Indiana reigns supreme, but Notre Dame's loaded roster and a vengeful CJ Carr eye the 2026 title. See our preseason Top 25.
The 2025 season has come to a close and the Indiana Hoosiers won the national championship. With the season now in the rearview, even with it being relatively recently, it's time to take a look forward to the 2026 season. Notre Dame will look to become the latest Northern team to win a championship, and they are certainly getting plenty of preseason love.
Irish Breakdown has put together its Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2026 season. You can watch the entire video below, but you can also see the breakdown of my own Top 25.
Here is my personal Way-Too-Early Top 25 ranking for the 2026 season, which is based on where I think teams should be ranked to begin the season based on 2025 results, retention on the roster, retention among coaching staffs, upgrades on the roster and upgrade on the coaching staffs. It is not a prediction of how things will finish, but rather a look at where teams should be viewed when the season starts.
1. INDIANA HOOSIERS
2025 Record: 16-0
Postseason: Beat Alabama (38-3), Oregon (56-22), Miami (27-21) in the College Football Playoff
Indiana has now made the playoff in back-to-back seasons, so this is not a fluke. Indiana is coached extremely well, they have talent and we saw in 2025 that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone and win. The Hoosiers lost plenty of talent, including Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Landing former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover was a great pickup and he'll have plenty of weapons of his own. Indiana had a strong portal class at end, which will help fill the void of standouts Mikhail Kamara and Stephen Daley. I expect Indiana to once again be one of the best "in the trenches" teams in the country. They rank No. 1 because I'm a "You're the champs until someone beats you" guy, but this will still be a very talented team that has a great shot to get back to the playoffs.
2. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
2025 Record: 10-2
Yes, a lot of the talk will be about Notre Dame going on a revenge tour after their playoff snub, but that's not why the Irish are the preseason No. 2 team. This is arguably the most talented roster in college football, and the Irish ended the 2025 season as one of the hottest teams in the country. Quarterback CJ Carr is a top Heisman Trophy contender and despite losing his star running backs, the Irish sophomore has plenty of weapons to throw to, and hand off to. Notre Dame has big time talent returning on all three levels of the defense, and the Irish have impact players on the edge and at linebacker to go with elite corner Leonard Moore and arguably the best returning safety room in the country. At the end of the day, for all the returning talent a Notre Dame title run will come down to how well the offensive line performs. If that unit makes a jump the Irish have a legitimate chance to end their title drought.
3. TEXAS LONGHORNS
2025 Record: 10-3
Postseason: Beat Michigan (41-27) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Texas had a disappointing 2025 season, but the Longhorns still finished 10-3 and won seven of their last eight games. This is a team that made the semi-finals the two previous seasons and the skill talent around quarterback Arch Manning is outstanding. Texas got better at running back thanks to the portal, and adding Auburn transfer Cam Coleman to the roster was a coup. Defensive end Colin Simmons might be the best returning edge in the country and I think the defensive line as a whole should be strong. Rasheem Biles (Pitt) was an excellent portal pickup at linebacker, which helps ease the losses they suffered. The secondary is my biggest concern on defense. On the offensive side of the ball, the skill down is outstanding but the offensive line play absolutely must improve.
4. OREGON DUCKS
2025 Record: 13-2
Postseason: Beat James Madison (51-34), Texas Tech (23-0) and lost to Indiana (56-22) in the College Football Playoff
Oregon was the No. 1 seed in the playoff in 2024 and advanced to the semi-finals in the 2025 playoffs, so will this be the year they take that next step? There is plenty of offensive firepower to make that happen. Quarterback Dante Moore will have one of the best running back/wide receiver groups in the country, especially if Evan Stewart can get back to full strength. Oregon will have to rebuild its offensive line a bit, which is the one big question mark on that side of the ball. There were multiple D-Line departures, but that was all depth players and the returning group is still outstanding. Oregon also has one of the best young secondaries in all of college football, and they added Minnesota safety Koi Perch out of the portal. The Ducks will once again battle for the Big Ten crown and are a legit title contender.
5. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
2025 Record: 12-2
Postseason: Lost to Miami (24-14) in the College Football Playoff
The Buckeye defense carried the team in 2025, and that unit suffered heavy losses from its front seven. How well they fill those holes will determine if the Buckeyes can once again be a title contender or if they take a step back. The good news on defense is that Ohio State returns an extremely talented secondary and there is experience returning on the first two levels. Quarterback Julian Sayin had a very productive first season, but the Ohio State offense never got past 14 points against its three best opponents. The Buckeye offensive line struggled in those games, which limited the impact Sayin, elite receiver Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeye backs in those games. Ohio State returns four starters up front, but everyone not named Austin Siereveld needs to get a lot better. If they do the Buckeyes will be really, really good.
6. GEORGIA BULLDOGS
2025 Record: 12-2
Postseason: Lost to Ole Miss (39-34) in the College Football Playoff
I predicted Georgia would take a step back last season, but once again Kirby Smart led the Bulldogs to their third SEC title in the last four seasons. This roster doesn't knock my socks off in 2026, but Smart has gotten the most out of his team i recent seasons. Georgia needs its offensive line to be more consistent, and if it can the Bulldogs should be able to run the ball more effectively this season. Quarterback Gunner Stockton is a gamer, but Georgia needs its run game to be more effective and take a bit of the offensive burden off his shoulders. The Georgia back seven could be one of the best in the country, but I have questions about the impact talent and depth of the defensive line. Part of me thinks this is the year the Bulldogs take a step back, but I've learned to not bet against Smart.
7. MIAMI HURRICANES
2025 Record: 13-3
Postseason: Beat Texas A&M (10-3), Ohio State (24-14), Ole Miss (31-27) and lost to Indiana (27-21) in the College Football Playoff
Miami finally kicked the door down a bit in Mario Cristobal's attempt to get his alma mater back to the top of the College Football world. The Hurricanes earned three huge playoff wins on their road to the national title game, where they fell by just six to Indiana. Landing Duke quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate combines with the return of elite receiver Malachi Toney and a deep backfield to give the Hurricanes the skill talent it needs to get back to being a high scoring offense. The concern, however, is the offensive line that the offense relied upon so much in 2025 is being completely rebuilt. The same is true on defense, but there is still a lot of talent and getting Damon Wilson (Missouri) out of the portal was huge. Miami's rebuilt lines will determine if they can take the final step and get back on top in 2026.
8. OKLAHOMA SOONERS
2025 Record: 10-3
Postseason: Lost to Alabama (34-24) in the College Football Playoff
I wasn't all that high on Oklahoma last season, and it wasn't a surprise to see them exit the playoff in round one. The good news is Oklahoma returns a lot of talent, added some key portal additions and they should be even more improved in 2026. Getting a second season from John Mateer should be incredibly beneficial, especially if he can stay healthy. Adding Trell Harris (Virginia) and Parker Livingstone (Texas) with returner Isaiah Sategna gives Mateer a lot of impressive weapons. On offense, the key will be the offensive line showing much-needed improvement. Four starters return, and that should help, but that unit truly holds the key. Oklahoma was outstanding on defense in 2025 and they could be even better this season. If the defensive line can properly build around Taylor Wein and David Stone the Sooners will be dangerous this season.
9. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
2025 Record: 12-2
Postseason: Lost to Oregon (23-0) in the College Football Playoff
Texas Tech showed in 2025 that it can build a Big 12 powerhouse through the portal, but now it has to show that it can do it again. Florida State couldn't do that in 2024, but the Red Raiders seem better poised to do that this season. Three returning starting offensive lineman and the return of both Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams should help the run game keep rolling. The wide receiver room has a different look, but TTU upgraded at quarterback by adding Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati. The offense should be able to improve, but there are questions about the defense being able to do that after having to rebuild its line and linebacker group. It will be incredibly hard to replace David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez, but the Red Raiders had yet another successful portal haul in hopes of doing that.
