Samwise College Football Newsletter
Monday, May 4, 2026
Post-Spring Top 25: Texas Claims No. 1, Texas Tech Tumbles
CBS Sports released its post-spring college football Top 25 on Sunday, placing the Texas Longhorns at No. 1 heading into the 2026 season. The Longhorns’ rise comes as Texas Tech tumbled out of many analysts’ top 10 following the revelation of quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s gambling investigation. Texas finished a strong spring despite quarterback Arch Manning operating with restrictions during 11-on-11 drills. Miami lands at No. 2 despite losing the CFP national championship game to Indiana in January. Defending champion Indiana holds firm in the top 10 as the Hoosiers look to defend their perfect 16-0 campaign. Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State, and Notre Dame round out the top six.
Sources: CBS Sports, Saturday Down South
Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Retains Power Attorney Jeffrey Kessler to Fight NCAA Gambling Ban
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has retained prominent sports attorney Jeffrey Kessler in his fight to regain NCAA eligibility after a gambling investigation placed his 2026 season in jeopardy. Kessler, known for leading the landmark House v. NCAA antitrust case that ushered in college football’s revenue-sharing era, represents Sorsby’s most aggressive legal attempt to keep his career alive. Sorsby entered a treatment program for a gambling addiction after the NCAA launched an investigation into alleged bets placed on college games. The NCAA has not provided a timeline for resolving the investigation. Sorsby faces a June 30 deadline to declare for the NFL Supplemental Draft if ruled ineligible.
Michigan’s Whittingham Warns That $50 Million Rosters Are Coming to College Football
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham issued a stark warning about college football’s financial trajectory this week, predicting that rosters costing $50 million or more will become the new standard as early as the 2027 season. Speaking about the sport’s escalating name, image, and likeness spending, Whittingham called for a complete overhaul of the current system. USC was identified as the sport’s top NIL spender in 2026 by a majority of college football general managers and NIL staffers, with the Trojans reportedly investing $10 to $12 million on their roster. Alabama, once dominant, now trails at approximately $15 million — far behind programs targeting the College Football Playoff.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports
Nation’s No. 1 Recruit Jalen Brewster Keeps Texas Tech Commitment Despite Pursuit from Indiana, Florida, Five Others
Five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class and the nation’s top-ranked player at any position, remains committed to Texas Tech while drawing heavy recruitment from at least five major programs. Defending national champion Indiana, seeking its first-ever five-star commitment, hosted Brewster on an official visit April 24. Florida, Miami, Ohio State, and Texas A&M are also pursuing the pass-rusher from Texas. The Red Raiders, who secured Brewster’s commitment in October 2025, are still considered the leader despite uncertainty surrounding the Brendan Sorsby gambling scandal, which has some observers wondering whether program stability may factor into Brewster’s eventual decision.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, 247Sports
Arch Manning Declares Himself 100% Healthy as Heisman Hype Builds Around No. 1 Texas
Arch Manning declared himself fully recovered from a foot procedure this spring, telling reporters Wednesday that Texas would win a game today if one were played. The sophomore quarterback, now in his first full season as undisputed starter for No. 1-ranked Texas, was limited to 7-on-7 drills and individual work during spring camp while bypassing 11-on-11 contact. Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Manning’s growth as a vocal leader despite the restricted workload. Manning, nephew of Super Bowl winners Peyton and Eli Manning, is among the early Heisman Trophy frontrunners as Texas pursues its first national championship since 2005 with one of the sport’s most loaded rosters.
Sources: CBS Sports, Saturday Down South
Final 2025 AP Top 10
Last season's final rankings (off-season)
1. Indiana (16-0) — National Champions
2. Miami (14-2)
3. Texas (12-2)
4. Oregon (13-1)
5. Ohio State (12-2)
6. Notre Dame (11-2)
7. Georgia (11-2)
8. LSU (11-2)
9. Alabama (10-3)
10. Penn State (11-2)
2026 Post-Spring Top 10 (CBS Sports)
Way-too-early pre-season outlook
1. Texas
2. Miami
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State
5. Notre Dame
6. Indiana (defending champions)
7. Georgia
8. LSU
9. Ole Miss
10. Alabama
Curated by JD · samwise.agency