College Football 2026 Top 25 Rankings after Early Signing Period
Let the wild prognosticating begin.
After all, while we await the championship week fallout to see how the College Football Playoff is going to shake out and take a glimpse at the future of our favorite teams signing on the dotted line in the early signing period, why not look ahead to next year?
Do we know how the only transfer portal window is going to go for everybody? Not even close. Are all the top recruits signed, sealed and delivered yet? Of course not. Have stars with remaining eligibility declared for the NFL draft yet? Nah.
None of that matters. Based on what we know, after the recent flurry of coaching changes and guys still on rosters, let's project who we think will be on which teams next year and who should be ranked in the top 25.
When it comes to predictions, it's no fun if you don't try. Let's take an extremely early look at 2026 as we close the early signing period.
Nos. 25-21
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25. Virginia Tech Hokies
This is one of the wild-card picks, but James Franklin is going to completely flip the roster talent in Blacksburg in an offseason. He's the perfect coach to lead this program, and after an incredible recruiting run placed the left-for-dead Hokies nearly back in the top 30, he's well on his way.
Look for some Penn State players to transfer over, and while we don't know what the roster is going to look like yet, the bet here is it's going to be good enough to make noise in the flimsy ACC.
24. Tennessee Volunteers
It was a bit of a down year for a Tennessee team that had a weak schedule in 2025, but the Vols' roster is loaded for 2026. They do (likely) need to find out who's going to be the quarterback if Joey Aguilar doesn't get another season, but there's a lot to like.
Defensive reinforcements will be on the way, and this is the best recruiting class coach Josh Heupel has signed. There will be big wins but also several losses.
23. SMU Mustangs
Rhett Lashlee isn't going anywhere after signing a long-term contract, and SMU is going to have a chip on its shoulder after choking away an ACC title game berth this year.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings is one of the most explosive playmakers in the league, and RB Chris Johnson Jr. and WR Jordan Hudson are home-run hitters at skill positions. Lashlee really needs to hit the portal hard to improve the No. 84-ranked defense, but SMU has the funds to do it.
22. Auburn Tigers
This may be a bold prediction considering their losing record this season, but with Alex Golesh taking over and DJ Durkin remaining as defensive coordinator, the Tigers could have an explosive offense to go along with Durkin's nasty defense.
There's a quarterback conundrum with Ashton Daniels returning and star freshman Deuce Knight looking for space to shine. Could Byrum Brown follow Golesh to the Plains? Regardless, somebody will be in that spot running a dangerous, up-tempo attack.
21. Boise State Broncos
It's been a difficult, injury-plagued year for coach Spencer Danielson's team a year after making the playoffs, but the Broncos are still in the Mountain West Conference championship game. Expect them to be next year, as well, and to be the G5 playoff representative.
Maddux Madsen, 1,000-yard rusher Dylan Riley and a star-studded defense return for what could be a very stout team.
Nos. 20-16
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20. Arizona Wildcats
After a major disappointment in Brent Brennan's first season in Tucson, Arizona had a strong rebound season this year, and Noah Fifita was sensational again. He's not exactly a top-tier NFL prospect, so you expect him to return next season.
Beyond that, the Wildcats will need playmakers. RBs Kendrick Reescano and Quincy Craig, along with WRs Tre Spivey, Chris Hunter and others will have to go from complementary roles to star roles, and you can bet Brennan will be combing the portal for starters.
19. Miami Hurricanes
The formula for coach Mario Cristobal shouldn't change in 2026. The past two years, the Hurricanes have experienced veteran quarterback success with additions of Cam Ward and Carson Beck. Look for them to do it again next year.
So, while we don't know who will be calling signals for The U, it'll probably be a talented veteran who started (and likely starred) elsewhere. Playmakers like Malachi Toney and a bunch of stars in the secondary return, but replacing starters along both lines of scrimmages won't be easy.
18. Washington Huskies
If Jonah Coleman and Denzel Boston weren't heading for the NFL, the Huskies would be ranked higher here because quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is special. Also, Adam Mohammed should step right in for Coleman and be a 1,000-yard rusher.
U-Dub survived this coaching cycle with Jedd Fisch still in Seattle, which is a big deal considering his name was being mentioned at UCLA, and Florida is his alma mater. They seem right on the cusp of playing in important games again.
