Early top-25 NCAA FBS After Spring Practice

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2026/04/27/college-football-top-25-too-early-rankings/89626721007/

1. Ohio State (12-2) (2)

Ohio State is the favorite to win its second national title in three years and the Big Ten’s fourth in a row. The offense should be virtually unstoppable thanks to the combination of Sayin, Smith, running back Bo Jackson and more. New coordinator Arthur Smith should bring new and dynamic ideas to the table that broaden the Buckeyes’ ability to attack defenses. On the defensive side, Ohio State bring back just three starters. But that’s nothing new: Last year’s defense also brought back three starters and ranked first nationally in yards and points per game. The key will be maintaining a furious pass rush without standouts such as Arvell Reese and Caden Curry.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first down against Miami (Fla.) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium2in Arlington, Texas.

2. Notre Dame (10-2) (5)

This shapes up to be Marcus Freeman’s best team. There are no questions at quarterback with CJ Carr returning for his second season as a starter. He is set to shoulder more of the offensive load with new running backs replacing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Jordan Faison anchors the wide receiver room with the hope Jaden Greathouse and Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham will be significant contributors. Bryce Young is the leader of a defensive line that added transfers Francis Brewu (Pittsburgh) and Keon Keeley (Alabama) to bolster the front seven. But the biggest strength of the defense will a secondary with Leonard Moore, Christian Gray and Colorado transfer DJ McKinney.

3. Texas (10-3) (1)

The Longhorns drop slightly but that’s not an indication of their potential for the upcoming season. The offseason foot surgery for Arch Manning appears to be of little concern other than keeping him from working more closely with a potentially elite receiving group that includes Ryan Wingo and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman among the standouts. Of bigger concern is how the offensive line develops after a sub-par season in 2025. New coordinator Will Muschamp had the spring to start implementing his defensive plan that will take advantage of Colin Simmons, who projects to be among the best pass rushers in the nation.

4. Georgia (12-2) (3)

Gunner Stockton is poised for bigger things in his second season as starting quarterback and will have the benefit of Nate Frazier and Chancey Bowens returning to carry the ball behind a strong offensive line. The wide receiver position remains the biggest worry coming out of spring. Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion should lead the group that needs increased production from London Humphreys and Talyn Taylor. The defense is again going to be outstanding with LBs Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole being in the center of things. The secondary returns KJ Bolden and emerging star Ellis Robinson IV.

5. Indiana (16-0) (4)

The defending national champs shouldn’t miss a beat on offense. While he didn’t have a great spring game, TCU quarterback transfer Josh Hoover has acclimated to the scheme. Likewise with Michigan State receiver transfer Nick Marsh. Defensively, the Indiana front looks the part of another bulldozing unit after showcasing a ton of depth during spring drills. One asset in the Hoosiers’ corner is the fact that Curt Cignetti lost just one assistant from last year’s staff and was able to keep both coordinators.