Future Power Rankings: How all 68 Power 4 college football teams stack up

Adam RittenbergJun 9, 2026, 07:30 AM ET

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College football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.

Projecting a college football program's future is harder than ever. Rosters and fortunes change dramatically and championship pathways are more open than ever. The assets that make a program great in 2026 might not be there in 2027.

Players are essentially year-to-year fill-ins, with few truly locked into a team for multiple seasons (just ask Duke). Strong high school recruiting classes can improve a team's trajectory, but keeping groups together long enough to develop and impact games is very challenging.

The criteria for evaluating teams, this time through the 2027 season, remains the same: Roster management -- how well a team recruits and addresses its roster through the transfer portal. Second, quarterback outlook -- multiyear starters are great, although I'm also assessing how programs compete for portal QBs. Miami, for example, has shown it will pay whatever it takes annually for top transfers. A spotlight is also put on offensive and defensive line play, especially after a College Football Playoff where line-of-scrimmage play mattered so much.

The evaluations ahead of the 2025 season were interesting. Top-ranked Texas missed the CFP for the first time since 2022, although the Longhorns still have a year to make good on the outlook. Teams such as Oregon (No. 4), Notre Dame (No. 5) and Miami (No. 11) delivered strong seasons, while Indiana (No. 20) continued to exceed all external projections with its first national title. There were some misses, too, both near the top -- Nos. 6-9 Penn State, Clemson, LSU and Tennessee -- and toward the bottom with Nos. 63-64 Wake Forest and Arizona.

Once again, teams will be evaluated in the following categories:

Quarterback situation

Offensive line/defensive line outlook

Roster management

Star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders)

Coaching staff

Here's a look at how every Power 4 team stacks up through the 2027 season in the Future Power Rankings model:

Jump to a section:

Top 25 | Top 10

68. Boston College Eagles

Previous future power ranking: 47

QB situation: After a 2-10 season, the room turned over significantly, and Boston College looked to Division II for an answer in Saginaw Valley State's Mason McKenzie. He followed Trinidad Chambliss as Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2025, and he brings a wide skill set to the BC offense, including 942 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. Boston College also added Arkansas transfer Grayson Wilson, and signed two QBs in its most recent recruiting class.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Coach Bill O'Brien felt good about both lines during spring practice. Defensive end could be a strength with KJ Sampson (Florida State), Kris Jones (Georgia) and Demetrius Ballard (Buffalo) all holding multiple years of eligibility. They joined Onye Nwosisi, who missed most of last season with an injury. Defensive tackles Micah Amedee and Cameron McGee are among the young linemen who will help in 2027 and beyond. "The defensive line is better," O'Brien said. Senior guard Kristian Phillips is a key pickup for the offensive line with starting experience from Michigan State. Jacksonville State transfer Reggie Jackson should help, and starting center Michael Crounse is back with two years of eligibility.

Roster management: O'Brien doesn't want Boston College to be a transfer-reliant program, but it had a lot of portal activity in the offseason. The Eagles lost several key players to Power 4 competitors, including running back Turbo Richard (Indiana), wide receiver Reed Harris (Arizona State) and guard Eryx Daugherty (Louisville). They also added at both the defensive and offensive line spots, as well as at running back, where Evan Dickens arrives after finishing No. 3 nationally in rushing average. McKenzie could be a multiyear answer at quarterback. New general manager Kenyatta Watson has roots in the South and will help Boston College's efforts to recruit outside of the Northeast.

Star power: BC's defense can once again build around KP Price, who started mostly at safety but also three games at linebacker last fall and led the team with 94 tackles, while adding two interceptions and three quarterback hurries. He was named honorable mention All-ACC. The team bolstered its offensive backfield with Dickens, a Liberty running back transfer who was the nation's No. 9 rusher with 1,339 yards in 2025.

Coaching staff: O'Brien's third season in Chestnut Hill will include key new assistants on both sides of the ball. Veteran defensive coordinator Ted Roof, who has worked with O'Brien at Penn State and Duke, takes over a unit that finished 121st nationally in points allowed last season (32.8 ppg). BC also lost offensive coordinator Will Lawning to the NFL and added new offensive assistants in Joe Dailey (receivers) and Kurt Anderson (offensive line).

67. Purdue Boilermakers

Previous future power ranking: 67

QB situation: Ryan Browne is back after leading the team with 2,153 passing yards on 199 completions last fall. Primary challenger Malachi Singleton transferred to Appalachian State, clearing the way for Browne to remain the team's QB1 at least through 2026. He had more interceptions (10) than touchdowns passes (9) last fall and is a career 58.8% passer, so there's room to grow. Purdue doesn't have much experience behind him.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The offensive line is resetting with a new coach (Zach Crabtree) and several new potential contributors. Purdue lost Bradyn Joiner (Florida State) and Hank Purvis (South Carolina) to Power 4 programs in the portal, and returns only one starter from 2025 in left tackle Joey Tanona. The Boilers added line transfers from both USCs -- Southern California and South Carolina -- and should have more overall depth. Purdue's defensive front lost massive tackle Jamarrion Harkless to Kentucky but drew good reviews in the spring, as veterans Ian Jeffries and CJ Madden return and will be joined by transfers Georgia edge Elo Modozie and Illinois tackle Curt Neal. Junior college All-America selection Jeremy Lewis also should boost the pass rush.

Roster management: The turnover ahead of coach Barry Odom's second season isn't nearly as extreme as it was for the first. Purdue added 29 players and lost 20, including several linemen to Power 4 programs and wide receiver Nitro Tuggle to South Carolina. The additions should help along both lines, and Purdue added potential offensive playmakers in running back Fame Ijeboi (Minnesota) and wide receivers Xavier Townsend (Iowa State) and Asaad Waseem (Florida Atlantic). The team retained productive linebacker Charles Correa and added several intriguing freshmen, including wideout Brandon Kinsey.

Star power: Correa, who joined Odom and the staff from UNLV, led Purdue with 7.5 tackles for loss and ranked third with 96 tackles, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Florida International transfer defensive back Mister Clark earned first-team All-Conference USA honors last year. Modozie, who transferred in from Georgia, was a third-team All-AAC selection with Army in 2024.

Coaching staff: The defense reset with Kevin Kane, who returned to West Lafayette after serving as Boilers defensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024. Kane has extensive Big Ten experience and helped Minnesota to eight wins last fall as linebackers coach. Purdue also added a new O-line coach in Crabtree, who spent time under Boilers OC Josh Henson at USC.

66. Stanford Cardinal

Previous future power ranking: 68

QB situation: The room turns over with a coaching change and Ben Gulbranson and Elijah Brown no longer on the roster. Michigan transfer Davis Warren, who started for most of the 2024 season, could get the first shot, and will be entering his final season of eligibility. Dylan Rizk started three games for UCF before transferring to Stanford but did not see the field last fall. Stanford added a big piece for the future with the commitment of 2027 recruit Sione Tu'amoheloa-Kaho, a four-star prospect.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Stanford has some work to do with both lines, but there's a recognition that the line of scrimmage must eventually be a strength. The offensive front got a boost with the return of tackles Niki Prongos and Kahlil House, the only two Cardinal linemen to start every game in 2025. Harvard transfer Aidan Kilstrom should help, but building greater depth is a top priority for offensive coordinator Terry Heffernan, whose background is in line play. The defensive line trends young but will lean on tackles Zach Rowell and Braden Marceau-Olayinka, end Omar Staples and others. All three can return in 2027.

Roster management: The Cardinal likely will need another full offseason under the new coaching staff to get their roster in better shape. Stanford didn't lose or gain many transfers, bringing in only six from the portal, including Warren, Kilstrom and Washington cornerback Leroy Bryant. The team also didn't have a mass exodus like in 2025, which included David Bailey, but lost several offensive linemen to Power 4 programs and cornerback Che Ojarikre to Duke. Stanford is making gains in high school recruiting, signing the nation's No. 30 class, which includes wide receiver Zion Robinson, a top-50 national recruit, and three SC Next 300 prospects. Kaho's commitment highlights the 2027 class.

Star power: Stanford returns a centerpiece of its defense in linebacker Matt Rose, a second-team All-ACC selection who led the team with 106 tackles, including eight for loss. Safety Jay Green also is back after a productive season in which he led the Cardinal in passes defended (8) and minutes played (631).

Coaching staff: Former Stanford quarterback and offensive coordinator Tavita Pritchard returned to The Farm, alongside general manager Andrew Luck, after three years as Washington Commanders quarterbacks coach. Heffernan, a former Stanford offensive line coach, is back as coordinator, and Kris Richard returns to the college game -- and the West Coast -- as defensive coordinator. Brian Lindgren, a longtime OC most recently with Michigan State, will coach the Cardinal quarterbacks.

