ESPN ranks the top 10 offseasons in college football, includes 3 SEC programs
By Ethan Stone
Published:
It’s the offseason, and while this time between the CFP and late August may not be as exciting as the regular season, it’s an important indicator of success for the coming postseason in 2026-27.
Especially now in the NIL era. As Indiana proved last year, one great offseason (administered by the right coaching staff, mind you) can build a national championship roster.
On Tuesday, ESPN delved into the task of ranking the offseasons for all 68 power programs, split by conference. Writers Adam Rittenberg, Max Olsen and Eli Lederman also included a top 10 comprised of all 4 power conferences, which included 3 SEC programs.
Here’s a look at ESPN’s top 10:
Texas leading the way in the SEC should come as no surprise. As ESPN points out, the Longhorns retained Arch Manning while adding some top-tier weapons to help him out, including former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman and NC State running back Hollywood Smothers. Finally, Texas’ addition of Will Muschamp to replace Pete Kwiatkowski at DC should keep a strong Longhorns defense at the top of the SEC ranks.
LSU and Ole Miss are also obvious inclusions. One saw Lane Kiffin join the program while the other saw Kiffin leave, but Ole Miss’s reaction to Kiffin’s departure is equally as impressive (well, slightly less impressive according to ESPN) as LSU’s addition. The Rebels retain QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy, and new HC Pete Golding shored up the defense through the transfer portal.
LSU, on the other hand, added former Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt while keeping DC Blake Baker. Obviously, though, Kiffin’s addition as LSU’s new head coach is sure to pay dividends sooner rather than later.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
