For me, this whole process kicks off around August, though, honestly, I feel like it starts earlier each year. Time just seems to fly, doesn’t it?
I usually begin with a quick YouTube search—something like “Enter Sandman Virginia Tech” or maybe “Clemson hill.” This leads to hours spent lost in the myriad college football entrances across campuses.
Everyone senses the change of seasons differently. Maybe it’s that first chilly morning or the moment you rake the fallen leaves. But for college football enthusiasts, these signals hit differently: news from the transfer portal, spring ball reports, Media Days, videos of players back on campus, those college football preview magazines on bookstore shelves, or even those bar discussions about the revamped offensive line or new passing targets.
And, of course, there’s that thrill of the first big argument over rankings.
We dissect practices and feel the momentum build as the season looms close, just as summer starts to yield to autumn.
There was a time when signs of fall appeared in other forms. Like those late-night weight-training sessions or the familiar texture of a football laces during practice. The sore muscles from the outset of double sessions were all part of the experience.
That’s really the charm of college football. While the signs of fall might evolve, the pull of this sport is unbreakable. Players change, conferences shift, and even the rules can change, but the love for this game endures through summer’s end and into winter—into a brand-new year.
Welcome to our 2026 college football preview.
Preseason Top 25
Before the games commence, here is our take on the top 25 teams nationally. We’re backing Ohio State as the leading team going into the season:
Is it possible for Ohio State to step back in 2026? It’s definitely a possibility, which we’ll discuss shortly.
That said, there’s also a chance they could leap forward significantly.
The excitement bubbles up on offense, especially with Julian Sayin returning after a remarkable first season that culminated with him as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He has considerable talent around him, including the exceptional wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and a dynamic backfield duo in Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. Four offensive linemen from last season are back, leaving just the right tackle position up for grabs, with sophomore Ian Moore and freshman Carter Lowe in the running. Arthur Smith joins as the offensive coordinator, supported by Keenan Bailey as co-offensive coordinator.
Defensively, however, challenges await. Matt Patricia will need to fill the substantial void left by last year’s NFL exits—losing three first-round picks: Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Arvell Reese is no small feat.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. will be vital in the pass rush after a solid six-sack performance last season. Jermaine Matthews Jr. is back as a cornerback, and Jaylen McClain will hold down the safety position. But Patricia needs to maximize the contributions of newcomers like Alabama’s James Smith at defensive tackle, Duke’s Terry Moore at free safety, and Florida State’s Earl Little Jr. in the slot.
If the new arrivals rise to the occasion, Ohio State is set up for a strong season. And if Sayin takes significant steps forward…
Well, this could be their moment.
27 Games That Will Define the 2026 College Football Season
This upcoming season holds countless matches, but here are 27 that can shape the narrative. One to note is:
LSU at Ole Miss, September 19
This matchup may have serious SEC implications as fall transitions to winter, but it’s notable for another reason: Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford.
Just to highlight the significance of this game, I found the cheapest ticket listed at $589 in early July—a corner end zone seat way up in the stands. It’s no wonder the Oxford Police Department promoted this on social media in May when kickoff was confirmed for 6:30 PM local time, airing on ABC.
Now shifting gears slightly, here’s a look at six teams that seem poised to improve in 2026:
Second Chance Teams
Texas Tech
Michigan
LSU
Oklahoma
Texas A&M
Ole MissThese teams are on the verge of greatness, but they’ll need a bit of luck to move up the ranks. Texas A&M requires more reliable play from its quarterback Marcel Reed, while Michigan is counting on a jump from Bryce Underwood. Texas Tech is tasked with rebuilding a defense after significant losses and needs Will Hammond to settle in at quarterback. On the other hand, Ole Miss faces questions after losing talent, including former coach Kiffin. Meanwhile, Kiffin will need to get his new team, featuring transfer QB Sam Leavitt, organized quickly.
Among them, Oklahoma might be the most balanced, given they need a healthy John Mateer for a successful season.
Teams Taking a Step Back
The flip side includes many teams that could falter this year.
Let’s start off with the reigning national champions:
Indiana Hoosiers
It’s tough being on top.
Following their remarkable national championship run, Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers now have the tall order of repeating that success. They’ve recruited well via the transfer portal, acquiring quarterback Josh Hoover from TCU to replace Fernando Mendoza, along with wide receiver Nick Marsh from Michigan State.
Defensively, they’re boosting their lineup with players like Tobi Osunsanmi and cornerback AJ Harris, and six starters from last year’s championship defense return.
Cignetti has proven he can lead—he just wins. But starting the year at the peak often means the only trajectory left is down. If Hoover struggles with turnovers (he had 13 last season), that might just be the case.
The Next Fernando Mendoza?
One of the standout performers this season might emerge similarly to Fernando Mendoza.
Mestemaker’s road to the 2026 season is anything but straightforward. During his junior year at Vandegrift High School in Austin, he played backup quarterback behind Brayden Buchanan, who’s now in college baseball at Baylor. In limited playing time that year, he completed 12-of-13 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns.
As a senior, he remained a backup to Deuce Adams, completing just 10-of-17 attempts for 136 yards and two touchdowns. He truly made his mark on defense and special teams, even earning Second-Team All-District status as a punter.
While Mendoza had offers from major programs, Mestemaker entered North Texas as a walk-on, where his development as a quarterback took a remarkable turn.
Important Figures in College Football
This year’s landscape will be influenced by various individuals. Notably, CJ Carr, quarterback for Notre Dame:
After missing the College Football Playoff last season, Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame aim to channel the “revenge” spirit this year.
As the “Leave No Doubt” campaign kicks off, to truly convince the Selection Committee, Carr must evolve this season. With previous stars moving on to the NFL, the spotlight on the passing game intensifies, making Carr’s growth crucial.
Hot Seat Coaches
Let’s break down coaches facing pressure by tiers, following a “real estate” theme—it may sound unusual, but it actually makes sense.
Hire a Realtor
At this point, several coaches enter the 2026 season on the hot seat, potentially needing to consider relocation if results don’t improve quickly.
Mike Norvell at Florida State is among them, likely clinging to his contract after a rocky past couple of seasons. Following two consecutive successful years, the team floundered to a 2-10 season in 2024 and 5-7 last year after starting strong and even beating Alabama.
Quarterback Dilemmas at Texas Tech
Initially, Texas Tech had plans in place with Brendan Sorsby as quarterback.
Now, however, it’s time to pivot. Will Hammond is one of the names expected to step up for the Red Raiders.
North Dakota State’s Leap
Following years of success at the FCS level, North Dakota State is transitioning to the FBS this year and joining the Mountain West. The reasoning behind their move and how they might perform in this new tier should be interesting.
This season, every game holds significance. We’ve ranked the key matchups, separating the must-watch encounters from those worth skipping.
