With college football’s Week 1 schedule set to ramp up this Saturday, let’s take a look at ESPN’s Football Power Index for the top 25 teams in the country.
ESPN’s FPI represents how above or below average a team is based on its current results and remaining schedule. Although most teams haven’t played a single game yet, the FPI has Ohio State as a clear favorite heading into the 2026 season. To be fair, Ryan Day’s offense will be led by a trio of superstars in quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
While some analysts may have their doubts regarding Arch Manning and Texas, the FPI has Steve Sarkisian’s program ranked second among all teams.
Notre Dame, Oregon and Georgia round out the top five for ESPN’s FPI, which isn’t a huge shock considering their returning talent.
The full top 25 can be seen here:
- Ohio State
- Texas
- Notre Dame
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Miami
- Alabama
- LSU
- Texas Tech
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- USC
- Penn State
- Florida
- Clemson
- BYU
- Auburn
- South Carolina
- SMU
- Iowa
- Virginia
Who’s projected to win it all?
According to Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings, the Buckeyes have a 14.2% chance of winning the national title this season. The Ducks aren’t too far behind them with an 11.1% chance of winning it all.
It’s evident the Buckeyes are the favorites to go on a title run this season. With that being said, oddsmakers give the Fighting Irish the second-best odds (+550) to win the national championship.
We’re certainly hoping this season delivers a handful of classic games between now and January.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Yahoo Sports
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