Bill Connelly, an ESPN writer since 2019, released the updated 2026 SP+ rankings for all 138 FBS teams as of September 13, 2026. SP+ is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency designed to be predictive and forward-facing, not a résumé ranking. It rewards sustainable performance over lucky wins and adjusts for strength of schedule.

Early season ratings rely on preseason projections, which are gradually replaced by actual performance as the season progresses. Résumé SP+ compares a team’s scoring margin (capped at 50 points) to what an average top-five team would expect against the same opponent, with a seven-point penalty applied for each loss. SP+ strength of schedule estimates how often an average top-five team would win against a given team’s schedule; a lower rating indicates a tougher slate.

These metrics gain relevance later in the season, especially during the College Football Playoff race.