Ranking 138 college football teams for 2026, from Indiana and Ohio State to Sac State and UMass

Welcome again to college football, which is as soon as once more greater than ever at its high degree.

There have been no seismic adjustments to the game this offseason — no main realignment rumblings, no expanded College Football Playoff, no legal guidelines handed in Congress — and the video games have lastly returned. The Football Bowl Subdivision did add two new applications, rising these rankings to 138 teams. Welcome, North Dakota State and Sacramento State, and welcome again to the Pac-12, which relaunches as an eight-team football convention.

I began these rankings in 2017, when the FBS was a mere 130 teams, as a result of I take pleasure in all components of college football, whether or not that’s Ohio State-Texas or Conference USA on a weekday. Everyone’s a fan of somebody, and a ballot that stops at 25 leaves out a lot of the sport.

Yes, this can be a subjective train, although I do have a look at superior rankings and take them under consideration. As the season goes on, I alter based mostly on whom teams have performed and whom they’ve overwhelmed. When two teams are shut, their head-to-head result’s the foundational pillar of their rating (Notre Dame by no means jumped Miami right here final 12 months). The choice committee might take word.

The rankings will change, generally quickly, as outcomes are available and preseason priors are dismissed, however it normally takes a couple of weeks for everybody to get sufficient information factors to draw preliminary conclusions. Everything works itself out by the top of the 12 months.

Two years in the past, I started Ohio State at No. 1, and the Buckeyes gained all of it. Last 12 months, I had Penn State at No. 1, and the Nittany Lions finished 50th. You win some, you lose some.

Week 0 is right here, so let’s get into it. For simply this preseason version, I’ll have a remark for each group.

1. Indiana: The defending nationwide champs are disrespected by their No. 6 rating within the preseason coaches and AP polls. Would which have occurred if a distinct emblem have been on the helmet? Additions like operating again Turbo Richard and receiver Nick Marsh will assist new quarterback Josh Hoover. The Hoosiers stay the group to beat.

2. Ohio State: The Buckeyes will probably be within the combine as at all times with a lot expertise, however I’ve some questions on a protection that misplaced a lot and an offense that struggled within the largest video games a 12 months in the past.

3. Georgia: The protection and operating recreation ought to return to type. I simply wonder if the Dawgs can discover the explosive performs they lacked in 2025.

4. Oregon: The Ducks might need the most effective quarterback and line of defense within the nation. Six of Dan Lanning’s eight losses as a head coach have come towards teams that performed for the nationwide title. The items are right here to recover from the hump.

5. Notre Dame: The Irish return probably the most manufacturing within the FBS and could have the most effective protection, however will sufficient playmakers emerge at operating again and receiver? Another weak schedule leaves little room for error.

6. Texas: Probably the very best ceiling within the nation if Arch Manning, Cam Coleman and firm can put all of it collectively. But we noticed final 12 months’s flooring end up to be decrease than anticipated.

7. Miami (Fla.): The Canes may be higher at quarterback and the ability positions than their CFP runner-up squad, however they misplaced quite a bit within the trenches.

8. LSU: Lane Kiffin has all of the expertise he might ask for. Can he tie all of it collectively in his first season in cost?

9. Texas Tech: If quarterback Will Hammond is wholesome, the protection and operating recreation are greater than sufficient for the Red Raiders to run by way of the Big 12.

10. Oklahoma: The protection needs to be robust once more, however can the Sooners run the ball to assist quarterback John Mateer?

11. BYU: Second-year quarterback Bear Bachmeier had a full offseason within the system, and the protection reloaded. The Cougars have completed simply exterior the CFP the final two seasons, however that might change this 12 months.

12. Ole Miss: Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy may be the most effective QB-RB duo within the nation. Can that make up for new items nearly in every single place else?

13. Texas A&M: Quarterback Marcel Reed is again with group of skill-position gamers round him, however the Aggies had to rebuild within the trenches.

14. USC: Quarterback Jayden Maiava has a brand new receiving corps, however my query is whether or not new coordinator Gary Patterson can elevate the protection towards the Trojans’ powerful schedule.

