This weekend, we’re taking some of the biggest questions fans are asking around the web and breaking them down. We’re unlocking early AP Poll predictions, pointing out the upset alerts that could flip the season, and looking at futures bets that already have people talking. Here’s everything you need to know heading into July.
AP Poll Prediction: Who Will Be No. 1? (Answer Before It Comes Out)
Typically, we want to unlock info for you which means sticking to the facts. However, we are going to be hitting the dog days of summer very soon now. I guess we can take a shot at it. We think the AP voters are going to go with Texas at #1, Notre Dame at #2 (they may have the better overall team, but the AP voters won’t vote that way.) and we can’t forget (and they won’t forget) last year’s national champions, Indiana at #3.
We would expect them to have Ohio State at #4 and Oregon at #5. Then you move onto Miami at #6 and Georgia’s floor being at #7. Look for Georgia to rise all season. After them, it’s the big teams in the SEC coming in. Texas A&M at #8, Ole Miss at #9, and then LSU and Lane Kiffin at #10.
Now I know a lot of you won’t be saying Roll Tide to this, but Alabama is sitting just outside of the top ten at number 11. Now you have Texas Tech coming off the media spotlight of the Brendan Soresby situation. They pull in at #12. Look for Oklahoma at #13, Penn State at #14 and BYU at #15.
For the next five, let’s go Michigan at #16, USC at #17, Iowa at #18, Utah at #19, and rounding it out SMU at #20.
Last five in The Unlocked Info’s Top 25 Predicted AP Poll, Tennessee at #21, Louisville at #22, Florida at #23, Missouri at #24, and the expected G5 playoff pick, Boise State at #25.
You can expect the actual first poll to drop in late July or early August.
Top Upset Alert Games for This Season
We are always seeing people asking about trap games. You know the games where teams get caught looking ahead. These are the ones we’re looking for good numbers right now to bet on before everyone else gets started thinking about college football.
1. USC at Rutgers (Week 3)
USC makes its first East Coast trip of the season. Rutgers has extra rest. USC struggled on the road last year. This included a loss at Illinois. We’re betting on this game especially if there’s an early start time announced.
2. Indiana at Nebraska (Week 6)
Indiana’s schedule hasn’t been tested so far this season. So back-to-back road games could expose flaws before they face Ohio State and Michigan.
3. Mississippi State at LSU (Week 7)
LSU plays its seventh straight game with no break. Mississippi State comes off a bye. They played several close games last year.
4. BYU at UCF (October 24)
BYU travels 3,600 miles round‑trip after playing Notre Dame. They also have Arizona State and Utah ahead in their schedule. UCF is coming off a bye. This is the perfect definition of a trap game.
5. Arkansas at Texas (Week 12)
Texas is deep into a brutal schedule when they get here. They just may overlook Arkansas. It’s right before they play Texas A&M. Arkansas could treat it like their Super Bowl. Could this be an upset in the making?
The Unlocked Final Thoughts
As we move into July, these early AP Poll predictions and upset alerts give us a clear picture of how the season could open. Nothing is locked in yet, but the trends are already forming. The futures market is reacting fast. Keep an eye on these teams, watch how the voters shift through the month, and stay ready. The first major moves of the 2026 season are coming sooner than people think.
Please continue to follow The Unlocked Info for future updates.