2026 College Football Forecast Top 35

1. Notre Dame – The Irish were one of the hottest teams in the country over the and half of the season, and if it wasn’t for the two close losses early on, not only would have made the playoffs, but could have easily made a deep run. Much of that core returns and is singularly focused after missing the playoffs in the stunning final reveal. QB CJ Carr, a top 5 QB in the nation, is back, along with his leading receiver Jordan Faison. No RB will be a direct replacement for Jeremiah Love (#3 pick in the NFL Draft!) but HC Marcus Freeman expects a RB committee to be sufficient. Players responsible for over 40 of 60 o-Line starts return and will be dominant again. The Chris Ash defense returns 14 of the 20 players that saw at least 200 starts, and added 4 top transfers to fill in any holes. The schedule is very manageable with only 3 teams in the SP+ preseason top 50; the two biggest games are at BYU in October and hosting Miami in November. The Irish should not leave it up to the committee to put them in this year, and are one of the top contenders to win it all.
2. Ohio State – The Buckeyes made an excellent attempt at defending their national title, with an undefeated regular season, a 3 pt loss to ultimately national champs Indiana, and were knocked out of the playoffs by runner up Miami. Ohio State is the first team in history with 7+ players drafted in the first 2 rounds in consecutive drafts. You wouldn’t know it on offense as a team doesn’t get much more loaded than Ohio State this year, with Julian Saying back at QB (3600 yards/32 TDs) as a first time starter. the top WR in the country in Jeremiah Smith and breaks out star RB Bo Jackson (not that Bo Jackson, he’s like 60!) New DC Matt Patricia was a mastermind and Ohio State led the nation in scoring defense, but has a lot of holes to fill for this season. Fortunately, he also has a cupboard full of elite recruits and added 6 Power 4 starters on defense. Ohio State does though face a very difficult schedule – games at Texas, Iowa, Indiana and USC, plus get Michigan and Oregon at home.
3. Georgia remains one of the elite programs in the country but has not been able to get back to the national title game since winning it all in 2022 and has actually not won a playoff game since then. But HC Kirby Smart was able to still win the SEC last season with the 2nd youngest team in the conference. QB Gunner Stockton, who threw for 24 TDs (to only 5 INTS) and rushed for another 10 TDs on the ground, will enter the 26 season with a lot of experience and will be helped with the return of both RBs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens. The receiver group is the biggest question but the addition of Isiah Canion from GA Tech should help; otherwise HC Smart will rely on their talent accumulated through recruiting. The defense was very young last season, but was still solid and returns 8 starters and the majority of the two deep. The 9 game SEC schedule isn’t easy, but is manageable; Dawgs do not face Texas, A&M, or LSU and get OU at home. Biggest road tests are Ole Miss and Bama (first road game vs ranked team is Oct 10 at Bama). No notable OOC games until the finale against rival Tech.
4. Oregon -HC Dan Lansing got the news he was hoping for when star QB Dante Moore said he was returning to Eugene in spite of likely being a top 3 pick draft choice (thank you uncle Knight!). The Ducks have had great regular seasons the last two years, then ran into the buzzsaw of the eventual national champs in the playoffs both years. With WRs Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan returning, the Ducks will rival the Buckeyes for offense D coaches most don’t want to defend against. The entire starting 5 oline were all Big Ten, but only two return. Lanning did not need the portal for the backfill and will rely on the 3rd straight top 5 recruiting classes for talent. The defense is loaded with all conference players and 8 starters return. Oregon is very much a title contender – the one question is that Lanning lost both of his coordinators and promoted from within. This is common when a program gets elite and a few coaches like Saban and Smart have handled it well, but an unknown early in Lanning’s career.
