College Football Rankings: RJ Young's Early Top 25 vs. Preseason 138

The conclusion of the college football season has set the stage for new contenders and surprises for 2026, as outlined by FOX Sports' RJ Young in his early top 25 and preseason Ultimate 138 rankings.

Among the notable teams, Arizona aims for a Big 12 championship with senior quarterback Noah Fifita returning. USC, under Lincoln Riley, faces challenges with the departure of key players but retains starting quarterback Jayden Maiava. Tennessee, coming off an 8-5 season, hopes to develop its quarterbacks into starters, while Virginia adds experienced passers to bolster its chances in the ACC.

Other teams to watch include Oklahoma, which retains its core players, and LSU, which has secured a promising quarterback for the season. The rankings reflect a mix of returning talent and new additions, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 college football season.