Spring practice has wrapped up for most of the college football teams across the country, so it's time to revisit our too-early Top 25 teams ahead of the 2026 season.
Indiana was winning its first national title the last time we published our rankings of the national title contenders. How much has changed in the last three months? Well, there's a new No. 1 after Texas held the top spot in January.
It's Ohio State now leading the field with the returns of quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith giving the Buckeyes one of the nation's top offenses. The Longhorns are still in the top-five mix, while Notre Dame, Miami improved its place near the top. Mississippi also gained ground with the return of Trinidad Chambliss. Texas A&M and Clemson were among the teams falling back.
So how does it all shake out? Below is our post-spring Top 25, once again heavily slanted toward the Big Ten and SEC. Rankings from January in parenthesis:
Ohio State is the favorite to win its second national title in three years and the Big Ten’s fourth in a row. The offense should be virtually unstoppable thanks to the combination of Sayin, Smith, running back Bo Jackson and more. New coordinator Arthur Smith should bring new and dynamic ideas to the table that broaden the Buckeyes’ ability to attack defenses. On the defensive side, Ohio State bring back just three starters. But that’s nothing new: Last year’s defense also brought back three starters and ranked first nationally in yards and points per game. The key will be maintaining a furious pass rush without standouts such as Arvell Reese and Caden Curry.
This shapes up to be Marcus Freeman’s best team. There are no questions at quarterback with CJ Carr returning for his second season as a starter. He is set to shoulder more of the offensive load with new running backs replacing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Jordan Faison anchors the wide receiver room with the hope Jaden Greathouse and Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham will be significant contributors. Bryce Young is the leader of a defensive line that added transfers Francis Brewu (Pittsburgh) and Keon Keeley (Alabama) to bolster the front seven. But the biggest strength of the defense will a secondary with Leonard Moore, Christian Gray and Colorado transfer DJ McKinney.
The Longhorns drop slightly but that’s not an indication of their potential for the upcoming season. The offseason foot surgery for Arch Manning appears to be of little concern other than keeping him from working more closely with a potentially elite receiving group that includes Ryan Wingo and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman among the standouts. Of bigger concern is how the offensive line develops after a sub-par season in 2025. New coordinator Will Muschamp had the spring to start implementing his defensive plan that will take advantage of Colin Simmons, who projects to be among the best pass rushers in the nation.
Defensive back Tony-Louis Nkuba #21 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates by jumping into an inflatable bowl of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes after intercepting a pass against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl game at Sun Bowl Stadium on December 31, 2025 in El Paso, TexasTony the Tiger stands on the field after the coin toss before a football game between Duke and Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) greats the Pop-Tarts mascots before the Pop-Tarts Bowl against the BYU Cougars at Camping World Stadium.Pop-Tarts mascots celebrate with BYU Cougars after beating Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium.Pop-Tarts mascots celebrate with BYU Cougars after beating Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium.The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl mascots perform on the field before a game between the Michigan Wolverines and Texas Longhorns at Camping World Stadium.Louisville Cardinals players celebrate after defeating the Toledo Rockets in the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium.Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch holds the LA Bowl championship belt presented by Rob Gronkowski after defeating the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium.Musical artist/rapper Snoop Dogg holds the championship trophy after the Fresno State Bulldogs defeated the Miami (OH) RedHawks 18-3 to win the 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona.Actor Keegan-Michael Key receives the game coin prior to the 2025 Bush's Boca Raton Bowl of Beans game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Toledo Rockets at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on December 23, 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida.Comedians Theo Von, left, and Nate Bargatze watch from the sidelines during the first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl between Iowa Hawkeyes and Vanderbilt Commodores at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.Head coach Jeff Traylor of the UTSA Roadrunners is doused with water by Jamel Hardy #13 during the fourth quarter against the FIU Panthers in the 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.Army Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken gets splashed with Powerade after Army beat UConn 41-16 in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park.Interim head coach Drew Svoboda of the North Texas Mean Green is doused after his team defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 49-47 in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.Northwestern Wildcats players dump Gatorade on head coach David Braun of the Northwestern Wildcats after defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.Head coach John Hauser of the Ohio Bobcats is doused with water after winning the game against the UNLV Rebels at the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl at Ford Center on December 23, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott is doused with Gatorade after winning the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium Saturday December 27, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. Virginia defeated Missouri 13-7.Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz is doused with gatorade after defeating the Miami (OH) RedHawks during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium.Head coach Clay Helton of the Georgia Southern Eagles receives a Powerade dunk after winning the JLab Birmingham Bowl by beating the Appalachian State Mountaineers 29-10 at Protective Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama.Interim Head Coach Terry M. Smith of the Penn State Nittany Lions lifts the championship trophy following the game against the Clemson Tigers during the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2025 in New York City.BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) and head coach Kalani Sitake are presented a large pop-tart to eat after they beat the against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Camping World Stadium.Ken Seals #9 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates with teammates after defeating the USC Trojans in the game at the Alamodome on December 30, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.Head coach Willie Fritz of the Houston Cougars celebrates with the Texas Bowl Trophy after defeating the Louisiana State Tigers during the Kinder's Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas.Conner Weigman #1 of the Houston Cougars is named Texas Bowl MVP during the Kinder's Texas Bowl against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas.Maverick McIvor #7 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers reacts as he recieves the MVP trophy after his team defeated the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles to win the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome on December 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.Old Dominion Monarchs hoist the Cure Bowl trophy after beating the South Florida Bulls at Camping World Stadium.Jacksonville State Gamecocks running back Khristian Lando (22) hoists the trophy as Troy Trojans take on Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Jacksonville State Gamecocks defeated Troy Trojans 17-13.Interim head coach Drew Svoboda of the North Texas Mean Green raises the championship trophy after his team defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 49-47 in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.Micah Alejado #12 of the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors holds up the Hawai'i Bowl Championship trophy after winning the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl over the California Golden Bears at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on December 24, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawai'i.NC State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren receives the trophy after beating Memphis Tigers in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.1 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsDefensive back Tony-Louis Nkuba #21 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates by jumping into an inflatable bowl of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes after intercepting a pass against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl game at Sun Bowl Stadium on December 31, 2025 in El Paso, Texas1 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsDefensive back Tony-Louis Nkuba #21 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates by jumping into an inflatable bowl of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes after intercepting a pass against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl game at Sun Bowl Stadium on December 31, 2025 in El Paso, Texas2 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsTony the Tiger stands on the field after the coin toss before a football game between Duke and Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.3 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsGeorgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) greats the Pop-Tarts mascots before the Pop-Tarts Bowl against the BYU Cougars at Camping World Stadium.4 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsPop-Tarts mascots celebrate with BYU Cougars after beating Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium.5 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsPop-Tarts mascots celebrate with BYU Cougars after beating Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium.6 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsThe Cheez-It Citrus Bowl mascots perform on the field before a game between the Michigan Wolverines and Texas Longhorns at Camping World Stadium.7 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsLouisville Cardinals players celebrate after defeating the Toledo Rockets in the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium.8 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsWashington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch holds the LA Bowl championship belt presented by Rob Gronkowski after defeating the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium.9 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsMusical artist/rapper Snoop Dogg holds the championship trophy after the Fresno State Bulldogs defeated the Miami (OH) RedHawks 18-3 to win the 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona.10 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsActor Keegan-Michael Key receives the game coin prior to the 2025 Bush's Boca Raton Bowl of Beans game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Toledo Rockets at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on December 23, 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida.11 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsComedians Theo Von, left, and Nate Bargatze watch from the sidelines during the first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl between Iowa Hawkeyes and Vanderbilt Commodores at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.12 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsHead coach Jeff Traylor of the UTSA Roadrunners is doused with water by Jamel Hardy #13 during the fourth quarter against the FIU Panthers in the 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.13 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsArmy Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken gets splashed with Powerade after Army beat UConn 41-16 in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park.14 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsInterim head coach Drew Svoboda of the North Texas Mean Green is doused after his team defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 49-47 in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.15 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsNorthwestern Wildcats players dump Gatorade on head coach David Braun of the Northwestern Wildcats after defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.16 