15. Alabama: The Tide have to repair final 12 months’s speeding points … whereas breaking in a brand new QB.

16. Michigan: The Wolverines gained 9 video games final 12 months amid main teaching turmoil. Can the regular hand of Kyle Whittingham get them again to the Playoff? More particularly, will sufficient receivers emerge to assist second-year quarterback Bryce Underwood?

17. SMU: Quarterback Kevin Jennings has a brand new group of receivers, however the Mustangs are deeper nearly in every single place else than a 12 months in the past.

18. Louisville: If operating again Isaac Brown is wholesome and switch quarterback Lincoln Kienholz can dwell up to his recruiting hype, the Cardinals might get to the ACC title recreation.

19. Houston: Willie Fritz at all times figures it out. The veteran coach has quarterback Conner Weigman again and gifted operating again Makhi Hughes (who performed for him at Tulane, then left for Oregon) again within the fold.

20. Tennessee: If the brand new quarterback can simply play OK, there are sufficient items in every single place else for an enormous 12 months, although I’m anxious concerning the season-ending accidents the protection has sustained in August.

21. Boise State: The Broncos return a uncommon load of expertise for a Group of 6 group, however the schedule is daunting, together with their new Pac-12 slate.

22. Oklahoma State: The Cowboys, who haven’t gained a Big 12 recreation since 2023, imported every thing from a North Texas group that had final season’s No. 1 offense and practically made the CFP. This may be the most important postseason-to-preseason bounce we’ve seen in these rankings. Will it maintain up?

23. Washington: Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. may have a powerful offensive line in entrance of him, however ability gamers want to step up.

24. Iowa: Even with turnover on protection and at quarterback, the Hawkeyes at all times determine it out. They are one in all 5 teams to win no less than eight video games in each non-pandemic-altered season since 2015 (Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan and Georgia are the others).

25. Navy: Plenty of expertise and speedy quarterback Braxton Woodson may lead to a Playoff berth.

26. Utah: A brand new period with coach Morgan Scalley contains returning quarterback Devon Dampier, however it’s regarding to depend on utterly new offensive and defensive traces.

27. TCU: Harvard switch quarterback Jaden Craig takes over, however success will depend upon the trenches, which needs to be a energy, and avoiding turnovers.

28. Arizona: Talented quarterback Noah Fifita is again after a nine-win season. Can the Wildcats’ new faces on the offensive line and secondary maintain up towards a troublesome schedule?

29. Penn State: New coach Matt Campbell introduced over most of Iowa State’s greatest gamers, together with quarterback Rocco Becht. That continuity ought to assist profit from a good attract Big Ten play.

30. Illinois: Coming off the primary consecutive nine-win seasons at school historical past, Bret Bielema fingers the reins to East Carolina switch quarterback Katin Houser. Will new offensive and defensive traces maintain up?

31. Florida: New coach Jon Sumrall stored lots of Florida’s high gamers. How will quarterback Aaron Philo and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner deal with their new environment after coming in from Georgia Tech? Sumrall has gained three convention titles in 4 years as a head coach.

32. South Carolina: Shane Beamer made drastic adjustments to repair a horrible offensive line. If it really works, the top-end stars are nonetheless right here to contend in quarterback LaNorris Sellers and defensive finish Dylan Stewart.

33. Clemson: Both sides of the ball misplaced quite a bit this spring, together with 9 gamers drafted from a 7-6 group. Who will take over at quarterback, and can the operating recreation get something going?

34. Virginia: Coming off an ACC title recreation look, Tony Elliott has quantity of expertise at his disposal once more, together with quarterback Beau Pribula and operating again Peyton Lewis.

35. Missouri: Austin Simmons takes over at quarterback, and star operating again Ahmad Hardy is working his manner again to the sector after being shot within the leg. The schedule does the Tigers no favors.

36. Auburn: New coach Alex Golesh introduced quarterback Byrum Brown and different key gamers from South Florida. How will Brown and the up-tempo offense deal with weekly SEC competitors?

37. Cal: The college is taking football critically, retaining star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and including a slew of productive gamers round him at operating again and large receiver. I’m intrigued.

38. Pitt: Quarterback Mason Heintschel returns after a breakthrough debut, however he’ll want some skill-position gamers to emerge. A good early schedule may lead to a powerful begin.

