The 2026 college football season is fast approaching, and with it comes the annual challenge of picking the best team in each state. This year, the competition is fierce, with several programs emerging as potential contenders. Here's a breakdown of the top teams in each state, along with commentary and analysis from an expert perspective.
Alabama
Alabama remains the standard-bearer in the Yellowhammer State, despite some questions about Kalen DeBoer's performance. The Crimson Tide's consistent success and deep talent pool make them a top contender.
Arizona
Arizona and Arizona State were neck-and-neck, but the Wildcats edge out the Sun Devils due to a more stable quarterback situation and a recent Territorial Cup victory.
Arkansas
Arkansas State and Arkansas are both on the rise, but the Razorbacks' recent success, including a 56-14 thrashing of Arkansas State, gives them the edge.
California
USC is head and shoulders above its competition, with the ingredients to make a run at the College Football Playoff. Lincoln Riley's leadership is a key factor in the Trojans' potential success.
Colorado
Colorado's three FBS teams combined for nine wins last season, and the Buffaloes get the nod with Deion Sanders' recent success and the hire of Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator.
Connecticut
UConn quietly turned in a strong season at the FBS level, winning nine games for the second consecutive season. The Huskies have something to prove this fall, with key departures from the coaching staff.
Delaware
Delaware's Blue Hens performed admirably in their first FBS season, going 7-6. With quarterback Nick Minicucci and receiver Sean Wilson back, they have a good chance to build upon that success.
Florida
Miami is one of the easiest decisions, coming off a national championship appearance and with a strong offensive and defensive core. Florida is retooling, and Florida State fans await the inevitable.
Georgia
Georgia is a legitimate national championship contender under Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs' loaded tight end room and potential for quarterback Gunner Stockton to step up make them a force to be reckoned with.
Hawaii
Hawaii's Rainbow Warriors are the default selection, coming off a nine-win season and a strong showing in the Mountain West Conference.
Idaho
Boise State is moving to the Pac-12 Conference and returns quarterback Maddux Madsen and star running back Dylan Riley. They look to reach nine wins for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Illinois
The Fighting Illini have totaled 19 wins over the last two seasons and are poised for another solid season in 2026. They lack competition but have a strong foundation for success.
Indiana
Indiana and Notre Dame are both national championship contenders, but the Hoosiers' recent success in the transfer portal and key edge-rushers give them a slight edge.
Iowa
Iowa under Kirk Ferentz has been steady, with eight or nine wins per season. The Hawkeyes' consistency and the impact of Iowa State's roster teardown make them a strong choice.
Kansas
Kansas State has more excitement around the program with Collin Klein's leadership and quarterback Avery Johnson's fourth season. The Wildcats' recent success against the Jayhawks is a positive sign.
Kentucky
Louisville remains above Kentucky in the Bluegrass State, despite a frustrating finish to the 2025 season. The Cardinals face higher expectations with transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz.
Louisiana
LSU enters Lane Kiffin's first season with a haul in the transfer portal and a star quarterback in Sam Leavitt. The Tigers will be expected to reach the College Football Playoff immediately.
Maine
After three consecutive losing seasons, Maine got back to neutral with a 6-6 record in 2025. They will try to continue their ascension in the CAA standings.
Maryland
Navy's 11 wins in 2025 and Brian Newberry's leadership make them a tough out. The Midshipmen's ability to consistently perform well despite quarterback Blake Horvath's departure is impressive.
Massachusetts
Harvard won some football games last fall, going 9-2 and sharing the Ivy League title. However, losing quarterback Jaden Craig to TCU will be a challenge.
Michigan
Michigan's new era under Kyle Whittingham requires quarterback Bryce Underwood to take a step forward. The Wolverines' schedule and the need for a strong offensive performance make this a critical season.
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers have been consistent under P.J. Fleck, reaching bowl eligibility in every season except 2020. The potential for a first-round talent at quarterback in Drake Lindsey adds to their potential for success.
Mississippi
Ole Miss will field a dangerous team with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Jeff Lebby and Mississippi State will look to close the gap this year.
Missouri
The Tigers have averaged 9.7 wins per season over the last three years and have a favorable schedule. However, they face tougher challenges with Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma on the slate.
