I may have overthought the top of my rankings four months ago, at the end of the season. Indiana No. 6? After visiting Bloomington this spring, I see no reason why the Hoosiers shouldn’t start right where they finished in January.

The order from there was tough as all of my first seven teams look really good on paper, unlike a year ago when everyone seemed flawed. I did not anticipate having Big Ten teams 1-2-3 nor that my highest-ranked SEC team would be No. 6. … Or that the next Big Ten team did not show up until No. 12, while the SEC had six in the top 13.

1. Indiana (Too-early ranking: No. 6)

Familiar faces: WR Charlie Becker, OT Carter Smith, DT Tyrique Tucker, LBs Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones, CB Jamari Sharpe
Impact newcomers: QB Josh Hoover (TCU), RB Turbo Richard (Boston College), WR Nick Marsh (Michigan State), G Joe Brunner (Wisconsin), DE Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State)

Will the Hoosiers repeat as national champs? Probably not (it’s hard!), but I’m done doubting Curt Cignetti. Even after losing eight stars to the NFL Draft, Cignetti is set to field another “old” team full of multi-year starters and seniors, especially in the trenches. The key to it all is QB1 Hoover, who was still getting up to speed in the spring.

2. Oregon (Previous: No. 1)

Familiar faces: QB Dante Moore, RB Jordon Davison, DE Matayo Uiagalelei, DT A’Mauri Washington, OLB Teitum Tuioti, S Brandon Finney Jr.
Impact newcomers: WR Iverson Hooks (UAB), OT Michael Bennett (Yale), CB Aaron Scott Jr. (Ohio State), S Koi Perich (Minnesota)

I had second thoughts about my previous iteration ranking a team with brand-new coordinators No. 1, but there are few questions about the personnel. Moore, who would have been a top-five pick had he left, will be working with a loaded receiving corps that gets back Evan Stewart after he missed last season. But he needs to get better protection in big games.

3. Ohio State (Previous: No. 2)

Familiar faces: QB Julian Sayin, RB Bo Jackson, WR Jeremiah Smith, DE Kenyatta Jackson, CB Jermaine Mathews Jr., S Jaylen McClain
Impact newcomers: WR Chris Henry Jr. (freshman), RB Ja’Kobi Jackson (Florida), DE Qua Russaw (Alabama), CB Dominick Kelly (Georgia), DB Earl Little Jr. (Florida State)

The expectations for the Buckeyes are always impossibly high, but last year’s young team arguably overachieved during the regular season before exiting the College Football Playoff early. It’s always possible that losing 25 draft picks in two years will catch up to Ohio State, but five-star freshman Henry already looked like its next great receiver in the spring game.

4. Miami (Previous: No. 4)

Familiar faces: RB Mark Fletcher Jr., WR Malachi Toney, DTs Ahmad Moten and Justin Scott, S Zechariah Poyser, S Bryce Fitzgerald
Impact newcomers: QB Darian Mensah (Duke), WR Cooper Barkate (Duke), OT Jackson Cantwell (freshman), DE Damon Wilson II (Missouri), DB Omar Thornton (Boston College)

Visions of another deep CFP run took hold when Miami stole All-ACC selections Mensah and Barkate at the 11th hour to go alongside stars Fletcher and Toney. Head coach Mario Cristobal also plucked stud pass-rusher Wilson to help fill the void left by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Replacing four offensive line staples is the big challenge.

5. Notre Dame (Previous: No. 7)

Familiar faces: QB CJ Carr, WR Jordan Faison, DE Boubacar Traore, LB Drayk Bowen, CB Leonard Moore, S Adon Shuler
Impact newcomers: WR Mylan Graham (Ohio State), DT Francis Brewu (Pitt), DE Rodney Dunham (freshman), CB DJ McKinney (Colorado)

The Irish will always have their skeptics, but Vegas is not one of them: Notre Dame has the third-best preseason odds to win the CFP. Yes, there’s no more Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, but missing the CFP again would be unthinkable, what with a projected first-round QB in Carr and a top-10 defense that returns virtually intact.

6. Georgia (Previous: No. 3)

Familiar faces: QB Gunner Stockton, RB Nate Frazier, TE Lawson Luckie, DE Gabe Harris, LB Raylen Wilson, S KJ Bolden
Impact newcomers: WR Isiah Canion (Georgia Tech), G Zykie Helton (freshman), S Khalil Barnes (Clemson)

Dropping the Bulldogs this far has little to do with them. There are too many good-looking teams. Head coach Kirby Smart will be thrilled if other pundits follow suit and underestimate Stockton and the two-time reigning SEC champions, but I’m haunted by the memory of Trinidad Chambliss eluding Georgia’s pass rush over and over again.