65. Kansas Jayhawks

Previous future power ranking: 50

QB outlook: The Jalon Daniels era is over after six years in Lawrence that brought some incredible moments but also injury challenges. Junior Cole Ballard has played behind Daniels and waited for a chance to start, which he could get if he beats out dual threat Isaiah Marshall and Rice transfer Chase Jenkins, who started 12 games for the Owls last season. Ballard has 64 career pass attempts and 445 yards with KU.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Kansas knew it had to bolster the defensive line after finishing 95th nationally against the run last year and added veteran transfers in Tre'Von McAlpine (Tulane) and David Santiago (Michigan State) to support returning players such as end Leroy Harris III, who led the team in sacks last season and has junior eligibility, and junior tackle Blake Herold. Coach Lance Leipold is bullish on an offensive line that returns left-side starters in juniors Calvin Clements and Amir Herring, and added transfers in Texas' Connor Stroh, Oklahoma State's Kasen Carpenter and Cal's Nick Morrow, all juniors. "One through 10, in our two-deep, our offensive line will be better than we were last year," Leipold said.

Roster management: Kansas didn't add a big-time quarterback transfer to replace Daniels, likely going with a returner in Ballard or Marshall. The team addressed other needs along the line of scrimmage, though, as McAlpine, Santiago, Carpenter and Stroh should help immediately. Kansas also pushed for offensive playmakers, including well-traveled running back Dylan Edwards, a former top-150 recruit, running back Yasin Willis and receivers Nik McMillan and Nahzae Cox. But the team lost significant starting experience on both sides of the ball, and time will tell if it did enough to fill all of the gaps. Kansas did not sign any blue-chip recruits in 2026, according to ESPN Recruiting.

Star power: Kansas regained notable defensive front seven players in linebacker Trey Lathan and end Harris, who both earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors last fall. Lathan led the team with 76 tackles and added an interception, five pass breakups and six quarterback hurries. Harris led the team in both sacks (4.5) and pass breakups (eight) in 2025. Edwards, a top-150 recruit who began his career at Colorado before moving to Kansas State, should be worth watching.

Coaching staff: Leipold didn't shake things up on the staff despite a second consecutive losing season, but he brought back a notable name in Andy Kotelnicki, who served as Leipold's offensive coordinator at three schools between 2013 and 2023. Kotelnicki isn't technically the OC (Jim Zebrowski remains in the role) but will have significant playcalling influence as Kansas transitions to a new quarterback.

64. Baylor Bears

Previous future power ranking: 32

QB situation: The process took a while, but Baylor secured Florida transfer DJ Lagway, a former top-10 recruit from Willis, Texas, whose father Derek played running back at Baylor. Lagway never got on track in 2025 following an injury-plagued offseason but showed snippets of his immense talent, especially with downfield passing, late in 2024. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital had success with previous transfer Sawyer Robertson and could help Lagway become a multiyear answer in Waco. Baylor also returns third-year player Nate Bennett, who backed up Robertson the past two years.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Baylor's offensive line is going through a hard reset, both with players and a new permanent position coach in Austin Woods and faces questions entering the fall with only one returning starter in senior tackle Kaden Sieracki. Notable newcomers include Toledo transfer Cole Rhett, who has both starting experience at tackle and junior eligibility, and Memphis transfer center Yakiri Walker. Texas transfer Nate Kibble lacks experience but could be a multiyear building block. The defensive front is experienced but new to each other, as Baylor added senior transfers Jordan Mack (Coastal Carolina), Hosea Wheeler (Indiana), Garrick Ponder (Southern Miss) and Kamren Washington (Texas State). New coordinator Joe Klanderman will try to boost a pass rush that produced only 12 sacks last fall.

Roster management: Baylor's roster situation mirrors those of other teams with coaches under pressure to win immediately. Five years removed from a Big 12 title, Dave Aranda must deliver and will oversee a roster that lost notable transfers on both sides of the ball, including linebacker Keaton Thomas (Ole Miss), running back Bryson Washington (Auburn) and offensive linemen Coleton Price (Kentucky) and Sean Thompkins (LSU). Lagway is a notable addition, and if Baylor can unlock his potential, the next two seasons will look much better. Several defenders followed Klanderman to Waco from Kansas State, including veteran safety Daniel Cobbs.

Star power: Punters can be stars, too, and Baylor has one in Palmer Williams, the 2025 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year and a Ray Guy Award finalist, who is back after averaging 46.9 yards per punt. Lagway certainly has star potential but must recapture his 2024 form. Other notable transfers include Ponder, who had 4.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2025.

Coaching staff: The big change comes on defense as Klanderman arrives from Kansas State. Coach Dave Aranda called the defense in 2025, but the unit continued to slip, as Baylor ranks 105th in points allowed since the start of the 2024 season. Klanderman was K-State's defensive coordinator the past six seasons and had been on coach Chris Klieman's staff since 2014. Baylor reshaped the defensive staff under Klanderman with hires including line coach Jacori Greer, most recently with Coastal Carolina.

63. Iowa State Cyclones

Previous future power ranking: 19

QB situation: The new staff brought in Arkansas State transfer Jaylen Raynor, who has made 36 consecutive starts and improved his accuracy, while becoming a true dual threat with 423 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season. Raynor recorded career highs in passing yards (3,361), passing touchdowns (19) and completion percentage (66.5) last fall. He likely will lead the offense in 2026, while Iowa State also has Oklahoma State transfer Zane Flores and returning reserve Connor Moberly.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both lines look dramatically different and will hinge on how the transfers work together. ISU has more familiarity with the defensive front, as Isaac Terrell, Malaki Ta'ase, Bryson Lamb and Max Baloun joined their coaches from Washington State, while senior Caden Crawford, who began his college career at Iowa, arrives after a productive season with FCS South Dakota. Tackle Zaimir Hawk is one of the few holdovers. The offensive line will be more patchwork at first, as transfers from Oklahoma, Tarleton State, Akron, Michigan State and Sioux Falls likely will factor in a large rotation. Potential contributors Jake Taylor, Braden Smith and Gavin Broscious all can play multiple seasons for ISU.

Roster management: Matt Campbell's departure to Penn State triggered a roster overhaul that will test Iowa State's visbility, especially in Year 1 under new coach Jimmy Rogers. Fourteen starters and 24 total players joined Campbell and the staff in State College, and ISU added almost 50 new transfers, including a sizable group that followed Rogers from Washington State and a mix of others. Terrell and Lamb should solidify the defensive line, and ISU picked up interesting players at offensive line, defensive back and wide receiver. Raynor has plenty of experience and should stabilize the quarterback spot ahead of a transition season. Rogers has worked in the region and should have success with area recruits for 2027 and beyond.

Star power: Raynor arrives with 8,694 career passing yards and increasing accuracy, and could deliver a strong final college season for the Cyclones. Terrell had a breakout performance at Ole Miss and recorded seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss last year at Washington State, while Crawford led South Dakota in both sacks and tackles for loss.

Coaching staff: Iowa State announced Rogers' hiring immediately after Campbell's departure, as longtime athletic director Jamie Pollard had targeted the former South Dakota State coach to return to the Plains. Rogers, who won a national title in 2023, brought defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit and several others with him from WSU. He also hired Tyler Roehl, a former ISU assistant who spent 2025 with the Detroit Lions, as offensive coordinator. Keith Heckendorf, Raynor's offensive coordinator at Arkansas State, will serve as ISU's quarterbacks coach.

62. Michigan State Spartans

Previous future power ranking: 51

QB situation: MSU didn't have many things go its way in 2025, but it seemingly stumbled into a future quarterback in Alessio Milivojevic, who took over as the starter down the stretch and showed promise with 1,267 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Milivojevic has three years of eligibility left and should stabilize the offense as the Pat Fitzgerald era begins in East Lansing. The Spartans have some short-term insurance with Cam Fancher, who arrives at his fourth school, and bring in SC Next 300 recruit Kayd Coffman.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Fitzgerald and the staff prioritized offensive line in the transfer portal and came away with several potentially strong additions in tackle Ben Murawski (UConn), guard Nick Sharpe (South Carolina) and center Nick Fraley, who won the FCS Rimington Trophy at North Dakota State. Senior tackle/guard Conner Moore, who has started 40 games between MSU and Montana State, is also back, although depth must be built for 2027. The team added to the defensive front with edge Kenny Soares, an NC State transfer who began his college career under Fitzgerald at Northwestern, and Illinois transfer Eli Coenen. Senior Ben Roberts returns to an interior spot, and Weber State transfer Keahnist Thompson should see time as a senior.

