Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 24

Notre Dame Tops 138-Team 2026 Preseason Re-Rank as Big Ten, SEC Claim 15 of Top 25

Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 24

Notre Dame Tops 138-Team 2026 Preseason Re-Rank as Big Ten, SEC Claim 15 of Top 25

Q: Will the new bowl eligibility rule allow an unexpected FBS newcomer to steal a postseason spot this year?

Yes — the new rule gives an unexpected newcomer a real chance, and North Dakota State looks like the best bet to seize it. The NCAA eliminated the old two-year postseason ban for teams moving from FCS to FBS. That means North Dakota State and Sacramento State are immediately bowl-eligible in 2026 if they reach 6-6 and can fill one of their conference’s bowl commitments. They are also eligible for conference title races and, in theory, the College Football Playoff. North Dakota State is the more plausible spoiler. The Bison arrive from the FCS with a powerhouse pedigree, 10 national titles in the last 15 years, strong institutional backing and a roster that many around the sport believe can compete right away in the revamped Mountain West. Reporting tied to the rule change noted projections of at least eight wins for NDSU, which would make a bowl berth more likely than surprising. Sacramento State has a path too, but it is narrower. The Hornets are entering the MAC under first-year coach Alonzo Carter after a 7-5 season in the FCS. They do benefit from the rule and from a schedule that avoids the reigning MAC champion, but they are making a bigger structural leap and have more uncertainty. So the rule absolutely could produce a surprise postseason team this year. If one newcomer steals a bowl spot, North Dakota State is the strongest candidate, while Sacramento State is more of a long-shot possibility.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 24

Notre Dame opens at No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports' 2026 preseason Re-Rank 1-138, ahead of No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Texas, No. 4 Oregon and No. 5 Indiana.
1988 is the last year Notre Dame won a national title, but the ranking cites its talent, coaching and transfer additions despite key backfield losses from last season's two-deep.
15 of the top 25 come from the Big Ten and SEC, with Georgia at No. 6, Oklahoma No. 7, Miami No. 9 and Southern California No. 10 also near the top.
138 teams are included this year after North Dakota State and Sacramento State joined FBS; Boise State is the lone Group of Six team in the top 25 at No. 23.