CBS Sports identifies state-level football leaders ahead of 2026 season
The sports publication’s 2026 Division I rankings highlight competitive shifts in Indiana and Massachusetts, while noting structural absences in Alaska and Vermont.
CBS Sports has published a comprehensive ranking of the top Division I college football team in each US state ahead of the 2026 season, shifting focus from national playoff implications to state-level institutional strength. The analysis prioritises regional pride, selecting Alabama in Alabama, USC in California, Georgia in Georgia, Ohio State in Ohio, and Texas in Texas as the definitive leaders in their respective jurisdictions.
The publication notes that several states present straightforward selections, with Hawaii designated as the default choice for the state and Wyoming identified as the sole programme in its region. Conversely, the report highlights significant competitive debates in states with multiple high-profile programmes. In Indiana, the Hoosiers are selected over Notre Dame, citing their status as defending national champions and active transfer portal recruitment. Similarly, Harvard is chosen in Massachusetts over FBS programmes Boston College and UMass, based on the Ivy League side’s 9-2 record and co-championship title.
Structural and logistical factors also influence the rankings. The report confirms that Alaska and Vermont have no college football programmes at any level, citing the prohibitive costs of travel to the contiguous 48 states and the climatic challenges of maintaining spring and fall camps. In Idaho, Boise State retains the top spot despite its conference realignment move to the Pac-12, while North Dakota State is selected in North Dakota ahead of its FBS debut in the Mountain West Conference.
Coaching transitions and roster stability are central to the analysis. Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU is flagged as a critical variable, with expectations for immediate playoff contention. In Texas, the selection of the University of Texas over Texas A&M and Texas Tech is attributed to quarterback Arch Manning’s performance and overall roster depth. The report also notes the impact of Matt Campbell’s departure from Iowa State to Penn State, which has left the Cyclones’ roster significantly depleted.
The rankings serve as a pre-season benchmark, acknowledging that actual performance will depend on the 2026 season outcomes. The analysis accounts for variables such as player health, including injuries to Steve Angeli of Army and Dante Moore of Oregon, and the stability of coaching staffs in states like South Carolina and South Dakota. The publication frames the exercise as a way to settle offseason debates before the season begins, emphasising the unique dynamics of state-based rivalries.