39. Minnesota: Quarterback Drake Lindsey has impressed scouts and has an skilled group round him, however the offense should create extra explosive performs.

40. Georgia Tech: Do-everything quarterback Haynes King is gone, however Michigan switch Justice Haynes leads what needs to be one other robust floor assault. Can the protection return to the extent at which it was taking part in earlier than final 12 months’s late collapse?

41. New Mexico: The Lobos gained 9 video games in Jason Eck’s first 12 months as coach, ending tied atop the Mountain West, and they return lots of final season’s high gamers, together with linebacker Jaxton Eck.

42. James Madison: Billy Napier takes over a group coming off a CFP look however with a load of latest gamers. Watch out for operating again George Pettaway.

43. San Diego State: The Aztecs gained 9 video games final season on the again of their protection, however head coach Sean Lewis’ offense should enhance within the new Pac-12.

44. UNLV: Dan Mullen took the Rebels to the Mountain West Championship Game a 12 months in the past. Can he pull off one other profitable quarterback rehabilitation with Jackson Arnold?

45. Arizona State: The Sun Devils needs to be robust within the trenches, however a slew of latest transfers will want to mesh, together with new quarterback Cutter Boley.

46. Kansas State: Collin Klein returns to his alma mater as head coach, hoping to lastly pull out the potential from quarterback Avery Johnson. The Wildcats’ schedule avoids the Big 12’s hardest teams.

47. Virginia Tech: James Franklin introduced quite a lot of Penn State contributors with him, together with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. Franklin will attempt to elevate Virginia Tech the identical manner he did Penn State, with out the identical expectations.

48. NC State: Quarterback CJ Bailey had a handful of former highschool teammates switch in to be a part of the offense. Duke Scott might get away as the brand new No. 1 operating again.

49. Florida State: With maybe the most popular teaching seat within the nation, Mike Norvell will depend on quarterback Ashton Daniels. He nonetheless has good gamers on his roster, nevertheless, together with receiver Duce Robinson.

50. Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons stunned everybody with 9 wins final 12 months. New quarterback Gio Lopez ought to present the offense with extra choices.

51. Vanderbilt: Replacing Diego Pavia may be unattainable, however five-star freshman quarterback Jared Curtis will attempt amid quite a lot of different roster turnover.

52. UTSA: Quarterback Owen McCown returns with quite a lot of weapons round him, and the Roadrunners might make an American Conference run whereas most of the league’s current contenders begin over with new coaches.

53. Tulane: Will Hall takes over as head coach, hoping to present continuity after a Playoff run. There are questions throughout, however the protection needs to be the energy of this group.

54. Wisconsin: Coach Luke Fickell enters on the recent seat, however Old Dominion switch quarterback Colton Joseph can present a spark, and a protection that was legitimately good final 12 months ought to nonetheless be strong.

55. Baylor: DJ Lagway takes over at quarterback, however the Bears have a completely new solid of ability gamers round him. Dave Aranda’s protection should enhance, or else a training change could possibly be coming.

56. Western Michigan: Last 12 months’s MAC champions gained 10 of their final 11 video games and return their high offensive gamers, together with quarterback Broc Lowry and 1,000-yard rusher Jalen Buckley.

57. Fresno State: Matt Entz gained 9 video games right here a 12 months in the past, and the Bulldogs will lean on a powerful operating recreation once more.

58. Nebraska: The Huskers have the third-most returning manufacturing within the nation however new starters at quarterback and operating again, in addition to a brand new defensive coordinator. Can Anthony Colandrea make large performs and keep away from turnovers within the Big Ten?

59. Duke: The defending ACC champions will lean on operating again Nate Sheppard, however the protection should enhance, and the quarterback spot stays a query.

60. Northwestern: David Braun has introduced stability. Can new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterback Aidan Chiles lastly present an offensive spark?

61. South Florida: Brian Hartline took over and introduced within the No. 1 portal class within the G6, together with quarterback Michael Van Buren.

62. Memphis: Charles Huff has gained at Marshall and Southern Miss and now inherits a Memphis group with a excessive flooring. Former touted recruit Air Noland has been battling for the beginning quarterback job.

