As the 2026 college football season approaches, the post-spring rankings are here—and there's plenty of movement to get excited about. Indiana and Ohio State still lead the pack, but a few surprises are shaking up the list since our Way-Too-Early Top 25 in January.
Mark your calendars for Oct. 17, when Ohio State travels to Indiana in what could be the marquee matchup of the regular season. Who would have predicted that four years ago—or even two? That's the power of third-year coach Curt Cignetti, who has turned the Hoosiers into a national powerhouse. After leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff championship game last season, Cignetti's squad returns plenty of firepower to make another run. That's why they hold the No. 1 spot in Sporting News' Post-Spring Top 25, with the Buckeyes—the 2024 national champions—close behind at No. 2.
The Big Ten dominates the list with nine schools, including these two heavyweights. The SEC isn't far behind, placing seven teams, with Georgia and Texas locking in at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Notre Dame, aiming to bounce back from last year's CFP snub, rounds out the top five. Honestly, any of these five could be No. 1 in the AP Preseason Top 25 later this summer, and we wouldn't blink.
What's changed since January? A few teams have surged, and there's some uncertainty around Texas Tech in the Big 12 with quarterback Brendan Sorsby's status. The Big 12 and ACC each have four teams on the list, keeping the conference battles tight. As the 12-team College Football Playoff enters its third season, the question is: which of these teams will make the cut?
Let's dive into the rankings. Indiana is an eye-popping 27-2 over the last two seasons under Cignetti, and their latest portal additions have only strengthened the roster. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, Boston College running back Turbo Richard, and Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh—who shined in the spring game—join a core of key returners from last year's national championship team. That includes All-America tackle Carter Smith and receiver Charlie Becker on offense, plus defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker, linebacker Rolijah Hardy, and cornerback Jamari Sharpe on defense. With a schedule built for a fast start, the Hoosiers are primed for another Big Ten title charge.