The college football season doesn’t kick off for another 190 days, but it’s never too early to look ahead.
As rosters settle, key transfers land, and coaching staffs finalize their systems, a clear picture is already emerging of which teams could field the most explosive offenses, stingiest defenses, and most dominant position groups in 2026.
These way-too-early projections are far from perfect, but they offer an early roadmap to the programs most likely to shape the national landscape long before the first snap.
Best Offense: Texas Longhorns
Texas delivered an uneven 2025 but closed strong, winning seven of its final eight games.
The Longhorns return one of the sport’s top quarterbacks in Arch Manning, add standout Auburn transfer WR Cam Coleman alongside Ryan Wingo’s return, and feature a dynamic running back tandem in Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State). A healthier offensive line should finally take a significant step forward behind returning starter Trevor Goosby.
If Steve Sarkisian can tap into the full potential of this roster, Texas will be a legitimate national title contender in 2026.
Best Defense: Oregon Ducks
Replacing defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, now the head coach at Cal, could have been disruptive, but Dan Lanning kept things in-house. He elevated co–defensive coordinator Chris Hampton to the full-time role, preserving continuity in the Ducks’ scheme and culture.
Oregon returns all of its 2025 defensive line starters, led by defensive tackles Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington and star edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti. The secondary reloaded as well, adding top transfer safety Koi Perich from Minnesota to help offset the loss of NFL-bound Dillon Thieneman.
With that combination of talent and continuity, the Ducks should again field one of the nation’s premier defenses.
Best Quarterback: Dante Moore
Many around the country were stunned when Oregon star quarterback Dante Moore chose to forgo the NFL Draft and return to Eugene for 2026. It may prove to be the decision that cements his legacy.
Moore threw for 3,565 yards (T-12th) and 30 touchdowns (T-6th) with a 71.8% completion rate, but he also tossed 10 interceptions—four in his final three games. Cleaning up his decision-making is the next step in his development.
Already one of college football’s most gifted passers, Moore has a clear path to emerging as the top quarterback in the country next season.
Best Running Back: Ahmad Hardy
After a monster 2025 season, Missouri workhorse Ahmad Hardy enters 2026 as one of the most feared running backs in the nation.
Hardy finished second nationally with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He posted seven 100-plus-yard games, including 250 yards against Louisiana and 300 against Mississippi State.
Expect Hardy to remain the engine of Missouri’s offense throughout 2026.
Best Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith
For anyone who watches college football, Jeremiah Smith’s status as the best overall player in the country needs little explanation. At 6’3” and 223 pounds, he’s a walking mismatch for any secondary.
As a sophomore, Smith logged 87 receptions (7th nationally) for 1,243 yards (4th) and 12 touchdowns (T-6th), with six 100-yard performances. After narrowly missing out on the Biletnikoff Award, he should be even more driven this season.
When Jeremiah Smith is on the field for Ohio State, you drop what you’re doing and watch.
Best Offensive Line: Oregon Ducks
Projecting the nation’s top offensive line this far out is tricky, but Oregon has the most complete unit on paper.
The Ducks return senior Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu at center and add Michael Bennett at right tackle (via Yale) to pair with Dave Iuli on the right side. Fox Crader, a 6-foot-6 sophomore who gained valuable late-season experience in 2025, stabilizes the left tackle spot.
If Oregon is going to make a serious run in 2026, it will start up front with this offensive line.
