2026 College Football Rankings: Indiana, Ohio State Lead Early Top 25

Emerson Raymont

ago 2 hours

The 2026 college football landscape is shaping up with significant anticipation. The Indiana Hoosiers, under coach Curt Cignetti, emerged victorious in the 2025 season, concluding with a historic 16-0 record. This makes them the first team to achieve an undefeated season since Yale in 1894. Indiana clinched their first national championship by defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the playoff final.

2026 College Football Rankings: Indiana, Ohio State Lead Early Top 25

As the 2026 college football season approaches, Indiana is positioned as a top contender. The Hoosiers’ remarkable turnaround is notable, and they are a prime candidate for continued success. Their 2025 performance placed them among the elite, joining teams like Clemson, LSU, Georgia, and Michigan in achieving a perfect season.

2026 Early Top 25 Rankings

1. Indiana (16-0) – National champions after a flawless season.
2. Ohio State – Despite heavy losses to the NFL Draft, they retain key players.
3. Oregon – Just shy of the national title, they return a strong core led by QB Dante Moore.
4. Texas A&M – The return of talented quarterback Marcel Reed fuels title hopes.
5. USC – Loses key players but hopes to rebound with returning QB Jayden Maiava.

Key Players and Their Impact

Several teams are strengthening their rosters with promising newcomers and returning talent. Below are notable mentions:

Arizona – Senior QB Noah Fifita aims for a run at the Big 12 Championship.
Tennessee – Under Coach Josh Heupel, developing quarterbacks could lead to surprises.
Virginia – The addition of experienced quarterbacks boosts playoff ambitions.

Other teams like Oklahoma and Michigan are also working to maintain competitive advantages with returning core players. As dynamics continue to shift in college football, the early rankings for 2026 hint at an exciting season ahead.

Conclusion

The upcoming season promises intense competition. With the return of formidable quarterbacks and strategic coaching changes, teams like Indiana and Ohio State are setting the stage for a thrilling college football season. Fans can look forward to what unfolds on the field as these programs vie for victory.