College Football Top 25 for 2026: Athlon Sports’ Way-Too-Early Picks

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College Football Top 25 for 2026: Athlon Sports’ Way-Too-Early Picks

Steven Lassan · Athlon Sports

Mon, Jan 19, 2026 ·

17 min read

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The 2026 college football season doesn't start until Week Zero on Aug. 29, but it's never too early to look ahead and project the top-25 rankings for next season. Ohio State takes the top spot in our Way-Too-Early Top 25 for '26, but Georgia, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, and Notre Dame each have a case for the No. 1 ranking. Similar to the '25 season, next season has a close battle at the top with no dominant team on paper.

The balance of power clearly resides with the Big Ten and SEC , as those two conferences account for 16 of the 25 spots on this list. Miami headlines the list of contenders from the ACC , with Texas Tech and BYU leading the way from the Big 12 . Boise State is Athlon's early favorite from the Group of Six conferences.

With the transfer portal, recruiting, coaching changes and more moves to come this offseason, this list could look very different by April and again by August. But with some initial clarity about rosters for next fall, here is Athlon Sports' Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2026:

College Football's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2026

1. Ohio State
Ohio State's hopes of a repeat national title ended with a disappointing showing against Miami in the quarterfinals, but coach Ryan Day's team is loaded for another run in 2026. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns in a standout first year as starter. He's back in '26, with the nation's top receiver in Jeremiah Smith anchoring the weapons on the outside. Improving the ground game behind true freshman running back Bo Jackson and better pass protection from the line is a must if Ohio State wants to get back to the top of college football. Coordinator Matt Patricia has a major transition to navigate on defense. Several stars are gone, including lineman Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, and safety Caleb Downs .

2. Georgia
Coach Kirby Smart 's team appeared to be poised for a run at the national championship in 2025 but was bounced in the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff by SEC rival Ole Miss . The Bulldogs haven't won a playoff game since '22, but there's no reason to panic in Athens. A young defense took its lumps at times in '25 but will return largely intact next season and is poised to improve on its performance (4.93 yards a play allowed). Quarterback Gunner Stockton is back after a solid debut year as the starter. He won't lack help at running back thanks to the return of Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, and the line will be a strength behind center Drew Bobo. Restocking the receiving corps and replacing the playmaking ability of Zachariah Branch is a top priority this spring.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning looks to throw against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on Nov. 15, 2025.© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

3. Texas
The Longhorns didn't meet preseason expectations in 2025, but after a couple of key transfer pickups and staff adjustments, coach Steve Sarkisian has this team primed to contend for the national title. Quarterback Arch Manning was up-and-down early in the year but improved down the stretch and is set to enter '26 among the Heisman frontrunners . The offensive line also found the right mix down the stretch and should be deeper and improved next fall. Sarkisian's biggest offseason upgrade came at the skill spots. Transfer receiver Cam Coleman ( Auburn ) and running backs Hollywood Smothers ( NC State ) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) should give Manning more consistent big-play ability. Change is also underway on defense with Will Muschamp handling the coordinator duties. End Colin Simmons is back (15 1/2 TFL in '25), and Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles fills a major need at linebacker.

4. Indiana
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a handful of other key cogs are gone from this year's team, but coach Curt Cignetti will have the Hoosiers back in the mix for a Big Ten title and playoff trip. TCU transfer Josh Hoover will replace Mendoza under center, and a couple of portal additions are set to restock the skill talent at running back and receiver. The offensive line will return largely intact and should be among the top units in the Big Ten. Coordinator Bryant Haines is also set to lean on a talented transfer portal haul to restock a defense that ranked among the best in college football.

5. Oregon
The Ducks have a strong argument for No. 1 after quarterback Dante Moore passed on the NFL Draft for another season in Eugene. Oregon's prolific offense must navigate some turnover around Moore, including a new play-caller (Drew Mehringer) and revamped line to keep this unit performing at a high level. With Evan Stewart , Dakorien Moore, and Jeremiah McClellan back, coach Dan Lanning's team will have one of the top receiving corps in college football. Oregon's defense also has a new play-caller (Chris Hampton), but this unit received an early boost when a couple of key linemen — including Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei — opted to return in '26 instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr throws a pass against NC State in South Bend, Indiana, on Oct. 11, 2025.© MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

6. Notre Dame
The playoff snub from 2025 will fuel the Fighting Irish, but coach Marcus Freeman's team shouldn't need much motivation with a loaded roster and a favorable schedule. With running back Jeremiyah Love off to the NFL, quarterback CJ Carr will become a larger focal point of the offense. After a terrific freshman season, Carr has all of the tools to lead Notre Dame back to the playoff. A standout offensive line will make things easier for Carr, with Aneyas Williams set for a breakout season at running back. After some early struggles, Freeman's defense held each of its last nine opponents to 24 points or fewer and should take a step forward next year.

7. Texas A&M
The Aggies are coming off their best season (11-2) since the program won 11 games in 2012. A deeper run in the College Football Playoff will require another step forward from quarterback Marcel Reed (25 TDs, 12 INTs). While the trenches were a strength in '25, coach Mike Elko's team needs to reload on both lines of scrimmage next season. Help is coming from the portal, including former Alabama offensive tackle Wilkin Formby, along with defenders Anto Saka (Northwestern), CJ Mims (North Carolina), and Brandon Davis-Swain (Colorado). Road trips to Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU set the stage for a challenging slate next year.

8. Miami
Thanks to coach Mario Cristobal's work on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal, Miami won't slide far from the top in 2026. The 'Canes have yet to win an ACC title since joining the conference but will be a heavy favorite next year. Cristobal is expected to add a transfer to replace Carson Beck under center. The new signal-caller will have one of the nation's top playmakers at his disposal in receiver Malachi Toney, and running back Mark Fletcher returns after a 1,000-yard season. However, a standout offensive line must be retooled. The defense will miss standouts Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor in the trenches, but coordinator Corey Hetherman should keep this unit performing at a high level.

9. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are winning in the portal once again and should be the preseason favorite to repeat as Big 12 champion. Cincinnati transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby will take the reins of Texas Tech's high-powered offense. The backfield is deep and should be among the best in college football. Improvement on defense was a big reason why coach Joey McGuire's team won the Big 12 and earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Edge-rusher David Bailey and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez top the list of key departures, but similar to the offense, McGuire reloaded this group through the portal to ensure this group remains near the top of the Big 12.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer throws a pass against the Michigan Wolverines in Norman, Oklahoma, on Sept. 6, 2025.BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

10. OklahomaAfter a trip to the College Football Playoff and 10 victories, the hot-seat talk around coach Brent Venables has cooled significantly entering 2026. For the Sooners to take another step forward and go deeper into the playoff, overall improvement is needed for an offense that managed only 4.9 yards a snap in SEC play. Quarterback John Mateer returns, and optimism is high for improvement with experience and talent development along the offensive line. Receiver Isaiah Sategna passed on the NFL for another season in Norman, and Mateer's weapons on the outside improved through the portal. Venables has a few holes to plug up front on a defense that allowed only 15.5 points a contest in '25. However, confidence is high for the Sooners to not miss a beat on this side of the ball.

11. LSUThe address is different, but coach Lane Kiffin's portal success hasn't changed since moving from Ole Miss to Baton Rouge. The Bayou Bengals are poised for a quick turnaround in '26. Transfer Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) is among the SEC's top quarterbacks and should thrive in Kiffin's offense. Help from the portal solidified a thin receiving corps and restocked a defense that allowed only 19.8 points a game under coordinator Blake Baker. The return of linebacker Whit Weeks and tight end Trey'Dez Green was huge for LSU's hopes of a playoff push in Kiffin's first year.

