complete roundup of the top college football news (March 22–28, 2026)
- lanceoueilhe
- Mar 28
- 5 min read
This covers the offseason/spring practice period for the 2026 season, with key developments in coaching, eligibility, transfers, retirements, and early 2026 previews. I pulled from major sources like ESPN and AP—there aren’t hundreds of daily stories right now (it’s spring ball), but these are all the prominent ones reported in the last 7 days. You can copy-paste the summaries/headlines directly into your blog posts, with links for full reads and proper attribution.March 27, 2026
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss clears major legal hurdle to play in 2026
A Mississippi Supreme Court panel rejected the NCAA’s appeal, boosting Chambliss’ chances of playing for the Rebels next season.
espn.com +1
2026 college football SP+ rankings released for all 138 FBS teams
ESPN’s Bill Connelly dropped early projections and advanced metrics looking ahead to the 2026 season.
Latest NFL Draft buzz (college players focus): Ty Simpson’s pro day, Jeremiyah Love’s ceiling, plus Mel Kiper’s updated Big Board and a former NFL GM’s must-draft list.
March 26, 2026
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti rips transfer Nick Marsh over gold cleats
Coach Cignetti had a blunt “welcome to Indiana” message for the transfer, telling him to ditch the flashy gold shoes.
espn.com +1
Oregon State AD Scott Barnes to retire in August
Long-time athletic director Scott Barnes announced his retirement after nearly 10 years.
espn.com +1
Alabama QB Ty Simpson declares he’s ‘absolutely’ a first-round NFL Draft pick
Simpson made the bold statement after his pro day workout.
espn.com +1
Ranking of college football coaches and teams likely to improve (or decline) in 2026
Early analysis of which programs and coaches are poised for big jumps.
March 25–24, 2026
Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke sues NCAA for extra year of eligibility
With key April deadlines looming, the player is fighting for another season.
Lane Kiffin: ‘Ton of work’ remains to turn around LSU as spring practice opens
New head coach Kiffin addressed high expectations during the Tigers’ first spring sessions.
espn.com +1
Illinois makes OC Barry Lunney Jr. the highest-paid assistant in school history
New 3-year deal for the offensive coordinator.
Which college football teams, coaches, and players have the most to prove in 2026?
ESPN breakdown of high-pressure programs and individuals heading into the season.
Arthur Smith joins Ohio State staff – respect for Ryan Day was a big factor
The former NFL coach’s move to the Buckeyes.
Bonus early spring context (still relevant for your blog): Multiple programs (LSU, Louisville, Memphis, Cal, Boston College, etc.) opened spring practices in the last 1–2 weeks, with ongoing coverage of depth charts, QB battles, and new coaches.
Image for your blog (royalty-free style action shot perfect for a header or featured image):
LSU spring practice under new coach Lane Kiffin
(D1 FCS) and lower-division (D2, D3, NAIA) coverage.
Spring practice is in full swing across the subdivisions, so the focus this week was on team workouts, positional battles, previews, and early 2026 schedule drops. I’ve pulled the top stories from major FCS/D2/D3 sources. Copy-paste these directly into your blog (with attribution/links). I’ve kept FBS light since you already have last week’s top hits.FCS (D1 Football Championship Subdivision) News
Montana State Bobcats open spring practice as defending FCS champs
The 2026 FCS title winners (first since 1984) kicked off drills this week with QB battles and offensive line focus under new coordinator Pete Sterbick. Early buzz: Can they three-peat?
Full preview: SI.com FCS Spring Preview | NBC Montana
si.com +1
Southeastern Louisiana Lions wrap spring practice with Super Lion Saturday showcase
SLU closed out their 15 practices with a fan-friendly scrimmage in Hammond. Depth chart updates and new schemes highlighted the session.
Full story: Lions Athletics | American Press
an17.com +1
FCS Transfer Portal Top 30 Classes (updated this week)
Tarleton State and Tennessee Tech lead early rankings; full list dropped March 25–28 with analysis of portal hauls for 2026 contenders.
Full rankings: SI.com
HBCU spring games approaching — full April slate released
Multiple FCS HBCU programs (MEAC/SWAC) gearing up for public spring showcases.
Story: HBCU Sports
Bonus FCS context: Abilene Christian (UAC champs) and others continue 12-practice spring windows; 12-game regular season confirmed for 2026.Lower Divisions (D2, D3, NAIA) News
Ferris State (D2) releases 2026 football schedule
Reigning D2 national champs dropped their full slate — six home games at Top Taggart Field plus early playoff rematch vibes.
Full release: Ferris State Athletics
D3 2026 schedules rolling out — massive non-conference matchups
North Central (IL) and Wartburg headline early-season clashes; 50%+ of D3 schedules now live with WIAC and CCIW highlights.
Full updates: D3football.com
D2/D3 NFL Draft buzz
Early lists of D2 & D3 players who could hear their names called in April’s 2026 NFL Draft (small-school sleepers).
Stories: FloFootball D2 | FloFootball D3
NAIA notes: Coach carousel heating up (18 teams with new HCs for 2026); early polls and all-star game invites (Culver-Stockton standout at Hula Bowl). No major breaking stories this exact week, but realignment chatter continues.
Montana State spring practice setup — defending FCS champs on the field.
Southeastern Louisiana Lions team meeting — wrapping spring ball in style.
Montana State QB in action — 2026 FCS preview gold.
UW-River Falls D3 champs celebration — lower-division inspiration.
D3 football in full stride — ready for your blog carousel.
Social Media Captions (ready to copy-paste for X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads — emoji + hashtags optimized for reach):
X/Instagram (Montana State): "Defending FCS champs are BACK! Montana State opened spring practice this week — three-peat loading? Who’s your 2026 favorite? #FCSFootball #MontanaState"
Instagram (SLU): "Super Lion Saturday vibes! Southeastern Louisiana wrapped spring practice with a fan showcase. New schemes looking sharp #SLUFootball #FCS"
X (FCS Transfers): "FCS Transfer Portal Top 30 just dropped — Tarleton State & Tennessee Tech cooking early! Full rankings in bio. Who’s your sleeper? #TransferPortal #FCS2026"
Facebook (HBCU Spring): "HBCU spring games are coming in April! Which FCS program are you most excited to see? Drop your pick below #HBCUFootball #SpringBall"
Instagram (D2 Ferris State): "Reigning D2 champs Ferris State just dropped their 2026 schedule Six home games + playoff energy. Full slate linked! #D2Football #FerrisState"
X (D3 Schedules): "D3 2026 schedules are LIVE — North Central vs Wartburg rematch alert! Non-conference fire incoming. #D3Football #StaggBowl"
Threads (NFL Draft buzz): "Small-school heroes: 10 D2 + D3 players who could shock the 2026 NFL Draft. Underdog story season is here! Link in bio. #NFLDraft #SmallSchoolBall"
Instagram Reel (General): "Spring practice across FCS, D2 & D3 is HEATING UP! Which division are you locked in on for 2026? Tag a friend #CollegeFootball #SpringFootball"