17. Missouri Tigers
Eli Drinkwitz signed a long-term contract to come back to Columbia, and the Tigers have their coach for years to come after his name was brought up for the Penn State and Florida jobs.
The Tigers will return the nation's best running back in Ahmad Hardy and dual-threat quarterback Beau Pribula, who battled injuries the second half of the season. The Tigers will have some young talent on defense and could be an SEC sleeper next season.
16. LSU Tigers
No program did less with its talent than LSU in 2025, which is why Brian Kelly got canned. The Bayou Bengals made the biggest coaching hire splash by plucking away Lane Kiffin, and he's going to come into a strong situation in Baton Rouge.
Michael Van Buren is back at quarterback, but Kiffin will be looking for a marquee name and could even see Trinidad Chambliss transfer from Ole Miss. There is talent all over the place on both sides of the ball, and while there were some early signing period hiccups, Kiffin will bring in top-tier portal talent, too.
Look for an immediate improvement. They didn't get Kiffin for a long-term rebuild. The expectation is winning now.
Nos. 15-11
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15. Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels have the roster to be a top-10 or maybe even top-five team, but there's a lot of uncertainty in the post-Lane Kiffin era, including just who will stay and go after the College Football Playoff.
You know Kiffin is going to try to poach the players he recruited, but who will listen? Even if Trinidad Chambliss were to leave for LSU, Austin Simmons is there, too. You have to think the Rebels will pony up for RB Kewan Lacy, and there are strong players on both sides of the ball. But the uncertainty drops them in the rankings.
14. Indiana Hoosiers
One of these days, we're all going to start giving Curt Cignetti his due. He's a remarkable coach, and the Hoosiers have won big since day one that he stepped onto the campus.
But there are a lot of holes that must be filled next season. Stars like Fernando Mendoza, Elijah Sarratt, Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, D'Angelo Ponds, Mikail Kamara, Aiden Fisher and more are likely gone. How do you replace all that?
Cignetti has been a transfer portal master, and he will have the funds to go get some great players. Expect them to be very good again, but can they compete for the title again? That's a tall task.
13. Michigan Wolverines
A lot hinges on whether or not Justice Haynes heads to the NFL. The guess is he'll return to Ann Arbor for another season, giving the Wolverines the best 1-2 punch at the running back position in all of college football alongside Jordan Marshall.
Bryce Underwood had plenty of growing pains in '25, but he'll be much better with a full offseason under his belt, and the Wolverines have quality young talent on both sides of the ball and a rugged defense. This could be a playoff team next year.
12. USC Trojans
One of the most intriguing teams in the nation next year is USC, which will have a ton of talent coming back like quarterback Jayden Maiava, the running back tandem of King Miller and Raymond Jordan and waves of strong, young players on defense.
It's been a true one-year turnaround in L.A., and while star playmaker Makai Lemon almost certainly will leave, coach Lincoln Riley is going to sign the top-ranked recruiting class, and the Trojans have a renewed commitment to thriving in the Big Ten.
This is a team that will be on the cusp of playoff contention next season and may be battling Michigan for the Big Ten's third or fourth spot.
11. Alabama Crimson Tide
There's a lot of smoke around Ty Simpson being one of the top two quarterbacks taken in the NFL draft, but he doesn't really look ready for that. If he comes back to Tuscaloosa (doubtful), Alabama will be national title contenders.
If he doesn't, look for Keelon Russell to display his explosive skills, and there is no shortage of top-tier players on both sides of the ball for coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide. With Germie Bernard, Jam Miller and other seniors departing, they'll need stars to step up and for Ryan Williams to be consistent. But UA has a lot of weaponry.
10. BYU Cougars
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Bear Bachmeier proved throughout his freshman season that he's a battering ram and a competitor. Most importantly, he showed he's a winner.
Now, as the Cougars will play for the Big 12 title needing to win to get into the College Football Playoff, Bachmeier has a shot to begin what could be a memorable career.
Next season, he'll need some help. Star running back LJ Martin went through Senior Day festivities, so he may not return, though you'd better believe Kalani Sitake will try to recruit him. Losing Chase Roberts and Carsen Ryan will be tough, but Parker Kingston is likely back, giving Bachmeier his leading receiver.
