As the 2026 college football season creeps closer, fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation. It’s not just talk about conference shake-ups or NIL drama—people want to see what actually happens on the field.
Let’s dig into the early preseason Group of Six (G6) rankings. We’ll take a look at the top teams and share some thoughts on what might unfold this season.
These rankings aren’t set in stone, but they do offer a sneak peek at the G6 landscape. For the full list and more details, check out the original article if you’re curious.
Top Contenders in the G6
The G6 is loaded with talent and storylines. Ranking these teams isn’t easy—some programs just keep finding ways to stay near the top.
Coaching stability, returning stars, and last year’s results all play a part in shaping these early predictions.
Boise State: The Safe Choice
Boise State sits at the top of the G6 rankings, and honestly, it’s hard to argue. Head coach Spencer Danielson looks ready to guide another strong run.
The Broncos’ running game, led by Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, should be tough to stop. Veteran quarterback Maddux Madsen gives the offense a steady hand.
Even with all the conference changes, Boise State’s consistency and experience make them a real threat this year.
UNLV: Poised for a Breakthrough
UNLV is right on the edge of something big. They’ve been knocking on the door for a while, and with Boise State no longer in the Mountain West mix, maybe this is finally their year.
Jackson Arnold, coming from Oklahoma and Auburn, could really lift their offense. Head coach Dan Mullen has already shown he can win here, so don’t be surprised if the Rebels are in the Mountain West title hunt.
UTSA: Aiming for the American Title
UTSA isn’t the runaway favorite in the American Athletic Conference, but there’s plenty to like. Head coach Jeff Traylor knows how to get the most out of his team.
Quarterback Owen McCown is back, and he’s one of the best in the G6. With other top teams dealing with coaching turnover, UTSA might just take advantage.
Teams on the Rise
There are a few other programs making noise, too. Some of them could easily crash the party and shake things up.
Navy: Competitive in the American
Navy’s a bit of a mystery this year. They lost stars like Eli Heidenreich and Landon Robinson, which stings.
Still, Braxton Woodson is ready to step up, and head coach Brian Newberry has proven he can keep the Midshipmen in the mix.
New Mexico: A Surprising Contender
New Mexico might surprise some folks. Head coach Jason Eck has turned things around faster than expected.
With quarterback Jack Layne and linebacker Jaxton Eck both returning, the Lobos could be one of the favorites in the Mountain West.
Memphis: Strong in the American
Memphis has a new head coach, Charles Huff, who’s got a knack for quick turnarounds. The Tigers are stacked with talent and have solid resources.
The American is a tough conference this year, so Memphis will have to fight for every win. But there’s a real shot they’ll be in the mix.
Dark Horses and Potential Surprises
It’s not just the favorites getting attention. There are a few dark horses out there who could shake things up if everything clicks.
James Madison University (JMU): High Expectations
JMU’s got some question marks after losing head coach Bob Chesney and stars like Alonza Barnett III and Wayne Knight. New head coach Billy Napier has found success in the Sun Belt before, though.
People are still buzzing after JMU made the College Football Playoff last year. There’s a good chance they’ll be the team to beat in the Sun Belt again.
San Diego State: Building on Success
San Diego State had a wild turnaround in 2025, going from 3-9 to 9-4. Head coach Sean Lewis is getting a lot of attention—maybe even Power Four offers soon.
With Jayden Denegal at quarterback and Lucky Sutton in the backfield, the Aztecs should be right up there in the new-look Pac-12.
North Dakota State: Tempered Expectations
North Dakota State is finally making the jump to FBS, and expectations are sky-high. Some folks think they could make the College Football Playoff right away, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Head coach Tim Polasek did lead them to a national title in 2024, so there’s reason for optimism. The Bison should be competitive in the Mountain West, but instant domination? That might be asking a bit much.
Conclusion
The 2026 G6 football season’s shaping up to be wild. Boise State, UNLV, and UTSA? They’re right in the mix for that top spot.
Navy, New Mexico, and Memphis have been making some noise, too. Honestly, it’s hard not to keep an eye on them.
And let’s not forget about the so-called dark horses. JMU, San Diego State, even North Dakota State—any of them could shake things up.
If you want to dig into the full rankings, check out the original article.
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