Roster management: Michigan State might need another offseason to get its roster in position to move up in the increasingly competitive Big Ten. The new staff had some key retentions with Milivojevic, linebacker Jordan Hall, safety Nikai Martinez and wide receiver Chrishon McCray. But MSU also lost Nick Marsh, one of the top transfer receivers in this past cycle, as well as likely contributors at cornerback, running back and possibly offensive line, which has some depth questions. Fitzgerald and his staff are already boosting local and regional recruiting, but the real progress might not come until 2027 or later.

Star power: Hall is a significant keep for Fitzgerald, defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and the MSU staff. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after recording a career-high 88 tackles, including 2.5 sacks, last fall. Hall added three forced fumbles. Murawski started for UConn at left tackle and should immediately help MSU protect Milivojevic.

Coaching staff: Fitzgerald returns to the college sideline for the first time since 2022 and compiled a staff with strong Big Ten ties. He retained Rossi, plucked highly respected special teams coordinator LeVar Woods from Iowa and brought in Alabama's Nick Sheridan, the former offensive coordinator at Indiana, to run the offense. Fitzgerald also brought back MSU standout Max Bullough as co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach.

61. Arkansas Razorbacks

Previous future power ranking: 55

QB situation: Arkansas' middling results the last two years overshadowed generally strong play from Taylen Green, who had 5,868 passing yards and 1,379 rushing yards. He moves on to the NFL after finishing with 12,065 yards of offense in college. New coach Ryan Silverfield will oversee a competition between holdover KJ Jackson, a redshirt sophomore, and several others, including AJ Hill, who followed the coaching staff from Memphis.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The Hogs not only kept standout pass rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr. out of the NFL draft, but also out of the portal. He will anchor the defensive line. Senior David Oke gives the group versatility if healthy, and junior Hunter Osborne, a Virginia transfer who started his career at Alabama, drew good reviews this spring. Young players such as Danny Beale, a 348-pound freshman ranked as the nation's No. 114 recruit, elevate the line's long-term outlook. The offensive line will be a bit more transfer-reliant in 2026, as Bryant Williams (Louisiana), Terence Roberson Jr. (Ouachita Baptist) and Malachi Breland (Memphis) are all in the mix to start, with the later two able to return in 2027. Arkansas does return starters Caden Kitler and Kobe Branham, who has sophomore eligibility.

Roster management: Silverfield and the new staff added more than 60 newcomers, but they also retained key players in Rhodes, Kitler, Branham and linebacker Bradley Shaw. The team did lose linemen with starting experience, such as E'Marion Harris (Oklahoma), Ian Geffrard (Texas) and Justus Boone (Wisconsin). Arkansas didn't add a proven quarterback in the portal, as the staff brought over Hill from Memphis to compete with Jackson. The team had some portal success at offensive line, running back and defense, as linebacker Khmori House (North Carolina), cornerback Jahiem Johnson (Tulane) and others arrived. Silverfield's late recruiting push for the 2026 class bodes well for the future.

Star power: The defensive front can build around Rhodes, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2025 whose 15.5 tackles for loss marked the most for an Arkansas player since 2015. He also had eight sacks and six quarterback hurries. Williams might have been Arkansas' top transfer addition as he did not allow a sack for Louisiana last fall. House, a transfer from North Carolina, led the team with 81 tackles and was an honorable mention All-ACC selection.

Coaching staff: Silverfield brought offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey with him from Memphis but went externally for many of his other hires, including primary defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and co-DC Deron Wilson from Florida. Roberts has led Power 4 defenses at both Florida and Baylor, and Tulane's Landius Wilkerson is a notable hire for the defensive line following Marion Hobby's exit to the Indianapolis Colts.

60. Cincinnati Bearcats

Previous future power ranking: 57

QB situation: Brendan Sorsby's strong performance as Cincinnati's starter -- 5,613 passing yards and 45 touchdowns in two seasons -- made him one of the top available transfers, and he left for Texas Tech. Cincinnati likely will turn to Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV as Sorsby's replacement. French had 5,760 passing yards the past two seasons, but will be out of eligibility after this fall. The team also brought back sophomore Samaj Jones.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Cincinnati returns the core of an offensive line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award in 2025. Left tackle Joe Cotton and left guard Evan Tengesdahl are back after both earned All-Big Ten honors and Tengesdahl was a third-team AP All-America selection. Talented starting right guard Taran Tyo also returns, leaving Cincinnati only a few holes to fill. Tengesdahl has junior eligibility. "Our offensive line was really good last year, and I feel like that's going to be the strength of our team this year," coach Scott Satterfield said. Coordinator Nate Woody's blitzing 3-4 defense should highlight players such as junior edge Marquaze Parker and North Carolina Central transfer Thomas Johnson. Cincinnati will miss interior line mainstay Dontay Corleone and Jalen Hunt, and will need to rebuild depth there.

Roster management: Sorsby's departure was significant but expected. Cincinnati also lost wide receivers Caleb Goodie and Noah Jennings, and running back Evan Pryor to Power 4 programs. French must prove himself in the Power 4, and Cincinnati still will need a replacement for 2027. The offensive line retention provides a nice foundation, as Cincinnati integrates new wide receivers including Cade Wolford (Kent State) and JV Gibson (Oklahoma). The Bearcats also added notable defensive transfers such as defensive back tandem Jacob Finley and Jasper Beeler from Northern Illinois and linebacker Patrick Bauer from Illinois State.

Star power: The return of Cotton and Tengesdahl, both second-team All-Big 12 selections last season, solidifies the left side of the offensive line as Cincinnati goes through a quarterback change. Wolford was a big-play threat at Kent State, earning third-team All-MAC honors.

Coaching staff: Satterfield made a strong defensive coordinator hire in Woody, who oversaw the top defense in the American Conference at Army and worked for Satterfield previously at Appalachian State. Woody has introduced a 3-4 alignment that should feature linebacker Jonathan Thompson and others. Satterfield also named offensive line coach Nic Cardwell and quarterbacks coach Pete Thomas as co-offensive coordinators.

59. UCF Knights

Previous future power ranking: 65

QB situation: Coach Scott Frost sought a reset at QB after the Knights finished 105th in passing efficiency and 88th in scoring. UCF added James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III, who led the Dukes to a Sun Belt title and their first CFP appearance in 2025. Barnett has 49 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing scores in the past two seasons, and projects as a fit for Frost's offense. He will use his final year of eligibility, so UCF will have a new quarterback in 2027.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Edge is the key spot to watch as first-team All-Big 12 selection Malachi Lawrence and fellow NFL draft prospect Nyjalik Kelly both depart. Akron transfer Bruno Dall should help, but UCF will need Sincere Edwards and others to fill out the depth. Defensive tackle projects as a strength with RJ Jackson Jr. and Horace Lockett both back, and Eastern Kentucky transfer Brad Gurley arriving. UCF's offensive line resets with a new coach (AJ Blazek) and only one returning starter in right tackle Preston Cushman, although senior Owen Spell started two games at left tackle last fall. The Knights picked up UConn guard Brady Wayburn, Buffalo tackle Henry Tabansi and others in the portal.

Roster management: The Knights once again had significant roster turnover and saw several starters depart, including defensive lineman John Walker (Ohio State) and center Carter Miller (South Carolina). Lockett initially entered the portal but withdrew, giving UCF a seasoned player in the interior defensive line group. UCF made portal gains, too, adding Barnett, Louisville running back Duke Watson and Central Arkansas running back Landen Chambers, as well as the linemen on both sides of the ball and other notable defenders, including linebacker Tackett Curtis (Wisconsin). The 2026 outlook likely hinges on how the new offensive contributors click.

Star power: Several of UCF's key additions came through the portal, namely Barnett, who won Sun Belt Player of the Year honors last fall in helping James Madison to the CFP. Barnett earned honorable mention all-league honors in 2024. The Knights also return talented cornerback Jayden Bellamy, who had a team-high eight pass breakups and an interception.

Coaching staff: Frost retained coordinators Alex Grinch (defense) and Steve Cooper (offense) despite a 5-7 season, and most of the position coaches also return. He hired Blazek as offensive line coach, filling the vacancy following the passing of Shawn Clark in September. Blazek coached the O-line at Wisconsin and Vanderbilt during the past five seasons.

