After an offseason full of congressional hearings, eligibility lawsuits and a high-profile gambling scandal (I'm sure I missed something), the 2026 college football season finally kicks off when North Carolina plays TCU in Dublin on Aug. 29 (noon ET on ESPN).
The games can't get here soon enough.
For the first time since Indiana took down Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T on Jan. 19, coaches (and not judges) will finally decide who can take the field.
And the NCAA won't be the only ones taking weekly losses.
Ohio State is No. 1 in ESPN's preseason Power Rankings, followed by No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Oregon and No. 5 Texas.
The Buckeyes will attempt to win their second CFP national championship in the past three seasons and become the fourth straight Big Ten school to win the title.
That hasn't happened since SEC teams did it from 2019 to 2022.
And, despite what you might have heard during this long, hot summer, SEC schools are still playing college football.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
2025 record: 12-2, 9-0 Big Ten
With quarterback Julian Sayin, tailback Bo Jackson and receiver Jeremiah Smith returning, the Buckeyes are loaded on offense. Ryan Day has to replace eight starters on defense, including four who were selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. With road games at Texas, Iowa, Indiana and USC and home contests against Oregon and Michigan, Ohio State will have to navigate its way through one of the most difficult schedules in the FBS.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 SEC
With the Bulldogs following SEC titles with quarterfinal exits in the CFP the past two seasons, coach Kirby Smart's team might be flying under the radar. Quarterback Gunner Stockton should be better in his second season as a starter, and the Bulldogs have tons of star power on defense. But can they generate a disruptive pass rush? Georgia ranked last in the SEC in sacks with 20 in 2025. Linebackers Chris Cole, Chase Linton and Quintavius Johnson are three names to know.
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2025 record: 10-2
After being left out of the CFP at the end of the 2025 season, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is telling his team to "leave no doubt" this season. Undoubtedly, the Irish will miss explosive running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who combined for 2,046 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Aneyas Williams steps into a starting role, and quarterback CJ Carr might have to be even more potent in the passing game.
4. Oregon Ducks
2025 record: 13-2, 8-1 Big Ten
After falling in the CFP to each of the past two national champions, the Ducks have unfinished business in 2026. That's one of the reasons quarterback Dante Moore bypassed the NFL draft and returned to Eugene. Can Dan Lanning's team get over the hump in 2026? The Ducks play at Ohio State on Nov. 7, but they won't face Indiana -- unless the teams meet up in the postseason.
5. Texas Longhorns
2025 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
In what might be quarterback Arch Manning's final season in Austin, the Longhorns were aggressive in surrounding him with elite talent. Cam Coleman (Auburn) was the top receiver in the transfer portal, and running backs Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) were also highly sought. Of course, none of those additions will matter if Texas' offensive line isn't better.
6. BYU Cougars
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 Big 12
After the Cougars went 23-4 and narrowly missed the CFP the past two seasons, they could be in position to unseat Texas Tech in the Big 12. There's new leadership on defense after coordinator Jay Hill left to join Michigan's staff. Kalani Sitake promoted defensive ends coach Kelly Poppinga to replace him. Will the Cougars be as good as last season when they ranked third in the Big 12 in scoring defense, giving up 19.1 points per game?
7. Miami Hurricanes
2025 record: 13-3, 6-2 ACC
After falling just short of winning the program's first national title since 2001, Miami reloaded with one of the top transfer portal classes and might be right back in the mix. Quarterback Darian Mensah should make a smooth transition coming from Duke, and tailback Mark Fletcher Jr. and slot receiver Malachi Toney are back. But Miami will have four new starting offensive linemen. Two starting jobs seem to remain unsettled.
8. Indiana Hoosiers
2025 record: 16-0, 9-0 Big Ten
There's no question that Curt Cignetti has built one of the best programs in the FBS in only his third season at Indiana, and you don't even have to Google him to find out anymore. The Hoosiers have to replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback. Josh Hoover (TCU) doesn't have Mendoza's mobility, but he's more than capable of doing the job. But can he cut down the turnovers that plagued him while playing for the Horned Frogs?
9. Texas Tech Red Raiders
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 Big 12
After former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby ended his legal fight to regain his eligibility, the Red Raiders' offense is in the hands of sophomore Will Hammond, who is coming back from a torn ACL he sustained in October. Hammond has been wearing a knee brace in preseason camp and has looked good. Sorsby was supposed to make the Red Raiders more explosive. Can Hammond hold up and do the job?
