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New No. 1 leads college football too-early Top 25 after spring practice
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- New No. 1 leads college football too-early Top 25 after spring practice
Spring practice has wrapped up for most of the college football teams across the country, so it's time to revisit our too-early Top 25 teams ahead of the 2026 season.
Indiana was winning its first national title the last time we published our rankings of the national title contenders . How much has changed in the last three months? Well, there's a new No. 1 after Texas held the top spot in January.
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It's Ohio State now leading the field with the returns of quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith giving the Buckeyes one of the nation's top offenses. The Longhorns are still in the top-five mix, while Notre Dame, Miami improved its place near the top. Mississippi also gained ground with the return of Trinidad Chambliss . Texas A&M and Clemson were among the teams falling back.
So how does it all shake out? Below is our post-spring Top 25, once again heavily slanted toward the Big Ten and SEC . Rankings from January in parenthesis:
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1. Ohio State (12-2) (2)
Ohio State is the favorite to win its second national title in three years and the Big Ten's fourth in a row. The offense should be virtually unstoppable thanks to the combination of Sayin, Smith, running back Bo Jackson and more. New coordinator Arthur Smith should bring new and dynamic ideas to the table that broaden the Buckeyes' ability to attack defenses. On the defensive side, Ohio State bring back just three starters. But that's nothing new: Last year's defense also brought back three starters and ranked first nationally in yards and points per game. The key will be maintaining a furious pass rush without standouts such as Arvell Reese and Caden Curry.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first down against Miami (Fla.) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium2in Arlington, Texas.
2. Notre Dame (10-2) (5)
This shapes up to be Marcus Freeman's best team. There are no questions at quarterback with CJ Carr returning for his second season as a starter. He is set to shoulder more of the offensive load with new running backs replacing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Jordan Faison anchors the wide receiver room with the hope Jaden Greathouse and Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham will be significant contributors. Bryce Young is the leader of a defensive line that added transfers Francis Brewu (Pittsburgh) and Keon Keeley (Alabama) to bolster the front seven. But the biggest strength of the defense will a secondary with Leonard Moore, Christian Gray and Colorado transfer DJ McKinney.
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3. Texas (10-3) (1)
The Longhorns drop slightly but that's not an indication of their potential for the upcoming season. The offseason foot surgery for Arch Manning appears to be of little concern other than keeping him from working more closely with a potentially elite receiving group that includes Ryan Wingo and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman among the standouts. Of bigger concern is how the offensive line develops after a sub-par season in 2025. New coordinator Will Muschamp had the spring to start implementing his defensive plan that will take advantage of Colin Simmons, who projects to be among the best pass rushers in the nation.
4. Georgia (12-2) (3)
Gunner Stockton is poised for bigger things in his second season as starting quarterback and will have the benefit of Nate Frazier and Chancey Bowens returning to carry the ball behind a strong offensive line. The wide receiver position remains the biggest worry coming out of spring. Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion should lead the group that needs increased production from London Humphreys and Talyn Taylor. The defense is again going to be outstanding with LBs Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole being in the center of things. The secondary returns KJ Bolden and emerging star Ellis Robinson IV.
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5. Indiana (16-0) (4)
The defending national champs shouldn't miss a beat on offense. While he didn't have a great spring game, TCU quarterback transfer Josh Hoover has acclimated to the scheme. Likewise with Michigan State receiver transfer Nick Marsh. Defensively, the Indiana front looks the part of another bulldozing unit after showcasing a ton of depth during spring drills. One asset in the Hoosiers' corner is the fact that Curt Cignetti lost just one assistant from last year's staff and was able to keep both coordinators.
6. Miami (13-3) (10)
There was some uncertainty and legal wrangling, but Miami was able to continue its turnstile at quarterback with the addition of Duke transfer Darian Mensah , who finished spring practice with a flourish. Cooper Barkate, his leading receiver with the Blue Devils, has also integrated well and should pair nicely with Malachi Toney. There are significant losses on defense. Optimism comes from the arrivals of Jarquez Carter (Ohio State) and Damon Wilson (Missouri) along the front line and safety Omar Thornton (Boston College) in the secondary.
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7. Oklahoma (10-3) (6)
The emphasis in spring practice was improving the mechanics of quarterback John Mateer and getting better play from the offensive line – two significant hurdles in last year's three losses. The results of that work will likely dictate whether the Sooners are playoff contenders or potentially title contenders because the rest of the skill positions should be productive. The defense got a major boost with linebacker Owen Heineke earning an extra year of eligibility . It has tackles David Stone and Jayden Jackson anchoring the middle and a veteran secondary that might be the best in the SEC.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer runs the ball for touchdown against Alabama during the first round of the College Football Playoff at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
8. Oregon (13-2) (9)
Getting another year from junior Dante Moore is huge for the Ducks, even if they've got another five-star passer waiting in the wings in Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola . With a wildly talented roster keyed by strong quarterback play, line depth and impressive additions such as former Minnesota safety Koi Perich, Oregon is built for title contention after notching 26 wins over the past two seasons. The biggest question centers on how capably Dan Lanning can promote from within to replace both of last year's coordinators.
