College Football Preseason Top-25 Poll by Sportz Nation
- Sportz Nation Staff
- 11 minutes ago
- 24 min read
by Zak Drapeau and Will Gilhooly
Sportz Nation - 8/16/2026
All Odds courtesy of DraftKings on 8/13
Starting tomorrow we can officially say, "College Football is back."
The season won't actually start until August 29th when TCU and UNC play in Dublin for the College Football Classic. But the first official, AP Top-25 poll will release tomorrow at Noon.
Before the coaches' poll becomes official, Sportz Nation's Zak Drapeau and Will Gilhooly are dropping their own rankings of the Top-25, (actually 30 with honorable mentions) right now. As is with almost every season, several teams especially at the top can be inferred as to where they'll be in the rankings. We know Ohio States, Georgia, Texas and a few others will be in the Top-10 but what about the teams that just made the cut?
And what about the teams that could shock everyone in either a good way or a bad way? The National Champion Indiana Hoosiers were ranked #19 in the pre-season poll last year while #2 Penn State ended the season 7-6 while firing their Head Coach.
All in all the pre-season Top-25 is just an educated guess. This ranking will be mostly made from roster make up with a lot of consideration to team's work in the transfer portal and of course their performances last year and from years past. Plus a little something about a wild card factor from Zak and Will about what team's either have... it... and what teams don't.
Sportz Nation's
Top-25 Pre-Season Poll
1. Ohio State
Natty Odds: +550 (1)
Will Gilhooly -
After tying the NFL Draft record with seven players selected in the first two rounds, most programs would expect a rebuilding year. But to the nation’s dismay, coach Ryan Day’s roster appears to have nearly as much potential as last year’s squad.
The Buckeyes boast one of the nation’s top offenses, led by quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Freshman running back phenom Bo Jackson has also emerged as a major weapon. The Buckeyes continue to add to their receiver legacy with Chris Henry Jr., the number one receiver in the class of 2026 class, who looks to make an immediate impact. Day also hired former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Arthur Smith to replace offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, adding another intriguing element to an already talented unit. Last year Matt Patricia's defense allowed just 9.3 point per game. While the group lost five players in the first two rounds of the draft alone, Patricia should still have on of the top defenses in the nation. Edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson returns after recording 11.5 tackles for loss last season and will anchor a defense featuring one of the nation’s top secondaries, headlined by cornerback Jermaine Mathews and safety Jaylen McClain.
The Buckeyes will have to navigate one of the nation’s toughest schedules. The Buckeyes travels to Texas, Indiana, USC and Iowa while hosting Oregon and Michigan. With the more challenging portion of the schedule coming in the second half of the season, the Week 2 showdown in Austin could prove pivotal in determining the course of the Buckeyes’ season.
Player to Watch: WR Chris Henry Jr.
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2. Oregon
Natty Odds: +800 (T-4)
Zak Drapeau -
Dan Lanning will be coaching his 5th season at Eugene and he may be entering the season with his best roster and best chance to win a National Championship. Lanning has long been considered one of the best coaches in College Football for his ability to be a player's coach and get the most out of his athletes and by building defense.
It also doesn't hurt when SO MANY players return from their extremely talented 2025 team. DE Matayo Uiagalelei, A'Mauri Washington and LB Teitum Tuioti will return as leaders and All-Americans in their front-7 while talented underclassmen like WRs Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore, TE Jemari Johnson, (possible All-American) and C Iapani Laloulu will be a terrific supporting cast for their Superstar QB Dante Moore who should be around Heisman and #1 draft pick conversations.
Oregon also did great in the transfer portal, with Safety Koi Perich possibly becoming the biggest playmaker in their defensive secondary overnight as well as elite QB prospect Dylan Raiola as a backup.
Oregon even has a favorable schedule this year with tough road games at Ohio State and USC but not much more in terms of games they could lose. This team is FULL of superstars and All-Americans, as well as veteran and returning players, who are all being coached by a spectacular crew of coaches who are HUNGRY for some hardware.
Player to Watch: Safety Koi Perich
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3. Notre Dame
Natty Odds: +600 (2)
Will Gilhooly -
After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff last year, the Fighting Irish should be back in the mix in 2026. Quarterback C.J. Carr established himself as one of the nation’s top passers and should continue to progress in his second year as a starter.