10. BYU COUGARS
2025 Record: 12-2
Postseason: Beat Georgia Tech (25-21) in the Pop Tarts Bowl
Kalani Sitake has things rolling at BYU, who is poised for a third straight 11+ win season. The return of quarterback Bear Backmeier and running back LJ Martin gives BYU the best returning backfield in the Big 12. Returning four starting offensive linemen from last season's team should allow the Cougars to be even better on the ground. Losing wide receivers Chase Roberts and Carsen Ryan is a blow, but landing USC transfer Walker Lyons at tight end could be big for BYU. Seven starters return on defense, but the Cougars had to replace coordinator Jay Hill, who left for Michigan. Special teams coordinator Kelly Poppinga was moved over to replace him. The good news for Poppinga is the front seven should remain strong, and the secondary returns one of the better cornerback tandems in the Big 12.
11. TEXAS A&M AGGIES
2025 Record: 11-2
Postseason: Lost to Miami (10-3) in the College Football Playoff
Mike Elko led Texas A&M to its best season since 2012 and led the Aggies to their first ever College Football Playoff berth. The offseason brought a lot of change, including the departure of both coordinators. Texas A&M also has to completely remake both of its lines. That won't be easy, but the Aggies were able to land four SEC players up front on offense and getting Anto Saka (Northwestern) and CJ Mims (East Carolina) helps the defense. Elko and the Aggies did land back-to-back Top 10 recruiting classes that should be able to help fill those voids as well. On offense, quarterback Marcel Reed and Rueben Owens are potent, and the return of Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman should help keep the big play pass game going. The addition of big bodied wideout Isaiah Horton gives the Aggies something it lacked at the position a season ago.
12. SMU MUSTANGS
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Beat Arizona (24-19) in the Holiday Bowl
The Mustangs had a very odd season in 2025, and being more consistent will be the key for Rhett Lashlee and his squad in 2026. SMU went on the road and whipped Clemson, and two weeks later beat Miami in overtime. The Mustangs also destroyed Louisville (38-6) and beat a good Arizona team in a bowl game. That success was countered with a bad home loss to Baylor and road losses to Cal and Wake Forest. If SMU wins just one of those two conference road games they are playing for the ACC crown for a second straight season. Kevin Jennings returning to his 2024 form at quarterback is crucial. I prediction a breakout season from sophomore receiver Jalen Cooper, and landing Cal transfer Kendrick Raphael at running back gives the offense a hammer. The rebuilt defensive line will determine SMU's ultimate success in 2026.
13. USC TROJANS
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Lost to TCU (30-27) in the Alamo Bowl
Unlike recent seasons, USC had a relatively quiet transfer portal period, and that speaks to the confidence the staff has in what returns. Landing Terrell Anderson from NC State helps overcome some key losses at receiver, but that unit is still a concern and will need the freshman class to help out. But the return of four starting offensive lineman, and the return of King Miller and Waymond Jordan at running back leads me to believe we will see a bit of a change of emphasis for Lincoln Riley. The run game could be what fuels the offense in 2026, which takes pressure off quarterback Jayden Maiava. Gary Patterson arrives as the new defensive coordinator and he'll have an experienced back seven to build around. USC had some key losses up front on defense, but there is a lot of young talent coming back .... and arriving.
14. LSU TIGERS
2025 Record: 7-6
Postseason: Lost to Houston (38-35) in the Texas Bowl
Landing Lane Kiffin should help LSU quickly recover from the dreadful Brian Kelly era. Kiffin completely remade the roster, especially on offense. LSU will have a new quarterback, a brand new receiving corps and the offensive line will also look very different. The good news for LSU is what does return is quite good. Caden Durham and Harlem Berry were wildly misused last season, but that won't be the case with Kiffin, who will recognize he has one of the best backfields in the SEC. Trey'Dez Green is also one of the top tight ends in the league. LSU has a number of talented young defenders to build around and they were able to add some key pieces on all three levels of the defense. From a skill standpoint I have no concerns with LSU, but their lines are another question. If the Tigers can have success up front they can challenge for the SEC crown.
15. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
2025 Record: 11-4
Postseason: Beat Oklahoma (34-24), lost to Indiana (38-3) in the College Football Playoff
Alabama is a very strange team, and this season is incredibly important for Kalen DeBoer. A complete unwillingness to run the ball has been his kryptonite so far in Tuscaloosa, but could that change with a remade offensive line and the arrival of stud freshman running back EJ Crowell? It better, because Alabama cannot ask Keelon Russell or Austin Mack to carry the offense the way it asked Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe to do the last two seasons. I'm not saying this needs to look like an early 2010s Nick Saban led team, but it can't be the "who needs a run game anyway" that we saw the last two seasons under DeBoer. Defensively, the front seven will need to be completely rebuilt outside of Yhonzae Pierre, who is one of the top edge rushers in the SEC. The good news is this should be Alabama's best secondary in several seasons.
16. OLE MISS REBELS
2025 Record: 13-2
Postseason: Beat Tulane (41-10), Georgia (39-34) and lost to Miami (31-27) in the College Football Playoff
This is much lower than where most have Ole Miss, but part of me believes last season's run was a bit of smoke and mirrors. Ole Miss should once again have a high scoring offense thanks to the return of running back Kewan Lacey, wideout Deuce Alexander and the arrival of a pair of talented Syracuse pass catchers. The tackles will be new, but I expect the offense to be dangerous whether it's Trinidad Chambliss or Deuce Knight running the show. Defense will be a whole different issue. Ole Miss had just the 9th ranked scoring defense in the SEC last season, and that unit was ravaged by portal and NFL departures. Just four starters return from a unit that wasn't very good to begin with, and I'm not sure they did enough in the portal to prevent regression.
17. HOUSTON COUGARS
2025 Record: 10-3
Postseason: Beat LSU (38-35) in the Texas Bowl
Hiring Willie Fritz was such a savvy move by the Cougars and last season's 10-3 record is just the beginning. The loss of tight end Tanner Koziol and running back Dean Connors will sting, but the Cougars return plenty of talent and landed quality replacements out of the portal. Fans need to get to know wideout Amare Thomas better, and he's part of a talented group of pass catchers that includes Oregon State transfer Trent Walker. If the remade offensive line holds up the Cougars will be even better on offense this season. Connor Weigman had a quality season at quarterback and the future at the position also arrives this season (Keisean Henderson). Improvement on defense will be the key to Houston contending for the Big 12 crown.
18. LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Beat Toledo (27-22) in the Boca Raton Bowl
Getting Isaac Brown to leave the portal and return to Louisville was huge for Jeff Brohm. Louisville needs to get back to feeding Isaac and Keyjuan Brown the football a lot more than we saw last season. That duo forms one of the best 1-2 returning RB duos in the country. Building around the run game more will also take pressure off first-year starting quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who the Cardinals got from Ohio State. Louisville had to rebuild its receiving corps through the portal, but they hit it big, including landing Vanderbilt speedster Tre Richardson. The linebacker corps should be stout, but the front and back end of the defense will be almost entirely brand new. Brohm has shown he can rebuild through the portal, but this will be a tough test. Getting the new players on the OL and DL to gel will determine if they can contend for the ACC crown.
19. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Lost to Texas (41-27) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
After learning what was going on behind the scenes it actually becomes quite impressive that Michigan was able to win nine games last season. Kyle Whittingham's arrival should stabilize things off the field and allow the on-field performance to improve. Quarterback Bryce Underwood was wildly misused last season and I don't expect Jason Beck to make that same mistake. Underwood has talent around him thanks to the return of RB Jordan Marshall and wideout Andrew Marsh. Expect to see an improved offense in Ann Arbor this season. Michigan lost a ton from its front seven, and it will need young players like Nate Marshall to step up until John Henry Daley can return to full health. Linebacker is also a major question mark, but Michigan returns one of the best cornerback duos in the Big Ten and Rod Moore should be healthier as well.
20. IOWA HAWKEYES
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Beat Vanderbilt (34-27) in the ReliaQuest Bowl
I feel like we can just rinse and repeat the preseason analysis for Iowa. The Hawkeyes return a quality runner in Kamari Moulton, and South Dakota transfer LJ Phillips Jr. put up monster numbers in the FCS last season. The offensive line should remain strong and the tight end position is good. But can the Hawkeyes get enough from the quarterback position and the pass game to truly become Big Ten title contenders? That will remain the biggest question in Iowa City until they actually do it. Iowa suffered heavy losses on defense, but that has never stopped Phil Parker from putting a really, really good defense on the field. Iowa has recruited well for years and has a habit of replacing departed players with someone none of us have heard of, and they don't miss a beat.
21. ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
2025 Record: 8-5
Postseason: Lost to Duke (42-39) in the Sun Bowl
Arizona State had a sneaky good portal session, and that has them in position to once again battle for the Big 12 championship. I still have some questions about Cutter Boley and whether he can consistently repeat what we saw from him against Tennessee, but Kenny Dillingham landed one of the best wide receiver classes in the portal when he landed Reed Harris (Boston College) and Omarion Miller (Colorado). Arizona State should also be much, much better up front. Landing Jalen Thompson (Michigan State) and Emar'rion Winston (Baylor) should help the edge of the defense, and Owen Long will do the same at linebacker. I have more questions about the secondary, which is also being rebuilt by the portal. If Arizona State can improve on defense, especially defending the pass, the Sun Devils could be tough.
22. CLEMSON TIGERS
2025 Record: 7-6
Postseason: Lost to Penn State (22-10) in the Pinstripe Bowl
I have a sneaky feeling the 2026 Clemson squad is going to surprise some people. Quarterback Chris Vizzina takes over, and he was quite impressive in his lone start last season, passing for 317 yards and three touchdowns against SMU. He'll have a much-improved running back room and one of the best receiver rooms in the country to work with. The remade offensive line will be the key for Clemson. The Tigers lost some big names on defense, but there is still plenty of talent, and going into year two of Tom Allen's system should allow the defenders to play smarter and faster. There were way too many breakdowns last season, and that should change some this season. Will Heldt (DE) and Sammy Brown (LB) should be two of the better front seven players in the ACC, but Clemson needs its secondary to make a big jump.
23. ARIZONA WILDCATS
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Lost to SMU (24-19) in the Holiday Bowl
Brent Brennan had quite the turnaround in Tuscon last season, leading the Wildcats to a surprising 9-4 record. Arizona is poised to repeat that success thanks to the return of veteran signal caller Noah Fifita and a quality supporting cast. Arizona will need to find some answers up front after losing three starters, but landing Zachary Henning (Washington) out of the portal should ease some of that sting. The biggest reason for last season's turnaround was the defense, which went from 31.8 points per game allowed in 2024 to 19.3 last season. Arizona returns an outstanding group of linebackers, but rebuilding the secondary will go a very long way towards determining if Arizona can repeat its success from last season. Keep an eye on FCS safety transfer Cam Chapa and Oregon cornerback transfer Daylen Austin.
24. WASHINGTON HUSKIES
2025 Record: 9-4
Postseason: Beat Boise State (38-10) in the LA Bowl
Washington had a bit of an interesting offseason that saw its quarterback - Demond Williams - enter the portal, alienate himself from his teammates, and then return to the team. If he can smooth over some understandable hurt feelings with teammates he should once again be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Williams is a dynamic run-throw quarterback, but he'll be without his top runner and pass catcher this season. Washington showed much-needed improvement on defense, and that will need to continue this season. The good news is Washington returns a lot from that unit, including talented edge rusher Jacob Lane (8.5 TFL last season) and big man Anterio Thompson. The secondary will have to be remade, but Washington had a number of talented young players in the two deep last season who will look to step up in 2026.
25. TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
2025 Record: 8-5
Postseason: Lost to Illinois (30-28) in the Music City Bowl
Tennessee had a disappointing 2025 season, but I expect a bit of a bounce back from Josh Heupel and his staff. Quarterback is a question mark, with Joey Aguilar trying to get an additional season of eligibility. If he doesn't get that the job likely turns to George MacIntyre, who I liked coming out of high school. The good news is if there is a new starter he'll be able to rely on DeSean Bishop and the run game a bit more. Tennessee also returns a talented group of pass catchers and the offensive line should be much improved. Tennessee landed several quality portal pickups in the front seven, which was needed, but convincing Arion Carter to return was huge. If Chaz Coleman (Penn State) can have a breakout sophomore season the defense should be able to get back on track and will have a legit edge rusher, something it lacked in 2025.
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