58. Maryland Terrapins

Previous future power ranking: 60

QB situation: Malik Washington is back in College Park after setting team freshman records for both passing yards (2,963) and completions (273). He became one of only two true freshmen in the Big Ten to record at least 2,500 passing yards and at least 300 rushing yards. Washington has three more years of eligibility and clearly projects as a multiyear starter somewhere. His return is tied to coach Mike Locksley, whom Maryland brought back despite consecutive 4-8 (1-8 in Big Ten) seasons. If Maryland struggles again, Locksley likely will be out and Washington would be highly coveted as a transfer.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Washington was Maryland's retention priority, while Zion Elee checked the same box in recruiting as the nation's No. 2 overall prospect. The defensive end from Baltimore joins a line that features promising young returnees such as Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis, both sophomores. Lavon Johnson returned to Maryland from Texas, and the team added four-star defensive tackle prospect JaMarcus Whyce to a line that could be a multiyear strength. The Terrapins lost guard Aliou Bah to LSU but returned several starters, including veteran guard Isaiah Wright and junior center Michael Hershey. Texas State transfer Tellek Lockette will fill Bah's spot at guard.

Roster management: Maryland kept its star quarterback (Washington) and its top recruit (Elee) ahead of a pivotal season for Locksley. The team absorbed a few hits in the portal, namely Bah up front and several cornerbacks from its rotation. Maryland's retention on defense jumped out with Mathis, Stewart, leading tackler Daniel Wingate and others coming back. The recruiting class is small and the transfer group doesn't have many can't-miss players, but if Maryland's projected stars perform, the team has a chance to stabilize. Locksley's ability to attract top players is undeniable, but he must deliver more wins to secure his future.

Star power: Washington is the biggest returning name, but Maryland also brings back productive tight end Dorian Fleming, who had 40 receptions for 351 yards and three scores last season. Old Dominion wide receiver transfer Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding also should help the passing game after recording 667 yards and six touchdowns last season. Elee is the most anticipated newcomer, while Mathis and Stewart are both All-Big Ten candidates.

Coaching staff: After some significant late-cycle staff changes in 2025, Locksley had another in February as he hired Clint Trickett as offensive coordinator, replacing Pep Hamilton, who moved into an off-field role. The 34-year-old Trickett has coordinator experience from Marshall and Jacksonville State, and was set to be Arkansas' quarterbacks coach. Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino returns, and Maryland brings back Matt Barnes as special teams coordinator.

57. Colorado Buffaloes

Previous future power ranking: 35

QB situation: After starting three quarterbacks in 2025, Colorado hopes to narrow things down, ideally with Julian Lewis, who made two starts last fall but preserved his redshirt. Lewis, the nation's No. 12 overall recruit in 2025, will have every opportunity to lead the offense under new coordinator Brennan Marion. Utah transfer Isaac Wilson, who started seven games in 2025, provides some insurance, and Colorado signed three-star recruit Kaneal Sweetwyne.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: A very active offseason included movement on both lines, including the departure of offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, a former top-20 recruit, to LSU. But Colorado also made some gains up front, adding Tulane edge Santana Hopper, who has 29 career starts, veteran defensive end Toby Anene (North Dakota State) and seven offensive line transfers with starting experience. Center Demetrius Hunter (Houston) has 25 career starts, while tackle Taj White (Rutgers) started 20 games and guard Jose Soto followed coordinator Brennan Marion from Sacramento State. Hopper and Anene likely will lead the defensive line this fall, alongside fellow transfers Vili Taufatofua (San Jose State) and Ezra Christensen (New Mexico State). Senior Balansama Kamara, who had a big season for FCS Albany in 2025, adds to the edges group.

Roster management: Colorado added experience and some sizzle with its large incoming transfer group, which includes several players who can thrive in Marion's offense. Among them are wide receivers Danny Scudero, a second-team AP All-America selection at San Jose State who led the FBS in receiving yards (1,297), first-team All-MAC selection Kam Perry and DeAndre Moore Jr. (Texas), who made 18 starts for the Longhorns. Colorado also added potential impact defenders like Hopper and linebacker Gideon Lampron (Bowling Green), an All-MAC selection, and might be able to spark safety Boo Carter (Tennessee) after a turbulent 2025 season. Seaton is a huge loss on the offensive line, though, and Colorado absorbed several in the secondary. A smaller 2026 recruiting class ranked 61st nationally and of the 13 blue-chip prospects added in 2024 and 2025, Colorado has retained only five of them, according to ESPN Recruiting.

Star power: Scudero is a big-time addition, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2025 who had six games with 130 or more receiving yards last season. He will line up alongside another first-team all-conference selection in Perry, who had 976 receiving yards and six scores last fall. The defense brings in Hopper, who consistently pressured quarterbacks for Tulane in 2025, and Carter, a 2024 SEC All-Freshman selection.

Coaching staff: Colorado's first key move after going 3-9 came at offensive coordinator, hiring Marion to boost a unit that had slipped to 114th nationally in scoring. Marion's "Go-Go" offense propelled UNLV to the Mountain West title game and helped him secure the head coach role at Sacramento State for a year. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston returned to the NFL in late February, and Colorado elevated linebackers coach Chris Marve, the former DC at Virginia Tech, as the replacement. Also, Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp left the staff.

56. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Previous future power ranking: 43

QB situation: Athan Kaliakmanis departs after developing into a very solid Big Ten quarterback, especially as a senior, when he improved his accuracy considerably and had 3,124 passing yards with 20 touchdowns. Rutgers will have a competition to replace him between Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan and AJ Surace, who backed up Kaliakmanis but had only 34 snaps the past two seasons. Both Lonergan and Surace have multiple years of eligibility left.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The O-line got a big boost with the return of guard Kwabena Asamoah, who has started 30 career games. Asamoah and tackle Tyler Needham will lead the group, while fellow seniors Dantae Chin and Ryder Langsdale both return from injury-plagued 2025 seasons. Coach Greg Schiano is bullish on the group, but there will be significant turnover in 2027. Rutgers has more transfers throughout the defense, including up front, where edge Malachi Davis (Toledo), Rondo Porter (Appalachian State) and others join. The line got a spring boost with the return of tackle Zaire Angoy, granted a sixth year of eligibility. Doug Blue-Eli, a South Florida transfer with starting experience who missed all of last season with injury, is back with the group.

Roster management: The Scarlet Knights have checked the boxes for recruiting and retention in recent years, and keeping top running back Antwan Raymond and top receiver KJ Duff is significant, especially with a new quarterback. The team also brought back experienced linemen on both sides of the ball, and signed the nation's No. 38 recruiting class. But Rutgers also saw several key contributors depart in the portal, namely wide receiver Ian Strong (Cal), starting offensive tackle Taj White (Colorado) and several defenders, including cornerbacks Bo Mascoe (Texas) and Jacobie Henderson (Virginia). The team had nice portal additions on defense but the new staff will have its work cut out to engineer a Year 1 impact.

Star power: Rutgers brings back one of the Big Ten's top offensive tandems in Raymond and Duff, who both earned second-team all-league honors in 2025. Raymond was the Big Ten's third leading rusher last fall with 1,241 yards, while Duff joined USC's Makai Lemon and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith as the league's only 1,000-yard receivers. Asamoah is another key retention.

Coaching staff: Rutgers' revamped defensive staff has a distinct FCS flavor, starting with new coordinator Travis Johansen, South Dakota's head coach in 2025. The team also added Drake coach Joe Woodley and defensive coordinator Adam Cox, and South Dakota cornerbacks coach Eric Finney. Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca is back, and Rutgers hired Jim Turner, who has a mix of college and pro experience, to oversee the offensive line.

55. Wisconsin Badgers

Previous future power ranking: 54

QB situation: Following two injury-marred, largely unproductive seasons at quarterback, Wisconsin really needs to get things right in 2026. The Badgers once again went to the portal and added Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph, a talented dual threat who had 2,624 passing yards and 1,007 rushing yards in 2025. The Sun Belt Player of the Year is set to lead Wisconsin through at least 2026 and likely 2027, as he has junior eligibility. Carter Smith, who started three games as a true freshman for Wisconsin, also is back in the fold.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Wisconsin has to get the offensive line right again, and there's optimism that it can. New line coach Eric Mateos has a healthy Kevin Heywood, who missed all of last season with an ACL injury after being pegged to start at left tackle. Colin Cubberly, who started seven games at guard as a freshman, projects as a multiyear player, and transfers such as Austin Kawecki (Oklahoma State), PJ Wilkins (Ole Miss) and Blake Cherry (Arkansas) should contribute. "We're much different right now on the offensive line," coach Luke Fickell told me. "Just a completely different vibe." The Badgers' defensive front took a step in 2025 and could remain on a promising path with big-bodied transfers such as Hammond Russell IV (West Virginia) and Junior Poyser (Buffalo), and a host of outside linebacker/edge rusher types, including senior Sebastian Cheeks and Arkansas transfer Justus Boone.

