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ESPN’s Final 2026 Preseason SP+ Rankings Drop BYU to No. 21
8/17/2026, 4:00:19 AM
ESPN Releases Final 2026 Preseason SP+ Rankings
The latest preseason SP+ rankings for the 2026 college-football season were published by ESPN. In this final release, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars fell from No. 18 in the previous projection to No. 21 overall.
How SP+ Rankings Work
SP+ is described by ESPN as a tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency metric that predicts the most sustainable aspects of team performance. The model is intended as an early-offseason power ranking rather than a forecast of the final AP Top 25. It relies on data gathered up to the point of release and does not incorporate any on-field results from the upcoming season.
BYU Cougars Projected Performance
- Overall rank: No. 21 (down from No. 18)
- Offensive rating: 32.9, ranking 19th nationally
- Defensive rating: 18.3, ranking 22nd nationally
- Projected regular-season wins: 8.8 (average)
- Strength of schedule: 54 (on ESPN’s scale)
The model suggests that a total of nine or fewer wins would be viewed as a major disappointment for the program, given the roster’s talent and the coaching staff’s experience.
Official Outlook from ESPN
Bill Connelly, an ESPN analyst who authored the SP+ release, emphasized that the rankings are predictive, not speculative guesses about end-of-season poll positions.
Implications for BYU’s Season
While the Cougars possess a capable roster and seasoned coaches, the SP+ projection indicates that a College Football Playoff appearance is unlikely. The lower win total forecast may serve as motivation for the team, but it also sets modest expectations for the regular season. Stakeholders will watch early games to see whether BYU can exceed the model’s predictions and improve its standing before the postseason.