10. LSU Tigers
2025 record: 7-6, 3-5 SEC
Lane Kiffin inherits one of the most talented and expensive rosters in the FBS after moving jobs within the SEC. Kiffin was able to retain defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who transformed LSU's unit into one of the SEC's best in 2025. But the Tigers are rebuilding their defensive line, and they're counting on two transfers, Stephiylan Green (Clemson) and Malik Blocton (Auburn), and three freshmen, Deuce Geralds, Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown, to fill holes on the interior.
11. Texas A&M Aggies
2025 record: 11-2, 7-1 SEC
Aggies coach Mike Elko wants quarterback Marcel Reed to take better care of the ball, and the early results from preseason camp are promising. According to reports, Reed didn't turn the ball over in the first six practices. Last season, he threw 12 interceptions and fumbled four times. Elko said Reed has "taken the step we hoped he would make," and is more comfortable and confident. If Reed plays that way during the regular season, the Aggies might be an SEC title contender.
12. USC Trojans
2025 record: 9-4, 7-2 Big Ten
With quarterback Jayden Maiava, five starting offensive linemen and top tailbacks King Miller and Waymond Jordan returning, the Trojans' offense should be among the best in the country. The question is whether former TCU coach Gary Patterson can fix USC's problems on defense. The College Football Hall of Famer is bringing his 4-2-5 scheme to L.A. He hasn't had an on-field role since 2021 and hasn't worked as a coordinator since 2000. The Trojans ranked 11th in the Big Ten in scoring defense (23 points per game) in 2025.
13. Ole Miss Rebels
2025 record: 13-2, 7-1 SEC
The Rebels are returning two of the most electrifying players in the FBS in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and tailback Kewan Lacy, who are both Heisman Trophy contenders. The offensive line might determine whether the Rebels are as explosive on offense as they were a season ago under Kiffin and former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Ole Miss lost both of its starting offensive tackles; Terez Davis seems set at left tackle and Miami transfer Tommy Kinsler IV is in line to start at right tackle.
14. Oklahoma Sooners
2025 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
If the Sooners are going to return to the CFP for the second straight season, they'll need more from their running game to take pressure off of quarterback John Mateer. Mateer struggled after returning from a thumb injury and needs to limit his turnovers. Having an improved running game will help; the Sooners ranked 13th in the SEC in rushing with 118.5 yards per game in 2025. Early reports indicate the Sooners might use more 12 personnel (two tight ends) after hiring former Cowboys star Jason Witten to coach the position. Transfers Hayden Hansen (Florida), Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee) and Rocky Beers (Colorado State) should also help.
15. Penn State Nittany Lions
2025 record: 7-6, 3-6 Big Ten
New Penn State coach Matt Campbell rebuilt his roster with 39 transfers, including 24 from Iowa State. That includes quarterback Rocco Becht, receiver Chase Sowell and running back Carson Hansen, so there should be plenty of continuity on offense. The offensive line had to replace four starters; right tackle Anthony Donkoh is the only one who is back. Texas State transfer Brock Riker is working as the No. 1 center, and Iowa State transfer Trevor Buhr has been a standout in camp at left guard. Buhr made six starts for the Cyclones and didn't give up a sack in 2025.
16. Alabama Crimson Tide
2025 record: 11-4, 7-1 SEC
It wouldn't be surprising to see Keelon Russell grab the starting quarterback job, and his mobility would be a welcome addition to an offense that struggled to run the ball in 2025. The Crimson Tide ranked next-to-last in the SEC in rushing last season, averaging 104.1 yards. That has to change if Alabama is going to return to the CFP. Improvement starts up front, and the Tide have solidified three starting offensive linemen: left tackle Jackson Lloyd, center Racin Delgatty (Cal Poly) and right guard Michael Carroll. Mal Waldrep seems to have the edge over William Sanders at left guard, and Jayvin James (Mississippi State) and Nick Brooks (Texas) are battling for the right tackle job.
17. Michigan Wolverines
2025 record: 9-4, 7-2 Big Ten
Kyle Whittingham's first season at Michigan will be a success if the Wolverines can get more out of quarterback Bryce Underwood, who threw for 2,428 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a freshman. Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck have worked with Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2025 by ESPN, to clean up his footwork and mechanics. The Wolverines also want to use Underwood more in the running game; he ran for 392 yards with six scores last season. A good sign: Underwood was named one of the team's four captains this week.