Roster management: After too much roster shuffling and too many misses, Wisconsin might be on track to steady itself if Fickell, undeniably on the hot seat, can deliver better results this fall. The Badgers endured some portal losses, including guard Joe Brunner and safety Preston Zachman, both pegged to start for Indiana, and other Power 4 departures in wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (North Carolina) and center Jake Renfro (Illinois).

Star power: The Badgers are due for one of their quarterback transfers to hit big, and Joseph certainly has the skill set after gashing defenses in the Sun Belt. He'll share the backfield with Iowa State running back transfer Abu Sama, an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection last fall with 732 rushing yards and five scores. The defense brings back linebacker Mason Posa, a freshman All-America selection who earned third-team All-Big Ten honors last season.

Coaching staff: Primary coordinators Mike Tressel (defense) and Jeff Grimes (offense) are returning, but Fickell made some changes around them, including at offensive line, where Mateos reunites with Grimes. Veteran defensive assistant Paul Haynes will oversee the entire secondary after coaching cornerbacks, and Wisconsin damaged rival Minnesota by hiring away Jayden Everett (running backs) and Bob Ligashesky (special teams coordinator).

54. Syracuse Orange

Previous future power ranking: 41

QB situation: Steve Angeli's Achilles tear created a major what-if scenario. He was surging at the time for a team set to improve to 3-1 with a win at Clemson. Angeli is back with two years of eligibility left, but will have to beat out Kennesaw State transfer Amari Odom, who helped the team to a conference title in 2025. The Orange also picked up Malachi Nelson, the former No. 1 recruit still seeking a breakthrough after stops at USC, Boise State and UTEP.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The defensive line could quickly become a strength under new coordinator Vince Kehres, hired to boost the nation's No. 97 rush defense. Seniors Tunmise Adeleye (UNLV) and Dillan Fontus (Maryland) are among the new arrivals and join holdover veterans such as Rashard Perry, who returns from injury, and Isaiah Hastings. Keyshawn Johnson is technically listed as a linebacker but will aid the pass rush after earning first-team FCS All-America honors last season for Tennessee-Martin, where he recorded a team-record 13.5 sacks and had 20 tackles for loss. The O-line has continuity with tackles Trevion Mack and Kam Pringle, guard Byron Washington and guard/center Joe Cruz all back, and Cruz as the lone senior. Transfers Oluwafunto Akinshilo (UCLA) and David Ndukwe (Syracuse) add experience. Syracuse signed two four-star line recruits in the 2026 class.

Roster management: Syracuse hired coach Fran Brown largely for his talent in the personnel space, but those skills will be tested after a difficult season and the loss of several offensive playmakers to NFL/graduation or the portal. The Orange must replace their top seven receiving yards leaders from 2025, and will turn to transfers such as Cole Weaver (Maryland) and Elijah Moore (Florida State) for help. Brown made sure he would have plenty of options at quarterback this season, and retained some good young players, including sophomore linebacker Antoine Deslauriers. The offensive line is among the groups that can sustain Syracuse for multiple seasons. Brown signed the nation's No. 27 recruiting class for 2026, which included two SC Next 300 players and six four-star prospects.

Star power: Angeli was seemingly on his way to an All-ACC type season before his injury, and will be on the awards radar again if healthy and effective. The defense got a nice boost through the portal in Johnson, who was OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 and has 22 career sacks and 30 tackles for loss.

Coaching staff: Brown's staff will look significantly different in 2026, even though offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon is back for his third year. Syracuse hired Kehres, the former Mount Union coach whose Toledo defense ranked fourth nationally in points allowed. Other new additions include veteran NFL assistant Sean Ryan (quarterbacks), and longtime NFL offensive line coach Juan Castillo. Alex Bayer arrives from Bowling Green as special teams coordinator.

53. West Virginia Mountaineers

Previous future power ranking: 66

QB situation: Scotty Fox Jr. started the second half of the 2025 season for WVU, finishing with 1,276 passing yards and seven touchdowns. He will have to beat out Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr., a dynamic dual threat who started four games in 2024. A key for Fox is ball security, as he had four interceptions in his final three games last fall. Both Fox and Hawkins have sophomore eligibility, as Hawkins appeared in only two games for the Sooners last season. West Virginia also signed two quarterback recruits, both three-stars, in the 2026 class.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: WVU has some building blocks on the interior defensive line with tackles Nate Gabriel and Corey McIntyre Jr., who didn't start last season but logged significant snaps. Junior college standout K.J. Henson also should help inside. Coastal Carolina transfer Zeke Durham-Campbell brings experience and production to the edge spot, but the Mountaineers face some overall depth questions there. Veteran offensive line coach Rick Trickett will oversee a retooled group that returns starters at left tackle (Nick Krahe) and center (Landen Livingston) but will rely on transfers such as guards Devin Vass (Kansas State) and Wes King (Wyoming), and Jacksonville State's Cameron Griffin and Amare Grayson.

Roster management: The transfer portal activity in Morgantown continues to be robust. West Virginia lost at least 50 transfers for the second consecutive cycle, a group that included wide receiver Cam Vaughn (Miami), running back Diore Hubbard (Wyoming) and former starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol (Northwestern). WVU also made big portal gains, too, including Jacksonville State running back Cam Cook, a Doak Walker Award semifinalist, as well as Hawkins, safety Kamari Wilson (Memphis) and offensive linemen like King, Vass and Grayson. The team didn't add nearly as many transfers as it did last winter, and signed a top-25 recruiting class that includes two SC Next 300 prospects and several junior college standouts.

Star power: WVU added the 2025 national rushing leader in Cook, who won Conference USA Player of the Year honors after recording 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns. Cook also led the FBS in rushes of 10 yards or longer (53). Vass and the O-line should help propel Cook this fall, and Wilson comes off of a 72-tackle season.

Coaching staff: Trickett reunites with Rich Rodriguez in Morgantown as WVU's offensive line coach, a role he twice has held before, including from 2001 to 2006. He's one of the most experienced offensive line coaches in college football history, making stops at Florida State, Auburn, LSU and elsewhere. Rodriguez also hired veteran running backs coach Jay Boulware.

52. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Previous future power ranking: 59

QB situation: The transition from Blake Shapen to Kamario Taylor began late last season, as Taylor started two games as a freshman. He has impressive size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and gives coach Jeff Lebby a true dual threat, having rushed for 236 yards and three touchdowns against Ole Miss and Wake Forest. Mississippi State added a veteran option in AJ Swann, who started six games for Appalachian State last year and made 12 starts at Vanderbilt. Swann enters his final year of eligibility.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Lebby brought back Zach Arnett, the team's former head coach and defensive coordinator, to spark a unit that finished 101st in sacks and 118th in tackles for loss last year. Arnett will mold a line that returns seniors Will Whitson and Jaray Bledsoe, added a notable young transfer in Texas A&M's Dealyn Evans and Amaree Williams from Florida State. Lebby likes the foundation for the offensive line, which includes senior center Canon Boone, versatile LSU transfer DJ Chester and Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins, who drew good reviews this spring. The group also regains tackle Blake Steen from injury. "We are night and day better than we were a year ago or the year before in the offensive line," Lebby said.

Roster management: Mississippi State went through some turnover in the portal following an improved yet still sub-.500 season, and there are holes to fill at offensive line, safety and elsewhere. But the Bulldogs also addressed some of their needs in the portal and retained a foundation on offense that could break through this year with Taylor, junior running back Fluff Bothwell and Anthony Evans III, who leads a "fast, explosive, talented room" of wide receivers, Lebby said. Arnett's return should boost the defense, which returns playmakers such as cornerback Kelley Jones. The team didn't take many huge portal hits, ahead of a big third season for Lebby.

Star power: Arnett will have a foundational player on defense in Jones, a third-team All-SEC selection in 2025 who had two interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He'll join productive safety Isaac Smith to help fortify the secondary. Taylor also will be able to once again target Evans II, who had a team-high 67 receptions for 831 yards last season.

Coaching staff: Arnett is back as defensive coordinator, a role he held from 2020 to 2022 before taking over the program in 2023. Lebby will remain Mississippi State's offensive playcaller, but he added others with similar experience to the offensive staff in Bush Hamdan (former OC at Kentucky, Boise State, Washington), Kevin Johns (former OC at Duke, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech) and Philip Montgomery (former Tulsa coach, worked with Lebby at Baylor).

