Scoring points in college football is multifaceted, where quarterback play, offensive line strength, and dynamic playmakers are crucial for crafting an explosive offense.
Last season, Indiana showcased this trifecta with the nation’s No. 3 scoring offense, leading them to a historic College Football Playoff National Championship. They weren’t isolated in this achievement; seven teams in the CFP ranked No. 32 or better in points scored per game in 2025.
While a high-scoring offense doesn’t guarantee success, it offers a significant advantage in today’s increasingly competitive landscape. As we transition from the 2026 recruiting and transfer portal cycle, some teams look particularly primed to dominate the scoreboard next season.
Here’s a look at the college football teams projected to field the most explosive offenses in 2026:
1. Texas
Texas revamped its offensive lineup, bringing in Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman and running backs Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State). These additions reshape the offense as both Coleman and Smothers combined for 12 touchdowns last season.
Arch Manning will be eyeing a breakout year following an impressive Citrus Bowl performance against Michigan’s Bryce Underwood. If he develops further, this Texas offense could rival the elite outputs of the Sarkisian era, which already includes consecutive CFP semifinal appearances.
Yet, the foundation lies in the trenches. Texas has bolstered its offensive line with top-rated portal newcomers, critical for giving Manning the time he needs. Control of the line of scrimmage will determine if this SEC powerhouse can unleash its potential against opposing defenses, especially with Steve Sarkisian steering the ship.
2. Miami
The Hurricanes are set to generate explosive plays even with the loss of four integral offensive line starters. The transfer of Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, his favorite target Cooper Barkate, and former South Carolina receiver Vandrevius Jacobs adds depth and eases pressure on Malachi Toney.
Toney made headlines in his freshman year, setting a single-season program record with 109 receptions.
Veteran running backs Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle are also back in action. Three of Fletcher’s six 100-yard games came during the final four games of last season, while Lyle faced an injury setback.
Anticipating the next season, Mario Cristobal’s offensive line could feature standout names like Matthew McCoy, Samson Okunlola, SJ Alofaituli, and five-star freshman tackle Jackson Cantwell, who ranks as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Should this group take charge like the previous year, Miami’s offense might become unstoppable.
3. Indiana
After leading the Big Ten in scoring offense for two consecutive seasons, Indiana faces lofty expectations entering Curt Cignetti’s third year. Following a national championship win, the team needs to replace its Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, top two running backs, leading receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., along with three offensive line starters.
However, Indiana is no stranger to this level of transition. The program’s recent success stems from strong player development and diligent scheme execution.
Cignetti has appointed TCU transfer Josh Hoover to fill the quarterback role, with Boston College transfer Turbo Richard adding running potency. Meanwhile, the receiving corps is being energized with former Michigan State and Tulane players Nick Marsh and Shazz Preston joining Charlie Becker.
The offensive mentality remains unchanged. The effectiveness of Indiana’s offensive unit will be scrutinized closely, particularly during early season matchups.
4. Ohio State
Ryan Day’s decision to enlist former NFL coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator generated a mix of opinions, largely due to Smith’s prior outcomes in the professional sphere. Nonetheless, coaching in college, particularly within a talented program, offers a favorable environment for Smith to excel.
At Ohio State, he plans a streamlined approach grounded in the run game while seeking strategic downfield opportunities for Jeremiah Smith and company. Quarterback Julian Sayin made his mark as one of the nation’s most efficient passers, and a significant improvement is expected from this Heisman hopeful.
Despite some transfer portal losses at wide receiver, Ohio State retains depth at this position with the arrival of five-star recruits Chris Henry Jr. and Jerquaden Guilford. Anticipated starters include Smith, Devin McCuin, Brandon Innis, and tailback Bo Jackson.
Strengthening the offensive line will be a key objective in the off-season. Day has emphasized that playing at least eight versatile linemen is essential for ensuring depth and adaptability.
5. Oregon
No other program boasts a more favorable quarterback scenario than Oregon, especially with Dante Moore opting to forgo the 2026 NFL Draft to return. With Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola backing him up, along with the coaching staff’s confidence in Akili Smith Jr. and Brock Thomas, Oregon is well-positioned.
Freshmen Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. showcased promise last season, eager to claim larger roles in the coming year.
The primary loss on offense stems from the departure of tight end Kenyon Sadiq, projected as a first-round pick. Jamari Johnson is slated to attempt to fill that void. Meanwhile, Dakorien Moore, Jeremiah McClellan, and Evan Stewart are back as key wideout options. While slight statistical declines could occur with offensive coordinator Will Stein now at Kentucky, Oregon consistently demonstrates under Dan Lanning that its offense is formidable.
6. Notre Dame
While Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price won’t be around to assist next season, Fighting Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is unfazed. After a rocky start to his career, C.J. Carr bounced back with ten consecutive wins, ending up with 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns, ranking high in key passing metrics.
Aneyas Williams looks to take the early snaps at running back, although a collective approach is likely for 2026.
Ohio State transfers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter join established pass-catchers like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards last season. When it comes to the offensive line, Notre Dame has a history of solid coaching, frequently setting the tone in the trenches. With a beneficial schedule ahead, expect significant offensive production throughout 2026.
7. LSU
By assembling the top-ranked transfer portal class in the nation and investing resources for success in Lane Kiffin’s first year, immediate results are expected.
Kiffin has secured former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, as well as USC’s Husan Longstreet, overhauling LSU’s wide receiver unit with 12 transfers. The offensive line appears to be solid, led by five-star Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton. It’s imperative this unit improves after inconsistent performance last fall, which hindered their ability to protect Garrett Nussmeier and meet high expectations.
Tight end Trey’Dez Green is poised to be a crucial playmaker, and Harlem Berry, the No. 1 running back from the 2025 recruiting class, opted to remain with the program to witness what Kiffin’s staff can accomplish.
Kiffin previously orchestrated a quick offensive turnaround at Ole Miss with speed and efficiency; he aims to replicate that in Baton Rouge while bringing along offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and several assistants.
8. Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s CFP shutout loss to Oregon left a lingering frustration, a clear offensive shortcoming that has since driven offseason decisions. Coach Joey McGuire swiftly identified critical needs, securing Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby along with four wide receivers, including two from major programs. Strong portal additions position Texas Tech as a contender for a Big 12 championship and playoff berth, contingent on their offense excelling amid defensive personnel changes.
Hope rests on an adept backfield led by returning players Cameron Dickey, J’Koby Williams, and Quinten Joyner, expected to elevate the offense next season.
9. Ole Miss
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’s successful challenge for a sixth season transforms the Rebels into formidable contenders for 2026. Auburn transfer Deuce Knight, originally positioned as a backup, now offers additional depth.
Retaining the SEC’s most dynamic running back, Kewan Lacy, bolsters their prospects. He emerged as a 1,400-yard rusher last season, leading the conference with 23 touchdowns despite considerable pursuit from LSU and Kiffin.
10. Oklahoma State
Eric Morris put together the best scoring and yardage offense in the nation last year at North Texas. Transitioning from Group of Six to Power Four represents a challenge, but Morris’s system is well-documented, and he managed to recruit his two standout players from North Texas to join him.
Oklahoma State might rise as college football’s most-improved team, thanks to Morris and a top-tier transfer class led by quarterback Drew Mestemaker and tailback Caleb Hawkins. Expect a season filled with high-scoring encounters in the Big 12, featuring plenty of explosive plays and extraordinary statistics from their offensive talent.