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9. Mississippi (13-2) (20)
The Lane Kiffin's decision saga is in rear view mirror, allowing the Rebels' focus of spring practice to be on building on the momentum from last year's College Football Playoff run. Since the end of the season, the best news for Ole Miss was the court victory that allowed the return of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss that will boosts what should be a dynamic offense with running back Kewan Lacy. The defense needed rebuilding after some portal losses. Defensive lineman Jordan Renaud (Alabama) and linebacker Blake Purchase (Oregon) look to be potential impact players along with holdover Will Echoles.
10. Southern California (9-4) (12)
Look out for USC if it can button up some personnel issues that should linger into preseason camp, namely the need to rebuild at receiver after losing Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL. The Trojans are looking for North Carolina State transfer Terrell Anderson to step right into the starting lineup opposite sophomore Tanook Hines. USC's roster depth looks to be the strongest since the program joined the Big Ten thanks to the influx of talent from this year's No. 1-rated recruiting class.
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11. Texas A&M (11-2) (8)
After an easier path last year, the schedule gets more difficult for the Aggies this season. But the return of quarterback Marcel Reed gives them the opportunity to figure out how to win the big games that tripped them up in November. Mario Craver and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton should the main targets for Reed's passes. The big question for the offense under new coordinator Holmon Wiggins is if the running game can carry its weight. The defense as has a new coordinator with elevation of Lyle Hemphill. An already strong secondary also should get immediate help from Rickey Gibson (Tennessee) and Tawfiq Byard (Colorado).
12. Alabama (11-4) (11)
The focus of spring practice was the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Mack has more experience in the system, however Russell is more dynamic and shined in the team's spring game. That battle will be one to watch in the fall. Two other areas that has Kalen DeBoer's attention are improving a dismal running game and getting receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams back to his game-breaking best. The defense returns safeties Quay Hubbard and Keon Sabb but will need more from the front seven. Two key components that emerged were transfers Devan Thompkins (Southern California) and Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech).
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13. Michigan (9-4) (14)
There's a lot to like about the marriage of Michigan and new coach Kyle Whittingham, especially in how his arrival should lead to an immediate uptick in production from Bryce Underwood at quarterback and from the offense at large. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck's first and most important task will be getting Underwood to meet his five-star potential. But a bigger issue may be a pass rush that was depleted by attrition and graduation. The Wolverines added an elite edge rusher in Utah transfer John Henry Daley, but he is still recovering from an Achilles injury and isn't expected to be cleared for full team activities until June.
14. BYU (12-2) (13)
The Cougars' biggest offseason move was one that never happened at all: Kalani Sitake rebuffed Penn State's interest and recommitted to BYU with a long-term contract. BYU also misses Texas Tech and gets both Arizona schools at home, though there are road trips to Utah and TCU along with a non-conference matchup with Notre Dame. Look for the Cougars to bully teams on offense behind Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin. Defensively, there's a new coordinator but plenty of returning experience along with plug-and-play additions such as former California linebacker Cade Uluave.
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15. Texas Tech (12-2) (7)
After winning the Big 12 last year, Tech aims to take the next step and go deeper into the playoff after reeling in another top-rated recruiting and transfer class. The headliner is former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby , though his status is uncertain after the school announced he was seeking treatment for a gambling addition . Expected backup Will Hammond is recovering from an ACL injury and likely will not be ready for the start of the season. Defensively, the Red Raiders added three high-impact linemen. Overall, Tech has brought back 14 starters and added in several possible all-conference or even All-America transfers to again be the unquestioned preseason favorite in the Big 12.
16. Penn State (7-6) (17)
The schedule plays in Penn State's favor heading into Matt Campbell's debut. The Nittany Lions won't face Ohio State, Oregon or Indiana and gets Southern California at home, though it does travel to Michigan and Washington. Though Campbell's tenure at Iowa State needed time to get moving, this schedule and a long list of Cyclones transfers should help the Nittany Lions hit the ground running. Among the key players who followed Campbell are quarterback Rocco Becht, wide receiver Chase Sowell and safety Marcus Neal Jr. Getting to eight or nine wins in his first year would be huge for Campbell as he looks to get Penn State over the hump in the Big Ten.
