Get ready for some early-bird college football excitement! The Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings are here, and they're sure to spark some heated debates.
Exactly one month ago, Indiana made history by becoming the first-ever undefeated national champions, beating Miami in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. This incredible feat has set the stage for an intriguing discussion about the future of college football.
ESPN's Heather Dinich, a renowned CFP insider, has released her hand-written predictions for the 2026 preseason Top 25 rankings. And trust me, these rankings are bold and full of surprises.
But here's where it gets controversial... Dinich has ranked Notre Dame, who missed out on the 2025 CFP due to an early loss, at the number two spot, just behind Texas. And this is the part most people miss - she's also placed Alabama, a powerhouse team, at number 17, which is sure to raise some eyebrows.
Let's dive into Dinich's Way-Too-Early Top 25 and explore the reasons behind these intriguing choices:
Texas Longhorns: Dinich is all-in on the Arch Manning-led Longhorns, despite their rocky start last season. She believes their strong transfer class and improved performance towards the end of 2025 make them a top contender for 2026.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: This ranking might be the biggest surprise. Dinich predicts a revenge tour for the Irish, who are still angry about their exclusion from the 2025 CFP. She quotes, "They've got something to prove and a chip on their shoulder."
Indiana Hoosiers: Despite significant roster turnover, including the loss of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, Indiana's head coach, Curt Cignetti, and a key transfer at quarterback, Josh Hoover, keep them in the top three.
Ohio State Buckeyes: With a talented roster, including superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith and rising QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State is expected to be a force to be reckoned with. Their defense, rebuilt with key transfers, is also a major strength.
Georgia Bulldogs: The back-to-back SEC champions aim to break their Playoff drought. With a loaded roster, including returning QB Gunner Stockton and a strong backfield, they're a serious threat.
Oregon Ducks: Dinich might be overlooking a strong Oregon team, which returns most of its Playoff semifinalist squad, including rising QB Dante Moore.
Miami Hurricanes: After surprising everyone last season, Miami is reloaded and ready to prove they belong among the elite. Their head coach, Mario Cristobal, has improved their win total every season.
Texas A&M Aggies: Dynamic QB Marcel Reed, in his third season, and head coach Mike Elko, who led them to their first-ever CFP appearance, make the Aggies a team to watch.
Ole Miss Rebels: Coming off their best season, the Rebels have received good news with QB Trinidad Chambliss being granted an injunction to play in 2026. However, they'll need to adapt to the loss of several key players who followed former coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.
Oklahoma Sooners: Oklahoma's return to the CFP, led by dual-threat QB John Mateer and a strong defense, has them in Dinich's Top 10.
And there's more! Dinich's full segment discussing her Way-Too-Early 2026 Top 25 is a must-watch for any college football enthusiast. Check out the rankings in full and get ready for some intense debates.
So, what do you think of these early predictions? Are they spot-on, or do you have a different take? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Let's get the conversation started!