18. Utah Utes
2025 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12
Wayshawn Parker didn't become Utah's No. 1 tailback until the eighth game of the 2025 season. After rushing for 145 yards and one touchdown in a 53-7 rout of Colorado, Parker never gave up the job. He came up 19 yards short of a 1,000-yard season, and he should easily eclipse that if he stays healthy in 2026. If Parker is as productive, it should be a seamless transition under new coach Morgan Scalley, who replaced Whittingham when he left for Michigan after 21 seasons. Former Utah State offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven takes over the playcalling.
19. Louisville Cardinals
2025 record: 9-4, 4-4 ACC
The Cardinals lost four games in each of coach Jeff Brohm's first three seasons, and if they're going to make a jump this season, they're going to have to rebuild their offensive line and break in a new quarterback. Louisville is yet another team that must replace four starters up front; left tackle Lance Robinson is the lone returning starter. South Carolina transfer Cason Henry is battling for the job at right tackle, and Kentucky transfer Evan Wibberley is working as the No. 1 center. They'll have to protect quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who attempted 36 passes in two seasons at Ohio State.
20. TCU Horned Frogs
2025 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big 12
Few coaches moved out of their comfort zone this offseason more than Sonny Dykes, who shifted from his Air Raid roots to a more pro-style offense. It's like going from an air fryer to a smoker when preparing brisket. After offensive coordinator Kendal Briles left for South Carolina, Dykes hired UConn's Gordon Sammis, a former Virginia offensive lineman, who helped the Huskies rank 15th in the FBS in scoring (35.3 points) and 21st in total offense (445.2). Dykes plucked quarterback Jaden Craig from Harvard to run his new offense after Hoover bolted for Indiana.
21. Washington Huskies
2025 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big Ten
While the Huskies were able to retain quarterback Demond Williams Jr. after he nearly left the program, they have some other holes at the skill positions to fill. Tailback Jonah Coleman left for the NFL and top backup Adam Mohammed transferred to Cal. Jordan Washington remains sidelined by a neck injury that he sustained in the spring. Top receiver Denzel Boston also left for the pros, and the Huskies are hoping to replace him with Kennesaw State transfer Christian Moss, who had 45 catches for 689 yards with two touchdowns for the Owls in 2025.
22. Houston Cougars
2025 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big 12
With 12 starters coming back, including quarterback Conner Weigman and receiver Amare Thomas, the Cougars might be a sleeper candidate to challenge for the Big 12 title. Willie Fritz guided the Cougars to a 10-3 record in 2025, which isn't all that surprising considering the rebuilding job he did at Tulane. One of Houston's biggest offseason priorities was finding a replacement for leading rusher Dean Connors, and Fritz brought in former Tulane star Makhi Hughes. Hughes ran for 2,779 yards with 22 touchdowns in two seasons with the Green Wave, but he couldn't get playing time after transferring to Oregon in 2025.
23. SMU Mustangs
2025 record: 9-4, 6-2 ACC
Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee had two goals going into preseason camp: run the ball and do a better job of defending the pass. Last season, SMU ranked 10th in rushing (133.9 yards) and 16th in pass defense (283.2 yards) in the ACC. Defensive coordinator Scott Symons left to become inside linebackers coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Co-defensive coordinator Maurice Crum Jr. takes over the playcalling on that side of the ball. SMU is counting on transfers Jayvon Thomas (Texas A&M) and Jarvis Lee (South Florida) to help in the secondary. The Mustangs also lost leading rushers TJ Harden and Chris Johnson Jr. Former Cal running back Kendrick Raphael and returnee Dramekco Green are in line for carries.
24. Iowa Hawkeyes
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz hasn't settled on a starting quarterback, as Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski continue to battle for the job in preseason camp. The good news is that two small-school transfers, Evan James (Furman) and Tony Diaz (Texas-Rio Grand Valley), have emerged as potential big-play weapons. James, a speedy slot receiver, caught 65 passes for 796 yards with seven touchdowns for the Paladins last season. Diaz hauled in 67 receptions for 881 yards with four scores for the Vaqueros. That's good news for the Hawkeyes, whose leading wideout had 24 catches in 2025.
25. Arizona Wildcats
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big 12
Arizona's Brent Brennan proved last season that he was more than capable of winning in the Big 12 after making the jump from San José State. After going 4-8 in 2024, the Wildcats improved to 9-4 in 2025 with a five-game winning streak at the end of the regular season. Even better news: Quarterback Noah Fifita stuck around for a fifth season in Tucson after turning down lucrative offers from several Power 4 programs. The Wildcats' running game received a boost when Ismail Mahdi, who ran for 859 yards last season, returned after a federal court ruling gave fifth-year seniors from the Class of 2022 another season of eligibility.