College football’s offseason is built on optimism. Every program talks about progress, development and the pieces finally falling into place. But not every team is actually positioned to take a real step forward. That’s the idea behind this group of Power Four teams entering 2026.
Each program improved its win total from 2024 to 2025 — a sign that some level of progress is already underway — even if a few on this list are navigating new head coaches despite last season’s improvement. At the same time, none reached double-digit wins in 2025, leaving plenty of room for another jump this fall.
Those distinctions narrow the field to 17 Power Four programs, omitting a handful of teams that might rebound in a big way. Programs like Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech, for example, will look far different in 2026 after disappointing campaigns. But both took steps backward last year rather than forward, making them harder to consider true “on the rise” candidates right now.
Instead, the programs below are already trending upward and positioned to turn last year’s progress into something much bigger in 2026.
Arizona
Arizona made waves in 2025, more than doubling its win total and emerging as one of the Big 12’s biggest surprises. Under coach Brent Brennan, the Wildcats notched nine wins — an improvement from only four in 2024.
Star quarterback Noah Fifita returns as one of the more experienced passers in the conference, giving Arizona the chance to maintain its balance on both…
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