2026 College Football Merchandise Licensing Projections and Rankings
Analyzing how anticipated college football success and preseason expectations impact projected retail revenue.
Football Brand Leader
University of Texas
Hype
Ole Miss
Surprise Preseason Impact
Indiana University
Growth Vector
Nike & CFP Hype
Rankings & Football Rationales
Isolate specific university brands using the index lookup tool.
| Rank | University | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Texas
Still the #1 brand. High preseason ranking + SEC spotlight + massive national reach.
|
1 |
| 2 |
Ohio State
Preseason #1. Elite recruiting + consistent CFP contender. Strong upward momentum.
|
5 |
| 3 |
Georgia
Consistent national powerhouse. High floor and ceiling.
|
3 |
| 4 |
Oregon
Riser
Preseason #2 + Nike connection is a massive merch advantage. Big riser.
|
17 |
| 5 |
Notre Dame
National brand + strong preseason ranking. Always over-indexes in licensing.
|
6 |
| 6 |
Alabama
Even with slightly lower preseason ranking, the brand remains elite.
|
2 |
| 7 |
Michigan
Strong historical brand + solid preseason ranking.
|
4 |
| 8 |
Texas A&M
Huge fanbase + high preseason ranking. Continues to climb.
|
8 |
| 9 |
LSU
Strong brand + solid ranking. Remains a top-tier licensing school.
|
7 |
| 10 |
Oklahoma
SEC transition + solid preseason ranking keeps them high.
|
9 |
| 11 |
Miami
Riser
Preseason #7. If they deliver on hype, big licensing jump expected.
|
~34 |
| 12 |
Penn State
Stable Big Ten brand with solid ranking.
|
15 |
| 13 |
Tennessee
Strong fanbase + “Orange Wave” energy continues.
|
11 |
| 14 |
USC
Lincoln Riley + Big Ten exposure. Steady high ranking.
|
14 |
| 15 |
Ole Miss
Riser
Preseason #10 + Lane Kiffin effect. Potential big riser if successful.
|
60 |
| 16 |
Clemson
Still a strong national brand despite lower preseason ranking.
|
13 |
| 17 |
Indiana
Riser
Preseason #6 is a massive surprise. Could see significant merch growth if they sustain success.
|
NEW |
| 18 |
Texas Tech
Riser
Preseason #12. Big 12 success + growing brand could push them up.
|
33 |
| 19 |
Washington
Solid brand after recent playoff run.
|
18 |
| 20 |
Florida
Brand is still strong even if on-field results lag.
|
10 |
Top Risers
Oregon
Preseason #2 position combined with global Nike connection establishes a massive merch premium.
Ohio State
Preseason #1 consensus position moves them into a clear top-tier licensing bracket.
Miami
Riding a high Preseason #7 wave; major retail conversion hinges entirely on delivering on team hype.
Ole Miss
Preseason #10 trajectory paired with unique coach marketing curves drives this sharp upward momentum.
Indiana
A surprise Preseason #6 performance model position that signals explosive new retail scaling if sustained.
Texas Tech
Expected to break out via a strong Preseason #12 model ranking inside the expanding Big 12 footprint.