The 2026 Premier College Football League (PCFB) regular season is officially in the books, and the final Top 25 has delivered clarity, controversy, and compelling storylines heading into bowl season and the expanded playoff. From Texas completing a perfect campaign to Middle Tennessee hanging on at No. 25, this year’s rankings reflect a season of chaos, breakout programs, and conference races that went down to the final weekend.
Here’s a full breakdown of the final PCFB Top 25 and what it means moving forward.
🏆 The Elite Tier: Clear Contenders (1–5)
1. Texas (13–0)
Last Week: W 42–39 vs South Carolina
A perfect season, a Big 12 title, and a complete résumé. Texas finishes No. 1 wire-to-wire and enters the playoff as the undisputed team to beat. Their offensive explosiveness survived a wild scare against South Carolina, proving they can win even on off days.
2. Clemson (12–1)
Last Week: W 48–38 vs No. 12 SMU
The Tigers took care of business in a shootout, validating their move to No. 2. Clemson’s defense hasn’t been invincible, but the offense is peaking at the right time.
3. Nebraska (11–2)
Last Week: W 28–24 vs No. 14 Michigan
Nebraska climbs into the top three after a massive win over Michigan. They’ve battled through a brutal schedule and are built for playoff football—physical, disciplined, and balanced.
4. Wake Forest (11–1)
Wake Forest’s magical season ends at 11–1, slipping one spot but maintaining a first-round bye in the playoff. Their offense is efficient, and their lone loss hasn’t derailed belief in their upside.
5. Penn State (9–3)
Despite three losses, Penn State’s body of work remains strong enough to keep them inside the top five. Their consistency and defensive identity make them a dangerous playoff matchup.
💥 The Bubble of Contenders With Questions (6–12)
6. UCLA (10–2)
Another impressive season under a revitalized Bruins program. They hit the 10-win mark and earn the top non-bye seed in the playoff.
7. Tulane (11–2)
Last Week: W 31–24 at No. 23 Memphis
Tulane holds steady after a gritty road win. Their 11–2 record speaks to a program that refuses to regress.
8. Florida (9–3)
A quiet but effective 9–3 season keeps Florida inside the top 10. Their ceiling remains high, and their SEC-tested roster is built for postseason durability.
9. Notre Dame (11–1)
Notre Dame rises after finishing 11–1, though schedule strength concerns linger. Still, few teams are as fundamentally sound.
10. Tennessee (9–3)
Tennessee jumps into the top 10 and rounds out a deep SEC showing. Their matchup versatility makes them a potential playoff bracket-buster.
11. Texas A&M (9–3)
A&M’s late-season push propels them upward again, now sitting a single spot outside the top 10. The Aggies have the talent to upset anyone.
12. SMU (10–3)
Last Week: L 48–38 vs No. 2 Clemson
SMU put up a valiant fight against Clemson but slipped three spots. Still, their offensive explosiveness is respected nationwide.
📈 Rising and Falling: The Mid-Tier Battleground (13–20)
13. Washington (9–3)
Washington jumps three spots after finishing strong and maintaining a well-rounded statistical profile.
14. Michigan (10–3)
Last Week: L 28–24 vs No. 3 Nebraska
The Wolverines fall but still sit inside the top 15. Their three losses came to ranked teams, including Nebraska in a thriller.
15. Georgia (9–3)
Georgia remains in place at No. 15—good, but not great. They’ll aim to reset in bowl season.
16. Texas Tech (9–3)
The Red Raiders climb one spot after a strong season marked by offensive creativity and road resilience.
17. Oregon (8–4)
Oregon slides a bit, but still represents a dangerous 8–4 squad with upset capability.
18. Northwestern (9–3)
Quietly one of the nation’s most consistent defensive teams, Northwestern finishes solidly inside the top 20.
19. Arizona State (9–4)
Last Week: W 35–24 vs TCU
A big closing win keeps the Sun Devils in place and locks them into the postseason with confidence.
20. Miami (8–4)
Miami stays stationary at No. 20, still searching for consistency but undeniably talented.
📊 The Late Pushes and Final Fringe Teams (21–25)
21. Auburn (8–4)
Auburn’s season ends as expected—solid but unspectacular. They’re dangerous if motivated.
22. Indiana (8–4)
One of the big late risers. Indiana makes its way back into the rankings behind a strong finish and improved defense.
23. Memphis (9–4)
Last Week: L 31–24 vs No. 7 Tulane
Even with the loss, Memphis stays ranked thanks to a respectable performance against a top-10 team.
24. UConn (8–4)
Another newcomer to the poll, UConn has dramatically exceeded expectations. Their late-season surge is one of the year’s pleasant surprises.
25. Middle Tennessee (10–3)
Last Week: L 16–7 vs Liberty
Despite the loss, Middle Tennessee clings to the final spot. Their 10-win season earns them deserved recognition.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This year’s final Top 25 captures the full spectrum of the PCFB season—dominance from Texas, resilience from Clemson and Nebraska, and dramatic rises from teams like Indiana, UConn, and Middle Tennessee. With bowl season ahead and the playoff set to deliver marquee matchups, fans are in for a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 campaign.
