To help you prepare for the college football season that begins with FBS games on Aug. 29, some of our coverage plans are below. For questions, please contact Dave Zelio (dzelio@ap.org).
An …
Join our family of readers for as little as $14.99 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already a member? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
To help you prepare for the college football season that begins with FBS games on Aug. 29, some of our coverage plans are below. For questions, please contact Dave Zelio (dzelio@ap.org).
An up-to-the minute listing of all stories planned, including games and events, is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom in https://newsroom.ap.org/coverageplan. Sports content can be found here. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.
This advisory may be be updated. All times Eastern.
FBC—T25-College Football Poll — Indiana is the defending national champion, but fellow Big Ten programs Ohio State and Oregon will be in the hunt along with a host of powerhouses including Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas. The preseason Top 25 college football poll will help set the table. By Eric Olson. Text, photos sent Aug. 17. With agate list, a What to Know highlights glance, a CFP-style bracket watch, a 10-question quiz and an analysis (Aug. 18).
With:
— FBC—AP Preseason All-America Team — AP releases its preseason AP All-America teams. By Eric Olson. Text, photos, agate at noon Aug. 18. With Localize It option to highlight hometowns of All-Americans across the country.
— AP Sports Extra: Preseason AP Top 25: A paginated look at the preseason AP Top 25 in full, half and tab formats is available: Find in AP Newsroom by searching for “Top 25” under the Graphics tab.
FBC—Season Preview — For all the angst over revenue sharing and the size of the playoff, perhaps the biggest on-the-field storyline for college fotoball this season is whether the Big Ten can win a fourth consecutive national championship for the first time since the early 1930s. The league has a number of contenders but so does the Southeastern Conference and Notre Dame hopes to crash that party, too. By Eric Olson. Text, photos and FBC—Season Preview-Things To Know by 3 p.m. Aug. 24.
FBC—CFP-Predicting The Playoff — Can a Manning finally win a national championship? Texas will sure give the storied family a chance. But maybe this is finally the year of the duck since Oregon has been so close and returns another terrific team. A preseason prediction of playoff contenders. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos by 3 p.m. Aug. 25.
— Bowl Subdivision conference previews (700 words each, with photos): Big Ten and American (Aug. 18); Atlantic Coast and Conference USA (Aug. 19); Southeastern, Pac-12 and Mid-American (Aug. 20); Big 12, Mountain West and Sun Belt (Aug. 21).
— Team previews (500-word capsules, photos): Big Ten teams (Aug. 18); ACC teams (Aug. 19); SEC teams (Aug. 20), Big 12 teams (Aug. 21).
FBC—House Era-Pay To Play — The college quarterback reportedly earning the most in name-image-likeness payouts is taking in more in endorsements than the NFL’s Jalen Hurts, Matthew Stafford and Lamar Jackson. It’s part of a rapidly inflating, and some say artificial, market in which saying the payments are for a player’s NIL masks the real truth – many of them are simply being paid to play for their school. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos, text explainer of how players are paid by noon Aug. 19.
US-College Sports-States — A growing number of states are providing tax dollars to university athletics. The move comes as major college sports programs now are paying millions of dollars to athletes. The financial battle for the best athletes has strained many athletic departments, which are now running deficits. By David A. Lieb. Text, photos by 6 a.m. Aug. 20.
FBC--House Era-Finding Cash -- The new economics for athletic departments is all about finding fresh revenue, from entertainment districts to unprecedented CFO-level reorganizations to become more nimble and creative in raising money. Cash is hard to come by but it’s critical for schools trying to keep up. By Teresa M. Walker and Andrew Destin. Text, photos, highlights glance of key areas of growth by noon Aug. 20.
US--Philanthropy-Sports-Nonprofits -- Donations to universities have been upended by the spending arms race created by the name, image and likeness free for all in college sports. Rather than funneling gifts through the universities, more and more donors are choosing to directly give to university sports programs, who are creating their own nonprofits to attract the funds. Is it legal? By James Pollard. Text, photos by noon Aug. 20.
FBC—House Era-Bison Go Big – After North Dakota State piled up 10 national titles in the Championship Subdivision, the Bison are roaming: NDSU is moving up to the Mountain West Conerence in the Bowl Subdivision this season to chase bowl berths and playoff spots, risking stability, comfort and dominance for the big time in hopes of cashing in. By Dave Campbell. Text, photos by noon Aug. 23.
FBC—House Era-Hopeful Hornets – No pressure, Alonzo Carter. The first-year coach of Sacramento State will try to make the program’s launch in the Bowl Subdivision a successful one. So long, Big Sky. Hello, Mid-American Conference and a host of unknowns. By Josh Dubow. Text, photos by noon Aug. 23.
FBC—House Era-The Zips – Akron heads into its 40th anniversary year as a Bowl Subdivision program, its place in history secure as the first program to jump from Division I-AA to the big time. The chase for prestige has been grim: In 39 years, the Zips have made only three bowl trips (with a lone win way back in 2015), finished .500 or over only twice since 2015 and lose millions every year. By Joe Reedy. Text, photos by 3 p.m. Aug. 24.
