Josh Hoover Threw for HOW Many Yards?! Indiana's #1 Preseason Ranking Is NO Joke

Alright, 12s, listen up! It might be early June, but college football is already heating up, and we're less than 90 days from kickoff! The preseason rankings for 2026 just dropped, and let me tell you, Sam Khan Jr.'s list, built purely on roster talent and intel, has some absolute stunners. The biggest news? The reigning champs, Indiana, are sitting pretty at the top, and their QB, Josh Hoover, put up yards last year that will make your jaw hit the floor. This isn't just hype, folks, this is the real deal!

The Reigning Champs and Reloaded Powerhouses

So, Indiana, the champs, are back at No. 1, and it's not by accident. They've got a ton of talent returning and snagged the No. 2 transfer portal class, which is just massive. And about Josh Hoover? Get this: no returning FBS quarterback has thrown for more yards in the last three seasons! He was tearing it up at TCU, and now he's leading the Hoosiers. Add Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh as a receiving duo, plus All-America tackle Carter Smith anchoring a beastly O-line, and a veteran defensive front led by Tyrique Tucker and transfer Tobi Osunsanmi? Yeah, they're loaded. Right behind them, Ohio State is stacked as always, with Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and Bo Jackson supported by a big, experienced offensive line. Their defense lost some guys to the NFL Draft, but the staff rebuilt through the portal, and they've got young talent ready to explode. And don't sleep on No. 3 Oregon, either. Getting Dante Moore back was critical, but their D-line with Matayo Uiagalelei, Bear Alexander, A’Mauri Washington, and Teitum Tuioti is gonna be an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses.

Star Power, Transfer Hauls, and Big Questions

If you want star power, look no further than No. 4 Texas. This squad might be the most star-studded in the entire country. Arch Manning, Cam Coleman, Colin Simmons, and Trevor Goosby? All four landed in the top 12 of Dane Brugler’s early 2027 NFL mock draft! Plus, they reeled in transfer running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, another stud tackle in Melvin Siani, and two-time All-ACC linebacker Rasheem Biles. Seriously, it's wild. No. 5 Miami also brought in serious offensive skill talent with transfer QB Darian Mensah, returning RB Mark Fletcher, and do-it-all receiver Malachi Toney. While their offensive line is rebuilding, getting Damon Wilson II through the portal helps soften the blow of losing their dynamic edge rushers. And don't forget Georgia at No. 7. Gunner Stockton, their All-SEC quarterback, had a terrific debut last year and should be even better. But the big question for the Dawgs: can they fix that pass rush after finishing dead last in the SEC in pressure rate last season? That's gotta improve if they want to make a serious run.

Dark Horses and Early Favorites

Then you've got teams like No. 8 Ole Miss, bringing back Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, and despite losing a star in Princewill Umanmielen, they hit the portal hard. Linebackers Keaton Thomas and Luke Ferrelli, plus defensive backs Jay Crawford and Edwin Joseph, are big gets, alongside returning talent like Suntarine Perkins. Oklahoma at No. 9 looks solid with John Mateer at quarterback, especially if he plays like he did pre-injury last year, and a deep linebacker corps. And a shoutout to No. 10 Texas Tech, who are tabbed as Big 12 title favorites even without Brendan Sorsby. They reloaded their defensive line and boast one of the best linebacker duos around in Ben Roberts and Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine. Plus, they're stacked at running back! With less than 90 days until the season kicks off, these rankings give us a taste of what's coming. Are these teams truly ready to dominate, or will some dark horses emerge? Get ready, college football fans, because it's going to be a wild ride!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.