The buzz for the 2026-27 college football season is already kicking in. Sporting News just dropped its Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings, and, honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the speculation.
With NIL deals and the transfer portal shaking things up every year, these rankings are never set in stone. Still, they give fans—hardcore or just kind of curious—a first look at the teams and players who could shape the season.
Top Teams to Watch in 2026-27
Looking ahead, a handful of programs have everyone talking. Their performances last year and the talent they’re bringing back make them tough to ignore.
Let’s dig into a few of the big names:
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana sits at No. 1, and there’s a lot of chatter around them. Sure, they’re losing some stars like Fernando Mendoza, who might go first in the NFL draft, but they’re not exactly empty-handed.
Receiver Charlie Becker and defensive tackle Rolijah Hardy are sticking around, and they’re joined by transfers like TCU’s Josh Hoover at quarterback and Boston College’s Turbo Richard at running back. That’s a lineup with some real bite.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami, at No. 10, is another team that’s hard to overlook. Last season, they made it all the way to the CFP championship with Mario Cristobal calling the shots.
The roster’s going through some changes, but with Malachi Toney at receiver and Justin Scott on the D-line, there’s still plenty to build on.
Key Player Movements
The transfer portal is basically college football’s wild west now. This offseason, a bunch of high-profile players made moves that could really shake things up.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s offense is in good hands with Julian Sayin, a Heisman finalist who racked up 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last year. That’s impressive by any standard.
He’ll be throwing to Jeremiah Smith and handing off to Bo Jackson, both back for another run. On defense, new coordinator Matt Patricia is trying to spark a turnaround, with Kenyatta Jackson Jr. leading up front.
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia, under Kirby Smart, just keeps churning out contenders. Gunner Stockton returns at quarterback after a solid debut season.
They’ve got some holes to fill—Monroe Freeling and CJ Allen are gone—but running back Nate Frazier and tackle Earnest Greene should help keep things steady. Defense? Raylen Wilson and KJ Bolden are names to watch.
Exciting Matchups to Anticipate
This season’s schedule is loaded with games that could flip the playoff picture on its head. A few matchups already have fans circling dates on the calendar.
Ohio State vs. Texas
September 12 brings a heavyweight showdown: Ohio State’s explosive offense faces Texas, led by Arch Manning. Manning’s got a deep receiver group and a sturdy line, so this one could get wild.
Notre Dame vs. Miami
On November 7, Notre Dame and Miami go head-to-head. CJ Carr leads the Irish, who barely missed the playoffs last year.
Miami, fresh off a championship run, will be itching to prove they’re still in the mix. Stakes are high, no question.
Teams Undergoing Major Changes
Some programs are in the middle of serious transitions. Coaching shakeups, roster overhauls—these teams are worth watching just to see how they handle it all.
LSU Tigers
Lane Kiffin is now at LSU, and he’s bringing his signature offensive flair. Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt steps in at quarterback, joined by nine transfer receivers. That’s a lot of new faces.
Defense is anchored by Whit Weeks at linebacker and Ty Benefield from Boise State. They’ll have to gel fast if LSU wants to keep pace.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State is now under Matt Campbell, who brought 22 players from Iowa State—including veteran QB Rocco Becht. That’s a lot of change in one offseason.
It might be a rebuilding year, but honestly, with a manageable schedule, who knows? They could surprise people.
Dark Horse Contenders
There’s always a few teams lurking outside the top tier, ready to make some noise. These dark horses could shake things up if a few breaks go their way.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech made their first CFP appearance with Joey McGuire, and they’re not satisfied yet. Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby is expected to take over at quarterback, and Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons joins the offense.
The defense lost some key players, but San Diego State’s Trey White brings fresh talent off the edge.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Clark Lea’s Vanderbilt squad is feeling pretty good after last season. They landed five-star QB Jared Curtis and Clemson safety Ricardo Jones, both big gets for the program.
They’ll face off against Georgia and Alabama, so we’ll see what they’re really made of soon enough.
Conclusion
The 2026-27 college football season could be one of the wildest we’ve seen in a while.
Top-ranked teams like Indiana and Miami are already getting a lot of buzz. But don’t count out the dark horses—Texas Tech and Vanderbilt might just surprise everyone.
With the transfer portal spinning and NIL deals shaking things up, it’s tough to predict how things will play out.
If you’re into the drama, keep an eye on the Sporting News for updates and whatever twists the season throws our way.
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