12. MichiganNew coach Kyle Whittingham inherits a talented Michigan roster coming off a nine-win campaign in '25 and one that should have playoff aspirations next season. Rising sophomore Bryce Underwood is just scratching the surface of his potential and should be a good fit for new coordinator Jason Beck's offense. Running back Jordan Marshall (932 yards) returns to anchor the ground attack, while the Wolverines should have one of the top offensive lines in the Big Ten. New defensive signal-caller Jay Hill has holes to fill at every level, but portal additions should provide instant help. If healthy, former Utah lineman John Henry Daley (11 1/2 sacks) will be among the nation's top defenders.

Ole Miss coach Pete Golding watches on the sideline during his team's playoff game against Tulane at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Dec. 20, 2025.Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

13. Ole MissNew coach Pete Golding is already off to a good start with two College Football Playoff victories, and he landed one of the SEC's top transfer classes for 2026. How high the Rebels will climb next season is likely to hinge on whether quarterback Trinidad Chambliss receives an extra year of eligibility. If Chambliss returns, Ole Miss can compete for a SEC title. If Chambliss loses his appeal, Auburn transfer Deuce Knight is set to take over under center. Kewan Lacy returns as one of the nation's top running backs, and new coordinator John David Baker has plenty of pieces to work with up front and in the trenches. Golding's defense suffered a late setback with the departure of linebacker TJ Dottery and edge-rusher Princewill Umanmielen to the portal. The incoming transfer class will help to alleviate those departures, while linebacker Suntarine Perkins is likely among the SEC's top returning defenders.

14. BYUKalani Sitake's team was the biggest threat to Texas Tech in the Big 12 standings last season, and all of the pieces are in place to make another run at the conference title. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is poised to improve after a standout true freshman campaign, and running back LJ Martin passed on the NFL for one more year in Provo. In addition to having a new play-caller (Kelly Poppinga), the Cougars have holes to fill at every level. Linebacker Jack Kelly is a massive loss, but Isaiah Glasker passed on the NFL for another season in Provo to alleviate Kelly's departure at the second level.

15. Alabama
Kalen DeBoer's third team at Alabama will open with more question marks and uncertainty than the previous two squads. Talented redshirt freshman Keelon Russell will battle Austin Mack to replace Ty Simpson under center. The Crimson Tide have plenty of weapons at receiver with Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks back, but DeBoer and coordinator Ryan Grubb must navigate significant turnover in the trenches and find a way to spark a lackluster rushing attack. The turnover up front extends to the defensive line and linebacker unit, but the secondary should be among the best in the SEC.

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava throws a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats in Los Angeles on Nov. 7, 2025.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

16. USCThe Trojans second trip (9-4) through the Big Ten went better than the '24 debut (7-6). With quarterback Jayden Maiava returning, coach Lincoln Riley's team has its sights set on a push to the playoff. Maiava's receiving corps must be restocked with Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane off to the NFL, with Tanook Hines and NC State transfer Terrell Anderson penciled in as the top targets for '26. The ground game behind Waymond Jordan and King Miller is promising, especially with the bulk of the offensive line slated to return. USC still has room to improve on defense after giving up 5.8 yards a play in Big Ten games last year and ranking No. 93 nationally in success rate.

17. Washington
Progress was evident in coach Jedd Fisch's second season in Seattle. After a 6-7 mark in '24, the Huskies jumped to 9-4, with two of the team's defeats coming against playoff teams in Ohio State and Oregon. The development of quarterback Demond Williams (282.8 total yards a game) was instrumental in Washington's uptick in '25. And after some transfer portal drama, Williams is set to return next fall. The junior won't have No. 1 running back Jonah Coleman or receiver Denzel Boston around, as both players are off to the next level. However, the Huskies should improve at the line of scrimmage, and Fisch has capable skill players waiting in the wings. A revamped line and secondary top the list of preseason concerns for defensive coordinator Ryan Walters.

