Crain & Cone College Football 2026 Way-Too-Early Top-25 RANKING
Jan 21, 2026
The hosts dive into their Way-Too-Early Top-25 rankings for 2026 college football. They share insights on team methodologies, including player retention and coaching trust. Indiana grabs the top spot, praised for roster moves and a favorable schedule. Notre Dame's manageable slate and Georgia's talent are hot topics, alongside Ohio State's defensive challenges. Texas' roster changes spark excitement, while Texas Tech faces concerns over defensive losses. The discussion wraps up with dark-horse candidates and coaching shifts that may influence the rankings.
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Combine Metrics For Early Projections
- Use multiple metrics (retention, portal, schedule, coaching) when projecting future team strength.
- Average expert rankings then discuss edge cases to form a consensus list.
How The Ranking Was Built
- The hosts used player retention, portal additions, schedules, and coaching continuity to build their way-too-early 2026 Top-25.
- They averaged individual rankings then adjusted with consensus for final placement.
Indiana Is A Sustained Power
- Indiana sits atop because of Kirk Cignetti's coaching and elite portal haul after the championship run.
- Hosts see Indiana as a sustainable program, not a one-year fluke.