LB to Arizona State
82 North Dakota State
Let's just use this ranking as a starting point.The Bison should be good right away in their new FBS world.
2025 Record:12-1
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:NR
CFN 2025 Final Rank:NR
Top Transfer In:Kene Anene, DT Kansas
Top Transfer Out:Toby Anene, EDGE to Colorado
81 Washington State
It's a brand new Wazzu teamunder Kirby Moore this spring, but give it time. This should be a Pac-12 star.
2025 Record:7-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:70
CFN 2025 Final Rank:81
Top Transfer In:Linus Zunk, EDGE Vanderbilt
Top Transfer Out:Isaac Terrell, EDGE to Iowa State
Sep 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Temple Owls mascot Hooter on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
71-80: Bowl Game Ballers
A bowl is a given for these ten - at least it's expected to be - with most of them certain to have huge records, and, at some point, will receive the national ranking to go with them.
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80 Hawaii
QB Micah Alejado leads another great Hawaii offense,but the defense has to find options up front.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:88
CFN 2025 Final Rank:79
Top Transfer In:Audric Harris, WR Washington
Top Transfer Out:Jackson Harris, WR to LSU
79 Fresno State
It might not receive the attention of others in the new Pac-12,but it could win it if the skill parts are solid.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:79
CFN 2025 Final Rank:76
Top Transfer In:Croix Stewart, S UCLA
Top Transfer Out:Richie Anderson, TE to Texas A&M
78 USF
Did all the Bulls leave with Alex Golesh to Auburn?Brian Hartline's D will be fine, but the O needs stars
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2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:71
CFN 2025 Final Rank:41
Top Transfer In:CJ Hicks, EDGE Ohio State
Top Transfer Out:Byrum Brown, QB to Auburn
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77 Memphis
Charles Huff is great at reloading/rebuilding,but the talent losses were massive. It'll be a big spring.
2025 Record:8-5
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:72
CFN 2025 Final Rank:66
Top Transfer In:Ian Foster, S Southern Miss
Top Transfer Out:Sutton Smith, RB to Arkansas
76 New Mexico
The great 2025 was for real.It should be a Mountain West player again, thanks to the great returning lines.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:110
CFN 2025 Final Rank:53
Top Transfer In:Luke Moga, QB Oregon
Top Transfer Out:Dorian Thomas, TE to Cal
75 Temple
We'll go harder to the rim on this as the offseason goes on.The Owls quietly loaded up for a big year.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:113
CFN 2025 Final Rank:92
Top Transfer In:Ransom McDermott, OT Louisville
Top Transfer Out:Sekou Kromah, DT (Undecided)
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74 East Carolina
Like most American teams, the transfer portal wasn't kind.There shouldn't be too much of a slip, though.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:91
CFN 2025 Final Rank:42
Top Transfer In:Ray Ray Joseph, WR Miami
Top Transfer Out:Katin Houser, QB to Illinois
73 Tulane
There's a hard floor on how far Tulane will fall, butthe portal losses were big. Will Hall has work to do.
2025 Record:11-3
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:69
CFN 2025 Final Rank:37
Top Transfer In:Jaylin Lucas, RB Florida State
Top Transfer Out:Jahiem Johnson, CB to Arkansas
72 UNLV
UNLV is the new-look Mountain West star aroundQB Jackson Arnold (Auburn) and a ton of transfers.
2025 Record:10-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:85
CFN 2025 Final Rank:67
Top Transfer In:Jackson Arnold, QB Auburn
Top Transfer Out:Anthony Colandrea, QB to Nebraska
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71 San Diego State
The great defense lost too many stars,but the offensive players return to make the AztecFAST attack work.
2025 Record:9-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:87
CFN 2025 Final Rank:54
Top Transfer In:Evan Lawrence, OT Indiana
Top Transfer Out:Trey White, EDGE to Texas Tech
Oklahoma State University (OSU) introduces the new head football coach, Eric Morris, during a rally in Stillwater on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.© DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
61-70: Power Four Rebuilds
There's hope for all these teams to pull off something good this year, but this spring is huge for all of these Power Four programs - with one key America team thrown in there - to rebuild fast.
70 Boston College
The Eagles should catch several breaksand start winning, but everything needs to be way tighter.
2025 Record:2-10
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:60
CFN 2025 Final Rank:91
Top Transfer In:Kris Jones, LB Georgia
Top Transfer Out:Omar Thonton, S to Miami
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69 Oklahoma State
Eric Morris and the North Texas players coming overwill bring the fun infusion on offense. Now, the defense …
2025 Record:1-11
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:57
CFN 2025 Final Rank:113
Top Transfer In:Drew Mestemaker, QB North Texas
Top Transfer Out:Wendell Gregory, EDGE to Kansas State
68 Iowa State
Don't get into a twist over this.It will take all offseason to replace the players Matt Campbell took with him to Penn State.
2025 Record:8-4
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:35
CFN 2025 Final Rank:46
Top Transfer In:Isaac Terrell, EDGE Washington State
Top Transfer Out:Rocco Becht, QB to Penn State
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67 Syracuse
Few teams have a bigger potentialto move up more after spring ball - the Orange loaded up on transfers.
