Oklahoma football enters 2026 with an elite defense led by defensive tackle David Stone and one of PFF’s top-five linebacker units. Quarterback John Mateer will look to recapture his early-2025 form after struggling following a hand injury. The Sooners’ offensive improvement could determine whether they contend for an SEC title and College Football Playoff berth.

LSU football enters 2026 with Lane Kiffin taking over a roster bolstered by several major transfer additions. Sam Leavitt leads an offense featuring PFF’s No. 6 receiving corps, while Jordan Seaton arrives to strengthen an offensive line that struggled last season. DJ Pickett headlines the defense after earning a 78.6 PFF grade as a true freshman.

Ole Miss football enters 2026 looking to build on its first College Football Playoff appearance and a run to the semifinals. Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy give the Rebels PFF’s No. 4 quarterback and No. 2 running back, respectively. The biggest concern is an offensive line replacing both starting tackles after its three returning interior starters posted PFF grades below 65.0 in 2025.

Georgia football enters 2026 as a national championship contender after winning its third SEC title in four years last season. The Bulldogs feature PFF’s No. 3 linebacker unit and a top-five secondary, but major turnover at wide receiver creates uncertainty around Gunner Stockton and the passing game. KJ Bolden headlines the defense after producing a 90.7 PFF grade since the start of 2024.

Texas football enters 2026 with PFF's No. 2 offense and a top-five defense after missing the College Football Playoff last season. Arch Manning leads an offense featuring Cam Coleman and highly ranked units at receiver, offensive line and running back. PFF Grades also highlight Colin Simmons as the centerpiece of a loaded Longhorns defense.

PFF's All-Big Ten Decade Team features stars like C.J. Stroud, Jonathan Taylor, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Micah Parsons, assessing the best at every position in the conference since 2016.

College football's talent pipeline never slows down, and several members of last year's freshman class left their mark in Year 1. The names atop our list are already household items for college football enthusiasts, but some further down may not be on your radar yet.

Several College Football Playoff contenders face potential trap games during the opening weeks of the 2026 season. Notre Dame meets Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, while Oregon travels to Oklahoma State and Texas hosts UTSA between marquee matchups. PFF grades and advanced metrics highlight five early-season games that could challenge playoff hopefuls.

PFF ranks the 10 best running back rooms in college football entering the 2026 season, with Texas Tech claiming the No. 1 spot. Missouri and Ole Miss follow behind backfields led by Ahmad Hardy and Kewan Lacy, while Florida and Louisville round out the top five.

Max Chadwick ranks the best quarterback rooms across college football for the 2026 season, with the Oregon Ducks taking first place.

The stars of the 2026 college football season are already on campus. There will be Heisman contenders and future first-round NFL Draft picks, and the nation's best returning players will shape the championship race this fall. Using PFF grades and advanced data, we ranked the top 10 returning players at every position entering the season.

PFF ranks the top returning safeties in college football entering the 2026 season, led by Georgia's KJ Bolden after two dominant years. Alabama places two players in the top 10 with Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, highlighting one of the nation's premier secondaries.

PFF ranks the top 10 returning cornerbacks in college football entering the 2026 season. Notre Dame's Leonard Moore leads the list after earning the nation's highest PFF grade, while Alabama's Dijon Lee Jr. and Oregon's Brandon Finney Jr. headline a talented group of rising stars.

PFF ranks the top 10 returning linebackers in college football entering the 2026 season. Notre Dame's Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa leads the list, while Texas Tech places three linebackers in the top 10. Explore PFF grades and advanced metrics behind the nation's best returning linebackers.

Although these 10 campaigns didn't end by lifting the Heisman Trophy, the represent performances that were worthy of the award — and even set records.

The Bison bring consistent winning and talent development in their first season at the FBS level, but the team will need to assert itself in the Mountain West.

Daire Carragher looks at eight schools who can become first-time College Football Playoff participants in 2026, including the USC Trojans.

Daire Carragher examines the fastest offenses in college football from the 2025 season, featuring four SEC programs.