5. Texas – so the most scrutinized QB in college football history did not win the first of his 5 Heismans or lead Texas to the national title (or even the playoffs). But after some stumbles early, especially a bad loss to 4-8 Florida team, a funny thing happened on the way to a disappointing season – the Horns and Manning played very well. Manning led the nation in QBR from November 1 on, and Texas ended the season on a huge high note, knocking off previously undefeated rival A&M and beating a dysfunctional Michigan team in the bowl. Maybe the hype of Manning and Texas were justified, but just a year early. The reputation that Texas has unlimited funds for football is alive and well as the Horns brought in the top WR in the county in Cam Cameron from Auburn and one of if not the top RB in Hollywood Smothers from NC State. A top o-lineman Melvin Sinai (from Wake) was also added through the portal to put Manning in the best possible position for elite success in ’26. HC Steve Sarkisian made a change on defense and brought in long time DC Will Muschamp (who had a top ten defense each year he was DC at Texas 08-10). The defense has a few holes to fill but returns some of their stars like All SEC Edge Collin Simmons and brings in LB Rashan Biles and his 3 pick sixes over the past 2 years from the portal (Pitt) . The schedule includes the return matchup with Ohio State early, but this time in Austin. In the SEC, UT gets OU as usual, does not play Alabama or Georgia, but must travel to Ole Miss, LSU and Texas A&M. UT is in the top 5 in high school recruiting avg and had a top 5 transfer portal haul, so expectations are deservedly high in 26.
6. Indiana – what do you do after the greatest turn around not just in college football but in the modern history of all sports if your Indiana HC Curt Cignetti? You use the same method to try to repeat! Indiana loses a lot of its start power from the national championship team, especially at QB and WR, but Cignetti and staff were busy in the portal. First, they snagged one of the most sought after QBs in the portal in Josh Hoover from TCU, then added Nick Marsh, WR (Michigan State) and RB Turbo Richard (BC). They will operate behind one of the top olines in the country as 4 starters return. 9 of their defenders were all Big Ten and 6 of them return for DC Bryant Haines, the Broyles Award winner last year. As per usual, the Hoosiers are not challenging themselves in the OOC schedule; but in the Big Ten, get Ohio State at home and go to Michigan, USC and Washington. This team looks a little less explosive on offense, but I’m certainly giving Cignetti the benefit of the doubt.
7. Miami – the Canes almost blew it again, with a very talented team that lost at home to Louisville (that finished unranked) and SMU )who lost to Baylor and TCU), losses that appeared to keep Miami out of the playoffs. But at the last second (literally) the playoff committee decided the early win over Notre Dame was actually a factor, and the Canes snuck in as the last open seed. The talent did show up though as a deep run in the playoffs ended in a close loss in an exciting national championship game. Is Miami back? Well, they are certainly continuing with the strategy to pay through the nose for the best QB they can get in transfer portal, ignoring minor details like the QB they target has a deal already and is not in the portal. Details aside, Miami got one other top portal QBs again, this time Mensah from Duke; adding him to WR Malachi Toney and RB Mark FLetcher should give the Cane’s an unstoppable offense. There is rebuilding on Miami’s dominant D line, with the likes of Edge Reuben Bain and others off to the NFL. But reinforcements are on their way from the portal. The ACC schedule (does it even matter for Miami) does include a trip to Clemson (far less scary than in the past) but the two teams Miami lost to (SMU and Louisville, drop off). The entire season comes down to the revenge game vs the Irish in South Bend in early November. This talent with this schedule is a virtual lock to make the playoffs, assuming not too many brain farts from HC Cristobal (where they’re won’t be enough good wins to overcome any bad losses).
8. Texas Tech – the Red Raiders are another example of spending money in the NIL lifting a perennial also ran to a playoff team. But HC Joey McGuire, the famous Texas high school coach, has spent that money wisely. The big portal addition at QB went famously awry when QB Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati admitted to frequent grambling on games including his own; and after a big fight from Tech that should have embarrassed everyone at the university, he is not playing college football. The leaves last years backup, Will Hammond who is recovering from ACL surgery. He is expected back by the season opener is a good runner. Tech’s top two RB’s Cameron Dickey (1000 yards in ’25) and J’Koby Williams both return. Only 1 of the top WR’s are back, but McGuire brought in replacements from the portal. 3 starters are back from the o-line. Tech had a dominant front 7 on defense last year, highlighted by LB Jacob Rodriguez finishing 5th in the Heisman. 5 of the 7 were drafted, and again replacements from the portal, including a 4* from Wake and two all conference players from G6 programs. The defense will likely not be as dominant as last years, but Tech has signed 13 4* transfers – the rest of the Big 12 has signed 12 combined (15 schools!). Tech doesn’t play BYU or Utah in the regular season and is the big favorite in the conference.
