RJ Young’s Insights on College Football Rankings and Sleeper Teams

RJ Young Discusses 138 College Football Rankings

RJ Young from FOX Sports joined First Things First to share his 138 college football rankings. He examines Indiana’s chances of repeating as National Champions and the obstacles preventing Notre Dame from triumphing. He also outlines the Big Ten’s new rule about players returning to college football from the NFL.

Arch Manning’s Potential

Young believes Arch Manning will fulfill his promise. He anticipates the 2026 season to be the most competitive in college football history. He also reveals his unexpected pick for National Championship Winner.

Sleeper Teams in the Power 4 Conferences

With college football starting this Saturday, fans are eager to see how teams perform in the 2026 season. Here are sleeper teams from each Power 4 conference that might upset the established order.

ACC – Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech defensive lineman Ben Bell tackles Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney during an NCAA game in 2025. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)

The Hokies didn’t make the preseason top-25 and are projected to finish eighth in the ACC. However, landing head coach James Franklin boosts their chances. Virginia Tech ranks top-five nationally in returning production and has Ethan Grunkemeyer as their quarterback. A favorable early schedule can help them compete for top spots in the ACC.

Big 12 – Houston Cougars

Houston Cougars’ Stacy Sneed runs against Rice Owls in 2025. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)

The Cougars won 10 games last season and finished in the top-25. They are positioned to challenge Texas Tech for the conference title. Houston has a strong coach in Willie Fritz and an experienced defense. If the Cougars perform well in their showdown against Texas Tech, they could solidify their reputation.

Big Ten – Washington Huskies

Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. against Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium in 2025. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Under head coach Jedd Fisch, Washington is expected to do well. Their trajectory suggests continued progress under Fisch’s leadership. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. leads a roster with top-15 national returning production. Washington’s schedule allows them to avoid major rivals, which could enhance their standings.

SEC – Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State’s mascot, Bully, performs before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium in 2025. (Petre Thomas/Imagn Images)

Despite mixed performance under Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State has potential. They ranked in the top-20 of the 247Sports Team Talent Composite. The Bulldogs nearly won several close games last season. Kamario Taylor, a talented sophomore quarterback, will drive their offense. Though they might not win the SEC, they could disrupt other teams’ plans.