The loss of first-round running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price stings, but the Irish just so happen to have a Ferrari waiting in the garage. Anayeas Williams averaged 9.3 yards per carry and showed speed traits comparable to Love. Williams’ ability, along with one of the top offensive line units in the nation, should help the run game maintain a level of production similar to last year’s. The wide receiver position is flooded with veteran leadership, with Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse entering their fourth years.
The secondary is arguably the best in college football, featuring the cornerback duo of Leonard Moore and Christian Gray, along with safety Brauntae Johnson. The run defense figures to be elite, with Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa at linebacker and Alabama defensive line transfer Keon Keeley leading the front four. The Irish’s schedule isn’t particularly difficult, with home games against Miami and BYU serving as the major tests. If the Irish win just one of those games, it would be hard to imagine a world where they don't make the playoffs again.
Player to Watch: RB Anayeas Williams
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4. Georgia
Natty Odds: +800 T-4)
Zak Drapeau -
I went on record about a week ago and said that Georgia was narrowly my pick to win the Natty over Oregon and my biggest reason was leadership. No team in the country is led by a better Coach and Quarterback duo as Kirby Smart and Gunnar Stockton. Adding to their team is probably the most balanced defense in the country too, with players like Chris Cole, Elijah Griffin, Jordan Hall, Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden among the best of their position in the country as well as experienced starters at every level.
The Bulldogs will have a smash mouth defense as they do every year and a run heavy offense as they do almost every year as well. The one down side to this team might be their passing game which should be solid behind Stockton, but far from an elite group that keeps Secondaries up at night. Stockton is a terrific system and play action Quarterback but doesn't have tremendous arm or scrambling talent, but good enough to be an exceptional starter and could easily bring his team to the playoffs.
Player to Watch: Safety K.J. Bolden
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5. Texas
Natty Odds: +750 (3)
Zak Drapeau -
Ahhhhh man they got us last year didn't they. Surely Texas won't fall short of expectations 2 years in a row though right?
Well their roster certainly doesn't as Sark has likely the most high-powered offense in the nation headlined by the man to watch in College Football this year, Arch Manning. Manning will start the season as 2nd in Heisman trophy odds and has new weapons to play with thanks to the transfer portal. WR Cam Coleman makes his way from Auburn and was a Top-3 high school prospect only 2 years ago. He'll be joined by the pair of transfer RBs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown who are both fast and explosive. Alongside Ryan Wingo on the outside and an insanely veteran O-line, this offense has no holes.
On defense, the team has huge highs but also some glaring lows. Colin Simmons may be the best edge rusher and athlete in the entire nation this year and should be on the shortlist for the Bednarik, Nagurski and Butkus awards. Their d-line is good but not great after a lot of turnover and their secondary isn't much better with Jelani McDonald the lone playmaker expected at least for now.
This team looks like an old school, Pac-12, score 60 to outlast you opponent-type of team... especially with Sark as the coach. Can Arch Manning finally put a whole season together of greatness we're expecting? If so, this offense should easily be able to carry their defense to the Playoffs.
Player to Watch: QB Arch Manning
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6. Indiana
Natty Odds: +900 (6)
Will Gilhooly -
After accomplishing the unthinkable last season by winning the national title, the Hoosiers must replace many of the core pieces that resulted in a 16-0 season. After losing Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, coach Kurt Cignetti brought in someone arguably more talented in Josh Hoover; A three-year starter at TCU, Hoover built a reputation as one of the nation’s best pocket passers and will benefit from a system where he doesn't have to be Superman every game.
With receiver Charlie Becker returning and the addition of coveted Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh, Hoover is set up with one of the top receiving duos in the nation. The running game should produce at a similar level, with left tackle Carter Smith returning and Boston College transfer Turbo Richard joining the backfield. Bryant Haines’ defense lost significant production, but the Hoosiers retained some valuable veteran leadership. Defensive tackle Stephen Daley and edge rusher Kellen Wyatt both won their appeals for a fifth year of eligibility and will return to anchor the front along with Tyrique Tucker. The Hoosiers’ roster is significantly younger than last season’ with their average player age going from 23 years old a year ago to 20.11. But haven’t we learned by now not to doubt Cignetti?
Player to Watch: DL Tyrique Tucker
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7. Miami
Natty Odds: +1000 (7)
Zak Drapeau -
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE U BABY!
I'll be the first to tell you that I'm incredibly biased to the Hurricanes and yes, losing Beck, Bain, Mesidor, Mauigoa and Scott are HUUUUUGE blows but Mario Cristobal has proven to be a great coach in season and in the offseason. This team reloaded in a BIG way after last year's National Championship run with the star transfer combo of Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate from Duke that should be able to pick up right where Beck and Daniels left off along with superstar sophomore Malachi Toney.
Losing Mesidor and Bain would cripple almost every other team's pass rush but DE Marquise Lightfoot and Mizzou transfer Damon Wilson II is an insane reload and should come very close to repeating the famed-2025 duo's production. Their back end is highlighted by one of the best CBs in the country O.J. Frederique along with Cristobal's secondary-specialty.
Miami's 2025 success was unexpected but came together because of 4 or 5 key superstars along with a defensive identity. Thanks to the transfer portal and recruiting from the last few years, I really have to say that this team might be even better than last year's... but will they play like it?
Player to Watch: DE Marquise Lightfoot
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8. Texas A&M
Natty Odds: +2500 (T-10)
Zak Drapeau -
Texas A&M had the #3 ranked transfer portal on On3 rankings and it's easy to see why with 7 marquee transfers in a class that included 19 total athletes. 2 elite Tackles were brought in, 2 elite defensive backs, a premier Edge Rusher and an elite WR as well. All for a team that ended the 2025 season ranked #8.
The Aggies lost key players to the draft like LBs Howell and York and WR Concepcion but what they did in the offseason to reload was insane. So WHY are they still only ranked #8?
The cold, hard truth is that me and Will don't know what we're gonna get with QB Marcel reed. Last year Reed had times where he looked like a Heisman candidate and then next week would throw 4 interceptions and look lost. In College Football where EVERY. SINGLE. GAME counts, having inconsistencies like these will cost you too much even for a team who might have the best roster (besides Quarterback) in the country.
Player to Watch: DE Anto Saka
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9. Ole Miss
Natty Odds: +3000 (T-12)
Will Gilhooly -
Following one of the craziest months in college football history, the Rebels looks to build off last years run to the national semifinals. Coach Pete Golding returns arguably the nation’s best quarterback and running back in Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, giving Ole Miss plenty to be excited about offensively. Chambliss will have plenty of weapons with wide receiver Deuce Alexander returning, and the additions of Texas transfer Johntay Cook and Arkansas tight end Luke Hasz. The offense is expected to operate at an even faster pace than it did under Kiffin, with John David Baker taking over as offensive coordinator.
Golding will continue to call the defensive plays this season. While the unit doesn’t grade out at the same level as the offense, linebacker Suntarine Perkins highlights a group that could be highly disruptive along the defensive front.
The Rebels have holes along the offensive line and in the secondary, but at their best, they can win a shootout against anyone in the country.
Player to Watch: WR Deuce Alexander
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10. Texas Tech
Natty Odds: +2200 (9)
Will Gilhooly -
After quarterback Brendan Sorsby was deemed ineligible following a gambling violation, coach Joey McGuire was forced to pivot. Redshirt sophomore Will Hammond assumes the starting role after a promising 2025 campaign. If Hammond can recover from a torn ACL, he has incredible dual-threat upside. As a first year starter, Hammond won't have to play hero for the Red Raiders to win games. With receivers Coy Aikin and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. returning, along with the additions of Malcom Simmons from Auburn and Donte Lee from Liberty, Hammond should be able to ease into the starting role. The backfield duo of Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams returns after combining for 2,882 all-purpose yards last season and figures to be the heart of the offense. The offensive line returns significant production giving Dickey and Williams an opportunity to replicate last seasons success.
The defense is largely built around transfers, headlined by Wake Forest defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba. Ibirogba is joined by San Diego State edge rusher Trey White and Akron defensive lineman Julian Laventure, creating one of the nation’s top transfer-heavy defensive units. While the roster faced significant uncertainty throughout the offseason and underwent substantial turnover, McGuire proved last season that he can quickly integrate players from the transfer portal. The Red Raiders remain the favorites to win the Big 12 and could be on the verge of a second consecutive trip to the College Football Playoff.
Player to Watch: QB Will Hammond
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11. LSU
Natty Odds: +1800 (8)
Zak Drapeau -
Boy LSU is a mixed bag this year. If you don't listen to all the "extra noise" about Lane Kiffin's emergence in the program, they have an insanely-talented roster that focuses on playmaking on offense and smash-mouth defense. I truly believe that if this team doesn't have an initial feeling-out process with their largely new roster and head coach, they could be a double-digit team and really compete in an incredible SEC conference this year.
LSU had likely the consensus, best transfer portal thanks to Lane Kiffin joining the program as well as bringing over prized, ASU Quarterback Sam Leavitt. I truly believe that with Kiffin behind him, Leavitt could become as good if not better than Chambliss was last year. On the other side, LSU's front-7 is headlined by team Captain, LB Whit Weeks and transfer pass rusher Princewill Umanmielen, all while last year's freshman standout terrorizes Quarterbacks from the corner position all year, (which apparently includes Jayden Daniels somehow.
Could Kiffin bring his team deep in the playoffs in his first season? It seems unlikely but he definitely has a roster capable of it.
Player to Watch:
DE Princewill Umanmielen
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12. Oklahoma
Natty Odds: +3000 (T-12)
Will Gilhooly -
After posting the SEC’s best defense last season, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables’ Achilles’ heel was the offense, which faltered late in the year. Quarterback John Mateer now appears to be fully recovered from an injury sustained to his throwing hand during the Sooners win against Auburn. While the receiver position figures to be strong with Isaiah Sategna III returning, and the addition of Texas transfer Parker Livingstone, the offensive line and run game need to step up if the Sooners want to return to the playoff. The offense seemed over-reliant on Mateer often last year, but if the offensive line progresses, expect a quick turnaround through the run.
Venables is also facing significant inexperience on defense. Given his track record, however, that shouldn’t be as big a concern for Oklahoma as it would be for other teams. Defensive lineman Taylor Wein, who recorded seven sacks last season, assumes a leading role on the unit. The Sooners also return their top tacklers, Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke, along with cornerbacks Payton and Eli Bowen.
A return to the playoffs will certainly be difficult, with the Sooners hosting Ole Miss and Texas A&M, and having to go on the road against Michigan, Georgia, Texas (neutral site), and Florida. However, if a couple position groups improve, this could turn into one of the scariest teams come November.
Player to Watch: WR Parker Livingstone
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13. Alabama
Natty Odds: +2500 (T-10)
Zak Drapeau -
Alabama was the most polarizing team on this list for me and Will and were separated on our own lists by 7 spots. We compromised right in the middle but I will do my best to make each of our cases here:
Will justifiably believes this team was an under-achieving team who couldn't run the ball last season and did largely nothing to improve that ability in the off season. Plus they will either be starting a true freshman or a 3rd-year QB who's thrown 35 career throws.
For my perspective, Kalen DeBoer has proven that he can win games in Alabama and in his 3rd season will have some of his best athletes that HE recruited in their Junior and Senior seasons and ready to take over this team. CB Zabien Brown, SAF Keon Sabb and Edge Yhonzae Pierre will all be HUGE playmakers on this defense that should be way better than an already great 2025 unit. On offense, Ryan Williams looks to be a Top-3 receiver in the nation this season. Their Running Backs return after a down-2025 that should see improvement, but their offensive line will be completely new from last year. Prized 2025 recruit, RS Freshman Tackle Jackson Lloyd should be a key pass blocker but not enough on the ground.
If it were up to me, Alabama would be #10 and if their O-line was any better, closer to Top-5.
Player to Watch: DE Yhonzae Pierre
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14. Michigan
Natty Odds: +4000 (15)
Will Gilhooly -
In 2025, the Wolverines were caught in a serious scandal that led to the dismissal of head coach Sherrone Moore and, subsequently, the resignation of athletic director Warde Manuel. In response, Michigan made one of the offseason’s most notable coaching hires, bringing in Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham spent 31 seasons at Utah, building the program into a powerhouse in the Mountain West, Pac-12, and Big-12.
He'll face a tall task in his first season at Michigan, beginning with the development of quarterback Bryce Underwood. The top recruit in the 2025, Underwood struggled with consistency as a freshman last season but Offensive coordinator Jason Beck helped develop Devon Dampier’s scrambling ability at Utah last season, a skill that figures to be an important part of Underwood’s game in 2026. While the receiving corps lacks depth after Andrew Marsh, Michigan returns RB Jordan Marshall and boasts one of the nation’s top offensive lines, giving the offense a strong foundation and the potential for greater consistency.
The secondary could be one of the best in the country, with cornerbacks Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry and Safety Rod Moore, who returns for his sixth season. After fielding the youngest team in the conference last season, Michigan should benefit from greater maturity and experience in 2026. The Wolverines hold one of the nation’s toughest schedules, hosting Oklahoma, Iowa, Penn State and Indiana while traveling to Oregon and Ohio State. If Michigan can pick up just a few marquee victories, it could put itself firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Player to Watch: QB Bryce Underwood
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15. USC
Natty Odds: +3500 (14)
Will Gilhooly -
Lincoln Riley appears to be entering a make-or-break season, and fortunately for him, he may have his best roster yet at USC. Quarterback Jayden Maiava proved he belongs among the Big Ten’s elite after an impressive junior season. The Trojans also return their top two running backs from last year, King Miller and Waymond Jordan, giving them the potential for one of the nation’s best rushing attacks. USC’s receiving corps is a shell of its former self after Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon and Jakobi Lane moved on to the NFL. Still, with Tanook Hines returning and the addition of NC State transfer Terrell Anderson, the unit should remain solid.
The Trojans also made one of the offseason’s biggest hires, bringing in longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator. While the defense may not rank among the conference’s elite, USC should be strong up front. Pass rushers Kameryn Crawford and Braylan Shelby return after combining for 10 sacks last season. There are more expectations surrounding this USC team than any during Riley’s tenure. If Riley is ever going to break through and establish the Trojans as a national contender, is may be the team to do it.
Player to Watch: Edge Kameryn Crawford
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16. BYU
Natty Odds: +9000 (20)
Will Gilhooly -
After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff last season, head coach Kalani Sitake believes this year’s roster is already much further ahead than it was a year ago.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier established himself as one of the Big 12’s top signal-callers after passing for more than 3,000 yards and rushing for more than 500 in his first season as a starter.
While the Cougars lack depth at wide receiver, the return of running back L.J. Martin should help keep the offense dynamic. Martin, the Big 12’s Offensive Player of the Year last season, combined with Bachmeier’s running ability and a strong offensive line, could give the Cougars one of the nation’s most formidable rushing attacks. BYU also returns a defense that ranked 19th nationally last season and should once again be a strength. The addition of California transfer Cade Uluave is significant, as he looks to take on a leadership role after recording more than 100 tackles last season.
Ultimately, with an open Big 12, and a schedule that does not include Texas Tech, the Cougars may have a clearer path to the College Football Playoff than ever before.
Player to Watch: LB Cade Uluave
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17. Utah
Natty Odds: +11000 (23)
Zak Drapeau -
There's no way around it, this team will be effected HEAVILY due to their 21-year Head Coach leaving for Michigan last winter. Under Whittingham, the Utes established a shifty and balanced defense and a great run game due to his expertise through the offensive line. Now under Moragn Scalley, this team has a lot to be excited about but just as much to at the very least be unsure of. It all starts with their veteran Quarterback Devon Dampier.
I am a big believer that Dampier is one of the most underrated Quarterback in the entire NCAA. Seeing his progression from 2024-to-2025 in efficiency and making smart choices makes me VERY excited to see what he'll do in 2026.
As for the defense, they will only be bringing back 2 starters from last season and only 5 players with significant snaps. Thankfully, Scalley's promotion from defensive coordinator to HC and their 2025 prestige should mean somewhat of an easy transition this season. They will be in another battle for Big 12 supremacy all year with Tech, BYU and Houston but they should finish in either 2nd or 3rd place in what should be a decent year in all, but a great year for Scalley's first.
Player to Watch: RB Wayshawn Parker
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18. Washington
Natty Odds: +12000 (T-24)
Will Gilhooly -
After a 24-hour wild-goose chase transfer situation, quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is back in Seattle. Williams threw for 3,000 yards and rushed for more than 600 as a first-year starter last season, giving the Huskies a strong foundation on offense. Running back Jayden Limar has also flipped sides in the Oregon-Washington rivalry after seeing limited playing time with the Ducks during his first two seasons. While Denzel Boston’s departure for the NFL certainly hurts, Washington’s wide receiver group remains strong. Dezmen Roebucker returns after a 500-plus-yard season, along with tight end Decker DeGraaf, who had more than 300 receiving yards last year.
For the unit to reach an elite level, true freshmen Jordan Clay and Trez Davis will need to make an immediate impact. The offensive line remains a major question mark following an injury-plagued 2025 season and the loss of two starters. Washington’s defense has steadily improved during head coach Jedd Fisch’s first two seasons. However this year, LB Xe’ree Alexander believes the unit has the potential to rank among the nation’s top-10. Along with Alexander, the Huskies return fifth-year edge rusher Jacob Lane, (who recorded four sacks last season) and talented sophomore cornerback Dylan Robinson. If Williams Jr. continues his progression from last season and Alexander’s confidence in the defense proves justified, Washington could emerge as one of the nation’s most intriguing under-the-radar College Football Playoff contenders.
Player to Watch: WR Jordan Clay
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19. Penn State
Natty Odds: +6500 (16)
Zak Drapeau -
Another team with a lot to prove after a HUGE coaching change from the midst of a wildly disappointing season last year. After James Franklin's departure and large overhaul of the roster thanks to recruits following him to Virginia Tech or losing interest in an erratic program, this team could've fallen much more. In stepped Matt Campbell from Iowa State and the program breathed an audible sigh of relief, along with brought in one of the best transfer classes.
Whit comes from Iowa State and will immediately establish Penn State as extremely balanced on both sides of the ball which fits their roster beautifully and bumps them up this list a few spots. At Iowa State, Campbell brought verticality to his offense with the helps of playmakers like Jordyn Tyson and Cam Skattebo and should do the same at Happy Valley. He also brought in some of Iowa State's best players through the portal like CB Jeremiah Cooper, WR Chase Sowell and most importantly QB Rocco Becht. Campbell's proven track record of turning programs around quickly should allow this already good roster to make a lot of noise this year and stay around the Top-25.
Player to Watch: WR Chase Sowell
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20. Iowa
Natty Odds: +14000 (28)
Zak Drapeau -
Listen, you know what you're going to get from a Kirk Ferentz' coached Iowa team and that's a solid defense with good Safeties and edge rushers, and a bruising run game thanks to prestigious offensive line and Tight End play.
Iowa has been a Top-10 defensive unit in the entire nation since 2018 but has some of it's biggest roster turnover in that time heading into 2026. Ferentz and DC Phil Parker will always have this unit in tip-top shape and players like Zach Lutmer (one of the best Nickels in the country) and James Madison-transfer Tyler Brown should maintain their elite, Secondary-prowess.
After all their seeming short coming on defense this offseason, their offense should greatly improve! RB Kamari Moulton may be my pick for standout RB in the nation in the realm of around 1,500 yards on the ground along with veteran O-line play as always. Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski has thrown 2 career passes before this season but that never seems to matter with Iowa.
All-in-all, Iowa is very much a low-ceiling, high-floor team that might have some very high moments but ultimately shouldn't get any higher than like #13 in the polls this year.
Player to Watch: RB Kamari Moulton
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21. Louisville
Natty Odds: +12000 (T-24)
Will Gilhooly -
Head coach Jeff Brohm led Louisville to an ACC runner-up finish in 2023 and narrowly missed out on the conference championship game in each of the past two seasons. With this roster, it’s officially a make-or-break year. Brohm made a splash in the portal, bringing in quarterback Lincoln Kienholz from Ohio State after he saw limited action during his two seasons in Columbus.
While there isn’t much game footage of Kienholz, he nearly beat out Julian Sayin for Ohio State’s starting job last year, giving the Cardinals reason for optimism. The running game has the potential to make this offense special. The interior offensive line is arguably the best of Brohm’s tenure, and Boston College transfer Eryx Daugherty could emerge as one of the conference’s top guards by season’s end. The Cardinals also return two running backs who each rushed for at least 700 yards while averaging more than 7 yards per carry in Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown.
The defense should be strong as well, led by edge rusher Clev Lubin, who recorded 8.5 sacks last season. Louisville’s secondary, which allowed more than 200 passing yards in just five games last year, should once again make the unit formidable. With the most talented roster of Brohm’s tenure and a wide-open middle of the ACC, Louisville may have its best opportunity yet to compete for the conference crown.
Player to Watch: OT Eryx Daugherty
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22. Houston
Natty Odds: +20000 (T-29)
Will Gilhooly -
Houston’s 2025 season flew far too under the radar. After head coach Willie Fritz opened his tenure with consecutive 4-8 seasons in 2023 and 2024, the Cougars made a dramatic jump to 10-3 last year and look to carry that momentum into 2026. Connor Weigman returns at quarterback after throwing for more than 2,700 yards and rushing for more than 700 last season, accounting for 36 total touchdowns. In addition to Weigman’s ability as a runner, the Cougars added one of the top running backs from the transfer portal in Makhi Hughes. Hughes posted back-to-back seasons of at least 1,350 rushing yards as a freshman and sophomore at Tulane before transferring to Oregon, where he saw limited playing time. Amare Thomas leads a loaded receiving corps after returning from a 960-yard and 12-touchdown season. He’ll be joined by Oregon State transfer Trent Walker, who had 67 receptions last season, and veteran UTSA transfer Patrick Overmyer at tight end.
While the Cougars lost significant production along the defensive line, the addition of Stephen F. Austin cornerback Jalen Mayo should help offset some of those losses. Who recorded 48 tackles and four sacks last season. Safeties Kentrell Webb and Jordan Allen also return, with Webb coming off a 71-tackle season and Allen looking to build on his 48 tackles. Some may still be surprised by Houston’s rapid rise under Fritz, but is it really that far-fetched to think the Cougars could compete for, or even win the Big 12?
Player to Watch: CB Jalen Mayo
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23. Florida
Natty Odds: +7000 (T-17)
Zak Drapeau -
Florida has entered the Joe Sumrall and I have pretty high hopes for their 2026 season. After Billy Napier's firing and DJ Lagway's transfer, this team is in search of a new identity with an offense that was heavily turned over and a defense that has a lot of good things coming back but without any real star power.
One thing that Sumrall's Gators should hang their heads on early and often is their offensive weapons. Returning Gator RB Jadan Baugh and Auburn-transfer WR Eric Singleton Jr. make up a devastating combination of speed and spreading the field. New Quarterback, Georgia Tech-transfer Aaron Philo comes in as a smart, pocket-oriented game manager and won't have the same highlights as Lagway did but should be much smarter and less turnover-prone.
Player to Watch: LB Myles Graham
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24. Tennessee
Natty Odds: +7000 (T-17)
Zak Drapeau -
Tennessee is a really weird team heading into the 2026 season because even though their make up is very good and they had moments in 2026 where they looked like the best team in the SEC.. I don't know, I'm not very excited about them.
They do have some intrigue on defense as Jim Knowles comes in as DC after his off, 1-year stint in the same position at Penn State. The former Ohio State DC from 2022-24 was touted as one of the premier defensive minds in the country before last year and heading into Tennessee where Josh Heupel has built the side of the ball for him with a very solid incoming transfer class.
On offense, their 3rd QB in as many years George MacIntyre hasn't wowed anyone and is still battling for the position with true freshman Faizon Brandon. They have some solid weapons including two very good O-linemen in Wendell Moe Jr and David Sanders on the left side. This unit should, like the defense, be okay to pretty good this year. Just like the defense they'll be alright this year but I really don't know how to be hopeful for a double digit-win season especially in the SEC.
Player to Watch: LB Arion Carter
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25. SMU
Natty Odds: +10000 (T-21)
Will Gilhooly -
Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs have gone from an afterthought after joining the ACC in 2024 to one of the conference’s top programs. In their first two seasons in the league, the Mustangs have won 20 games, reached the ACC Championship Game and made the College Football Playoff. SMU looks to continue its East Coast invasion in 2026, and it starts with third-year starting quarterback Kevin Jennings. While Jennings didn’t take the step forward many expected last season, he has established himself as one of the conference’s most experienced and dynamic playmakers. The offensive line is a major strength, with veteran tackle PJ Williams and guard Addison Nichols leading the way.
The defense is expected to be the heartbeat of the team, featuring arguably the best linebacker duo in the conference in Brandon Booker and Alex Kilgore. The pair combined for 129 tackles last season. Kansas State transfer Malcom Alcorn-Crowder should provide an immediate upgrade along the defensive front, while Jarvis Lee arrives from USF after recording two interceptions and three forced fumbles last season. After being one of the ACC’s busiest teams in the transfer portal, Lashlee has assembled a roster with significant upside. If the new additions mesh with SMU’s returning core, the Mustangs could have a legitimate chance to make another run at the ACC title.
Player to Watch: LB Brandon Booker
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Honorable Mentions
Clemson - 27
Missouri - T-21
Arizona - T-36
Auburn - 19
South Carolina T-24
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As the college football season gets underway, these rankings remind us why the sport is unlike any other. They spark rivalries and energize fans in a way no other pre season across sports can do. And while these rankings may prove to be wildly wrong by the end of the season, that’s almost beside the point. They get fans talking, debating and defending their teams, and that’s what makes college football, and especially the pre season, so special.
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-Z.D.
-Will Gilhooly
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