18. UtahMorgan Scalley's tenure started off on the right path with a 44-22 blowout of Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl. The transition from Kyle Whittingham to Scalley won't be without a few speed bumps, but the Utes still have the pieces in place to rank in the top 25. If new play-caller Kevin McGiven can navigate a retooled offensive line, Utah's ground game will have no trouble pounding away at opposing defensive fronts with quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin and running back Wayshawn Parker all returning. Scalley has holes to fill on defense, but his track record suggests the Utes won't take too big of a step back on the stat sheet.

19. Tennessee
Coach Josh Heupel's ability to get the most out of a roster and adapt to its strengths will be tested in '26. With uncertainty surrounding the status of quarterback Joey Aguilar, either true freshman Faizon Brandon or redshirt freshman George MacIntyre is expected to start under center in '26. Helping to ease either young quarterback into the starting role is a solid supporting cast that includes running back DeSean Bishop, receiver Braylon Staley, and rising star tackle David Sanders. Massive change is coming to a defense that surrendered 33.6 points in SEC play last year. Longtime coordinator Jim Knowles was hired to improve this group, and several players (defensive lineman Chaz Coleman, linebacker Amare Campbell, and safety Dejuan Lane) are arriving from the portal from his last stop at Penn State to be instrumental in the turnaround effort.

Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz watches the action during his team's game against the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, Arizona, on Oct. 25, 2025.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

20. Houston
Willie Fritz's ability to turn around programs in short order is already on display in Houston. After a 4-8 record in Fritz's debut in '24, the Cougars were in contention for a spot in the Big 12 title game with a 10-3 mark last year. An offense that averaged 29.1 points a game in '25 should be even more lethal next fall with quarterback Conner Weigman , receiver Amare Thomas, and transfer running back Makhi Hughes (Tulane) leading the way. Fritz's team misses BYU but has to play at Texas Tech and Utah in key Big 12 matchups next season.

21. Penn State
With over 20 players following new coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Happy Valley, the Nittany Lions have a chance for a fast start under the new staff in '26. Included in that haul is quarterback Rocco Becht and defensive stalwarts in linebacker Caleb Bacon and defensive backs Marcus Neal and Jeremiah Cooper . The schedule is favorable with no Ohio State, Indiana, or Oregon on the '26 slate.

22. IowaThe Hawkeyes are losing several key players on both sides of the ball, but coach Kirk Ferentz will reload to keep Iowa near the top of the Big Ten. The offensive line should be the strength of the '26 squad, with running back Kamari Moulton back to lead the ground attack. New quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski is intriguing in coordinator Tim Lester's offense. Restocking the defensive front tops the list of offseason priorities for longtime defensive coordinator Phil Parker.

Louisville Cardinals running back Isaac Brown rushes against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Sept. 7, 2024. Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

23. LouisvilleThe Cardinals scored a massive offseason victory when coach Jeff Brohm convinced running back Isaac Brown to pull his name out of the portal and return to the team for '26. The junior is among the ACC's top returners and will be the focal point of an offense that also features Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz at quarterback. Brohm's defense will look different next fall with coordinator Ron English stepping aside, along with personnel turnover at every level.

24. SMUThe Mustangs are 20-7 since joining the ACC and should push for another trip to the conference title game in '26. Both sides of the ball will require some retooling for coach Rhett Lashlee, but quarterback Kevin Jennings is back as one of the top offensive players in the ACC. SMU also has a standout transfer class on its way to help restock the starting lineup.

25. Boise State
With several of the top contenders from outside the power conferences in transition for '26, Boise State looks like the clear favorite among the Group of Six leagues. The Broncos headline the Pac-12 thanks to the return of quarterback Maddux Madsen and a ground game featuring standout running backs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines. Coach Spencer Danielson's defense must retool up front and in the secondary, but edge-rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan is back to lead the way next fall.

The Next Tier: South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Arizona, Arizona State, Navy, James Madison, Clemson, Illinois, Georgia Tech, Missouri, Vanderbilt , and Florida .

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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