I’m not buying into the Cam Ward is bad hype just yet. Everything is new this year in Tennessee so I’m going to give them a few weeks to get this ironed out. Defensively, the Titans’ secondary is a weak spot that could give up a lot of points this season. Ward is going to get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent and the playmaking ability that helped him finish 4th in the 2024 Heisman voting.

Elijah Roberts is going to be a monster in the middle for Tampa Bay. With Vita Vea wanting a trade, the Bucs need Roberts to play a bigger role. He looked the part against the Jets, applying constant pressure and making multiple plays.

Jonah Coleman is going to have a role. I’ve talked about his vision improvement, and I think it’s gotten even better. I was pumped when the Broncos drafted him because he fits everything Sean Payton wants to do. He showed off some wiggle, which was always impressive for his size (pause). If JK Dobbins is sidelined, Coleman will get the bulk of the carries. I think he’ll get on the field to help alleviate Dobbins’ workload over the course of the season. This could end up a being a true three-headed backfield that helps no one in fantasy.

The Dallas Cowboys read my newsletter. After I stated my hesitation in early production out of first-year edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, the Cowboys went out and signed Super Bowl 50 MVP, Von Miller, to give them some pass rush depth. Miller is no longer the pass rusher he was when he helped the Broncos to their third Super Bowl, but he gives the Cowboys a veteran player than help mold the young rookie.

The Steelers backup QB battle is just that. Drew Allar scored three touchdowns, but Will Howard played well too. When the head coach is talking about Allar as “a first round pick” though, it’s hard to ignore the pecking order in that room. If I’m Tampa Bay and paying Baker Mayfield is too much, I’d be calling Pittsburgh asking for Howard.

I REALLY LIKE JACOB SAYLORS. This dude is out here with no gloves on, wrists taped up, just balling. The running back led the Lions in both rushing and receiving yards in week 1 of the preseason. I think he has potential to get work in this backfield. It will be fairly minimal unless Isaiah Pacheco’s injury is worse than they say. Regardless, the former St. Louis Battlehawk (of the UFL), is electric with the ball in his hand whether on specials teams or utilized out of the backfield.

Maybe this rookie wide receiver class isn’t as bad as we originally thought (for fantasy). After the draft and leading into training camp, dynasty fantasy league ADP had a clear top 3 and a fairly clear next three. But then there was a log jam of capable receivers that made up almost the entire second round of rookie drafts. The first of those names was the hardest to place. People barely knew the name De’Zhaun Stribling until the Niners took him in 33rd overall. With Ricky Pearsall out for the season and Mike Evans on the other side, Stribling is now firmly a top 5 dynasty receiver in this class. Other guys are making big plays across the league like Ja’Kobi Lane, Malachi Fields, Elijah Sarratt, Ted Hurst and Germie Bernard. I would say Cyrus Allen and Caleb Douglas are in this tier as well. All of these guys showed flashes over the weekend to be quality playmakers for their teams. I’ve been on the Douglas train for a long time. Most sites had him ranked in the 40s or 50s, but these are my rankings from May.

Georgia — I think the SEC could be back this year. Georgia is going to have one of the most dominant defenses in football and I like what they have on offense with veteran QB Gunner Stockton and RB Nate Frazier. The question will be what other skill position players can step up as targets for Stockton. I really think the defense is going to be so good it carries them all the way to the College Football Playoff.

Oregon — I still think Dante Moore is the best NFL Draft prospect in the country. The Ducks return star-studded talent across the entire defensive with the addition of transfer safety Koi Perich will help take this defense to the next level. The biggest thing that hurt Oregon last season was the lack of a running game after injuries down the stretch. With two true sophomores leading the backfield in Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., running back health will be paramount this season.

Ohio State — Ohio State very well could have the best player in the country in WR Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes get a huge test week 2 against Texas to see if their defense can replace the immense talent that departed for the NFL. My favorite defender on the Buckeyes is safety Terry Moore, who shined at Duke in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury in the bowl game and missing the entire 2025 season. He’s going to be an instant impact player.

Miami — I won’t stop gushing about the Miami offense. With Darian Mensah transferring over with teammate Cooper Barkate along with Malachi Toney (EA College Football 26 cover athlete btw) and Mark Fletcher Jr., this offense is going to dominate in 2026. They replace a lot on defense especially on the edge, but Damon Wilson II is looking to have a huge year for the Canes.

Texas — I think this is a huge year for Arch Manning. We’re going to learn a lot in week 2 against Ohio State and even more as we get into SEC play. The Longhorns’ schedule is unforgiving, but with new receiver Cam Coleman alongside last year’s top target Ryan Wingo this offense should be fun. Keep an eye out for Rasheem Biles on defense. The linebacker should be a top 50 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Notre Dame — The Fighting Irish are going to be a fun team this year. Much like Miami, they don’t hardly play anyone all season, so the expectations are high. But there’s real talent on this team starting with the best cornerback in the country, Leonard Moore. The only reason I have them outside the top 5 is because replacing last year’s running back production is going to be extremely difficult.