7. Texas (Previous: No. 5)

Familiar faces: QB Arch Manning, WR Ryan Wingo, LT Trevor Goosby, edge Colin Simmons, LB Brad Spence, S Jelani McDonald
Impact newcomers: RBs Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State), WR Cam Coleman (Auburn), OT Melvin Siani (Wake Forest), LB Rasheem Biles (Pitt)

Steve Sarkisian must be awfully confident in his star-studded team, given all the shots he keeps lobbing at other schools. Sark is not on the hot seat, but the billionaire Texas boosters who helped fund Texas’s portal class want to see Manning play for a national championship before he’s done. He’ll need an improved O-line for that to happen.

8. BYU (Previous: No. 8)

Familiar faces: QB Bear Bachmeier, RB LJ Martin, LB Isaiah Glasker, CB Evan Johnson, S Faletau Satuala
Impact newcomers: WR Kyler Kasper (Oregon), TEs Walker Lyons (USC) and Roger Saleapaga (Oregon), OL Paki Finau (Washington), LB Cade Uluave (Cal)

BYU football is having a moment. The program is coming off back-to-back 11-win seasons and reached its first Big 12 title game last season. It has a QB to build around in sophomore standout Bachmeier. Also, Kalani Sitake turned down Penn State. With Texas Tech’s attrition and QB uncertainty, BYU is the clear Big 12 favorite.

9. Oklahoma (Previous: No. 9)

Familiar faces: QB John Mateer, WR Isaiah Sategna III, DE Taylor Wein, LBs Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke, S Peyton Bowen
Impact newcomers: WRs Trell Harris (Virginia) and Parker Livingstone (Texas), OL E’Marion Harris (Arkansas), TE Hayden Hansen (Florida), LB Cole Sullivan (Michigan)

We know Brent Venables’ identity well at this point: Oklahoma is always going to field an elite defense, but offense remains a work in progress. The hope is that former Washington State transfer Mateer will return to form after playing through an injury last season. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has more weapons around Mateer to play with now.

10. LSU (Previous: No. 16)

Familiar faces: RBs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, TE Trey’Dez Green, LB Whit Weeks, CB DJ Pickett
Impact newcomers: QB Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), WR Jayce Brown (Kansas State), OT Jordan Seaton (Colorado) DE Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss), LB TJ Dottery (Ole Miss), S Ty Benefield (Boise State)

It’s time to find out whether LSU’s massive investment in both Lane Kiffin and his $40 million roster will pay off. Kiffin has tried to downplay expectations for Year 1, but no one is buying it after he brought in a truly unbelievable portal class led by former Big 12 champion Leavitt and potential first-rounders Seaton and Umanmielen.

11. Ole Miss (Previous: No. 15)

Familiar faces: QB Trinidad Chambliss, RB Kewan Lacy, WR Deuce Alexander, C Brycen Sanders, DT Will Echoles, LB Suntarine Perkins
Impact newcomers: WR Johntay Cook (Syracuse) and Darrell Gill Jr. (Syracuse), LBs Keaton Thomas (Baylor) and Luke Ferrelli (Cal/Clemson), CB Jay Crawford (Auburn)

Chambliss wasn’t yet eligible when I posted my Jan. 20 rankings. The Rebels have firepower with him and fellow All-American Lacy, but can they maximize it under new OC John David Baker? Pete Golding’s defense lost several key pieces but gets a boost from Ferrelli (who drew Dabo Swinney’s tampering allegations) and Thomas.

12. USC (Previous: No. 12)

Familiar faces: QB Jayden Maiava, RB King Miller, WR Tanook Hines, DE Kameryn Crawford, DT Jahkeem Stewart
Impact newcomers: WRs Trent Mosley (freshman), TE Mark Bowman (freshman), DT Alex VanSumeren (Michigan State), LB Deven Bryant (Washington), CB Jontez Williams (Iowa State)

Lincoln Riley has taken flak for proclaiming that only now, entering his fifth season, is the “window open” for the Trojans to contend. But this is definitely his most promising team post-Caleb Williams. Maiava will be a fourth-year college starter. The most intriguing development? Riley’s new defensive coordinator hire: longtime TCU coach Gary Patterson.