63. West Virginia: Oklahoma switch quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and Jacksonville State switch operating again Cam Cook might make this seem like the Rich Rodriguez offenses of previous.

64. Kentucky: New coach Will Stein added a bunch of attention-grabbing offensive items, together with quarterback Kenny Minchey and operating again CJ Baxter.

65. UCLA: New coach Bob Chesney stored quarterback Nico Iamaleava and introduced a crowd with him from James Madison, together with electrical operating again Wayne Knight.

66. Army: Quarterback Cale Hellums is again to anchor what’s at all times a powerful speeding assault, however the protection replaces eight starters.

67. Hawaii: The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a shock nine-win season, however quarterback Micah Alejado wants to keep wholesome.

68. Mississippi State: Quarterback Kamario Taylor is a powerful constructing block, however a lot of the remainder of the offense will probably be new and the schedule is hard.

69. UCF: JMU switch Alonza Barnett III takes the reins of the offense, supported by expertise at large receiver and a protection that was strong final season.

70. Cincinnati: Georgia Southern switch quarterback JC French IV will work behind a powerful offensive line, however the Bearcats will depend on switch receivers and new defensive faces.

71. North Dakota State: The FBS newcomer has an extended historical past of beating FBS teams and might contend within the Mountain West, however it should substitute a ton of items from final 12 months’s extra gifted group.

72. Michigan State: Pat Fitzgerald is again on a college sideline and needs to create a foundational toughness, however the roster lacks distinction makers.

73. Maryland: A gifted class of freshmen alongside quarterback Malik Washington is again for Year 2, however receivers want to emerge. The protection additionally simply misplaced star edge rusher Zahir Mathis for the season.

74. Kansas: The offense replaces nearly every thing and continues to be ready on quarterback readability. Could operating again Dylan Edwards discover his previous type right here?

75. North Carolina: Maybe offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino can conjure a spark for Bill Belichick. The protection obtained higher late within the 2025 season.

76. Arkansas: New coach Ryan Silverfield has first rate operating backs and an offensive line with upside. Still, quarterback questions and a brutal schedule arrange an uphill climb.

77. Colorado: Deion Sanders introduced in Brennan Marion to run the offense, plus a bunch of lower-level transfers with expertise and manufacturing. There’s some potential right here.

78. Syracuse: A wholesome Steve Angeli ought to assist, however new operating backs and receivers and a rebuilt offense make for quite a lot of non-QB questions.

79. Rutgers: Running again Antwan Raymond and receiver KJ Duff are good gamers, however a struggling protection has to substitute everybody.

80. East Carolina: The Pirates misplaced quite a lot of expertise to the portal, however switch quarterback Emory Williams from Miami and offensive coordinator Jordan Davis from North Texas might make for an attention-grabbing mixture.

81. Troy: Last 12 months’s Sun Belt West champions carry again oft-injured quarterback Goose Crowder and sufficient items from a protection that grew to become one of many convention’s greatest.

82. Texas State: The Bobcats are coming off three consecutive bowl video games, and quarterback Brad Jackson appears like a rising star. Now the protection has to get some stops.

83. Washington State: With a 3rd head coach in as a few years, there’s turnover aplenty. UC Davis switch quarterback Caden Pinnick might shine after incomes FCS freshman All-America honors.

84. Miami (Ohio): Coming off three consecutive MAC Championship Game appearances, the RedHawks want to substitute a lot of their beginning ability positions. To achieve this, they introduced within the MAC’s No. 1 portal class, together with 1,800-yard rusher Rodney Nelson.

85. Old Dominion: The Monarchs have to substitute nearly every thing, however ODU might need a budding star in operating again Devin Roche.

86. Liberty: The Flames added operating backs Kanye Udoh (Arizona State) and Kam Davis (Florida State) from the portal and ought to have a greater speeding assault for coach Jamey Chadwell, who’s in higher well being after January surgical procedure.

87. Temple: KC Keeler practically obtained Temple to a bowl recreation in Year 1. Penn State switch QB Jaxon Smolik expects to take over behind middle.

88. North Texas: It’s a very new group, however first-year coach Neal Brown has former West Virginia operating again Jaheim White to lean on.

89. Western Kentucky: Tyson Helton at all times has his group within the CUSA combine. QB Rodney Tisdale Jr. is again, and the run recreation will probably be utterly new, as will a lot of the protection.

90. Kennesaw State: The defending CUSA champs misplaced quite a bit, however coach Jerry Mack has a observe file of figuring issues out. How will switch Rickie Collins look taking on at QB?

91. Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks reached the CUSA title recreation in Charles Kelly’s first season and carry again veteran beginning QB Caden Creel and a veteran secondary.

92. Central Michigan: The Chippewas constructed a strong operating recreation below first-year coach Matt Drinkall, who got here from Army, and that’s the recipe once more. The protection replaces quite a bit from a top-60 group.

93. Toledo: New coach Mike Jacobs brings a successful observe file at a number of stops, in addition to some gifted gamers like defensive finish Andrew Zock, who gained the FCS defensive participant of the 12 months award at Mercer.

94. Stanford: Tavita Pritchard takes over as head coach, and former Michigan QB Davis Warren is anticipated to begin. Running again Micah Ford is the brilliant spot, and the protection no less than has some expertise.

95. Boston College: BC hopes Division II Saginaw Valley State QB Mason McKenzie is the following Trinidad Chambliss, and he’ll lead a completely new offense. It won’t assist that gifted tight finish Kaelan Chudzinski is out for the 12 months.

96. Ohio: John Hauser is the third straight Ohio coach promoted into the job. The protection needs to be one of many MAC’s greatest. The Bobcats are at all times within the combine on this league and in all probability will probably be once more.

97. Purdue: Quarterback Ryan Browne and linebacker Charles Correa are again, however one other giant group of transfers will decide whether or not there’s any enchancment from final 12 months’s 2-10 season.

98. Iowa State: This may be very a lot beginning over on the backside. Just 13 whole begins return after a lot of the roster adopted Matt Campbell to Penn State. New coach Jimmy Rogers introduced 12 gamers from Washington State’s protection.

99. Delaware: The Blue Hens reached a bowl of their first FBS season and introduced again CUSA preseason offensive participant of the 12 months QB Nick Minicucci.

100. FIU: Willie Simmons gained seven video games in his first season, then had to substitute quite a bit. JJ Kohl, the Panthers’ 6-foot-7 QB switch from Appalachian State, was addition.

101. Marshall: QB Carlos Del Rio-Wilson has quite a lot of items again for what needs to be one of many Sun Belt’s high offenses.

102. UConn: New coach Jason Candle from Toledo has a very new group, which incorporates former Tennessee QB Jake Merklinger. The protection did add a number of productive transfers.

103. Georgia Southern: QB Max Johnson is right here for his seventh season of college football, for a group that misplaced all 11 offensive starters. The protection was one of many nation’s worst final 12 months and went by way of a training and personnel overhaul.

104. Utah State: The Aggies went 6-7 final 12 months regardless of ending thirty sixth in scoring offense and protection. Talented operating again Javen Jacobs is again, whereas the protection has little bit of returning expertise.

105. Air Force: After consecutive dropping seasons, the Falcons could get again to successful methods with QB Liam Szarka and an skilled protection coming again.

106. Arkansas State: The large receiver and offensive line teams could possibly be strong if a quarterback emerges for Butch Jones, who has reached three consecutive bowls.

107. Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs jumped up to eight wins final 12 months and introduced again quarterback Blake Baker off an ACL damage. This is a veteran group that strikes into the Sun Belt.

108. Eastern Michigan: The Eagles have probably the most returning manufacturing within the MAC, together with QB Noah Kim, however the protection should enhance.

109. Buffalo: The protection ought to carry this group once more because the offense figures out starters at key spots.

110. Florida Atlantic: QB Caden Veltkamp is again after throwing for greater than 3,600 yards final 12 months, so the offense will probably be enjoyable, however the protection has to present some signal of life. The Owls additionally had a outstanding minus-21 turnover margin final 12 months, eight turnovers worse than the following group.

111. Tulsa: Quarterback Baylor Hayes offers upside and cornerback Elijah Green is without doubt one of the greatest defensive gamers within the convention.

112. Appalachian State: A second straight offseason of heavy roster turnover hopes to usher in the suitable items, like former Purdue/Arkansas QB Malachi Singleton. A proud program wants to flip the ship round.

113. Louisiana: QB Lunch Winfield might eat with a lot of the offense round him coming again. Last 12 months’s group closed the common season with 4 consecutive wins. Can the momentum proceed?

114. Rice: Former UCF QB Jacurri Brown needs to be a greater match for this selection offense, alongside operating again Quinton Jackson.

115. Colorado State: Former Oklahoma State QB Hauss Hejny leads a very new offense for new head coach Jim Mora.

116. Oregon State: New coach JaMarcus Shephard has QB Maalik Murphy as a constructing block, however that is one other turned-over roster following a 2-10 season.

117. New Mexico State: The Aggies added a few attention-grabbing ability items in operating again James Jones from Delaware State and tight finish Josiah Thomas from Western Carolina. But they have been one of many worst speeding teams within the nation final 12 months.

118. Coastal Carolina: New head coach Ryan Beard has greater than 50 newcomers and replaces the whole beginning offense. The protection held onto linebackers Se’Von McDoeffectively and Tray Brown.

119. Missouri State: The Bears misplaced Beard and a couple of NFL gamers. New head coach Casey Woods begins over with former UTEP QB Skyler Locklear.

120. South Alabama: This group ought to give you the chance to rating with QB Bishop Davenport again. Todd Orlando appears to flip round a struggling protection.

121. Ball State: Coach Mike Uremovich added beef from the portal to repair an offensive line that allowed 49 sacks over 12 video games.

122. Bowling Green: Former Oregon QB Austin Novosad is right here, and operating again Austyn Dendy could possibly be an rising star.

123. Akron: Running again Jordan Gant will carry the load of this group, whereas Reese Poffenbarger might take over at QB.

124. Kent State: A shock 5-7 season gained interim coach Mark Carney the full-time job. QB Dru DeShields is an effective constructing block, however the traces could possibly be a problem.

125. Nevada: After consecutive three-win seasons for coach Jeff Choate, the offensive line needs to be a energy, however the Wolf Pack’s QB battle lasted all through camp.

126. Southern Miss: Promoted head coach Blake (*138*) has a successful observe file at Arkansas State and Utah State, however he has to substitute a lot of the group once more.

127. San Jose State: After falling to 3-9 final 12 months, each side of the ball have been overhauled. Hawaii switch QB Luke Weaver is taking on behind middle.

128. Wyoming: It’s been a very long time since Wyoming had an above-average offense to match a powerful protection. New offensive coordinator Christian Taylor from William & Mary hopes to change that.

129. UAB: Quarterback Ryder Burton and a deep operating again room present optimism on offense for coach Alex Mortensen, who was promoted after the season.

130. Middle Tennessee: The high gamers on each side of the ball are gone as Derek Mason enters Year 3 after consecutive 3-9 seasons. QB Roman Gagliano performed effectively to shut final season and takes over.

131. Northern Illinois: The Huskies transfer to the Mountain West and have interim coach Rob Harley for the season. No defensive starters return from a strong unit, whereas the offense can be going by way of a reset.

132. Louisiana-Monroe: There’s potential at quarterback however a bevy of latest faces in every single place once more.

133. UTEP: Incarnate Word QB EJ Colson was an enormous portal pickup that might give the Miners some life.

134. Sam Houston: The Bearkats dropped to 2-10 final 12 months, however they’ll be again of their house stadium after greater than a 12 months of renovation.

135. Georgia State: The Panthers added 34 transfers after a 1-11 season, however returning QB Cameran Brown offers some upside.

136. Charlotte: The 49ers went 1-11 final 12 months and have been winless towards FBS teams. The hope is teaching familiarity can present some stability.

137. Sacramento State: Sac State’s surprising FBS transfer additionally comes with a brand new coach, with Alonzo Carter taking on for the departed Brennan Marion. The offense will probably be made up of transfers, together with former Fresno State QB Carson Conklin.

138. UMass: The Minutemen went 0-12 and completed 134th in scoring offense and protection final 12 months. Like everybody else, there are a bunch of latest gamers, together with QB William Watson III from Virginia Tech. With two FCS teams on the schedule this 12 months, hopefully UMass may have one thing to rejoice.