The Kings of the Gridiron: Team Elo Rankings
At the top of the Elo mountain sits the LSU Tigers with a staggering 1,976 rating, barely edging out the Oregon Ducks at 1,966. These two programs have clearly separated themselves from the pack with consistent dominance and big-time wins. They’re the teams everyone wants to avoid—and the teams everyone wants to beat.
Close on their heels: Texas Longhorns – 1,926 (A high-octane squad with depth and balance) Notre Dame – 1,898 (Always lurking near the top, disciplined and dangerous) Florida Gators – 1,892 (Aggressive, explosive, and a threat every week)
Meanwhile, a stacked SEC continues to dominate the top 10 with Georgia (1,833), Tennessee (1,815), Alabama (1,806), and Florida (1,892) all flexing their muscle.
Don’t overlook:
Colorado sneaking in at #10 with 1,799—proof that rising dynasties are shaking things up.
Elite Coaches: Top 10 Player Elo Ratings
In the world of user-controlled greatness, bucknut333 leads all coaches with an astronomical 2,008 Elo rating, a full 48 points above #2. He’s the reigning king of competitive control.
The elite tier includes:
Jiggy Jrod – 1,960 (Consistently elite, calculated decision-maker)
shel311 – 1,952 (A grinder with postseason pedigree)
Eljefebigrump – 1,930 (High-pressure performer)
BIGmike – 1,899 (Always in the mix, always dangerous)
This top group brings a playoff-ready mentality every game. When these coaches square off, it’s must-watch football.
CFB26 Conference Outlook
Here’s a quick-hit breakdown by conference based on average team Elo and top contenders:
SEC
Top Teams:
LSU – 1,976 (NDL’s current #1 overall team)
Texas – 1,926
Florida – 1,892
Georgia – 1,833
Tennessee – 1,815
Alabama – 1,806
Ole Miss – 1,728
Oklahoma – 1,743
Auburn – 1,550
Texas A&M – 1,619 Outlook: The SEC is stacked with firepower—claiming 5 of the top 10 Elo-rated teams. With Texas and Oklahoma now in the fold, the conference has reached super-league status. Every week will feel like playoff football, and the fight just to reach the SEC title game will be a bloodbath.
Big Ten
Top Teams:
Oregon – 1,966 (New addition, instantly a contender)
Wisconsin – 1,723
Iowa – 1,732
Penn State – 1,646
Michigan – 1,590
Ohio State – 1,555 Outlook: With Oregon’s entrance, the Big Ten adds a true title-caliber team. Iowa and Wisconsin remain consistent forces, while Michigan and Ohio State look to rebound. Oregon’s arrival gives this league a clear front-runner—but the depth from 2–6 could produce some brutal upsets.
Big 12
Top Teams:
Colorado – 1,799 (Top 10 overall)
Utah – 1,687
Kansas State – 1,649
Kansas – 1,639
Texas Tech – 1,586
Baylor – 1,670 Outlook: With Texas and Oklahoma gone, Colorado steps into the spotlight as the Big 12’s new juggernaut, closely followed by Utah and Kansas State. This version of the Big 12 looks more wide open, with 5–6 teams in the 1600s capable of taking the crown.
ACC
Top Teams:
Clemson – 1,826
Miami – 1,790
Louisville – 1,749
North Carolina – 1,680
Florida State – 1,678
Virginia Tech – 1,675
SMU – 1,622 (new addition, already dangerous) Outlook: The ACC quietly has seven teams over 1,620 Elo, creating a land of contenders. Clemson leads the charge, but Miami and Louisville are right behind. With SMU joining as a Group of Five disruptor, this conference could send multiple teams into the playoff mix.
Group of Five & Independents
Top G5 Teams:
Central Michigan – 1,631
San Diego State – 1,601
Boise State – 1,571
Tulane – 1,554 Outlook: While most of the top-tier talent is consolidated in the Power Five, programs like CMU and Tulane remain competitive. Expect them to be potential BCS-buster types—especially if they go undefeated. Old Dominion (1,597) and UConn (1,635) are quietly climbing as well.
Final Word: CFB26 Season Preview
With elite coaches like bucknut333, Jiggy Jrod, and shel311 at the helm of powerhouse programs like LSU, Oregon, and Texas, we’re looking at one of the most competitive seasons in NDL history. But don’t count out the Tier 2 risers—Colorado, Miami, Wisconsin—who are poised to flip the narrative.
As we kick off CFB26, one thing is clear: the Elo doesn’t lie—but it can change fast. Let the games begin.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
kool-aid, NTXblue1878 and 35 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
NDL Hall of Fame:
669 Coaches Newest Member: Allthatfinesse
HOME
Live
Discord