Second installment of 2026 preseason power rankings names top 25

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• Methodology: what shapes a preseason ranking
• The immediate movers: teams likely to occupy spots 13–17
• Coaching transitions and their ripple effects (18–21)
• Mid-major contenders and the sleeper candidates (22–25)
• Key factors that will determine movement
• What fans and casual observers should watch first
• Early-season scheduling traps
• How to interpret movement through the season
  • What this means for the remainder of our series

The second installment of our 2026 preseason Top 25 power rankings shifts focus to the teams that sit just outside the elite and the programs poised to move up. This piece examines the middle and lower thirds of the list, the variables that will reshuffle standings early, and the storylines to watch before the first whistle.

Methodology: what shapes a preseason ranking

Preseason placement reflects more than last season’s finish. We weigh returning production, incoming talent, coaching stability, and the upcoming schedule. Special attention is given to roster continuity at quarterback and the impact of departures to the NFL or the transfer market.

We also factor in measurable elements such as recruiting class rankings and advanced metrics from last season, while treating all projections as provisional. Preseason lists are inherently predictive; the goal is to highlight likely trajectories, not declare irreversible outcomes.

The immediate movers: teams likely to occupy spots 13–17

Programs in this band often carry momentum from the previous year but lack the consistent depth of a top-10 squad. Look for teams with a returning starter at quarterback and a stable offensive identity; those features tend to produce early-season wins that vault teams up the polls.

Conversely, teams that relied on overperforming defenses or one-off special-teams plays last season are fragile. If they don’t address depth or replace lost playmakers, they can slip quickly once conference play begins.

Coaching transitions and their ripple effects (18–21)

Coaching changes remain among the most consequential offseason developments. A new head coach or coordinator can reenergize a program, but the transition usually comes with growing pains.

When staff turnover is paired with an uncertain quarterback situation, expect a conservative preseason ranking. Voters often penalize instability early; a slow start in September can confirm preseason skepticism and make climb-back seasons longer.

Mid-major contenders and the sleeper candidates (22–25)

Late-ranked teams frequently include rising mid-major programs and Power Five squads in the midst of a rebuild. These teams can deliver early upsets or fall in line as underdogs if they lack depth. The preseason window is a prime time to identify sleepers: programs that improved clearly on film, signed impact transfers, or return a cohort of veteran starters.

For readers tracking bets, bracketology, or fantasy-style projections, these entries offer the most volatility. Small changes — a breakout freshman, an injury, a surprising transfer — can prompt considerable movement week to week.

Key factors that will determine movement

• Quarterback continuity: Stability under center remains the single biggest predictor of early-season success.
• Transfer portal impact: Teams that add proven college contributors can leapfrog rivals quickly.
• Strength of schedule: An early slate of road tests or ranked opponents exposes weaknesses fast.
• Coaching stability: Continuity in the staff reduces schematic turnover and speeds player development.

What fans and casual observers should watch first

Kickoff weekend will provide the clearest evidence for or against preseason expectations. Pay attention to offensive tempo, third-down conversion rates, and red-zone efficiency rather than raw box-score totals. These indicators reveal whether a team’s performance is sustainable.

Injury reports and depth-chart updates also matter more than usual this year. Several programs entered fall camp thin at key positions; durability could be the deciding factor for teams ranked just outside the top tier.

Early-season scheduling traps

Several mid-ranked teams face deceptively difficult nonconference opponents or long travel swings in the first month. Those matchups often create outsized swings in public perception and in the polls.

Conversely, teams that schedule an easier start may look polished early but face tougher tests later. For readers tracking the rankings, context is crucial: a clean offensive showing against weaker opposition should be viewed differently than a gritty road win over a solid program.

How to interpret movement through the season

Rapid climbs and drops are part of the season’s rhythm. A team that moves up decisively early typically combines execution with favorable health and a manageable schedule. If a ranked team’s early success rests on a narrow margin — late-game heroics, special teams returns, or unusually high turnover luck — those gains are fragile.

Expect the most sustained rises to come from programs that balance a strong passing game, reliable offensive line play, and a defense that forces turnovers. Those elements create repeatable wins and make a team a credible top-10 candidate as conference play deepens.

What this means for the remainder of our series

Part Two narrows the field and spotlights programs whose next few games will define their seasons. The final preseason segment will rank the top dozen teams and address the frontrunners more closely, but the teams covered here often supply the season’s most compelling surprises.