Montana
Montana State, the reigning FCS champions, hammered in-state rival Montana and took down Illinois State in overtime to win the national championship.
Nebraska
Matt Rhule's fourth season with the Cornhuskers is critical, with a major change at the center of the offense. The arrival of electric playmaker Anthony Colandrea adds to their potential for success.
Nevada
UNLV's Rebels are off and running in the Dan Mullen era, winning 10 games and reaching the MWC Championship. Mullen's leadership and the team's success make them a strong choice.
New Hampshire
Dartmouth finished third in the Ivy League last season and defeated New Hampshire in the season opener. Coach Sammy McCorkle will try to get Dartmouth back atop the Ivy League standings.
New Jersey
Rutgers' offense showed signs of life last season, but the defense bottomed out. New defensive coordinator Travis Johansen will need to improve the unit for the Scarlet Knights to reach bowl eligibility.
New Mexico
New Mexico's Lobos had an outstanding first season under Jason Eck, and it's fair to wonder how long he will remain in Albuquerque. Eck's future is uncertain, and the team's success is a key factor.
New York
Army's Black Knights reached bowl eligibility and defeated UConn in the Fenway Bowl. Steve Angeli's recovery from an Achilles injury will be crucial for the Orange's potential bounce-back campaign.
North Carolina
NC State has tangible reasons for optimism with quarterback C.J. Bailey returning for his third year and a favorable schedule. The Wolfpack's recent success against East Carolina makes them a strong contender.
North Dakota
North Dakota State will make their FBS debut in the Mountain West Conference, having captured 10 FCS national titles. Expectations will be different, and the Bison will look to make a strong impression.
Ohio
Ohio State remains a serious national championship contender under Ryan Day. The Buckeyes' elite offensive line and the potential for quarterback Julian Sayin to win the Heisman Trophy make them a favorite.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma's Sooners broke through for a College Football Playoff berth in 2025 and hope to take it a step further in 2026. John Mateer's return and the team's recent success make them a strong choice.
Oregon
Oregon has become a machine under Dan Lanning, both on the field and the recruiting trail. The Ducks' potential for success and their ability to convince Dante Moore to return make them a top contender.
Pennsylvania
Penn State's Nittany Lions are in a transition year with Matt Campbell taking over. Rocco Becht will provide more experience and stability at quarterback, and the team has a favorable schedule.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has quietly become a major player at the FCS level, winning 22 games over the last two seasons. They look to advance past the second round of the playoffs in 2026.
South Carolina
Clemson is a tough team to trust at the moment, but South Carolina has some exciting talent. Shane Beamer's leadership and the team's potential for success make them a strong choice.
South Dakota
South Dakota's Coyotes went 6-2 in conference play and finished second in the MVC. They reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, making them a strong contender.
Tennessee
Vanderbilt's recent success against Tennessee and the arrival of five-star freshman Jared Curtis make them a strong choice. The Volunteers also have a highly-touted five-star freshman quarterback in Faizon Brandon.
Texas
Texas takes the top spot in The Lone Star State with a complete roster, electric playmakers, and a stout line on offense. The Horns' defense is anchored by a ferocious front seven.
Utah
BYU's Cougars dropped a significant amount of money to keep Kalani Sitake from taking the Penn State job. Sitake's recent success and the team's potential for Big 12 title contention make them a strong choice.
Virginia
Virginia made an enormous leap last season, reaching 11 wins and the ACC Championship Game. The Cavaliers' run-based offense and major competition make them a strong contender.
Washington
Washington held onto quarterback Demond Williams Jr. despite a transfer scare. The Huskies' offense returns seven starters, and they must elevate their game against the toughest teams in the Big Ten.
West Virginia
West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez is entering his second season and has done major roster renovations. The team's potential for success and the need for new pieces to mesh make them a strong contender.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin's pressure is high nationally, and Luke Fickell's do-or-die season is a critical test. The Badgers' friendly schedule and potential for a bounce-back campaign make them a strong choice.
Wyoming
Wyoming's Jay Sawvel era is not off to a good start, with a 7-17 record over the last two seasons. Home-field advantage in Laramie has been nonexistent, and the Cowboys are in a challenging position.
