Samwise College Football Newsletter
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Alabama Stars Shine in 2026 NFL Draft
The Crimson Tide continues its storied draft legacy as ten Alabama players were selected in the 2026 NFL draft. Notable picks include offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor to the Miami Dolphins at No. 12 and quarterback Ty Simpson to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13. Running back Jam Miller also joined the professional ranks, being selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round, marking the first time an Alabama running back has been drafted since 2024. This remarkable streak of first-rounders highlights the program’s continued dominance at the highest level of the sport.
Sources: Tuscaloosa News
No. 1 QB Recruit Delivers Blow to Auburn and Penn State
The recruitment landscape shifted significantly as the nation’s top-ranked quarterback recruit, Matt Mencl, reportedly delivered disappointing news to both Auburn and Penn State. While the Nittany Lions had hosted him for a spring visit in early April, the elite prospect’s decision leaves both programs searching for answers in the high-stakes battle for 2026 talent. Penn State’s Matt Campbell continues to rebuild the roster following the arrival of veteran quarterback Rocco Becht, but the loss of such a premier talent in the recruiting cycle is a major blow to the program’s long-term championship aspirations.
Sources: SI.com
New Black College Football Poll and All-American Teams Set for 2026
The SWAC has officially announced the debut of the Black College Football Poll (BCFP) and the Black College Football All-American teams. Scheduled to launch in time for the 2026 season, this initiative aims to provide dedicated recognition and statistical tracking for historically significant programs across the nation. The announcement, made on April 22nd, marks a significant milestone for visibility in college football’s diverse landscape. This new infrastructure will provide much-needed spotlight to HBCU athletes and foster a new era of prestige and data-driven storytelling within the historically significant culture of college football.
Sources: SWAC.org
ESPN Releases Initial 2026 Spring SP+ Rankings
ESPN has unveiled its initial 2026 season rankings using the SP+ metric, providing the first major look at the hierarchy of the upcoming season. The rankings highlight several contenders and early favorites as programs prepare for spring practices. These early projections serve as the foundation for the long road towards the College Football Playoff, as analysts begin evaluating roster depth and returning talent. As teams navigate the transfer portal and recruiting cycles, these predictive models will be instrumental in tracking which programs are truly positioned to contend for a national title this fall.
Sources: On3
Isaiah Hackett Enters Transfer Portal
Cornerback Isaiah Hackett has officially entered the transfer portal, adding more movement to the 2026 transfer cycle. The defensive back’s entry follows a period of significant activity in early April, as players navigate the landscape to find new opportunities for the upcoming season. His movement remains a key storyline for programs looking to bolster their secondary depth during the spring window. As more talent enters the portal, coaching staffs across the country are scrambling to assess which established veterans can provide the most immediate impact for their rosters in the upcoming competition.
Sources: On3
AP Top 10
1. Georgia (12-0)
2. Ohio State (11-1)
3. Texas (11-1)
CFP Rankings / Conference Leaders
SEC
1. Georgia — 12-0 (8-0)
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