Mississippi State football enters 2026 looking to build on its first bowl appearance in three years behind quarterback Kamario Taylor. Kelley Jones leads a talented secondary, while significant questions remain along the offensive and defensive lines. PFF Grades and Advanced Stats highlight the strengths, concerns and key players shaping the Bulldogs.

Vanderbilt football enters 2026 with five-star freshman Jared Curtis positioned to replace Diego Pavia at quarterback after a historic 10-win season. Junior Sherrill headlines an offense that retains plenty of potential, while an experienced defense will need to improve. PFF Grades and Advanced Stats highlight the strengths, concerns and key players shaping the Commodores.

Auburn football enters 2026 with Alex Golesh leading a rebuilt offense featuring quarterback Byrum Brown and 10 projected starters from the transfer portal. The Tigers should be more explosive offensively, but a completely revamped offensive line presents a significant question. PFF Grades highlight the strengths, concerns and key players shaping Auburn’s 2026 outlook.

South Carolina football enters 2026 looking to rebound from a 4-8 season behind quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a revamped offensive line. The Gamecocks boast PFF’s No. 9 defensive line, with edge defender Dylan Stewart leading the unit. PFF Grades highlight the strengths, concerns and key players shaping South Carolina’s outlook.

Florida enters the 2026 college football season under new head coach Jon Sumrall after a 4-8 finish in 2025. Running back Jadan Baugh headlines a talented group of skill-position players, while questions remain along both lines. PFF Grades highlight the strengths, concerns and key players shaping the Gators’ outlook.

Tennessee enters the 2026 college football season looking to return to the College Football Playoff after an 8-5 campaign. Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre are competing at quarterback, while new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles takes over a unit that struggled in 2025. DeSean Bishop and Ty Redmond headline a talented roster with the potential to help the Volunteers rebound.

Missouri enters the 2026 college football season with a rushing attack led by Ahmad Hardy, PFF’s No. 1 running back in the country. Austin Simmons takes over at quarterback, while an experienced offensive line gives the Tigers another major strength. Significant turnover in the secondary and pass rush creates the biggest question for Missouri entering the season.

Alabama enters the 2026 college football season with an elite secondary but significant questions surrounding its offense. Keelon Russell and Austin Mack are competing at quarterback, while the Crimson Tide must rebuild an offensive line that lost six of seven players who logged at least 300 snaps in 2025. Bray Hubbard headlines a defense that could help Alabama make another College Football Playoff run.

Daire Carragher considers less common teams to win every Power Four conference, including Ole Miss and Kansas State.

Texas A&M enters the 2026 college football season looking to return to the College Football Playoff after an 11-0 start highlighted its 2025 campaign. Marcel Reed leads an offense with PFF’s No. 7 receiving corps, but four new starters along the offensive line create a significant question. Mario Craver and Marcus Ratcliffe headline the Aggies to watch on offense and defense.

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.