9. LSU – so the big splash hire of Brian Kelly was not able to bring a national championship to the LSU family, and after a curb stomping at the hand of Texas a&M, Kelly was fired. LSU was able to get Lane Kiffin to leave Ole Miss during a playoff run to come to Baton Rouge. Whatever you think of Kiffin personally, there’s no doubt he can coach on the field. A big part of his success is what’s he’s continued to do in the portal,and his start at LSU exemplifies that. The Tigers brought in the top transfer portal class with experienced starters in quarterback Sam Leavitt, offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen, wide receiver Eugene Wilson, linebacker TJ Dottery and safety Ty Benefield, to name a few. Kiffin was also able to retain some of his top talent already on campus, including All-SEC linebacker White Weeks and tight end Trey’Dez Green. The schedule begins with a marquee OOC opponent, but a Clemson squad that is a shell of its former self. The game of the century follows just two weeks later as LSU goes to Ole Miss, now with Enemy #1 in Oxford. The Tigers draw, A&M, Texas and Alabama but all at home. I don’t expect a run to the national championship in year 1, but with the money spent on talent retention and aquision, it will be a disappointment if the Tigers do not make the playoffs.
10. Oklahoma – The Sooners had a great start to the 25 season, including a big OOC win vs Michigan, but QB John Mateer went down with a hand injury. OU was routed by Texas without Mateer. Mateer did return but he was never 100% healthy and the offense struggled. The defense forced a huge number of turnovers and that allowed OU to keep winning games. In years past a team struggling because thier QB was injured would be left out of the playoffs, but OU managed to get in anyway, although it ended quickly. The hope for 26 is that Mateer is back healthy and with a more experienced o-line can stay that way. The defense may not be as dominant, but HC Brent Veneables certainly knows what he’s doing on D. The schedule is again very tough with a big OOC game vs Michigan in the Big House, and SEC games vs UGA, Texas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. While the offense should be better than the end of 25, I don’t think they’ll be able to count on forcing turnovers to win games.
11. BYU – an excellent 2025 season (going 12-2) with the only setback two non competitive losses to Texas Tech, one in the regular season and one in the conference championship game. QB Bear Bachmeirer had a great fr season and should be been better with another full year of starting and practice under his belt.. HC Sitake also gets back his star RB (1300 yards rushing in 25) and has a veteran o-line. BYU lost their DC to Michigan (when Utah HC Wihittingham got the job) but did not lose any starters to the portal. 6 all conference defenders return and they added the top LB in the transfer portal in Cade Uluave, all ACC at Cal. BYU has a marquee home OOC game vs Notre Dame; and in the big 12, The Cougs do have to go to Utah and TCU, but don’t play Texas Tech in the regular season. A likely matchup with Texas Tech in the Big 12 conference championship game would give BYU a chance at revenge and a spot in the playoffs.
12. Ole Miss – a thrilling, heart breaking, infuriating and every other word you can think of of to describe the end of the Rebels season. A great regular season with the only oss a close on e at Georgia. The playoff run features a win over that same UGA team to get revenge then an almost making the national title game. But the rival win over Miss State and the playoff run all took a back seat to the drama surrounding HC Lane Kiffin abandoning the team during a playoff run to take the LSU HC job . Ole Miss quickly named DC Pete Golding (who had come to Oxford from Bama a few years ago) has permanent coach which did stabilize things. Golding did a great job in the playoffs, and got a favorable court ruling to get an extra year of eligibility for QB Trinidad Chamblis .This puts Ole Miss in position for a run at another playoff position. Golding did lose a few starters that Kiffin took with him to LSU, but brought in some of his own through the portal. The schedule opens with an interesting OOC game vs Louisville, but the Cards are rebuilding with an inexperienced QB. The game highlighted in every color possible is the early home game vs LSU and Kiffin (might be an unpleasant atmosphere for LSU), then UGA at home and OU and Texas on the road. The big question is how much does the offense miss Kiffin and OC Charlie Weiss Jr.
13. Texas A&M – The Aggies parlayed a manageable SEC schedule and playmakers on both sides of the ball to start 11-0, but the offense struggled in the final two games losses to UT and Miami (in the playoffs). Hope is generated by QB Marcell Reed focusing on his goals of being more consistent, helped by the return of WR Mario Craver and the arrival of WR Isaiah Horton from Alabama. Both lines have holes to fill, and HC Mike Elko used the portal effectively to rebuild, including on the o-line with the OTs from Alabama (Wilkin Formby) and LSU (Tyree Adams) and on defense with d-linemen from Northwestern and Illinois, and DBs Rickey Gibson (Tenn) and Tawfiq Byard (Colo). Overall, A&M had their school record of drafted players but backfilled with a top 10 transfer class. Other key changes include two new coordinators as OC Collin Klein took the HC job at his alma mater K State and DC Jay Batemen left for Kentucky. Both coordinators were replaced from within. The schedule is harder in 26, with an improving LSU, OU and Bama on the road, and Texas at home. A&M will very much be in the playoff hunt, but I think the inconsistency and more difficult schedule will leave them just on the outside looking in.
