Get ready for some early college football excitement! The 2026 season is already generating buzz, and Josh Pate, a renowned college football insider, has dropped his highly anticipated 'Way-Too-Early' Top 25 rankings. But here's where it gets interesting... and a little controversial! Pate's predictions are sure to spark debates among fans and pundits alike. Let's dive into the rankings and uncover the surprises and potential controversies they hold.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Surprising No. 1
Despite missing out on the College Football Playoff this past season, Notre Dame takes the top spot in Pate's rankings. The Fighting Irish, with their star-studded lineup, are poised for a comeback. Running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for an impressive 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, will be missed, but starting quarterback CJ Carr and Aneyas Williams are ready to step up. With some key transfers strengthening their defense, Notre Dame aims to prove its preseason No. 1 ranking.
2. Texas Longhorns: A Season of Redemption
Like Notre Dame, Texas didn't make the CFP cut last season. However, with quarterback Arch Manning back for another year, the Longhorns are determined to turn things around. Manning, who struggled early on, finished strong with 3,161 yards and 26 touchdowns. Texas adds Cam Coleman from Auburn through the transfer portal, giving Manning an additional weapon. Can they live up to their No. 2 ranking and make a CFP run?
3. Indiana Hoosiers: Defending Champions with a Twist
Indiana made history by winning its first-ever national championship this past season. But with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and receiver Elijah Sarratt departing, the Hoosiers face a challenge. Coach Curt Cignetti has already lined up TCU transfer Josh Hoover as Mendoza's replacement, but can a first-year transfer lead Indiana to another title? Only time will tell.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
Ohio State, the 2024 national champions, had a disappointing end to their season, losing to Indiana and Miami. However, they remain a powerhouse on paper for the upcoming season. With quarterback Julian Sayin, receiver Jeremiah Smith, and running back Bo Jackson returning, the offense looks solid. The defense, however, has some question marks with the departure of key starters. Can the Buckeyes regain their championship form?
5. Oregon Ducks: A Contender Once Again
The Ducks are set to return starting quarterback Dante Moore and several defensive starters from their CFP semifinal team. Pate and many others predict Oregon to be a top-five team in 2026. While they suffered losses to Indiana last season, the Ducks are expected to be at the top of the Big Ten race once more. Will they live up to the hype?
6. Miami Hurricanes: Chasing Another Title
Miami came close to a national championship this season but fell short against Indiana. With starting quarterback Carson Beck departing, the Hurricanes bring in Duke transfer Darian Mensah, who led the ACC in passing yards and touchdowns. They also retain 1,000-yard rusher Mark Fletcher Jr. Can Miami make another playoff run and claim the title this time around?
7. Georgia Bulldogs: A Familiar Face in the CFP Race
Georgia has established itself as a regular in the College Football Playoff race. The Bulldogs won the SEC Championship for the second consecutive season but fell in the quarterfinals to Ole Miss. With quarterback Gunner Stockton returning, the defense remains a strength thanks to key transfer additions in the secondary. Will Georgia continue its dominance in 2026?
8. Texas A&M Aggies: A Program on the Rise
Texas A&M made its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance this past season and is ranked No. 8 in Pate's early rankings. Starting quarterback Marcel Reed, a dual-threat, is back with 3,169 passing yards and 493 rushing yards under his belt. However, consistency is key, and Reed will need to improve if the Aggies want a shot at the title.
9. Oklahoma Sooners: Back in the CFP Hunt
Oklahoma, under coach Brent Venables, reached the CFP for the first time in four seasons. The Sooners' defense was impressive, but their offense had its ups and downs due to quarterback John Mateer's hand injury. Mateer is returning for 2026, aiming to regain his Heisman Trophy contender form. With some receiver transfers, including Parker Livingstone and Trell Harris, Oklahoma looks to make a strong comeback.
10. LSU Tigers: A New Era with Lane Kiffin
LSU rounds out the top 10 in Pate's rankings. The Tigers, under new coach Lane Kiffin, are coming off a 7-6 season. Kiffin, known as the 'Portal King,' brought in the No. 2 transfer class in the country, including Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and former Ole Miss receiver Winston Watkins. Can Kiffin lead LSU to new heights?
And there you have it! Josh Pate's Way-Too-Early Top 25 for the 2026 college football season. From surprising rankings to potential controversies, these predictions are sure to keep fans engaged. Who do you think will rise to the top? And this is the part most people miss... the true test of these rankings will be on the field. So, get ready for an exciting season ahead! Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Let the debates begin!