13. Texas A&M (Previous: No. 11)

Familiar faces: QB Marcel Reed, RB Rueben Owens II, WR Mario Craver, DT DJ Hicks, S Dalton Brooks
Impact newcomers: WR Isaiah Horton (Alabama), OL Wilkin Formby (Alabama), DE Anto Saka (Northwestern), DT CJ Mims (North Carolina), CB Rickey Gibson III (Tennessee)

The NFL Draft showed how much talent A&M lost from its CFP team last season: Seven picks in the first three rounds, 10 overall. The Aggies return their most important player in Reed, but he needs to be more consistent, and he’ll need help from an O-line that lost four starters. Mike Elko signed four replacements with SEC starting experience. 

14. Texas Tech (Previous: No. 10)

Familiar faces: RBs Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams, TE Terrance Carter Jr., DT A.J. Holmes Jr., LB Ben Roberts, CB Brice Pollock
Impact newcomers: WR Kenny Johnson (Pitt), G Jordan Church (Louisville), edge Adam Trick (Miami of Ohio), edge Trey White (San Diego State)

For all the headlines surrounding anticipated QB1 Brendan Sorsby’s gambling scandal, Tech has a decent Plan B in Will Hammond, who played well in relief of Behren Morton last season, and two solid running backs. The bigger reason for concern is that the Red Raiders’ defense is replacing four NFL D-linemen and Butkus winner Jacob Rodriguez.

15. Washington (Previous: No. 19)

Familiar faces: QB Demond Williams Jr., WR/PR Dezmen Roebuck, OL John Mills, DT Elinneus Davis, LB Jacob Manu, LB Xe’ree Alexander
Impact newcomers: RB Quaid Carr (RS freshman), LT Kodi Greene (freshman), DTs Derek Colman-Brusa (freshman) and DeSean Watts (Sacramento State), CB Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia)

Jedd Fisch’s third season nearly went sideways before it began when star QB Williams tried to enter the portal in January despite re-signing. He ultimately reversed course, and the Huskies can continue building after improving from 6-7 to 9-4 last season. Washington quietly finished in the top 20 in defense last season.

16. Missouri (Previous: No. 13)

Familiar faces: RBs Ahmad Hardy (if available) and Jamal Roberts, WR Donovan Olugbode, TE Brett Norfleet, LB Nicholas Rodriguez, S Santana Banner
Impact newcomers: QB Austin Simmons (Ole Miss), WR Cayden Lee (Ole Miss), OT Josh Atkins (Arizona State), LB Robert Woodyard Jr. (Auburn), S Elijah Dotson (Michigan)

On May 10, SEC rushing leader Hardy (1,649 yards) was shot in the leg at a concert; he is aiming to return this season. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has already named Simmons his QB1 after spring camp. He’ll look to lead the Tigers to get back to double-digit win territory following last year’s dip to 8-5.

17. Michigan (Previous: No. 14)

Familiar faces: QB Bryce Underwood, RB Jordan Marshall, WR Andrew Marsh, LT Andrew Sprague, CBs Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry
Impact newcomers:  RB Savion Hiter (freshman), WR JJ Buchanan (Utah), DE John Henry Daley (Utah), CB Smith Snowden (Utah), S Chris Bracy (Memphis)

From the depths of Sherrone Moore’s tumultuous December dismissal and arrest, Michigan landed a future Hall of Fame coach in Kyle Whittingham. The hope is that his OC Jason Beck, who remade Utah’s offense last season, can help Underwood blossom after an underwhelming freshman season. Five-star Hiter looks like a ready-made star.

18. Houston (Previous: No. 21)

Familiar faces: QB Conner Weigman, WR Amare Thomas, OL McKenzie Agnello, CB Will James, S Kentrell Webb
Impact newcomers: RB Makhi Hughes (Oregon), WR Trent Walker (Oregon State), RT Drew Terrill (Miami of Ohio), CB Jalen Mayo (Stephen F. Austin), S Javion White (Tulane)

Willie Fritz is the best coach no one talks about. After leading Houston from 4-8 to 10-3 in his second season, his third team could compete for the Big 12 title. It has a big Week 3 game at Texas Tech. Weigman, who struggled at Texas A&M, came into his own last season and has some capable receivers.

19. Alabama (Previous: No. 20)

Familiar faces: WRs Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks, LB Yhonzae Pierre, CB Zabien Brown, S Bray Hubbard, S Keon Sabb
Impact newcomers: LT Jackson Lloyd (RFr.), RT Jayvin James (Mississippi State), DE Devan Thompkins (USC), DTs Terrance Green (Oregon) and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State)

Kalen DeBoer’s new contract says his job is safe, but Bama is no sure thing to reach the CFP. The offense will be highly inexperienced, starting at QB with Austin Mack or redshirt freshman Keelon Russell. Losing NC State transfer WR Noah Rogers to a spring game injury stung. But the Tide aren’t lacking for talent and will still be a factor in the SEC.

