Top 25 Teams in College Football 26 at Launch A Data-Driven Look at the Best and Not-So-Best Squads

🏆 The Elite at the Top

Team ratings as of launch weekend (July 12, 2025), and a few programs that rise above the rest:

1. Alabama

Overall: 89
Offense: 89
Defense: 96

2. Penn State

Overall: 88
Offense: 91
Defense: 94

3. Texas

Overall: 88
Offense: 91
Defense: 94

4. Ohio State

Overall: 88
Offense: 91
Defense: 92

5–8. Clemson, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Georgia

Overall: 88
Offense: 89–91
Defense: 90–92

Alabama takes the crown thanks to its dominant defense, and yet teams like Penn State, Texas, and Ohio State match up closely on paper.

⚖️ Mid-Tier Powerhouses

Several programs land just below the top group, with strong, balanced squads:

LSU (#9) – 86 OVR, with 89 offense and 92 defense
Texas Tech (#10) – 86 OVR, defense packs a punch at 92
Miami, Oregon, Florida, Indiana – all sporting 86–85 OVR with solid offense and defense.

🧩 Bright Spots in the 80s

Teams at the 82–84 OVR level offer plenty of opportunity for RAF strategy or upsets:

Clemson, Ole Miss, Auburn, Tennessee, Duke, SMU, Missouri, Baylor, Illinois
These squads hover in the mid-80s, offering balanced play with room to grow.

⬇️ Worst Teams at Launch

If you're up for a rebuild challenge, check out the bottom feeders:

Kent State (68 OVR), Akron, UMass, Missouri State, and Delaware (70 OVR tops) rank as the camp underdogs.

🔍 What This Means for You

Dynasty picks: Go for top-tier teams to win early, but lesser squads offer thrilling rebuild scenarios.
Offense vs. Defense: Elite teams outperform across both, but mid-tier squads like Oregon offer offensive dynamism.
Balanced squads: Teams like Alabama and Penn State excel in both areas, ideal for all-around play.

Bottom Line:
Start with a top-10 school to dominate early or take on the ultimate dynasty challenge with a rebuilding program. Either way, College Football 26 offers a wide range of engaging playstyles.

Explore dynasty tips, slider settings, and more on the 1v1Me Blog!