2025 Record:3-9
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:50
CFN 2025 Final Rank:97
Top Transfer In:Tunmise Adeleye, DE UNLV
Top Transfer Out:Darrell Gill Jr., WR to Ole Miss
66 Navy
Navy should be even better thanks to the defense,but most of the offensive stars have to be replaced.
2025 Record:11-2
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:73
CFN 2025 Final Rank:39
Top Transfer In:None
Top Transfer Out:Justin Ross, CB to Virginia
65 Stanford
Under Tavita Pritchard,the Cardinal will be an even bigger thorn in the ACC's side, especially on defense.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:83
CFN 2025 Final Rank:68
Top Transfer In:Nico Brown, WR Yale
Top Transfer Out:Che Ojarikre, S to Duke
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64 Rutgers
Nothing will get better until the defense improves.That's all that matters in spring ball.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:44
CFN 2025 Final Rank:58
Top Transfer In:Kevyn Humes, CB Maryland
Top Transfer Out:Bo Mascoe, CB to Texas
63 Purdue
Barry Odom is too goodfor his defense to keep struggling. Improving the running game is a must.
2025 Record:2-10
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:68
CFN 2025 Final Rank:74
Top Transfer In:Elo Modozie, EDGE Georgia
Top Transfer Out:Jamarrion Harkless, DT to Kentucky
62 Colorado
Can Coach Prime take the amazing portal runand turn it into production? There's a TON of work to do.
2025 Record:3-9
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:51
CFN 2025 Final Rank:82
Top Transfer In:De'Andre Moore Jr. WR, Texas
Top Transfer Out:Jordan Seaton, OT to LSU
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61 Kansas
A true spring ranking,the roster is full of great new players, but the defense has to be night-and-day better.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:48
CFN 2025 Final Rank:59
Top Transfer In:Dylan Edwards, RB Kansas State
Top Transfer Out:Lyrik Rawls, S to Arizona State
51-60: Big Expectations If the Offenses Work
From teams with huge offensive flash upside, to those who did nothing last season and need to start scoring more, here are the teams just outside of the spring top 50.
60 UCF
No one expected miracles out of Scott Frostin his first year back, but here we go after the portal gets.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:54
CFN 2025 Final Rank:75
Top Transfer In:Alonza Barnett III, QB James Madison
Top Transfer Out:John Waker, DT to Ohio State
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59 Maryland
Keeping QB Malik Washington was the big offseason win.The Terps need to help him with a running game.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:63
CFN 2025 Final Rank:72
Top Transfer In:Lavon Johnson, DT Texas
Top Transfer Out:Dillan Fontus, DT to Syracuse
58 Baylor
The offense will be more dangerouswith QB DJ Lagway from Florida. The spring is about the defense.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:37
CFN 2025 Final Rank:70
Top Transfer In:DJ Lagway, QB Florida
Top Transfer Out:Coleton Price, C to Kentucky
57 Arkansas
Ryan Silverfield was good at Memphis,but to be great with the Hogs, the defense needs a total remodel.
2025 Record:2-10
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:30
CFN 2025 Final Rank:61
Top Transfer In:Bryant Williams, OT Louisiana
Top Transfer Out:E'Marion Harris, OT to Oklahoma
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56 West Virginia
If you want the Big 12's new star,this might be it. Rich Rodriguez has the guys now to run his offense.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:62
CFN 2025 Final Rank:71
Top Transfer In:Cam Cook, RB Jacksonville State
Top Transfer Out:Cam Vaughn, WR to Miami
55 Michigan State
Pat Fitzgerald is back in the Big Ten,but don't expect miracles right away. Step One: Improve the lines.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:43
CFN 2025 Final Rank:62
Top Transfer In:Ben Murawski, OT UConn
Top Transfer Out:Nick Marsh, WR to Indiana
54 North Carolina
The defense really was great at times,and the offense won't go anywhere but up. This year will be better.
2025 Record:4-8
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:38
CFN 2025 Final Rank:73
Top Transfer In:Trech Kekahuna, WR Wisconsin
Top Transfer Out:Khmori House, LB to Arkansas
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53 Duke
The defending ACC champs won't collapse,but there's a huge loss of talent beyond just Darian Mensah.
2025 Record:9-5
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:52
CFN 2025 Final Rank:24
Top Transfer In:Braden Miller, OT Cal
Top Transfer Out:Darian Mensah, QB to Miami
52 Kentucky
Will Stein stepped in and cranked up the transfers.It'll be a far different team, especially on the lines.
2025 Record:5-7
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:47
CFN 2025 Final Rank:50
Top Transfer In:Lance Heard, OT Tennessee
Top Transfer Out:Cutter Boley, QB to Arizona State
51 Cincinnati
Even with the loss of QB Brendan Sorsby to Texas Tech,overall, the program held serve on the talent level.
2025 Record:7-6
CFN 2025 Preseason Rank:56
CFN 2025 Final Rank:52
Top Transfer In:JaVonnie Gibson, WR Oklahoma
Top Transfer Out:Brendan Sorsby, QB to Texas Tech/
CFN 2026 College Football Spring Rankings
Top 25
| 26-50
| 101-138
This story was originally published by College Football News on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
