Spring practice is done and dusted, and college football’s landscape looks pretty different now. Major developments on practice fields across the country have forced experts to rethink the preseason rankings.
Ohio State and Texas look especially promising, while teams like Georgia, Miami, and LSU find themselves outside the top five for now. Heading into the 2026 season, Ohio State and Texas both have the talent—and maybe a little bit of a chip on their shoulder—to make some noise, especially after disappointing finishes last year.
The Big Ten keeps flexing, holding onto its reputation as the top conference in college football. Below, let’s get into the top five teams after spring practice, according to CBS Sports analyst Chip Patterson.
The Rise of Ohio State and Texas
Ohio State and Texas enter 2026 with high expectations and something to prove. Ohio State, which sat at No. 1 nationally heading into the Big Ten Championship weekend, stumbled hard by losing two straight games.
That fall has only made them hungrier to get back on top. You can just feel the urgency around the program right now.
Ohio State’s Redemption Arc
The Buckeyes have always been a force in college football, but recent losses have given them a new edge for 2026. Their roster is loaded, and you get the sense they’re ready to make a serious statement this fall.
How well they bounce back from adversity could end up defining their season. It’s a storyline that’s hard to ignore.
Texas: A Return to Glory
Texas started 2025 as the No. 1 team in the polls but fell short of a CFP appearance. Now, they’re desperate to flip the script.
The Longhorns have the players and the drive to make a splash, and honestly, their journey is going to be fascinating to watch. Fans and analysts will be glued to every twist and turn.
Big Ten: The Premier Conference
The Big Ten has managed to win three straight national championships with three different programs. That’s wild—and it really shows how deep and competitive the conference has become.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Big Ten has three teams in the preseason top five. That just cements its place at the top, doesn’t it?
Consistency and Competitiveness
Big Ten teams keep showing up when it matters, whether it’s the regular season or those high-pressure championship games. The conference just breeds excellence.
Honestly, the bar is high for everyone else. If you’re looking for drama and top-tier football, the Big Ten is where you’ll find it this year.
Top Five College Football Teams
Chip Patterson from CBS Sports has put together his top five after spring practice. It’s a mix of old favorites and some teams that are starting to turn heads.
These rankings give us a preview of who might be fighting for the national title come winter.
Ohio State
Ohio State being in the top five says a lot about their resilience. Sure, last season ended on a sour note, but the Buckeyes have depth and skill across the board.
Watch for key players and some smart tweaks from the coaching staff. They’re on a mission for redemption.
Texas
Texas is another team you can’t take your eyes off. After a rough 2025, the Longhorns seem laser-focused on making up for it.
Their roster looks strong, and you can sense the renewed energy around the program. 2026 could be a big one for them.
Other Contenders
Ohio State and Texas are getting plenty of attention, but the rest of the top five aren’t just there to make up the numbers. These teams showed what they’re capable of during spring practice and could easily shake things up.
- Georgia: Georgia isn’t in the top five, but let’s not kid ourselves—they’re still dangerous, with a solid program and loads of talent.
- Miami: Miami could surprise some folks this season. They’ve got pieces in place to make a run.
- LSU: LSU sits outside the top five for now, but with their recruiting and tradition, you’d be wise not to overlook them.
Recruitment News: Savoy Guidry’s Commitment
Switching gears, there’s some big recruiting news out of New Orleans. Holy Cross class of 2027 safety Savoy Guidry just committed to Stanford.
He’s a 6-0, 180-pounder and ranks as the No. 29 player in Louisiana. Guidry picked the Cardinal over a bunch of other strong programs: Houston, Kansas State, Colorado, Arizona State, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Kentucky were all in the mix.
Guidry’s Impressive Junior Year
Guidry put up some eye-catching numbers as a junior—33 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and 5 forced fumbles. He also grabbed 3 interceptions, taking one of them all the way back for a touchdown.
With stats like that, it’s no wonder he was a hot commodity. His commitment to Stanford could shake things up.
The Impact on Stanford
Landing Guidry is a big deal for Stanford. He’s got real talent, and his playmaking ability should help the team right away.
The recruiting battle for Guidry was intense, so his decision to head to Stanford says a lot about what the program is building. Can’t wait to see how he fits in once he gets there.
Conclusion
Looking ahead to the 2026 college football season, there’s a lot of anticipation in the air. Ohio State and Texas seem ready for big comebacks.
The Big Ten keeps grabbing the spotlight on the national stage. CBS Sports analyst Chip Patterson named his top five teams, hinting at who might chase the championship.
Recruiting remains intense, with players like Savoy Guidry drawing plenty of attention. Programs keep hustling to strengthen their rosters for the future.
If you’re curious for more details, check out the full article on the top five college football teams after spring practice here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
