Brendan Sorsby's sudden exit from Texas Tech following a gambling controversy has sent ripples through the ESPN college football top 25, reshaping the early outlook for the 2026 season.
The Red Raiders slipped three spots, now sitting at No. 11, as the network recalibrates its rankings in response to the quarterback shuffle.
Head coach Will Hammond is slated to take over under center, inheriting a roster that analysts say still possesses enough talent to mount a playoff push if the offense clicks.
Mark Schlabach, a veteran analyst, notes that the team’s playmakers could keep them in contention, but consistency under Hammond will be the key variable.
The rest of the top five remains dominated by traditional powerhouses.
Ohio State holds the No. 1 spot, buoyed by quarterback Julian Sayin and wideout Jeremiah Smith, while Oregon follows at No. 2 with Dante Moore returning and Dylan Raiola added as depth.
Georgia, the recent SEC champion, is locked at No. 3 with Gunner Stockton set to reprise his role, and Notre Dame rounds out the top five after retooling following the loss of several key contributors.
Texas, also in the top five, hopes the emergence of Arch Manning alongside Cam Coleman’s vertical threats will lift the Longhorns back into championship contention.
The reshuffling underscores how quickly a single departure can alter perceptions, especially when paired with the broader narrative of elite programs jockeying for preseason favor.