One Word for Every Top 25 College Football Team's Offseason So Far
The halfway mark of the offseason has passed, and the countdown to kickoff for the 2026 college football campaign has dipped below 100 days.
We're not quite almost there.
But we are getting closer.
Throughout the relative calm of these last four months, however, every program has stayed busy. Between spring practice and the nonstop chaos of recruiting, there are newsworthy items in addition to overall takeaways around the nation.
In this update, we're checking in with Top 25 teamsโbased on Bleacher Report's most recent rankingโand relaying a notable development for each one.
25-21. Louisville, Tennessee, Iowa, Houston, Missouri
1 of 5
25. Louisville Cardinals: Hopeful
Progress made in the spring is essential to what happens during the fall, but games are never decided now. So, hype is simply that. Nevertheless, the prized addition of Louisville's offseason was quarterback Lincoln Kienholzโa transfer from Ohio Stateโand all indications are he matched expectations this spring.
24. Tennessee Volunteers: Patient, Part I
Will the next quarterback be George MacIntyre or Faizon Brandon? That's been the prevailing question all offseason, and Tennessee isn't rushing to provide an answer. The competition is lingering into fall camp, as most anticipated.
23. Iowa Hawkeyes: Patient, Part II
It's a similar story at Iowa, which is working through its own QB competition. Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown are the options for the Hawkeyes, who would be thrilled to find a multi-year starter in this battle. The offense essentially is changing hands for the fourth straight season.
22. Houston Cougars: Sturdy
Willie Fritz has proved he can build a program, and Houston is positioned to make a competitive leap in 2026. One integral piece of that potential success is a rebuilt offensive line that seemingly settled in the spring. Three transfersโDrew Terrill, Anthony Boswell and Shadre Hurstโare trending to join 2025 transfers McKenzie Angelo and Alvin Ebosele as the starters up front.
21. Missouri Tigers: Sincere
It almost feels disrespectful to need a single word here. The point is that Missouri has a very serious matter. Earlier in May, star running back Ahmad Hardy suffered a gun shot to the leg while attending a concert. "We're a long away [sic] from knowing what the football side of it will be," Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz said recently, "but from an overall health, he'll be just fine."
20-16. Washington, Penn State, SMU, USC, BYU
2 of 5
20. Washington Huskies: Fresh
More specifically, freshmen! Kodi Greene, a 5-star signee in the recent cycle, has become a potential Day 1 starter at left tackle as hoped. But the Dawgs also saw redshirt freshman Champ Taulealea emerge as the favorite at right guard following a pair of injuries to brothers Geirean and Landen Hatchett.
19. Penn State Nittany Lions: Busy
The transition to Matt Campbell is far from complete. We could mention an ongoing position battle, talk about 20 new commitments in the 2027 recruiting class or any number of other items. The point is simple: Penn State is dealing with a lot.
18. SMU Mustangs: Unassuming
And that's likely the way Rhett Lashlee wants it, honestly. Unless you're an SMU fan, you probably haven't heard much about the Mustangs. However, they've been a strong contender for an ACC title in both seasons as a member of the conference and look built for another run in 2026.
17. USC Trojans: Anticipated
When the program swiped Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma in late 2021, USC fans expected greatness. So far, that hasn't happened. But there's no question this offseason has stirred up hope, considering USC has landed 13 commitments for a top-10 recruiting class led by 5-star athlete Honor Fa'alave-Johnson.
16. BYU Cougars: Intriguing
BYU's pass-catching group will be overhauled compared to 2025. It appears the concerns about the receiving corps may be mitigated, at least in part, by tight end transfers Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga. The offense might have a heavier look in 2026.
15-11. Utah, Michigan, LSU, Texas Tech, Ole Miss
3 of 5
15. Utah Utes: Change
Forced out or not, Kyle Whittingham departed for Michigan and left a wake of change at Utah. That certainly applies to a new-look coaching staff, but a completely rebuilt offensive line and overhauled defense will shape Utah's upside in 2026.
14. Michigan Wolverines: Relieving
Sherrone Moore's tenure ended in ugly fashion, and Whittinghamโwhile an accomplished coachโbrought some uncertainty. How quickly could he make his mark in Ann Arbor? Well, snagging 10 commitments from 4-star prospects during an eight-week window is rather encouraging.
13. LSU Tigers: Hectic
The moment LSU hired Lane Kiffin, no program could possibly invite a more chaotic offseason. The madness of the last few monthsโtransfers, recruiting and coaching changes, even to the point of bringing back Ed Orgeron as a special assistantโwas fully expected. Soon enough, we'll see if Kiffin can thrive in Year 1.
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Concerning
Right now, the biggest story in college football is the investigation into the extent and specifics of Brendan Sorsby's gambling history. As of this writing, the NCAA has ruled him permanently ineligible. If an appeal is unsuccessful, Texas Tech will be moving on from its star QB transfer.
11. Ole Miss Rebels: Promising
On the other hand, Ole Miss received great news on Trinidad Chambliss. The breakout QB landed an extra year of eligibility and solidified the Rebels as a threat to make the College Football Playoff. Without him, it would've been a tough sell.
10-6. Alabama, Oklahoma, Miami, Texas A&M, Oregon
4 of 5
10. Alabama Crimson Tide: Waiting
As with Tennessee, Iowa and others, the main story is a delayed one. All of the technological ink spilled about Alabama's hope of a resurgent year is contingent on the quarterback battle between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. The competition will not be settled until fall camp.
9. Oklahoma Sooners: Consequential
Although the case remains in court due to an NCAA appeal, linebacker Owen Heinecke has been granted an extra year of eligibility. He finished second on the team in both tackles (74) and stops for loss (12) last season. Oklahoma is eagerly, and perhaps nervously, awaiting a final ruling.
8. Miami Hurricanes: Building
On the heels of a national runner-up finish, Miami has continued its elite recruiting. This offseason alone, the 'Canes have pulled in 5-star commitments from quarterback Israel Abrams, wide receiver Nick Lennear and cornerback Donte Wrightโeven flipping him from Georgia.
7. Texas A&M Aggies: Flashy
Miami hasn't missed on many top targets, but 5-star offensive lineman Mark Matthews picked Texas A&M. He's part of the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, one boasting a handful of 5-stars. Shortly before Matthews' pledge, the Aggies also added in-state 5-star blocker Kennedy Brown.
6. Oregon Ducks: Bulky
Rounding out the recruiting trend is Oregon, which has three 4-star commitments on both the offensive and defensive lines. Five of those verbals have happened this offseason, highlighted by 61st-ranked edge-rusher Rashad Streets.
5-1. Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana, Georgia, Ohio State
5 of 5
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Confident
Between head coach Marcus Freeman, quarterback CJ Carr and an elite secondary, the Fighting Irish have a foundation for excellence in 2026. Factor in a third-ranked recruiting class, and the future looks even brighter, too. There's no shortage of belief in South Bend despite last season's disappointing end.
4. Texas Longhorns: Quieter
What a pleasant change, I would imagine. A year ago, the college football worldโmyself includedโcould hardly stop talking about Arch Manning and the Longhorns. And, hey, Texas seemed like a major championship threat. While the hype has returned, it's not at an overwhelming, obtrusive volume.
3. Indiana Hoosiers: Anxious
The reigning champions want to prove it again, undoubtedly. In a micro sense, though, the Hoosiers weren't particularly close to full strength this spring. Five expected starters, including left tackle Carter Smith and wide receiver Charlie Becker, did not participate or were limited. Indiana is eager for them to return.
2. Georgia Bulldogs: Progress
Entering the offseason, the primary issue on Georgia's roster is who would emerge as reliable pass-catchers for Gunner Stockton. The jury is still out on UGA's receiving corps, but praise has poured in for the tight ends. While not a total solution to the concern, that's a valuable step in the right direction.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes: Ordinary
Ho-hum, Ohio State is projected to open the season as the No. 1 team in the country, then contend for a Big Ten crown and CFP appearance. You know, business as usual in Columbus. The staff hasn't won a bunch of major recruiting battles this offseason, yet early commits make up a bulk of the ninth-ranked haul. Stay healthy, get to the opener, make a run for a championship. Again.
.png?w=600 "Soto Does Brunson's Celly")
.jpg?w=600 "AEW Dynamite, Collision Results ๐")
.jpg?w=600 "Alvin Kamara Trade Landing Spots")
.jpg?w=600 "Seahawks Trade for Jets WR")