Jack Kelly, Tanner Wall, Logan Lutui and others depart from the defense, but the Cougars have a lot coming back. Keanu Tanuvasa and Isaiah Glasker were underclassmen who also went through Senior Day, but they could return, too.
Regardless, Sitake returned to BYU after courtship from Penn State with a renewed commitment to the transfer portal and an open checkbook to try to win a championship. It's going to be interesting to see what they do to supplement the roster.
9. Oklahoma Sooners
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After a one-season acclimation period as they matriculated to the SEC, the Oklahoma Sooners returned to powerhouse status this year, making it to the College Football Playoff.
With John Mateer likely back next season, the Sooners return their leader who will hopefully have a healthier campaign as a senior. Even so, he's going to have to get better passing the football, and he needs more impact weaponry around him.
That's certainly going to be Priority No. 1 for coach Brent Venables this transfer portal season, but the Sooners have a lot of capital to throw around at players to supplement their team, and Norman has been an attractive place for players wanting to win.
When you factor in the elite defense OU is trotting out there every Saturday—which is a trait of the rugged Venables—it's hard to believe Sooners fans wanted this coaching regime gone just a year ago.
It appears Oklahoma is back to stay.
8. Utah Utes
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The State newspaper's Ben Breiner mentioned Jason Beck as an offensive coordinator candidate for South Carolina next year, and coach Kyle Whittingham needs to do everything in his power to keep that from happening.
Beck could bring back veteran quarterback Devon Dampier and star freshman Byrd Ficklin next year, giving the Utes an electric 1-2 punch behind center. When you factor in running back Wayshawn Parker returning, they could be the Big 12 favorite.
At the very least, the Utes will be up there with Texas Tech and BYU.
This team has quality offensive linemen, a bunch of good, young defenders with most of the production set to return next season, and a lot of strong pieces to a 10-win team from this year. Throw in some exciting, young players from the incoming recruiting class, and Whittingham looks to have a very good team in '26.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders
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With the resources coach Joey McGuire has at his disposal in Lubbock, the Texas Tech Red Raiders should be poised to spend big again in the transfer portal this offseason. But they've already got a lot of weapons returning.
Guys like the running back tandem of Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams could have huge years, and they'll need it with quarterback Behren Morton off to the NFL. Will the signal-caller be Will Hammond or a portal pledge? That's the big question, but players are paying attention to Tech.
There are also potentially elite players coming in like 5-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo and 5-star edge LaDamion Guyton, so there is a major talent infusion coming, too.
Defense is going to need a bit of an overhaul with star leaders like Jacob Rodriguez, David Bailey, Romeo Height and others gone, but McGuire has proven his recruiting acumen, and the Red Raiders have shown they have a winning formula when it comes to finding portal fits.
Look for them to maintain an upward trajectory.
6. Texas A&M Aggies
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It's been a magical run for the Aggies this year, and though they lost to rival Texas this past weekend, it's one that will wind up in the playoffs.
Next year could be even better as virtually all the offensive playmakers return for Texas A&M if junior KC Concepcion elects to come back to College Station rather than bypass his senior year and head to the NFL.
Guys like Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Terry Bussey, Rueben Owens II, Le'Veon Moss and others could return to outfit the roster around explosive quarterback Marcel Reed. With the way Mike Elko has recruited on the defensive side of the ball, there are going to be tons of players on that side, too.
A&M isn't going anywhere. As a matter of fact, next year's team could wind up being even better and more seasoned than this year's with some portal hits, and you know the Aggies are going to have money to spend.
There could be a championship on the horizon.
5. Georgia Bulldogs
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Even though they weren't their usual, dominant selves in 2025, coach Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs are here, with just one loss and ready to play in the SEC championship game to avenge it against Alabama.
They've also improved as the year has progressed.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton simply doesn't make mistakes—a la Stetson Bennett—and he'll be back next year along with a lot of the young stars on both sides of the ball.
A deep running back stable led by Nate Frazier, several young receivers who will have to step into larger roles with the departure of Colbie Young and (likely) Zachariah Branch and an embarrassment of riches at receiver and along the offensive front will be nice assets.
On defense, nobody recruits that side of the ball like Smart, and there are rising stars all over the place.
