College Football Re-Rank: Top 5 – Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, Indiana

USA TODAY Sports has released its post-spring college football Re-Rank, placing Ohio State at the top of the list. The Buckeyes lead a top five that also includes Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, and Indiana.

The ranking, which assesses all 138 teams in the Bowl Subdivision, reflects changes following spring practice. Ohio State’s position is attributed to a “ridiculous collection of offensive skill talent,” led by quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, according to the report.

Indiana secured the No. 5 spot after acquiring TCU transfer Josh Hoover to replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

Teams Projected for Improvement

Several teams are projected to make significant strides in the upcoming season. LSU is ranked No. 16, with Penn State at No. 21. Florida State comes in at No. 29, followed by Florida at No. 38 and Virginia Tech at No. 41.

Newcomers and Lower-Ranked Teams

This season marks the integration of former Championship Subdivision programs Sacramento State and North Dakota State into the MAC and Mountain West conferences, respectively. Sacramento State debuts at No. 135, while North Dakota State enters the rankings at No. 72, with the potential to become a bowl team.

The lowest-ranked teams in the Power Four are projected to be Stanford (No. 106), Colorado (No. 107), Boston College (No. 111), and Purdue (No. 112). Middle Tennessee State (No. 136), Charlotte (No. 137), and UMass (No. 138) round out the bottom of the rankings.

Conference Context

The ranking provides a snapshot of the college football landscape as teams prepare for the 2026 season. The Big Ten and SEC conferences are prominently featured in the top rankings, with Ohio State leading the Big Ten and Georgia representing the SEC.

The arrival of Sacramento State and North Dakota State expands the Bowl Subdivision to 138 teams, adding new dynamics to the competition.

North Dakota State, despite not being as talented or experienced as last year’s squad, is considered a potential bowl team and a contender in its new conference.