It's mid-August, and the college football season is just around the corner. Sports Illustrated has released its Top 25 preseason rankings, and the writer has made bold predictions for every team. Here are some of the highlights:
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish are projected to make the College Football Playoff (CFP) as the top seed and win it all. With a Heisman Trophy contender in CJ Carr and a strong coaching staff, Notre Dame has all the motivation to win its first title since 1988.
Oregon: The Ducks are expected to be the Big Ten's best team in 2026. With a Heisman hopeful in Dante Moore and a strong defensive line, Oregon is poised to make a run at the national title.
Georgia: The Bulldogs are projected to have a breakout season with Elyiss Williams, a tight end who flashed downfield receiving capabilities in his freshman year. Georgia's tight end factory has produced NFL talent in the past, and Williams could be a key contributor.
Indiana: The Hoosiers are expected to have a strong portal class, with a potential No. 1 receiver in Nick Marsh and two explosive playmakers in Turbo Richard and Shazz Preston. Indiana's defense is also expected to be improved.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes are projected to have three players finish in the top 10 of the Heisman vote, just like last season. With a strong connection between Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, and a running back-friendly offense, Ohio State is expected to be a top contender.
Miami: Darian Mensah is projected to make the NFL draft's first round, just like Cam Ward did. Mensah's accuracy and ability to push the ball vertically make him a threat to defenses.
Texas: Cam Coleman is expected to break the Longhorns' single-season touchdown receptions record. With a 6'3" contested catch machine, Coleman is a key red zone weapon for Arch Manning.
LSU: The Tigers are projected to make the CFP, and Lane Kiffin is expected to win his first CFP game in his first year in Baton Rouge. With a strong quarterback in Sam Leavitt and a top transfer portal class, LSU is a team to watch.
Ole Miss: The Rebels' offense is expected to score more points without Kiffin and Weis. With a familiar face in John David Baker as the offensive coordinator, the Rebels' offense is expected to remain strong.
USC: Jayden Maiava's turnover woes are expected to continue, but the Trojans' defense is expected to be a saving grace. With a Hall of Famer and defensive whiz in Gary Patterson, USC is expected to create scoring opportunities.
Texas A&M: The Aggies are expected to miss the CFP due to a difficult late-season SEC gauntlet. With a challenging schedule, including road trips to Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, Texas A&M is expected to face a tough stretch.
Texas Tech: Will Hammond is expected to make Red Raiders fans forget the name Brendan Sorsby by November. With a chance to be one of the best stories of the season, Hammond's athleticism and dual-threat capabilities are expected to win Texas Tech many games.
BYU: The Cougars are expected to push eventual champion Notre Dame to the brink in their October showdown. With a dual-threat dynamo in Bear Bachmeier and a big-play running back in LJ Martin, BYU is expected to make a strong showing.
Oklahoma: Parker Livingstone is expected to break out for 150-plus yards and catch a game-winning touchdown in the Red River showdown against Texas. With a strong performance, Livingstone is expected to torch the Longhorns downfield.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide is expected to start the season 5-0 but fizzle down the stretch, missing the playoff. With a strong start, Alabama is expected to face a challenging October stretch, including games against Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and LSU.
Michigan: The Wolverines are expected to miss the playoff but score a huge Big Ten upset. With a fearsome pass rush and an experienced secondary, Michigan is expected to force turnovers and score an upset against the defending champions.
SMU: SMU is expected to advance to the ACC title game thanks to new tiebreakers. With a steady QB play and an improved running game, SMU is expected to go 7-2 in conference play.
Penn State: Matt Campbell is expected to win more games than any other first-year Big Ten coach. With continuity at quarterback and a strong schedule, Penn State is expected to have a successful season.
Washington: Demond Williams Jr. is expected to finally score a much-needed Top 25 win. With a strong offensive line and a playmaker at receiver, Williams is expected to take a big step forward.
Missouri: The Tigers are expected to have two running backs selected in the first two rounds of the 2027 NFL draft. With a strong running game and a healthy Ahmad Hardy, Missouri is expected to have a strong draft class.
Florida: The Gators' starting QB in Week 1 is expected to be different from their starter for the whole season. With an open quarterback competition, Florida is expected to have a dynamic QB situation.
Tennessee: The Volunteers are expected to field a top-50 defense in 2026. With a strong transfer portal class and a new defensive coordinator, Tennessee is expected to improve its defense.
Boise State: Rasean Jones is expected to be one of the best freshmen in the Group of 6. With a strong spring performance, Jones is expected to be a key contributor for Boise State.
Utah: Devon Dampier is expected to throw for 3,000-plus yards and rush for 1,000-plus yards. With a healthy and experienced team, Dampier is expected to have a strong dual-threat season.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes are expected to have a 300-yard passer in a game. With a strong schedule, including games against Ohio State, Washington, and Michigan, Iowa is expected to have a dynamic offense.
