Samwise College Football Newsletter
Monday, April 27, 2026
Ohio State Jumps to No. 1 in Post-Spring College Football Rankings
Ohio State has claimed the top spot in USA Today’s post-spring college football rankings for the 2026 season, moving up from their previous position following a strong spring practice. The Buckeyes edge out Notre Dame for the top ranking heading into the summer. Texas holds at No. 3 while Georgia sits at No. 4. The post-spring rankings reflect how programs stand after completing spring practice and before the summer recruiting push begins in earnest.
Sources: USA Today
Five-Star QB Elijah Haven Commits to Alabama
Alabama football has secured a major victory in the 2027 recruiting class, landing five-star quarterback Elijah Haven from Louisiana. Haven committed to the Crimson Tide on Saturday, April 25, giving head coach Kalen DeBoer a cornerstone quarterback prospect for the future. The commitment continues Alabama’s strong run at the quarterback position — following Keelon Russell’s pledge in the 2025 class, DeBoer’s first recruiting win at the position with the Crimson Tide. Haven is rated among the top quarterbacks in the 2027 class.
Sources: Tuscaloosa News
Transfer Portal: Baylor, Mississippi State Among Latest Destinations
The spring transfer portal window continues to reshape rosters heading into 2026. Wide receiver Jayden McGowan has committed to Baylor after departing Charlotte, giving the Bears a proven pass-catcher. Mississippi State landed two commitments: Terrance Love (TS) from Colorado and interior lineman Jamari Freeman from Mercer. East Carolina added interior lineman Niko Paic from Valparaiso. All four commitments were finalized between April 23 and 25, keeping the off-season roster movement active across the country.
Sources: 247Sports
Post-Spring Top 10
Too-Early 2026 Rankings (USA Today)
1. Ohio State
2. Notre Dame
3. Texas
4. Georgia
5. Indiana
6. Miami
7. Oklahoma
8. Texas Tech
9. Oregon
10. Mississippi
Off-Season Status
Spring 2026
Spring practice: Complete
Transfer portal: Open through May
2027 recruiting: In progress
Next games: August 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency