With the 2025 college football season officially over, major sports outlets have released their way-too-early top 25 rankings for the 2026 campaign, setting the stage for another thrilling year. The rankings highlight a mix of perennial powerhouses and rising programs, with Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia frequently appearing at the top, while defending national champion Indiana looks to build on its historic run.
The 2025 season concluded with Indiana capturing its first national title after a perfect 16-0 season, defeating Miami in the championship game. This unprecedented success has made the Hoosiers a focal point in early projections, with some analysts ranking them as high as No. 1, citing coach Curt Cignetti’s transformative impact and the program’s ability to reload through the transfer portal. However, other rankings place Ohio State at the forefront, emphasizing the return of quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who form one of the most dynamic duos in college football.
Texas is another team generating significant buzz, largely due to the continued development of quarterback Arch Manning and key additions from the transfer portal, such as running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. The Longhorns’ SEC schedule poses a challenge, but their offensive firepower positions them as serious playoff contenders. Georgia, under Kirby Smart, remains a constant threat, with quarterback Gunner Stockton leading an experienced roster eager to reclaim national prominence after recent postseason setbacks.
Oregon and Notre Dame also feature prominently in the early rankings. The Ducks benefit from the return of quarterback Dante Moore, who opted to bypass the NFL Draft, while Notre Dame’s coach Marcus Freeman has bolstered the receiving corps with transfer additions, aiming for a playoff push. Texas Tech, coming off a Big 12 championship and CFP appearance, is seen as a rising force, especially with the acquisition of quarterback Brendan Sorsby from the transfer portal.
The offseason has been marked by extensive coaching changes and portal movement, with over 30 new head coaches nationwide. Notable hires include Kyle Whittingham at Michigan and Lane Kiffin at LSU, both expected to inject new energy into their programs. The transfer portal has reshaped rosters, with quarterbacks like Sam Leavitt (LSU) and Darian Mensah (Miami) making high-profile moves that could alter team fortunes.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season promises intense competition, particularly in the expanded Big Ten and SEC, where multiple teams are capable of playoff runs. Key early matchups, such as Texas hosting Ohio State in Week 2, will provide early indicators of title aspirations. The continued evolution of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and portal strategies will also play a crucial role in team building and competitive balance.
In summary, the way-too-early rankings offer a glimpse into a season where traditional powers and new challengers will vie for supremacy. While predictions are speculative, the consensus points to a wide-open race, with several programs equipped to make deep playoff runs. Fans can expect another year of surprises and drama as the 2026 campaign unfolds.