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsHead coach John Hauser of the Ohio Bobcats is doused with water after winning the game against the UNLV Rebels at the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl at Ford Center on December 23, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.17 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsVirginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott is doused with Gatorade after winning the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium Saturday December 27, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. Virginia defeated Missouri 13-7.18 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsFresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz is doused with gatorade after defeating the Miami (OH) RedHawks during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium.19 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsHead coach Clay Helton of the Georgia Southern Eagles receives a Powerade dunk after winning the JLab Birmingham Bowl by beating the Appalachian State Mountaineers 29-10 at Protective Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama.20 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsInterim Head Coach Terry M. Smith of the Penn State Nittany Lions lifts the championship trophy following the game against the Clemson Tigers during the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2025 in New York City.21 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsBYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) and head coach Kalani Sitake are presented a large pop-tart to eat after they beat the against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Camping World Stadium.22 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsKen Seals #9 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates with teammates after defeating the USC Trojans in the game at the Alamodome on December 30, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.23 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsHead coach Willie Fritz of the Houston Cougars celebrates with the Texas Bowl Trophy after defeating the Louisiana State Tigers during the Kinder's Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas.24 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsConner Weigman #1 of the Houston Cougars is named Texas Bowl MVP during the Kinder's Texas Bowl against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas.25 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsMaverick McIvor #7 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers reacts as he recieves the MVP trophy after his team defeated the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles to win the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome on December 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.26 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsOld Dominion Monarchs hoist the Cure Bowl trophy after beating the South Florida Bulls at Camping World Stadium.27 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsJacksonville State Gamecocks running back Khristian Lando (22) hoists the trophy as Troy Trojans take on Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Jacksonville State Gamecocks defeated Troy Trojans 17-13.28 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsInterim head coach Drew Svoboda of the North Texas Mean Green raises the championship trophy after his team defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 49-47 in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.29 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsMicah Alejado #12 of the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors holds up the Hawai'i Bowl Championship trophy after winning the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl over the California Golden Bears at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on December 24, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawai'i.30 / 30Best of bowl season: Mascots, trophies, celebrations, Gatorade bathsNC State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren receives the trophy after beating Memphis Tigers in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.4. Georgia (12-2) (3)Gunner Stockton is poised for bigger things in his second season as starting quarterback and will have the benefit of Nate Frazier and Chancey Bowens returning to carry the ball behind a strong offensive line. The wide receiver position remains the biggest worry coming out of spring. Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion should lead the group that needs increased production from London Humphreys and Talyn Taylor. The defense is again going to be outstanding with LBs Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole being in the center of things. The secondary returns KJ Bolden and emerging star Ellis Robinson IV.
The defending national champs shouldn’t miss a beat on offense. While he didn’t have a great spring game, TCU quarterback transfer Josh Hoover has acclimated to the scheme. Likewise with Michigan State receiver transfer Nick Marsh. Defensively, the Indiana front looks the part of another bulldozing unit after showcasing a ton of depth during spring drills. One asset in the Hoosiers’ corner is the fact that Curt Cignetti lost just one assistant from last year’s staff and was able to keep both coordinators.
There was some uncertainty and legal wrangling, but Miami was able to continue its turnstile at quarterback with the addition of Duke transfer Darian Mensah, who finished spring practice with a flourish. Cooper Barkate, his leading receiver with the Blue Devils, has also integrated well and should pair nicely with Malachi Toney. There are significant losses on defense. Optimism comes from the arrivals of Jarquez Carter (Ohio State) and Damon Wilson (Missouri) along the front line and safety Omar Thornton (Boston College) in the secondary.
The emphasis in spring practice was improving the mechanics of quarterback John Mateer and getting better play from the offensive line – two significant hurdles in last year’s three losses. The results of that work will likely dictate whether the Sooners are playoff contenders or potentially title contenders because the rest of the skill positions should be productive. The defense got a major boost with linebacker Owen Heineke earning an extra year of eligibility. It has tackles David Stone and Jayden Jackson anchoring the middle and a veteran secondary that might be the best in the SEC.