14. USC – :HC Lincoln Riley finished with the #1 high school recruiting class in the country but will that be enough to pull the program out of the recent doldrums? The teams best year was his first and the on field performance has declined since then. Optimism abounds though in the land of Troy as starting QB Jayden Maiava, RBs King Miller and Waymond Jordan, and his entire o-line returns for ’26. Star WR Makai Lemon was a 1st round draft pick. but the pickup of WR Terrell Anderson from NC State will help fill the opening. The defense will need a rebuild but old hand Gary Patterson as DC, and several reinforcements from the portal to do so. The OOC schedule now does not include Notre Dame as the Trojans backed out of the series and replaced the Irish with San Jose. The BIg Ten schedule though does include Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon and Indiana.
15. Alabama – the Tide limped to the finish line, with a home loss to OU, squeaking by 5-7 AU then getting their doors blown off by UGA IN the SECCG.But with a record of 10-2 in the regular season, including a win at UGA, they made the playoffs. The playoff stay was short lived as the TIde was physically demolished in a fashion not seen since before the Saban era. Ty SImpson is off to the NFL and HC Kalen DeBoor opted not to bring in an experienced transfer, so the QB competition is between Jr Austin Mack and 5* Keelon Russell. WR Ryan Williams does return but The Tide missed out on RB Hollywood Smothers that went to Texas. and 20 players left through the transfer portal. The defense has less questions with 4 starters from the SEC’s top pass defense coming back and 3 DL came in from P4 schools through the portal. Bama getsUGA at home and goes to A&M and LSU; but does not face Texas or Oklahoma.
16. Washington – a drama filled offseason when Husky QB Desmond Williams stunned the program by announcing he was in the portal a few days after he signed a NIL deal committing him to Washington. Williams quickly realized the contract he signed would limit his opportunities, he fairly quickly reversed course and will be with the team. We’ll see whether there is any lasting bad blood, but Williams (3000 yds passing, 600 yds rushing 31 total TDs) is a key to the Huskies getting back to the level they were at under now Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer. HC Jedd Fisch brought in former Oregon RB Jayden LImar to replace lost RB Adam Mohamed who transferred out. Fisch brought in a top 10 recruiting class to supplement what he’s bringing back. Big Ten schedule is challenging with Indiana and Penn State at home and Oregon and USC on the road.
17. Michigan – complete chaos in the Michigan athletic dept to end the 25 season, with HC Sherone Moore fired, then arrested, then questions arising around who knew what when regarding his affair with a staffer. Out of the smoldering ruins came a surprisingly good hire when suddenly long time successful Utah HC Kyle Witthingham become available. Whittingham is known for doing more with less at Utah and will have more to use at Michigan. Whittingham is a great stabilizing hire and should pay dividends right away. Whittingham brought with him his respected OC Beck tha their goal is to get more out of former 5* QB Bryce Underwood after disappointing fr season – 11 TDs/9 INts. However, the spring game results were ugly (Underwood 3 for 9, 27 yards) so his improvement for ’26 is not a given. The schedule is very challenging with the OU OOC game at home, and all the big boys of the Big Ten – Oregon, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa on the docket. Willingham was as good a hire as they could have made but I think the schedule still holds back the record a bit.
18. Houston is.a dark horse candidate to make the Big 12 Championship Game after HC Willie Fritz led the Cougs to 10 wins in his second season. Houston brings back QB Conner Weigman (threw for 25 TDs and rushed for 11 in 2025), #1 WR Amare Thomas and key DL Khalil Laura’s. The Cougs had the top portal class in the conference outside of Lubbock, brining in RB Maki Hughes from Oregon, S Javon White from Tulane and two o-lineman. The Cougs start conference play with a bang, at Texas Tech on Friday, Sept 18, but do not play the next best team in BYU and toughest OOC game is at GA Southern (7-6 in ’25). The biggest challenge for the Cougars may be just simply can they replicate their performances in close games this season after going 6-1 in one score games last year. Still, Fritz has been a winner wherever he’s been and has a chance to build on last year’s success.
19. Penn State – The Nittany Lions had national title expectations in advance of the 2025 season but when the hard fought loss to Oregon was followed by the stunning upsets by UCLA and Northwestern, the administration decided to move on from long time, very successful HC James Franklin. After a long search, Penn State ended up with well respected Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. The Lions are hoping to copy some of the success Indiana had after hiring Cignetti and bringing in his top players from James Madison. Campbell brings many of his top players at Iowa State including QB, RB WR, TE and 2 DBs. What will help significantly towards a big turn around is the schedule – no Oregon, Ohio State or Indiana on the Big Ten Schedule, USC at home, and an OOC schedule of Marshall, Temple and Buffalo. Not sure if long term Campbell will win more championships than Franklin, but was very successful at a much less resourced program and should be good in Happy Valley.
20. SMU – HC Rhett Leslee has been very successful since joining the ACC 2 years ago with a 20-7 mark and a playoff appearance in this first year in the conference. The team took a step back in 25, but optimism for 2026 starts with QB Kevin Jennings and his 7000+ career yardage. SMU was one of the top ACC teams in the portal and brought in RB Kendrick Raphael from Cal plus WR Jalen Hale from Alabama to surround Jennings with talent. The defense has more questions as not only did the program lose their starting d line and secondary, their successful DC moved on to the NFL. However, their LB corp is elite and they’ve recruited high school and used the portal well to build up their talent. The conference schedule is very manageable with the big one a road game to Louisville, UVA and Cal come to Dallas. There is a marquee OOC game at Notre Dame in late November.
21. Utah – change was in the air in Salt Lake City entering last season, as long time HC Kyle Whittingham felt a change was needed on offense’ he brought in OC Jason Beck and he brought his QB Devon Dampier. The changes were a hit and the Utes went 11-3 and finished #14 in the nation. In spite of this success the University felt it was time to nudge WHittingham out and replace him with his long time DC Morgan Scalley, who had been Head Coach in waiting since 2023. Whittingham quickly accepted the HC job at Michigan and took Beck, and a few players, with him. QB Dampier returns (24 TDs/5 INTs in ’25) but his entire o-line does not; fortunately, this was an area of specialty by Whittingham, and the Utes are well stocked for back-ups to take over. The top WRs are also gone, but Scalley brought in two 4* transfer WRs from Mountain West teams. The defense has holes to fill, especially on the d-line, but with Scalley there is consistency on defensive philosophy and transfers were brought in. Utah gets BYU at home and does not play Texas Tech, but goes to TCU and Arizona in Big 12 play. The loss of Whittingham himself and so much experience on both lines is concerning, but the type of program that Whittingham ran, means the cupboard isn’t bare. Utah is a notable notch below TT and BYU in the league but will be in the large mix for the next tier’s best team.
22. Louisville – the highlight of the Cards 2025 season was the win over Miami, but a 3pt loss to UVA (surrendured 2 pick sixes) 3pt loss to Cal and 1pt loss to Clem derailed a good season. HC Brian Brohm enters his 4th season as HC with his 4th transfer QB as the starter. He brought in Lincoln Kienholz, who was a back up at Ohio State. He has very limited real game experience, but was a top recruit for Ohio St. The top 4 WRs depart, but Brohm got Tre Richardson, Vandy’s leading receiver in ’25. The RB room is stacked with Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown both returning. On defense, the top two pass rushers, Clev Lubin and AJ Green (12.5 sacks in ’25) are both back. Tyler Thomspon, came over from UNC after a year finishing in the ACC top ten in sacks. LB will be a strength, centered around All ACC player Antonio Watts. The schedule opens with a bang vs Ole Miss in Nashville, then a critical ACC game vs other prime contender SMU at home week 3. Those are the only ranked teams UL faces as the Cards don’t draw Miami or Clemson. Brohm has built the talent up each year and if the talented but inexperienced QB can hit the ground running, this could be his best team at Louisville.
23. Tennessee – A surprising turn of events last offseason when the Vol’s 5* QB Nico demanded more dinero and eventually transferred out of the program. In the last minute scramble, UT brought in Joey Aguilar, but he didn’t arrive until the summer. Given that, he had a very good year 3600 yards passing and key plays in a win in the Swamp. But he seems to be the only QB in the country not to get a favorable court ruling to extend his eligibility, and so Tennessee is moving on. The choices are redshirt fr George MacIntyre or true fr Faizon Brandon (#3 QB recruit). MacIntyre has more time in the program but Brandon has more upside. The great news, is that 8 other starters are back on offense, including 4 o-lineman, the top RB in DeSean Bishop, and 2 of the top 3 WRs, including SEC Freshman of the year, Bralyon Staley. The defense struggled in ’25, imploding in the final 45-20 loss to usual punching bag Vandy. HC Josh Heupel brought in heralded DC Jim Knowles , most recently at Penn State. The Vols returned 6 starters on D, and Knowles brought 2 from PSU, including his star LB Amare Campbell. It may take a bit for Knowles schemes to really become effective, but the youth of last year’s team will help this season. If one of the QBs can get in the groove quick enough, the Vols can get back into the top 25. The new nine game SEC schedule doesn’t help; UT does not play UGA, but does get Texas and Bama at home and goes to LSU and A&M.
24. Clemson – Last season, the Tigers finished 7-6, HC Dabo Swinney’s worst record since 2010. This was followed by the 2026 NFL draft where Clemson tied the school record for most players drafted. So Dabo made changes to his staff, starting with the expected firing of heralded OC Garrett Riley and replaced by former OC Chad Morris. Morris was a big part of Clemson’s early success but has not called plays since 2020 and was not successful as a HC at Arky or SMU. Dabo did bring in many more players in the portal than in the past, including a couple of DBs and RB Chris Johnson *SMU). But they did not bring in a QB or any 0-lineman – back-up Jr QB Christopher Vinnina is expected to be the starter, with 1 start on his resume. Clemson recruiting class was ok at #20 and they did retain most of their starters (that did not enter the draft) including star WARs Wesco and Moore. The schedule features a big OCC opener at LSU (under HC Lane Kiffin) and does include a home game with Miami; but the rest of the schedule is very manageable – no SMU, Louisville or Pitt.
25. Boise State – A conference championship would be a satisfying season for most programs, but it was a disappointment for the Broncos after a playoff appearance the previous year. Boise got off to a slow start in conference and then was not competitive in their marquee ooc game at Notre Dame. The season ended with a blowout loss to Washington in a bowl. However, Boise did win the Mountain West and Boise will enter the newly reformulated Pac 12 as one of the few G6 programs to bring back their HC and experienced starting QB (Maddux Marsden a 3 year starter). The top WRs depart, but Boise returns two good RBs in Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, who combined for almost 2000 yards last season. The d-line will be lead by Max Stege and Jayden Virgin-Morgan. Overall, Boise ranks 39th in the updated ESPN’s SP+, by far the highest of the G6 (UNLV at 5p is next). With so much turmoil at the other top G6 programs (Tulane, JMU, USF, Memphis) , Boise is the pick to win the Pac 12 and be the G6 rep in the playoffs.
26. Virginia Tech – Getting the band back together! Hech had fired HC Brent Pry, the former Penn State DC, as he was not able to turn around the Hokies when the Penn State actual HC James Franklin fell into their laps. Then in an odder twist, Franklin retained Pry but to be the DC, his former role. To complete the big reunion, Franklin brought a number of his top players from Penn St with him, including the most influential QB Ethan Grunkemeyer. Grunkemeyer took over for the injured Drew Allar mid season and initially struggled. But Grunkemeyer went 4-0 in his last 4 starts, including the win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl and did not throw an INT in those games. He’s reunited with his QB Coach and OC. The Hokies are one of the ACC teams playing 9 conference games, leaving 3 OOC match-ups – at Maryland, VMI and ODU – all winnable. The ACC schedule isn’t easy with road games vs Miami, Clemson and SMU, with Pitt, GA Tech at home. And here’s the best news = Franklin doesn’t need to beat any top 10 teams, just a number of top 40 teams to deliver a big first year with the program.
