2026 Offseason Outlook 

 Previewing each team's biggest offseason storylines

By: Anton Hof

6/1/2026 at 5:00 PM

 The 2026 offseason is upon us. