2026 College Football Preseason Top 25

The college football season starts in less than two months. With that, here is the 2026 college football preseason top 25.  

Last Updated: August 14, 2026

25-21

25. Boise State Broncos

Boise State is the leading contender to represent the Group of Six in the CFP this season. There are 12 starters returning, including quarterback Maddux Madsen, who continues to develop. Running back Dylan Riley had 1,125 rushing yards last season and some experienced players come back for the passing game in Cameron Bates, Ben Ford and tight end Matt Wagner. Defensively, edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan can get after the passer well with 16 sacks over the last two seasons. The defense was average last season and has a chance to take a step forward. 

24. Illinois Fighting Illini

Bret Bielema won nine games last season, but will now turn over the reins to the offense to transfer quarterback Katin Houser who played well for ECU last season. He’ll have several running backs to lean on, as well as returning wide receiver talent in Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement. The offensive line will have some new faces, including former Wisconsin and Cincinnati center Jake Renfro, but the Illini should be able to mold it into a quality unit. The front seven of the defense will have to get new players producing, but the back end returns Xavier Scott, a versatile and talented defensive back. If the defense can stay average with the offense taking a possible small step forward, the Illini can win a decent amount of games in 2026. 

23. Florida Gators

Jon Sumrall comes in from Tulane and has proved to be a good coach. He’ll have plenty of talent to work with offensively, as running back Jadan Baugh is one of the best in college football and the wide receiver room is stocked with talent. The offensive line will need to be reworked and the quarterback position needs to go through a battle between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. to find quality play. While the front four has a lot of new faces, there are plenty of players returning in the back seven to help the defense improve. With the offense projected to make a big jump from scoring 21.6 points per game last season, Florida has the talent, they just need more wins. 

22. Virginia Tech Hokies

While things went south for James Franklin last season at Penn State, he mostly wins the games he should, which puts Virginia Tech in a good spot. They return 13 players from their roster and even brought back head coach Brent Pry as defensive coordinator. A lot of transfers join Franklin from Penn State, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who was thrown into the fire last season. The Hokies won just three games last season, but with the returning talent, transfers and recruit, they should take huge jumps on both sides of the ball. 

21. Tennessee Volunteers

Josh Heupel dealt with a quarterback coming in late last season and still won eight games. Now he has to choose between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and freshman Faizon Brandon to take over the job. They will have plenty of talent around them, as three starters on the offensive line return, along with star skill players in running back DeSean Bishop (over 1,000 rushing yards in 2025) and wide receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley. Defensively, Tennessee struggled last season, but Amare Campbell coming in at linebacker from Penn State can really help them improve. 

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20. Louisville Cardinals

Lincoln Keinholz transfers in from Ohio State to play quarterback and is the new project for Jeff Brohm to develop. Running back Isaac Brown is a game-changer if he can stay healthy and had 884 rushing yards last season despite injuries. The defense features Clev Lubin, who had 8.5 sacks last season. Some transfers will have to gel with the rest of the defense, but another solid season on that side of the ball could be in store, while the offense could improve. 

19. Houston Cougars

Willie Fritz turned Houston around quickly, as the Cougars won 10 games last season. Four starters on offense return, including quarterback Conner Weigman, who had an 25 to 9 touchdown to interception ratio. Makhi Hughes transfers in from Oregon at running back after not finding a role for the Ducks, but having plenty of productivity at Tulane. The offensive line should be solid, while the defense should improve with six starters back. Cornerback Will James is a player to watch in the secondary. 

18. Washington Huskies

While there was some drama with quarterback Demond Williams Jr. trying to enter the transfer portal, he is back after showing improvement last season. The dual threat will lead an offense that has plenty of experience on the offensive line, but new playmakers need to step up. While they likely won’t rank 17th in scoring again this season, Williams can still get them to be productive. Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has had plenty of success, but will not have much returning talent to work with. 

17. Penn State Nittany Lions

Matt Cambell is taking over from Iowa State and is bringing a lot of his players with him. Quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, wide receiver Chase Sowell and tight end Ben Brahmer all come from the Cyclones and can help the offense. Defensively, more talent came over from a team that won eight games. With all those incoming players and some new faces, Penn State can probably manage a relatively easy schedule to have success in Campbell’s first year. 

16. BYU Cougars

Bear Bachmeier impressed at quarterback as a freshman and running back LJ Martin was one of the most productive running backs in the country with 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. The offensive line should be solid, while new receivers need to step up. Defensively, the Cougars should be a very strong unit after ranking 19th in scoring last season and bringing back eight starters. 

15-11

15. Michigan Wolverines

Kyle Whittingham did a lot for Utah and now will have more resources at Michigan. Quarterback Bryce Underwood and wide receiver Andrew Marsh are both entering their sophomore seasons after impressing as freshmen. The offensive line has some experience, so a jump in offensive production from their 68th-ranked scoring offense is expected. Defensively, John Henry Daley followed Whittingham and can rush the passer well. Their secondary has some talented and experienced players, but some linebackers will need to step into new roles. 

14. USC Trojans

Lincoln Riley reeled in the highest-ranked recruiting class in the country and brought back a lot of their nine-win team from last year. Jayden Maiava could’ve gone pro, but instead returns after passing for 3,711 yards last year. The offensive line has all starters returning, but they will need young players to play well at the skill positions. The defense ranked 51st in scoring last season, which is a good sign for the program after they have struggled. There will be five returning starters, but freshman edge rusher Luke Wafle could really help get the defense improving. 

13. Texas Tech Red Raiders

While Brendan Sorsby is not suiting up for the Red Raiders, they still have plenty of talent. Will Hammond played some last year before tearing his ACL. Once healthy, he should be capable of running the offense, especially with five other starters back on offense along with some talented transfers. The defense ranked third in the country in scoring last season, but they lost some talent to the NFL. Edge rusher Trey White is a productive pass rusher transferring in from Kansas State, while linebacker Austin Romaine racked up tackles at Kansas State before moving to Lubbock. Five starters return, so it should be a solid unit again. 

12. Miami Hurricanes

Miami made the National Championship Game last season and should have a quality roster again this season. Malachi Toney was a great freshman receiver with 1,211 yards and is a game-changer. Bruising running back Mark Fletcher rushed for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns, so the Hurricanes have go-to guys through the air and on the ground. Darian Mensah is transferring in from Duke to play quarterback, which improves the position. Some work is to be done on developing the offensive line, but Mario Cristobal thrives at that. Six starters are back on defense, including solid draft prospects defensive tackle Ahmad Moten and cornerback OJ Fredrique Jr. Edge rusher Damon Wilson can help fill some of the production lost to the NFL last season and help the defense be good again. 

11. Alabama Crimson Tide

Austin Mack has been in the program for a few years, but Keelon Russell is a great athlete who could bring a new element to the offense. No matter who is the quarterback, they will have plenty of talented receivers to throw to, including Ryan Coleman-Williams. Daniel Hill is a talented running back, but they need to run the ball better and will have to get play out of a completely new unit. Defensively, there are several playmakers, including cornerback Zabien Brown along with safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb. More production will be needed up front for them to stay at top-20 scoring defense. 

10-6

10. Texas A&M Aggies

Quarterback Marcel Reed, wide receiver Mario Craver and running back Rueben Owens should create a good three-headed monster on offense. There are more playmakers around them and the offensive line brought in some transfers and should be a solid unit. On defense, Mike Elko continues to produce NFL talent and has five starters returning from last season. They ranked 36th in scoring defense and should be able to finish in a similar range next season. 

9. Oklahoma Sooners

Things were rolling last season, before quarterback John Mateer hurt his thumb and then the Sooners got back on track late in the season, winning their last four regular-season games. Mateer is a playmaker at the position and star receiver Isaiah Sategna III is back and should be more productive. There are a few offensive linemen back, but there are new faces that will have roles. Brent Venables has made the defense great and six starters are back. Defensive tackles David Stone and Jayden Jackson can create an impact up front. Linebacker Owen Heinecke was granted extra eligibility, while Eli and Peyton Bowen bring some experience to the secondary. 

8. Indiana Hoosiers

The reigning national champs los a lot from last season, but bring in quarterback Josh Hoover to run the offense. Although there were some turnover issues, head coach Curt Cignetti doesn’t seem to be too concerned. The wide receiving core features Charlie Becker, who popped late last season, and the talented transfer Nick Marsh from Michigan State. Three offensive linemen return including a premier left tackle in Carter Smith. Six starters return on defense from the second-ranked scoring unit in the country. Linebacker Isaiah Jones made a lot of plays last season and now will have a larger role as the leader of the defense. Cornerback AJ Harris transferred in from Penn State and has some NFL potential. 

7. Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss made a run to the CFP semifinals without Lane Kiffin and now Pete Golding will lead them into a new season. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was given an extra year of eligibility after becoming a star last season from small beginnings. He can have the offense rolling along with running back Kewan Lacy, who rushed for 1,567 yards last year. Three offensive linemen return, but some new receivers will have to gel with the offense. On defense, there is some top end talent returning. Defensive lineman Will Echoles and linebacker Suntarine Perkins have drawn some NFL interest. They ranked 37th in scoring defense last season and could improve with their additions. 

6. LSU Tigers

Kiffin has put together a great roster from transfers and some returnees. Sam Leavitt will play quarterback after playing well at Arizona State. Former key recruit Harlem Berry will take a lot of carries at running back and so too will Caden Durham after they both rushed for about 500 yards last season. Wide receivers need some new production, but tight end Trey’Dez Green is a matchup nightmare. The offensive line has some returnees, but will be bolstered by the addition of Jordan Seaton at left tackle, who is one of the top players in the 2027 NFL Draft class. Linebacker Whit Weeks will lead the defense and is joined by TJ Dottery from Ole Miss. Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross create a solid pass rushing duo. The secondary should be vintage LSU, as they have the big corner DJ Pickett, returning corner PJ Woodland along with impact safeties Tamarcus Cooley and Ty Benefield (transfer from Boise State).

5-1

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Kirby Smart will have 14 returning starters to work with this season, which should be enough to help him advance far in the CFP. Gunner Stockton is back at quarterback after passing for 2,894 yards. Nate Frazier is waiting to break out more after 947 rushing yards, but the receiver position is still a question. The left side of the offensive line all returns and should be a strength of the team. Eight starters are back on defense from a unit that ranked in the top 10 for scoring. Safety KJ Bolden leads a solid secondary, but there will be an emphasis on getting more pressure on quarterbacks. 

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Jeremiah Smith is the best player in the sport and is entering his third season leading a great receiving core. Julian Sayin had a solid first year starting at quarterback and can now develop further. Running back Bo Jackson broke out late in the season and his growth could make the offense more dangerous after they ranked 21st in scoring last year. Four starters return on the offensive line. Three starters are back on defense from a unit that was the best in the country, but Ohio State reloads. Edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson and cornerback Jermaine Matthews will lead the way. 

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jeremiyah Love is gone from the offense, but CJ Carr is entering his second year as the starter at quarterback with a big jump in his play expected. Jordan Faison and some Ohio State transfers will be good targets for him to use. Replacing Love is Aneyas Williams and some other backs, but the star power won’t be there. Three starters are back on the offensive line and it should be one of the best in the country again. The defense ranked 11th in scoring last season and has playmakers on all three levels returning. Cornerback Leonard Moore is one of the best in the sport, while linebackers Drayk Bowen and Kynstonn Viliamu-Asa make plenty of plays. 

2. Texas Longhorns

Arch Manning played well down the stretch last year and now gets another offseason of growth to put on display. Texas brought in transfers to bolster the skill position players, as running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers come in as big play guys and wide receiver Cam Coleman should produce like one of the best in the country. The offensive line got a boost when Trevor Goosby didn’t enter the draft, and two other starters are back too. 

1. Oregon Ducks

So much talent is returning to Oregon this season. Dante Moore is back at quarterback after he could’ve been selected really early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Skill position players will be back and effective, with the likes of Jordon Davison, Dakorien Moore, Jeremiah McLellan, Evan Stewart and tight end Jamari Johnson giving plenty of quality options to move the ball. Iapani Laloulu anchors the line at center in what should be a solid unit. On defense, the front will be dangerous. Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei and defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington could’ve gone pro in the first round or two of the draft and can wreak havoc. The already quality secondary will be bolstered by Minnesota transfer Koi Perich. 

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