Indiana — Honestly, I should have them number one until proven otherwise. I’ve just never been a huge Josh Hoover guy. But they no doubt have the best coach in college football and have one of the best defenses in the country. I expect them back in the CFP.

Ole Miss — We nearly saw Trinidad Chambliss lead the Rebels to the National Championship last season. He’s one of the most talented QBs in college football. Running back Kewan Lacy, a potential first round pick, is another dude to be excited about.

Oklahoma — I grew up rooting for the Sooners because my dad was/still is a huge fan. This is the year Oklahoma can finally get back to relevance. QB John Mateer is the engine that drives OU, but defensive tackle David Stone might be their best NFL prospect. This team has an incredible defense but plays one of the toughest schedules.

USC — I think this can be the year that Lincoln Riley helps the Trojans to the College Football Playoff. They have a stud QB in Jayden Maiava and the defense is much improved.

LSU — The talent on this roster is undeniable, but the spotlight that will be shined on the Tigers this season is extremely bright. After Lane Kiffin jumped from Ole Miss, his goal is simple: win a National Championship. He’s going all in on Sam Leavitt, who led Arizona State to the CFP in 2024.

Texas Tech — After the Brendan Sorsby ordeal, the Red Raiders are left with Will Hammond. One of the most expensive rosters in the country should net them plenty of talent to make up for the QB downgrade, but how Hammond plays will impact their future rank.

Michigan — It very much felt like Bryce Underwood had training wheels on last season. I really hope he has the keys to the Ferrari this year. Andrew Marsh is also in his sophomore season, and I think that duo can take the next step.

Penn State — This is Iowa State east at this point, so I’m not sure why I’m ranking them so high. I’m a fan of Rocco Becht, sue me. The NFL talent is on the defensive side of the ball with safeties Marcus Neal Jr., and Jeremiah Cooper joining from the Cyclones.

Alabama — There is still a QB battle in Tuscaloosa between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. I like Daniel Hill at running back, but Ryan Coleman-Williams needs a huge bounce back year of Bama wants back in the CFP. I have no doubt the defense will be elite with the return of safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb along with one of the best edge rushers in the country, Yhonzae Pierre.

Texas A&M — I’m not sure what to do with the Aggies. They lost offensive coordinator Collin Klein when he went home to my alma mater (and his!), Kansas State. The Aggies return QB Marcel Reed but lost a lot of that offense to the NFL.

BYU — Bear Bachmeier plays QB for the Cougars, and he wears #47. It’s the wildest thing. His top receiver is Tiger Bachmeier, his brother. But the best NFL talent on the offense is LJ Martin, who led the Big 12 in rushing last season and was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Houston — I think Willie Fritz has it going on at Houston. The addition of Makhi Hughes adds so much to this offense. Hughes rushed for 1,300+ yards and scored 24 touchdowns over the 2023-24 seasons at Tulane before transferring to Oregon last year where he saw only 19 total touches. Hughes is going to be the key that unlocks this offense.

Iowa — I’m weary of ranking Iowa this high because who knows what they are going to do at QB. I think Jeremy Hecklinkski is the leader for the job. Most of the Hawkeyes’ transfer class are FCS guys moving up, including two of their top three receivers. We know the offensive line and the defense will be really good.

Utah — Utah is going to have a really good offensive line. Right tackle Cedric Jefferson transferred from Montana State after helping the Bobcats to an FCS National Championship. He and the O-Line will be protecting the electric QB duo of Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin.

Louisville — Electric playmakers all over the field highlight the Cardinals strengths. The best running back duo in the country with Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown along with speedy receiver Tre Richardson. There are so many transfers on this roster. I think Louisville has a good chance to end up in the ACC Championship.

SMU — The Mustangs are led by QB Kevin Jennings, who helped SMU to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024. He’ll be looking to build a Heisman campaign alongside a defense that brought in experienced transfers at all three levels.

Florida — Football With Chaw Says Give The Ball To Jaden Baugh — What’s not to like about Baugh? He’s a 6’1, 225-pound running back who moves fluidly, weaving through open holes with a swift nimbleness. The biggest issue right now is the ongoing QB battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr..

Illinois — Katin Houser comes over from East Carolina and instantly fills the shoes of Luke Altmeyer. Houser threw for 3,300 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. He also added 9 touchdowns on the ground. The Illini added transfer talent along the offensive line and much like Iowa focused on FCS transfers to bolster their depth.

Washington — I feel like I have to rank them because Demond Williams is so damn good. But the rest of the team scares me a little bit. They don’t have many proven pass catchers, relying on a true sophomore and a Kennesaw State transfer.