FBC—FCS-No Guarantees -- There will be a record 127 FCS vs. FBS matchups this season. Expansion of the College Football Playoff could change the landscape for so-called guaranteed payout games so crucial for the budgets of smaller schools that cash a check for what is almost always a loss on the road. By Eric Olson. Text, photos by 3 p.m. Sept. 1.
FBC-- HBCUs-No Guarantees -- As the College Football Playoff era places greater emphasis on strength of schedule, changes to the long-standing model of guarantee games could hit Historically Black Colleges and Universities hard. By Alanis Thames. Text, photos by 3 p.m. Sept. 1.
FBO--NCAA-Women’s Flag Football — The next college football power is being built on campuses from coast-to-coast. Not tackle, either, but in women’s flag football. They’re practicing this fall into spring to possibly be your national champion in 2028. That inaugural NCAA title may be from a tucked-away place that’s not exactly known for its football lineage. Maybe a school like Cal Poly, which has already recruited two of the top players in the country, or maybe a program with a tackle-football pedigree like Nebraska, whose coach won five NAIA titles. By Pat Graham. Text, photos, explainer sent Aug. 4.
FBC--Washington-Demond’s Departure -- When Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. entered the transfer portal, only to return, some outside the program speculated it would lead to some awkwardness. Instead, Williams’ coming back to campus was but the latest example of how college football is becoming more of a business with no hard feelings. By Andrew Destin. Text, photos sent Aug. 11.
FBC--Texas-Manning’s Mission -- Arch Manning’s name is still on the back of the No. 16 jersey. Texas is still on the front. Soon to come: Super-charged arguments over whether player and program can deliver on super-sized potential and expectations for a national title. By Jim Vertuno. Text, photos by 3 p.m. Aug. 18.
FBC—Oregon-Moore’s Return -- In the offseason, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore found a new hobby in bowling, along with a bunch of his teammates. Bowling is one of the ways the quarterback stays grounded while the spotlight once again falls on the Ducks heading into the season. By Anne M. Peterson. Text, photos by 4 p.m. Aug. 20.
FBC—LSU-Lane Mania — Lane Kiffin’s cockiness and proven ability to win in the SEC are playing quite well in LSU country. The spiking cost to get into Tiger Stadium in 2026 is but one symptom of a palpable surge in energy and optimism emanating from the state capital into the swamps, bayous, cane fields and other communities across Louisiana -- largely because of a brash and notoriously unfiltered coach whom Tiger fans were once quick to ridicule, but see as a savior now. By Brett Martel. Text, photos by 4 p.m. Aug. 26. With FBC—LSU-Leavitt, sent Aug. 10.
FBC—House Era-The Walk-On – Little more than a year ago, one of the biggest concerns about the $2.8 billion House settlement was the impact on the walk-on, a cherished and occasionally heartwarming feature of football programs across the country. The walk-ons are certainly harder to find now and the guys who serve that role now are getting paid. By Eric Olson. Text, photos by noon Aug. 31.
FBC--Texas Tech-Still Defensive -- Texas Tech lost some big defensive dudes after its first Big 12 title and making the College Football Playoff last season, including the No. 2 overall pick and a linebacker who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Even so, the Red Raiders should again have one of the nation’s top defenses. By Stephen Hawkins. Text, photos by 2 p.m. Aug. 31.
FBC—Lost Rivalries -- Nearly 50 Division I football programs have changed conference affiliation in the past two years alone, leaving behind rivalries and dealing a blow to the familiar stability most alumni associate with their alma mater. The chase for dollars carries intangible costs to the brand. The Apple Cup this year will be played in the first week of September, an example of a rivalry that still exists but feels much different than it did for more than a century. By Andrew Destin. Text, photos by 3 p.m. Sept. 4.
FBC—Ohio St-Sayin — Julian Sayin is back as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, now bigger and stronger for his second season after he threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last season. His offseason work has also boosted his leadership skills in preparation for the challenges ahead, garnering confidence from coach Ryan Day. By Marcus Hartman. Text, photos sent Aug. 8.
FBC—Colorado St-Motivated Mora -- Jim Mora has settled into his new office at Colorado State’s Canvas Stadium, one that overlooks the football field where his team will soon play. The walls are adorned with pictures of him as a player, as a coach, and with his father/mentor/coach Jim Mora Sr. On the glass coffee table, there’s a book titled “Aggies to Rams: The history of Colorado State football.” Mora, 64, may just become a significant chapter in the next version as he ushers the Rams into the Pac-12 era. By Pat Graham. Text, photos sent Aug. 12.
FBC--Colorado-Go-Go Offense -- New coordinator Brennan Marion has implemented his innovative, fast-paced “Go-Go” offense at Colorado. Described by his players as “backyard football,” it could be just the system to spark young quarterback Julian Lewis and the Buffaloes, who are a pedestrian 16-21 under coach Deion Sanders. By Pat Graham. Text, photos sent Aug. 13.