After winning the Big 12 last year, Tech aims to take the next step and go deeper into the playoff after reeling in another top-rated recruiting and transfer class. The headliner is former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. He’s a dark-horse Heisman contender after a strong 2025 season with the Bearcats. Defensively, the Red Raiders added three high-impact linemen. Overall, Tech has brought back 14 starters and added in several possible all-conference or even All-America transfers to again be the unquestioned preseason favorite in the Big 12.
Getting another year from junior Dante Moore is huge for the Ducks, even if they’ve got another five-star passer waiting in the wings in Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola. With a wildly talented roster keyed by strong quarterback play, line depth and impressive additions such as former Minnesota safety Koi Perich, Oregon is built for title contention after notching 26 wins over the past two seasons. The biggest question centers on how capably Dan Lanning can promote from within to replace both of last year’s coordinators.
The Lane Kiffin’s decision saga is in rear view mirror, allowing the Rebels' focus of spring practice to be on building on the momentum from last year’s College Football Playoff run. Since the end of the season, the best news for Ole Miss was the court victory that allowed the return of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss that will boosts what should be a dynamic offense with running back Kewan Lacy. The defense needed rebuilding after some portal losses. Defensive lineman Jordan Renaud (Alabama) and linebacker Blake Purchase (Oregon) look to be potential impact players along with holdover Will Echoles.
Look out for USC if it can button up some personnel issues that should linger into preseason camp, namely the need to rebuild at receiver after losing Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane to the NFL. The Trojans are looking for North Carolina State transfer Terrell Anderson to step right into the starting lineup opposite sophomore Tanook Hines. USC’s roster depth looks to be the strongest since the program joined the Big Ten thanks to the influx of talent from this year’s No. 1-rated recruiting class.
After an easier path last year, the schedule gets more difficult for the Aggies this season. But the return of quarterback Marcel Reed gives them the opportunity to figure out how to win the big games that tripped them up in November. Mario Craver and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton should the main targets for Reed’s passes. The big question for the offense under new coordinator Holmon Wiggins is if the running game can carry its weight. The defense as has a new coordinator with elevation of Lyle Hemphill. An already strong secondary also should get immediate help from Rickey Gibson (Tennessee) and Tawfiq Byard (Colorado).
The focus of spring practice was the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Mack has more experience in the system, however Russell is more dynamic and shined in the team’s spring game. That battle will be one to watch in the fall. Two other areas that has Kalen DeBoer’s attention are improving a dismal running game and getting receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams back to his game-breaking best. The defense returns safeties Quay Hubbard and Keon Sabb but will need more from the front seven. Two key components that emerged were transfers Devan Thompkins (Southern California) and Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech).
There’s a lot to like about the marriage of Michigan and new coach Kyle Whittingham, especially in how his arrival should lead to an immediate uptick in production from Bryce Underwood at quarterback and from the offense at large. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s first and most important task will be getting Underwood to meet his five-star potential. But a bigger issue may be a pass rush that was depleted by attrition and graduation. The Wolverines added an elite edge rusher in Utah transfer John Henry Daley, but he is still recovering from an Achilles injury and isn’t expected to be cleared for full team activities until June.
The Cougars’ biggest offseason move was one that never happened at all: Kalani Sitake rebuffed Penn State’s interest and recommitted to BYU with a long-term contract. BYU also misses Texas Tech and gets both Arizona schools at home, though there are road trips to Utah and TCU along with a non-conference matchup with Notre Dame. Look for the Cougars to bully teams on offense behind Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin. Defensively, there’s a new coordinator but plenty of returning experience along with plug-and-play additions such as former California linebacker Cade Uluave.
The schedule plays in Penn State’s favor heading into Matt Campbell’s debut. The Nittany Lions won’t face Ohio State, Oregon or Indiana and gets Southern California at home, though it does travel to Michigan and Washington. Though Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State needed time to get moving, this schedule and a long list of Cyclones transfers should help the Nittany Lions hit the ground running. Among the key players who followed Campbell are quarterback Rocco Becht, wide receiver Chase Sowell and safety Marcus Neal Jr. Getting to eight or nine wins in his first year would be huge for Campbell as he looks to get Penn State over the hump in the Big Ten.