This felt like the year where UGA was a bit vulnerable, and teams should have gotten to the Dawgs, but only the Crimson Tide did. They could be gearing up for a title run this season in a bit of coming-from-nowhere campaign, then next season, watch out.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Two things are certain looking ahead to Notre Dame's 2026 season: No. 1, it's going to be next-to-impossible for them to replicate the dynamic duo at running back of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price (if the latter goes pro). Secondly, coach Marcus Freeman has built the roster to make up for the production by committee.
Stacking elite classes is beginning to show on the football field, and now the Irish have a home-grown quarterback in CJ Carr who was a star as a redshirt freshman this year.
They've simply pummeled everybody since starting the season 0-2, and even though they'll likely lose their running back centerpieces, there are playmakers everywhere. It's also an underrated storyline that while leading receiver Jordan Faison has remaining eligibility, the Irish have played virtually the entire year without Jaden Greathouse, who could return and star his senior year.
Defensively, the Irish have so much talent and experience coming back. Nine of Notre Dame's top 10 tacklers have eligibility remaining, and there are stars everywhere like Drayk Bowen (if he returns), Adon Shuler, Tae Johnson and Leonard Moore.
We may be underrating the Irish.
3. Texas Longhorns
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Yes, I'm falling for it again.
Texas was the preseason No. 1-ranked team, and while they didn't live up to those expectations with three losses, they're still uber-talented. No, they aren't making the playoffs, but you wouldn't want to play them right now, would you?
This ranking is contingent on Arch Manning returning, which he'd seemed poise to do until a resurgent late season. Still, he certainly could use more seasoning before heading to the pros, though his tantalizing ability would make him a first-round pick if he chooses to leave.
In this scenario, he stays, and Texas has a lot of the building blocks around him grow up and become superstars like Ryan Wingo, Quintrevion Wisney, CJ Baxter, DeAndre Moore Jr., Parker Livingstone, Emmett Mosley V and others.
While losing Anthony Hill Jr. (theoretically if he heads to the NFL) and Michael Taafe will be huge, Texas is loaded on defense with stars like Colin Simmons and Lion Lefau. They aren't going anywhere on that side of the ball.
You can bet Steve Sarkisian will supplement his roster with transfer portal stars, and there are lots of talented underclassmen ready to step into larger roles. This has the makeup of a title contender.
2. Oregon Ducks
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Dante Moore was rumored to be staying at Oregon for another season, at least before Will Stein was plucked by Kentucky to be its next head coach.
Now, the uncertainty around the offensive coordinator job could throw a wrench into things, according to ScoopDuck's Nathan Bishop.
If Moore stays, that's gargantuan news for a loaded Ducks team that will have playmakers like Dakorien Moore, Jeremiah McClellan, Kyler Kasper, Cooper Perry and potentially even Evan Stewart, who has spent this season hurt.
There are just waves of talented players on defense, and Dan Lanning is always going to have dudes on that side of the ball, but there are some major question marks.
The biggest of those, of course, is who is going to replace Stein and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, who is heading to California to be the head coach of the Bears? It's not every year that a title contender has to replace both coordinators.
Even so, Lanning has done that before already, and he's found success. Talent cures all ills, and he has shown in his brief tenure he has the magic touch for finding great fits in the coaching ranks.
If everything falls into place with the coordinator hires, 2026 could be special.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
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If you're bored with Ohio State, well, guess what? The Buckeyes aren't going anywhere from their perch at the top. They won the national title last year, are the favorites again heading into the College Football Playoff, and there's no reason to think they'll fall off.
Coach Ryan Day broke the Michigan hex this year, and the sky is still the limit.
They'll have to replace famed assistant Brian Hartline, who is heading to South Florida to be the head coach, but Ohio State is still loaded.
Julian Sayin is just a redshirt freshman this year and already one of the top two or three Heisman Trophy contenders. He'll at least have all-world pass-catcher Jeremiah Smith to throw to next year, and Carnell Tate has remaining eligibility, too. Even if he goes, Brandon Inniss and others will step up.
At running back, freshman Bo Jackson emerged as a first-year star, and there is just so much talent on both sides of the ball.
Matt Patricia will lose a lot on defense, but the Buckeyes tend to reload on that side of the ball, and there are elite players at every level.
This is a true powerhouse that looks like it could soar toward a dynasty.
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