20. SMU (Previous: No. 22)

Familiar faces: QB Kevin Jennings, WR/PR Yamir Knight, RT PJ Williams, LB Brandon Booker, LB Alexander Kilgore, S Tyren Polley Jr.
Impact newcomers: RB Kendrick Raphael (Cal), WR Jalen Hale (Alabama), DT Christian Davis (Louisiana Tech), CB Jayvon Thomas (Texas A&M), DB Jarvis Lee (USF)

SMU slipped from 11 wins and the Playoff in 2024 to 9-4 last season, but the program remains on the upswing. The productive Jennings enters his third season as QB1, and Rhett Lashlee did a nice job building the defense back up in the portal. While not on Miami’s level, there’s no reason SMU can’t reach the ACC Championship Game.

21. Penn State (Previous: NR)

Familiar faces: QB Rocco Becht (Iowa State), RB Carson Hansen (Iowa State), LBs Tony Rojas and Caleb Bacon (Iowa State), CB Daryus Dixson, S Marcus Neal Jr. (Iowa State)
Impact newcomers: RB James Peoples (Ohio State), WRs Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell (Iowa State), DTs Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams (UCLA)

Matt Campbell’s first Penn State squad may be impossible to forecast, but I’m increasingly convinced “Iowa State East” can be a Top 25 team. Becht is one of the most experienced QBs in the country, and a bunch of the other former Cyclones were part of an 11-win team in 2024. A Top 25 finish should constitute success in Year 1.

22. South Carolina (Previous: NR)

Familiar faces: QB LaNorris Sellers, WR Nyck Harbor, DE Dylan Stewart, LBs Justin Okoronkwo and Fred Johnson
Impact newcomers: WR Nitro Tuggle (Purdue), OT Jacarrius Peak (NC State), DEs Caleb Herring (Tennessee) and Julius Walker (freshman), DB Quay’sheed Scott (Kentucky)

Shane Beamer has zig-zagged from 8-5 to 5-7 to 9-4 to 4-8. This feels like another rebound year. The Gamecocks rank No. 5 in ESPN’s returning production metric. Sellers should benefit from new OC Kendal Briles and Tuggle’s emergence alongside star Harbor. The run game needs to get much better. South Carolina’s strength should be its defense, led by potential All-American Stewart. He’ll have more impact players around him.

23. Boise State (Previous: No. 23)

Familiar faces: QB Maddux Madsen, RBs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, DE Max Stege, LB Boen Phelps
Impact newcomers: WR Rasean Jones (freshman), LT Tyler Ethridge (CSU-Pueblo), C Stewart Taufa (RFr.), LB Logan Brantley (Kansas)

Most of last year’s top Group of 6 programs — Tulane, James Madison, North Texas — had coaching changes and mass turnover. Boise does a great job of retention, keeping standouts like Riley and Gaines (1,936 combined yards in 2025). But keep an eye on other intriguing G6 teams like Army, Navy, UNLV, New Mexico and Hawaii.

24. Louisville (Previous: No. 17)

Familiar faces: RBs Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown, DE Clev Lubin, LBs T.J. Capers and LB Stanquan Clark, CB Tayon Holloway
Impact newcomers: QB Lincoln Kienholz (Ohio State), WR Tre Richardson (Vanderbilt), TE Brody Foley (Tulsa), edge Tyler Thompson (North Carolina), S Koen Entringer (Iowa)

Entering his fourth season, Jeff Brohm has kept the Cardinals consistent (10-4, 9-4 and 9-4) while relying on a transfer-heavy approach. His offense may be predominantly newcomers this season, starting with new QB1 Kienholz. But with one of the top running back tandems in the country, Louisville should still be in the top quadrant of the ACC.

25. TCU (Previous: NR)

Familiar faces: RB Jeremy Payne, WR Jordan Dwyer, LT Ben Taylor-Whitfield, DE Paul Oyewale, CB Vernon Glover, S Jamel Johnson
Impact newcomers: QB Jaden Craig (Harvard), OL Noah McKinney (Oklahoma State), LB Michael Short (Virginia Tech), CB Kalen Carroll (Central Michigan), S Jacob Fields (Louisiana Tech)

Sonny Dykes’ program is now four years removed from its surprise run to the national title game. The Frogs haven’t been CFP contenders, but they’ve won nine games each of the past two seasons. Dykes did a nice job of retention, save for three-year QB Josh Hoover’s exit to Indiana, but Ivy League transfer Craig looked good in the spring.

Just missed: Iowa, Cal, Arizona, Florida, Utah