51. North Carolina Tar Heels

Previous future power ranking: 44

QB situation: North Carolina hopes it gets the 2024 version of Billy Edwards Jr., who completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards that fall at Maryland, rather than the one limited to 16 pass attempts by injury last fall at Wisconsin. If healthy, Edwards could thrive in coordinator Bobby Petrino's offense. UNC also brought in Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill and signed Travis Burgess, an SC Next 300 recruit. The Heels will need a new quarterback in 2027.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: UNC has some building blocks on the defensive line, namely senior edge Melkart Abou Jaoude, who had 10.5 sacks last season, as well as tackles Isaiah Johnson and Leroy Jackson, who is just a sophomore. Richmond transfer Donovan Hoilette, a first-team all-league selection in 2025, will help in the short term, and Penn State transfer Jaylen Harvey and some incoming freshmen should be multiyear contributors. The offensive line will have a mostly different look this fall as UNC seeks upgrades with transfers such as versatile senior Andrew Threatt (Charleston Southern) and junior college standout Jonah Rodriguez. Aidan Banfield, who started the first four games at guard last fall before a season-ending injury, can play through 2026, but UNC has some work ahead to solidify the line.

Roster management: The roster continues to be a bit of a roller coaster under Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi. UNC has made clear gains in recruiting -- the team signed the nation's No. 14 class, including 10 SC Next 300 players and several key wide receivers and defensive tackles -- and added transfers such as Edwards, wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (Wisconsin) and tight end Jordan Washington (Texas). UNC signed 12 blue-chip recruits in 2026, according to ESPN Recruiting. But North Carolina also took some portal hits on defense, losing leading tackler Khmori House (Arkansas), pass rusher Tyler Thompson (Louisville) and others. The roster could end up being better in 2027 than 2026, but will Belichick and Petrino still be there to coach?

Star power: The Heels bring back their top pass rusher in Abou Jaoude, who finished the regular season ranked fifth nationally in sacks and earned second-team All-ACC honors. They also retained top wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who led the team in receptions (60), receiving yards (671) and receiving touchdowns (6). UNC also filled a key hole at linebacker with Richmond's Peyton Seelmann, a first-team All-Patriot League pick with 120 tackles last fall.

Coaching staff: A college coaching staff led by Belichick with Petrino as offensive coordinator seemed laughable two years ago, but it's reality for UNC. Petrino's offenses produced at Arkansas, and he has familiarity with wide receivers coach Garrick McGee. Belchick kept the defensive staff together, led once again by his son, Steve.

50. Florida State Seminoles

Previous future power ranking: 39

QB situation: FSU has been a portal-based quarterback operation under coach Mike Norvell, which will continue in 2026 with Ashton Daniels, the well-traveled dual threat who brings starting experience from both Auburn and Stanford. He will open the season as the starter, although FSU has some other options with junior college standout Malachi Marshall from Iowa Western, Lafayette transfer Dean DeNobile, holdover Kevin Sperry and top-175 prospect Jaden O'Neal.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Several Seminoles position groups were hit hard by transfer exits, but FSU did well with defensive line retention, keeping twins Mandrell Desir and Darryll Desir after a brief portal flirtation, as well as veteran defensive tackle Daniel Lyons and promising redshirt freshman Kevin Wynn. Texas A&M transfer Rylan Kennedy brings speed to the edge spot, while Texas State transfer Jordan Sanders is a nice depth piece. FSU prioritized the offensive line in the portal this winter, landing tackle Xavier Chaplin (37 straight starts at Auburn and Virginia Tech), Bowling Green tackle Nate Pabst, Stephen F. Austin tackle Chimdia Nwaiwu and Purdue's Bradyn Joiner, who could start at center through 2027. André Otto is a veteran returnee and should factor into the rotation the next two years.

Roster management: Significant roster turnover remains a theme in Tallahassee, as FSU lost most of its primary starters to graduation or the portal, where safeties Earl Little Jr. (Ohio State) and Edwin Joseph (Ole Miss), tight end Randy Pittman Jr. (SMU) and others departed. The team pursued several quarterback transfers before landing Daniels, a veteran who has completed only 60.2% of his career pass attempts. FSU prioritized retaining the Desir brothers, kept standout wide receiver Duce Robinson and picked up some solid transfers such as Chaplin. The front office received a makeover with the return of John Garrett as the team's first general manager of player personnel, a role he held at Duke the past two years. FSU also signed the nation's No. 15 recruiting class, which included eight SC Next 300 prospects. The team has had 39 blue chip recruits since 2024, according to ESPN Recruiting, but has lost 12.

Star power: FSU's offense got a nice boost with the return of Robinson, a first-team All-ACC selection who had 1,081 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season. Chaplin is a veteran addition who earned honorable mention All-ACC honors at Virginia Tech in 2024. Texas running back transfer Quintrevion Wisner was a third-team All-SEC pick in 2024. The Desir twins certainly have star-level talent as FSU will feature them up front.

Coaching staff: Gus Malzahn retired after one season as FSU's offensive coordinator, and was replaced by Tim Harris Jr., who has coordinator experience from UCF and Florida International. The Seminoles also replaced longtime special teams coordinator John Papuchis with Adam Scheier from UNLV, and made several other notable staff moves, including hiring Garrett.

49. Northwestern Wildcats

Previous future power ranking: 58

QB situation: Northwestern is finally making major investments in its offense, among them QB transfer Aidan Chiles from Michigan State. Chiles opened the past two seasons as MSU's starter, and will be out of eligibility after 2026. Northwestern added veteran West Virginia transfer Nicco Marchiol during the spring as insurance behind Chiles, and will have another new starter in 2027.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: After showing significant improvement that yielded two NFL draft picks, Northwestern's offensive line is again under the microscope. The team will build around sophomore standout Ezomo Oratokhai, who is expected to shift from guard to center. Oklahoma State tackle transfer Grant Seagren will protect Chiles' blind side, and Alabama junior transfer Arkel Anugwom is an interesting but raw addition. The development of returners like senior Deuce McGuire will be significant. Braun likes the depth at defensive end with senior Michael Kilbane and UCF transfer Jamaal Johnson. The tackle spot is a short-term concern as Northwestern must build around senior Brendan Flakes.

Roster management: Northwestern's ability to admit transfers has loosened significantly the past two years, and the team added some important players in Chiles, Seagren, Oklahoma linebacker Kobie McKinzie and tight ends Luke Dehnicke (Minnesota-Duluth) and Alex Honig (UConn). The team lost gifted pass rusher Anto Saka to Texas A&M and tight end Hunter Welcing to Ohio State but mostly retained who it wanted, especially in the secondary with safety Robert Fitzgerald and others. Northwestern surprisingly didn't add a transfer receiver, which could sting, but incoming recruit Jaden McDuffie should help in the coming seasons.

Star power: The retention push secured top players on both sides of the ball, including Fitzgerald, a second-team All-Big Ten selection who led the league in solo tackles (69) and finished with 114 total, including six for loss. Northwestern also retained third-team All-Big Ten wideout Griffin Wilde, who accounted for 31.7% of the team's receptions. Oratokhai is also back.

Coaching staff: Northwestern made the splashiest assistant hire in team history, adding Chip Kelly to oversee an offense that hasn't been right for more than a decade. Kelly arrives with several other key aides, including quarterbacks coach Jerry Neuheisel, who served as UCLA's offensive playcaller for most of last season. Defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle returns after overseeing the nation's No. 23 scoring defense in 2025.

48. Kansas State Wildcats

Previous future power ranking: 21

QB situation: Avery Johnson is still at Kansas State, set to play for the coach (Collin Klein) who originally recruited him there. Like the K-State team in 2025, Johnson's season didn't go as planned, but he still accounted for 26 touchdowns and will enter his senior year with 26 career starts. He's still seeking his first season with at least 60% completions. Reserves Blake Barnett and Jacob Knuth return in 2026, with Barnett having multiple seasons of eligibility left. The team also brings in four-star recruit Miles Teodecki.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Kansas State lost two edge players to national champion Indiana -- Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor -- but still came away in good shape at the position. The team added Oklahoma State transfer Wendell Gregory, the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, and Kennesaw State transfer Elijah Hill, another sophomore. Senior Travis Bates and junior Jordan Allen are also back. Transfers Kamari Burns (Cincinnati) and Austin Ramsey (Kentucky) could solidify the interior through 2027. All-Big 12 tackle John Pastore will anchor the offensive line this fall, which includes transfers Delvin Morris (Akron), Charlie Adams (Cal Poly) and Tanner Morley (Colorado State). George Fitzpatrick, who missed all of 2025 with a medical issue after transferring in from Ohio State, could be in the rotation.

Roster management: The familiarity Klein and several of his assistants have with K-State helped keep certain players, including Johnson and other offensive standouts, such as running back Joe Jackson and top pass catcher Jaron Tibbs. The team took hits in the portal with losing the two edges to Indiana, leading receiver Jayce Brown (LSU) and linebacker Austin Romaine (Texas Tech). But Kansas State filled needs at edge and in the secondary -- Ja'son Prevard (Virginia), Koy Beasley (Miami University) and others -- while adding a Big 12 starting running back with sophomore eligibility in Rodney Fields Jr. (Oklahoma State) and a young playmaker at wideout in Izaiah Williams (Texas A&M). Klein's recruiting strategy will be interesting to track.

Star power: Johnson has been on the All-Big 12 radar without truly breaking through, but has the playmaking skills to do so in 2026. Pastore, a second-team All-Big 12 selection, will once again protect Johnson's blind side, while Gregory could anchor the defensive front. Jackson, a third-team all-league selection in 2025, has averaged 5.4 yards per carry in his career. Wide receiver Tibbs and tight end Garrett Oakley will help Johnson in the passing game, and cornerback Zashon Rich had 11 pass breakups last fall.

Coaching staff: After two years as Texas A&M's offensive coordinator, Klein returns to his alma mater, where he coached from 2017 to 2023. He brought Jordan Peterson from Texas A&M to be defensive coordinator and added Marcus Woodson from Arkansas in a co-DC role. Sean Gleeson, a former offensive coordinator at Rutgers and Oklahoma State, and most recently Missouri's quarterbacks coach, will take over as OC. Klein retained defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt and hired veteran playcaller Tim DeRuyter as assistant head coach for defense.

47. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous future power ranking: 52

QB situation: Cutter Boley transferred out amid the coaching transition, but Kentucky plucked an interesting replacement in Kenny Minchey, a reserve for Notre Dame who pushed CJ Carr for the starting job last spring and summer. Minchey, a former top-200 recruit from near Nashville, initially committed to Nebraska before ultimately landing with new UK coach Will Stein. He can play through 2027, and Kentucky has other options, including incoming freshman Matt Ponatoski, a top-160 recruit.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Kentucky's slippage late in Mark Stoops' tenure can be tied to the offensive line, which must become a strength again under Stein. The team made a big portal splash with Tennessee tackle Lance Heard, a 23-game starter, as well as transfers Coleton Price (Baylor) and Tegra Tshabola (Ohio State). Junior Malachi Wood is a big body with plenty of experience, and Alabama transfer Olaus Alinen can play through 2027. The defensive front regains senior end Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace and junior tackle Tavion Gadson and adds LSU transfer Ahmad Breaux, Division II transfer Antonio O'Berry (Tiffin University) and others. Sophomore Lorenzo Cowan is a promising young pass rusher.

Roster management: Stein and the new staff made an impact in their first offseason, adding notable transfers in Minchey, Price, Heard, Tshabola, Texas running back CJ Baxter and LSU wide receiver Nic Anderson, and flipping SC Next 300 recruits in cornerback Andre Clarke and wide receiver Kenny Darby, and keeping SEC Next 300 quarterback Ponatoski in the fold. Kentucky signed nine blue-chip recruits for the second time in the past three seasons, according to ESPN Recruiting research, and also had five blue-chip transfers in Stein's first haul. The team lost promising young quarterback Boley to Arizona State, center Evan Wibberley and several others to in-state rival Louisville and running back Dante Dowdell to Georgia. But the overall roster is seemingly in a better place for 2026 and certainly beyond.

Star power: Kentucky's lone All-SEC selection in 2025 is coming back, as safety Ty Bryant will suit up for Stein and new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Bryant led the SEC with four interceptions and also had a team-high 76 tackles in earning second-team all-league honors. Heard, who started the past two seasons at Tennessee and made a start as a freshman at LSU, is a notable portal pickup, along with Baxter, who started eight games for Texas.

Coaching staff: Stein is back home in the bluegrass with a staff that has SEC experience, including coordinators in Bateman (defense) and Joe Sloan (offense), who both come from programs in the league. He also added notable position coaches such as Justin Burke, who spent the past three seasons as UTSA's offensive coordinator and now will coach the Wildcats' tight ends. Several staffers joined Stein from Oregon, including general manager Pat Biondo.

Can South Carolina's offensive line step up this season to see success?

46. South Carolina Gamecocks

Previous future power ranking: 18

QB situation: Despite the team's struggles in 2025, South Carolina retained LaNorris Sellers, who has started 24 games for the Gamecocks and boasts a distinct mix of size and arm talent. Sellers has completed 63.4% of his passes for 5,057 yards and 33 touchdowns, while adding 13 rushing touchdowns. He's a junior but likely will move on after 2026, when the team likely will turn to redshirt freshman Cutter Woods, also an in-state product.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The offensive line went through a massive shake-up, as several starters from an underperforming group left for other Power 4 programs while the team also made some portal splashes, including tackle Jacarrius Peak (NC State), guards Emmanuel Poku (East Carolina) and Hank Purvis (Purdue) and center Carter Miller (UCF). Peak's recovery from an offseason leg injury is worth monitoring, but South Carolina thinks it upgraded the overall line. Standout pass rusher Dylan Stewart returns to the defensive front, alongside senior tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, junior tackle Troy Pikes, Tennessee edge transfer Caleb Herring and Illinois transfer tackle Tomiwa Durojaiye.

Roster management: South Carolina made the necessary investments after a very rough 2025 season. It retained Sellers, Stewart, leading receiver Nyck Harbor and others, while engineering a portal push to upgrade the offensive line, provide more depth on the defensive line and add other weapons for Sellers, including Purdue transfer wideout Nitro Tuggle, who began his career at Georgia. The secondary took some hits with NFL draft departures, and South Carolina lost top pass-catcher Vandrevius Jacobs to Miami. Despite the on-field struggles in 2025, coach Shane Beamer still signed the nation's No. 25 recruiting class, which includes six SC Next 300 players and 10 four-star prospects. According to ESPN Recruiting, South Carolina has signed 31 blue-chip prospects since 2024, and kept all but six of them.

Star power: Sellers and Stewart remain the headliners for South Carolina, as Stewart received second-team All-SEC honors last fall. Return specialist Vicari Swain, who had three punt return touchdowns last fall and earned third-team All-SEC honors, is also back. If healthy, Peak should be an all-league candidate, while Durojaiye earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors for Illinois. Harbor has the explosiveness to become a star.

Coaching staff: The team's hire of offensive coordinator Kendal Briles looms large over the 2026 season and perhaps Beamer's future as the Gamecocks' coach. If Briles can maximize Sellers' talent and propel the offense, South Carolina should rise up again in the SEC. Offensive line coach Randy Clements, who has worked with Briles at several spots, joined him from TCU. Beamer also hired former Temple coach Stan Drayton to coach running backs and promising young assistant Deion Barnes from Penn State as defensive ends/outside linebackers coach.

45. UCLA Bruins

Previous future power ranking: 49

QB situation: Despite a 4-8 season and a coaching change, Nico Iamaleava is back at UCLA for Year 2, under new coach Bob Chesney. Iamaleava's overall passing production dropped from 2024 at Tennessee, but he did set career highs for completion percentage (64.4) and rushing yards (505). He has two more years of eligibility. His younger brother, Madden, a top-150 recruit and transfer from Arkansas, could be in line to take over in 2027.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Like several positions, UCLA's defensive line looks different but arguably better after the coaching change. Standout pass rusher Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira both joined the staff from James Madison and will give the team multiyear options at end. The tackle spots will be transfer-heavy at first, with senior Darold DeNgohe (Rutgers), junior Tyson Ford (Cal) and redshirt freshman Maxwell Roy (Ohio State) in the mix. UCLA retained key non-senior offensive lineman Eugene Brooks at guard and will build around him with transfers such as tackles Jordan Davis (South Alabama) and Hall Schmidt (Boise State) and guard Riley Robell (James Madison). Finding the right combination will be critical to short-term success.