FBC--Utah QBs — Utah returns its top two quarterbacks from last season, a rarity in the transfer portal/NIL era. Devon Dampier is the incumbent starter. Byrd Ficklin is the rising star. Both played important roles in the offense a year ago. Utah plans to incorporate both into the offense this year as well. By John Coon. Text, photos sent Aug. 14.
FBC—Mississippi-Chambliss’ Encore — When Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss watches some of his most sensational Houdini acts from last season, there is a part of him that would rather not have to do that again. Chambliss enters his final season with the Rebels under a new offensive coordinator and what he hopes will me a more mature, composed style of play – not that he can’t still escape and ad-lib if he absolutely must. By Brett Martel. Text, photos by 4 p.m. Aug. 21.
FBC--Notre Dame-Carr’s Return -- Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr learned a lot in his first season as the starter, especially how crucial those early-season results can be. Carr returns with higher goals, higher expectations and motivated to get the Fighting Irish back to the playoff after last season’s snub. By Curt Rallo. Text, photos Aug. 21.
FBC--Indiana-Hoover’s New Job -- Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover has more yards passing than anyone in the Football Bowl Subdivision. But the four-year starter now finds himself in his toughest job yet: replacing Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza on the defending national champs. By Michael Marot. Text, photos Aug. 24.
FBC—BYU-Offensive Stars — Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin are both coming off strong 2025 seasons for BYU. Bachmeier was a breakout star at QB as a freshman. Martin led the Big 12 in rushing a year ago. What does 2026 hold for them? By John Coon. Text, photos by 4 p.m. Aug. 26.
FBC--SMU-Jennings At Home -- Kevin Jennings wasn’t even the recruit Rhett Lashlee went to watch in a high school playoff game right after he became SMU’s head coach. Now the dynamic quarterback from Dallas is going into his fifth season with his hometown school, looking for a return to the College Football Playoff. By Stephen Hawkins. Text, photos by 2 p.m. Aug. 27.
FBC—Pick Six-Coach Watch: New coaches and hot seats to watch this season. By Maura Carey. Text, photos sent Aug. 10.
FBC—Pick Six-Impact Transfers: The transfer portal was red hot again and a host of top players changed schools. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos sent Aug. 11.
FBC—Pick Six-Critical Games: Don’t miss these 10 critical showdowns in the regular season that will set the conversation around the national title hunt. By Maura Carey. Text, photos sent Aug. 12.
FBC—Pick Six-Under The Radar: Some of the nation’s best players on teams likely to struggle. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos sent Aug. 13.
FBC—Pick Six-Small College Stars: Small college players who could be worth NFL attention. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos sent Aug. 14.
FBC—Pick Six-Awards: Early predictions for the top player awards, including the Heisman. By Maura Carey. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Aug. 18.
FBC—Pick Six-Group Of Six — The Group of Five is now the Group of Six with the return of the Pac-12. We look at potential playoff contenders from the group. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Aug. 19.
FBC—Pick Six-What’s New. A look at what’s new this college football season, from two new FBS members to rules changes and a guaranteed spot in the playoff for a storied program if it’s in the top 12. By Maura Carey. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Aug. 20.
FBC—Pick Six-Freshmen To Watch: True freshmen who are poised to make a splash this season. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Aug. 24.
FBC—Pick Six-Top 25 Journey -- Mapping out a dream college football road trip for the 2026 season, with stops to see each team in the AP Top 25 at least once. By Noah Trister. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Aug. 25.
FBC—Pick Six-Toughest Schedules — Which FBS school has the toughest schedule in the country? Or, conversely, the easiest path to an undefeated season? By John Marshall. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Aug. 26.
FBC—Pick Six-New Coaches — A look at some of the high-profile coaches in new spots around the country. By Larry Lage. Text, photos by 5 a.m. Sept. 2.
AP will provide brief recaps for every Bowl Subdivision game, with more robust coverage for matchups involving Top 25 teams and Power Four conference teams (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC as well as Notre Dame). FCS game coverage will include STATS Top 25 teams during the season and all playoff games. Preview capsules will be sent for weekly FBS matchups, with top 10 games also getting a full preview story.
The following fixtures are planned during the regular season:
— Mondays: FBC—T25-Top 25 Analysis (begins Aug. 18) by 6 a.m. and FBC—Player of the Week (begins after Labor Day) by 2 p.m.
— Tuesdays: Big Ten or Big 12 spotlight features (begins Sept. 8). Preview capsules for most FBS games (by 6 a.m.).
— Wednesdays: FBC—T25-College Football Picks (by noon, begins Sept. 2), FBC—T25-What To Watch (by 10 a.m., begins Sept. 2). ACC or SEC spotlight features (begin Sept. 9).
— Thursdays: FBC—This Week previews for each Power Four league (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC), all by 6 a.m. (begin Sept. 3). Previews for weekend games (top 10 teams, others on merit).
— Sundays: AP Top 25 poll, 2 p.m. release. The preseason poll will be sent Aug. 17; the first regular-season weekly poll will be released Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. and then will be sent every Sunday at 2 p.m. through Dec. 6. The final poll will be sent at noon Tuesday, Jan. 26, the morning after the national championship game in Las Vegas.
