Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released its way-too-early Top 25 rankings for the upcoming 2026 college football season, offering fans and analysts an early glimpse into team prospects and potential contenders.
The rankings are based on a combination of recruiting classes, returning talent, coaching staff, and recent performance trends. While these rankings are preliminary and subject to change as the season approaches, they provide valuable insights into which programs are poised to excel in 2026.
Leading the list is a mix of traditional powerhouses and rising programs that have made significant strides in recruiting and development. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State are expected to remain top contenders, thanks to their strong recruiting pipelines and experienced rosters. However, the rankings also highlight emerging programs that could surprise in the upcoming season.
Among the notable mentions are programs that have invested heavily in recruiting top-tier talent and have shown promising development in recent years. These include schools like Texas, LSU, and Michigan, which are projected to make significant jumps in the rankings as they build on their recent successes.
It's important to note that these rankings are speculative at this stage, given the many variables that influence college football outcomes, such as transfers, injuries, and coaching changes. Nonetheless, they serve as a useful benchmark for fans eager to speculate about the future landscape of college football.
As the offseason progresses, more information will become available, and these rankings will likely be refined. For now, fans can enjoy the early predictions and start speculating about which teams will be the ones to watch in 2026.
Overall, PFF's early Top 25 provides an exciting preview of the upcoming college football season, setting the stage for intense competition and thrilling matchups in the years to come.