27. Kansas State – the Wildcats were picked to win the conference last year, but the emotional loss to Iowa State in the opener in Ireland seemed to take the wind out of their sails. Two more close losses in conference led to a 1-3 start, and the WIldcats never recovered. They couldn’t even win after rushing for 472 yards vs Utah, a 51-47 loss. Seven year HC Chris Klieman retired after the season, and former QB and OC Collin Klein was hired as the replacement. Klein was the OC at A&M but was the OC at K State when they originally recruited star QB Avery Johnson. Johnson needs 2500 yards passing to break the school career record set by Josh Freeman. RB Joe Jackson took over as the lead back following an injury to the original starter; he finished with 900 yards including a school record 293 vs Utah. THe top WR transferred to LSU, but one starter is back and 3 were added from the portal, including two 4*s like Isaiah Williams from Texas A&M. The defense is a complete rebuild with 9 starters gone, but brought in a number of transfers from P4 programs to fill in the holes. The schedule is manageable with the top OOC a home game vs Tulane, and no Texas Tech, Utah or BYU on the Big 12 slate.
28. Iowa – the Hawkeyes ended the 2025 season with a blowout win over Nebraska, sealing their 10th straight 8 win season, joining onliy Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. Iowa then capped it off with an upset of #14 Vandy in the bowl game. Faces will change for the 2026, but not the philosophy under HC Kirk Ferentz and DC Phil Parker. QB Mark Gronowski mobility was a key in 2026, but he’s gone and Iowa stayed in house for his replacement. Jeremy Hecklinski has a live arm and has the inside track at the starting job. The o-line won the Joe Moore Award for being the best in the nation last year, 3 experienced starters depart, but 2 are back and I trust Ferentz to have the right guys up front. The RB room is experienced with their workhouse back Kamari Moulton returning, and their leading TE DJ Vonnahme is back (important part of the Iowa offense). The defense was excellent in ’25, but faces a big rebuilding job with 7 of the 8 all conference defenders moving on. The schedule features the usual in state rival Iowa St early, The Big 10 schedule includes Ohio State, but not Oregon, Indiana or USC. This Iowa group is younger than last year, but under the legendary Ferentz will still do what they’ve always done – good defense/special team supporting a run oriented offense.
29. Navy – the American has been the best non P4 conference the past few years, but many of the top programs face a significant rebuild in 2026 with new coaches and rebuilt rosters. I like the heirs of CHarles Huff at Memphis and Brian Hartline at USF, but the best talent left with the former coaches. The programs that retained their coaches include UTSA and Navy. Navy has been more consistent in recent years, so I’ll take the Midshipmen to win the conference. Navy loses starting QB Blake Horvath, but back-up Braxton Woodson is very experienced. Navy will not have the experience at RB as last year, but the o-line features 4 returning starters with 58 career starts – a very experienced group for a service academy. Don’t expect a competitive game with Notre Dame (in Foxborough, MA), but the rest of the OOC games are very winnable. In a conference with a lot of change, Navy gets the nod over UTSA.
30. UCLA – this ranking is all about Bruins new HC Bob Chesney. Every school making a new hire is looking for “the next Curt Cignetti” and UCLA may have found him. Chesney lead James Madison to a 12-2 record and a spot in the playoffs last year, following a very successful run as Holy Cross (FCS playoffs 4 times in 6 seasons) and he’s been a winner at lower divisions as well. Chesney brought with him the top players at JMU including WR Landon Ellis and RB Wayne Knight, plus key players on both the offensive and defensive lines. Even though QB Nico Iamaleava had a disapointing season overall with the Bruins last season, the talent is there for Chesney to bring it out. The Big Ten schedule includes road trips to Oregon and Michigan, but Ohio State is not on the schedule. OOC, the Bruins have a key opener at Cal then host SDSU. UCLA was not a good team in 2025 but significant one year turn arounds are much more possible in today’s environment.
31. Virginia – The Tony Elliott era at UVA had been very disappointing so far, with 3 straight losing seasons. But the new strategy of upping their transfer pool money and targeting experienced players paid off in 2025 with the programs first ever 11 win season. They weren’t called the Cardiac Cavs for nothing, with a win over FSU in double OT; 2 defensive TDs to beat Louisville; a game winning safety to beat Washington St and a pick six in the last 30 seconds to hold off Cal. Most of their big playmakers move on, but Elliot is banking on that same strategy of bringing in experienced transfers. And that starts at QB where former Missouri starter Beau Pribula and former Pitt starter Eli Holstein will compete for the job; both dual threat QBs. The o-line was a key to UVA’s offensive success, especially early in the year, and does return 2 starters. Two transfers from 2025 that were injured last year, should fill out a solid o-line. WR and RB rooms will be comprised of mostly transfers. UVA’s best defender, and maybe best in the league was LB Kam Robinson; before he was injured he had a pick six, blocked punt, fumble TD and game winning safety. He may not be ready right away, but the LB room is very experienced. The Cavs likely won’t repeat the magic of ’25, but Elliot has raised the floor of the program. The schedule includes a key OOC game vs WVu in Charlotte, but does not include games vs Miami, Louisville or Clemson.
32. Auburn – HC Hugh Freeze was not able to capture the magic from his previous stint in the SEC and he was fired after just 2 seasons on the Plains. The most frustrating aspect of his lack of success was the ineptitude on offense, even with solid recruiting classes. In comes USF HC Alex Golesh, specifically known for his offensive mind, from Tennessee to UCF to USF. He brought with him to Auburn, QB Byrum Brown; last season Brown had 3000 yards passing and 1000 yards rushing, tonly the 12th to do it all time. All of Auburn’s top WR from last year transferred out, and Golesh brought in all the top skill position players from USF, including 5 WRs, 2 OL and a TE and RB. Golesh kept AU DC DJ Durkin, as the Tiger defense was not the issue in ’25. All American LB Xavier Atkins is one of 5 defensive starters that did stay through the coaching change. The schedule is challenging with games at UGA, Ole Miss, Bama and Tennessee, and a home game vs LSU, so that will limit the record; but a significant improvement in year 1 is possible with the good defense in play and talent and coaching brought in for the offense.
33. OK State – so not often is a 1-11 team ranked (even if only top 35) the next season, but this is another complete rebuild with a new coach bringing in all of the top talent from his previous team. New HC Eric Morris arrives from North Texas and brings all of his best players with him, none more important than superstar QB Drew Mestemaker, the 3rd rated QB in the portal and the Cowboys best NFL prospect since Mason Rudolph in 2018.. RB Caleb Hawkins and WR Wyatt Young also follower Morris to Stillwater. All of these key players are experienced in Morris’s offense and should click immediately. Morris brought in the best players from the North Texas defense too, but only a mid pack G6 defense. The D was good at forcing turnovers and could then get extra possessions for the powerful offense. The schedule features the home trip of the Oregon blowout loss and two winnable OOC games. OSU does get Texas Tech at home but does not face Utah or BYU. WVU, Houston, K State and ASU on the road will make or break this turnaround season.
34. South Carolina – was expecting big things in 2025, and as per usual when expectations are high, the Gamecocks fell flat. But with all the attention on the large number of new coaches in the SEC, South Carolina is flying under the radar (a much better position for them). Part of the hype for last year was QB LaNorris Sellers, but he could have been the 2nd or 3rd QB taken in the draft based on his size and talent. The big problem last season was the o-line, and USCe tried to address the holes in the portal. The OT Jacarrius Peak from NC State is a big get and will be counted on to help. HC Shane Beamer brought in Kendall Briles to be their new OC. Transfers from Illinois (Tomiwa Durojaiye) and Tennessee (Caleb Herring) will help out on the D line and the LB corp is solid. The SEC schedule will now include 9 games (Bama, OU on the road, A&M, UGA at home) plus the rivalry game at Clemson to end the year – but Texas, Ole Miss and LSU are not on the schedule (Ark, KY and MIss St are). The Gamecocks clearly have to improve from last year, but HC Shane Beamer has had 3 winning seasons out of 4 before the collapse last year and without any expectations, the program could surprise.
35. New Mexico – with Boise State off to the reborn Pac 12, the door is open for a number of teams to win the conference championship. Dan Mullen has done a great job with UNLV and the Rebels won’t have their nemesis in Boise to get by; but lost their Star QB to the portal. Hawaii had a great 2025 under HC (and former legendary QB) Timmy Chang and brings back QB Micah Alejado, but only 7 starters overall. New Mexico won 9 games in HC Jason Ecks first year, the most wins in a HC debut at New Mexico, breaking Marv Levy’s 7 in 1958 (Skyline Conf coach of the year). Lobos have a Sr starter at QB in Jack Layne and he’ll operate behind an experienced o-line. On defense, they retained the MWC defensive player of the year in LB Jaxton Eck among 5 of their top 10 tacklers. They won’t win at Oklahoma, but have other OOC games they canwin, and get UNLV, AF and NDSU at home. The Lobos edge Hawaii and UNLV to win the new Mountain West, their first conference championship since 1962.