Roster management: Chesney and his staff have been impressive early on in Westwood, making some immediate portal gains but also in recruiting, where they have added six SC Next 300 prospects for the 2027 class. The coaches brought over several of their top players from James Madison, including West and star running back Wayne Knight, and added notable Power 4 transfers on defense such as linebacker Sammy Omosigho (Oklahoma) and safety Tao Johnson (Utah), and intriguing young playmakers like wide receiver Aidan Mizell (Florida). UCLA absorbed some hits during the coaching transition, both with rostered players and committed recruits, losing several defensive starters to Power 4 teams.

Star power: New coaches typically bring impact players, and Knight should be one in Westwood. He finished seventh nationally in rushing with 1,373 yards, and added 40 catches, earning second-team AP All-America honors as an all-purpose player. West also made the JMU-to-UCLA jump after recording seven sacks as a freshman. Nico Iamaleava still has star capability.

Coaching staff: After guiding James Madison to the CFP, Chesney took several of his top assistants with him across the country, including primary coordinators Dean Kennedy (offense) and Colin Hitschler (defense). He retained running backs coach A.J. Steward and added several assistants with West Coast ties, including linebackers coach Vic So'oto, who most recently served as Cal's co-defensive coordinator.

44. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Previous future power ranking: 63

QB situation: After getting strong results from journeyman Robby Ashford in 2025 -- he had 2,472 passing yards and 554 rushing yards in his lone season with Wake Forest -- the team has a clear plan going forward. The Deacs added North Carolina transfer Gio Lopez, who had a challenging 2025 season but now reunites with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, his OC at South Alabama. Lopez had 2,559 passing yards, 465 rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns for South Alabama in 2024, and has two years of eligibility left.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both lines absorbed a blow in the portal, as offensive tackle Melvin Siani (Texas) and defensive tackle Mateen Ibirogba (Texas Tech) departed for deep-pocketed programs in the Lone Star State. The offensive line returns only one starter in junior left guard George Steih, who missed spring practice while recovering from an injury. Wake Forest will turn to transfers in center Will Way (Weber State) and tackle Tolu Olajide (New Hampshire), while returnee Clinton Richard projects as a multiyear starter. Top pass rusher Langston Hardy returns for his senior season, and tackle Dallas Afalava is poised for an All-ACC push.

Roster management: A surprise season in coach Jake Dickert's debut came at a cost, as the team lost several talented players in the portal to other Power 4 teams, namely Siani, who had agreed to return before transferring to Texas. The team also lost star running back Demond Claiborne and others who were out of eligibility. But Wake Forest retained several of its best defenders from a unit that should get only better under Dickert, and Lopez could be a significant multiyear addition at quarterback. Wake Forest's transfer group includes several Power 4 imports, but the performance of those from smaller programs, like Olajide, could shape the 2026 season.

Star power: Most of Wake Forest's All-ACC performers from 2025 are gone, but junior safety Davaughn Patterson, an honorable-mention selection, returned after leading the team and finishing sixth in the league with nine pass breakups. The defense also brings back Hardy, who led the team in sacks (7), tackles for loss (17) and quarterback hurries (9). Wide receiver Carlos Hernandez could be a breakout player in 2026 after a 40-catch season.

Coaching staff: After posting nine wins in his debut season, Dickert wisely opted for continuity. He gave contract extensions to all of his on-field coaches and key front office members, including general manager Rob Schlaeger. He also promoted Freddie Banks to co-defensive coordinator alongside primary DC Scottie Hazelton.

43. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Previous future power ranking: 36

QB situation: Dylan Raiola's highly anticipated Nebraska tenure ended after only two years. The Huskers lost initial transfer commit Kenny Minchey to Kentucky but quickly pivoted to Anthony Colandrea, who won Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year at UNLV last fall. Nebraska has options with sophomore TJ Lateef, who started games in 2025 following Raiola's leg injury, and sophomore Daniel Kaelin, back in Lincoln after spending last season at Virginia.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: After mixed results in 2025, Nebraska's offensive line has a different look, which includes veteran coach Geep Wade taking over. The team took big portal swings and added tackle Tree Babalade (South Carolina) and guards Brendan Black (Iowa State) and Paul Mubenga (LSU), with both Babalade and Mubenga holding junior eligibility. Center Justin Evans and left tackle Elijah Pritchett are back for their final seasons, and junior Gunnar Gottula has starting experience at both tackle spots as he returns from injury. Nebraska needs more from the pass rush and will turn to edges Williams Nwaneri, Cameron Lenhardt, UCLA transfer Anthony Jones and others. The Huskers also hope their returning interior players can step up, including junior Riley Van Poppel and transfers Jahsear Whittington (Pitt) and Owen Stoudmire (Boston College).

Roster management: Nebraska certainly hoped it would get more than 14 wins out of Raiola's time in Lincoln, and his departure to a Big Ten competitor (albeit as a backup in 2025) isn't ideal. Colandrea wasn't Nebraska's first choice but might end up being the right man to spark the offense, especially if Black and the other O-line transfers also pan out. The Huskers also added a potential impact transfer on defense in linebacker Owen Chambliss, who thrived under new DC Rob Aurich at San Diego State. Portal departures included standout returner Kenneth Williams (Michigan State) and versatile defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (Arizona), who started parts of each of the past four seasons. Nebraska's 2026 recruiting class is small but included three SC Next 300 prospects, including two linemen.

Star power: Colandrea made his mark in his lone season with UNLV, completing nearly 66% of his passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns. He will be throwing to promising tight end Luke Lindenmeyer, an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection with 29 catches last fall. Cornerback Andrew Marshall will help anchor the secondary after a solid first season in the Big Ten, and the defense also added Chambliss, a first-team All-Mountain West selection last fall.

Coaching staff: Nebraska's defense reboots with Aurich, who oversaw a San Diego State defense that posted three shutouts and held five others to 10 points or fewer last fall. Aurich brought in Corey Brown and Miles Taylor, whom he worked with at South Dakota, to coach the defensive line and safeties. Dana Holgorsen enters his second full season as Nebraska's offensive coordinator, and South Carolina's Lonnie Teasley arrives as run game coordinator.

42. Auburn Tigers

Previous future power ranking: 37

QB situation: Byrum Brown joined new Auburn coach Alex Golesh and others in the move over from South Florida. Brown has eclipsed 3,100 passing yards in each of his past two full seasons, and combined for 52 passing touchdowns, while adding 1,008 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025. He will lead the offense this fall, before Auburn turns to another transfer or a recruit like Rhys Brush, who initially committed to Golesh at USF.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both line groups have significant transfer additions, including several offensive linemen who joined the squad from South Florida, such as center Cole Best and guard Cole Skinner, both seniors. Auburn added transfers Joseph Simmons (James Madison) and Stanton Ramil (Michigan State) for the tackle spots, while Deryc Plazz is an intriguing addition from Miami with sophomore eligibility. Auburn rotated in a number of younger O-linemen during spring ball who could be part of the rotation. "They've been really impressive to watch at times, and then there have been some really bad things at times," Golesh said. The defensive line is optimistic that transfers Cody Sigler (Arkansas State) and Da'Shawn Womack (Ole Miss) will lead the group in 2026, alongside returning tackle Dallas Walker IV and younger players like sophomore edge Jared Smith and sophomore tackle Malik Autry.

Roster management: The coaching change not surprisingly led to a roster overhaul, as Golesh and the staff brought over several standouts from USF and added some notable outside transfers, too, including Womack, Baylor running back Bryson Washington and UCLA cornerback Andre Jordan Jr. Auburn's portal departures aren't insignificant, though, as wide receiver Cam Coleman (Texas) is a major loss, and the team also said goodbye to wideout Eric Singleton Jr. (Florida) and several defenders with starting experience. The team retained first-team All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins, leading rusher Jeremiah Cobb and others. Golesh is a pedal-down recruiter who landed a top-40 prospect for 2027 in Myson Johnson-Cook. Auburn has recruited well, adding 28 blue-chip prospects in 2024 and 2025, according to ESPN Recruiting. The problem has been retention, as the team since has lost 13 of them.

Star power: Golesh kept the team's top defender in Atkins. He led the team in sacks (9), tackles for loss (17) and total tackles (84) last season. Brown's production and playmaking ability make him a potential impact player right away in the SEC. Washington has nine career 100-yard rushing performances.

Coaching staff: Golesh's first Auburn staff includes some key holdovers, including defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, also a candidate for the head coaching job last fall, as well as several South Florida imports and others with Auburn or SEC ties. He added Tim Banks, a Broyles Award finalist as Tennessee's defensive coordinator in 2024, as co-defensive coordinator. Offensive coordinator Joel Gordon joined Golesh from USF, as did co-OC Kodi Burns, a former national championship-winning wide rece