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17. LSU (7-6) (15)
The first spring for Lane Kiffin after his high-profile move to Baton Rouge saw Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt not participate due to a foot injury, giving opportunities to backups quarterbacks Huston Longstreet and Landen Clark. Standout linebacker Whit Weeks was also limited this spring after his season-ending leg injury. A host of transfers got their first taste of life at LSU. Two standouts praised by Kiffin are offensive lineman Jordan Seaton (Colorado) and defensive back Ty Benefield ( Boise State ).
18. SMU (9-4) (16)
Ahead of his third season as the starting quarterback, Kevin Jennings spent spring working on getting acclimated with his new skill people and becoming more consistent in an effort reduce his double-digit interception totals from the last two years. RB Kendrick Rafael (California) and WR Jalen Hale (Alabama) are two big additions. On defense, the Mustangs brought in one of the strongest transfer classes in the ACC to help support a veteran linebacker group. Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder (Kansas State) and Jayvon Thomas (Texas A&M) are among the players expected to raise the level on that side of the ball.
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19. Utah (11-2) (18)
There's enough of a foundation still in place after Whittingham's departure to keep Utah in the mix in the Big 12 and for a playoff berth under new coach Morgan Scalley. The Utes will lean on offensive holdovers such as quarterback Devon Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker while adjusting the scheme under new coordinator Kevin McGiven. The offense also looks very good at wide receiver after a strong showing this spring from transfers such as former San Jose State starter Kyri Shoels. The program has an extended track record of success on defense but is in the process of another overhaul of its front four after losing a huge chunk of last season's rotation. Keep tabs on sophomore linemen Karson Kaufusi and Pupu Sepulona.
20. Tennessee (8-5) (24)
Entering spring practice there wasn't a clear answer at quarterback with Joey Aguilar having his appeal for an extra year turned down . George McIntyre looks to be the current favorite but is being pushed by five-star recruit Faizon Brandon in a competition that could go into Week 1. The positive for the winner of the job is the return of Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, who each surpassed 800 receiving yards. Heavy investments on defense started with coordinator Jim Knowles, who brought contributors Xavier Gilliam and Amare Campbell from Penn State. The group looks to be the strength of the team that just needs some help from the offense to be in position to be a sneaky playoff contender.
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21. Iowa (9-4) (20)
What will decide Iowa's season is whether the offense can continue to hover around 30 points per game while breaking in a new starting quarterback, whether that's Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown. One of the two contenders will have the luxury of playing in front of a loaded backfield that ranks among the best in the Big Ten. There should be no questions about the health of the Hawkeyes' defense despite losing key contributors across the board, given the program's long track record on that side of the ball. On paper, the strength of this year's unit is in the secondary, where Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee lead the way.
22. Florida State (5-7) (22)
Seminoles coach Mike Norvell enters the 2026 campaign under significant pressure – even with his huge buyout. The quarterback competition in the spring was won by Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels, settling one question. Others remain with the offensive line still unsettled after a wave of transfers. Things are more sorted on the defensive side of the ball with coordinator Tony White entering his second season. Daniel Lyons emerged as the leader on a young defensive line that has showed promise. Norvell has been positive about the linebacker group that welcomed transfer Chris Jones (Southern Mississippi). Ja'BrilRawls is the standout in the secondary that has several returning pieces.
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23. Houston (10-3) (23)
Houston is poised for a playoff run after jumping to 10 wins in coach Willie Fritz's second season. Among the most experienced teams in the Big 12, the Cougars will build an offense around senior quarterback Connor Weigman, senior wide receiver Amare Thomas and Oregon running back transfer Mekhi Hughes. While the schedule includes road trips to Texas Tech and Utah, Houston misses both Arizona schools and Brigham Young.
24. Clemson (7-6) (19)
No Cade Klubnik on campus and no quarterback from the transfer portal means this spring was all about giving time to Christopher Vizzina to get acclimated to the starting role with new offensive coordinator Chad Morris. The good news? Wide receivers Brian Wesco and TJ Moore look poised to have big seasons if Vizzina can deliver the ball. The portal brought in reinforcements for the defense – notably lineman Markus Strong (Oklahoma) and defensive back Elliot Washington II (Penn State) - to join a group led by standout linebacker Sammy Brown. But there's still overall questions about this roster's ability to push for a playoff spot.
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25. Boise State (9-5) (25)
Boise is the favorite in the reestablished Pac-12 and the safest pick coming out of the spring to be the best team coming out of the Group of Six. The offense brings back quarterback Maddux Madsen, running back Dylan Riley and three starters up front, though the receiver room will be almost entirely rebuilt around Southern University transfer Darren Morris, JUCO recruit Akeem Wright and a pair of true freshmen in Terrious Favors and Rasean Jones. The defense returns five starters but needs a makeover in the secondary.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football too-early Top 25 has new No. 1 after spring practice
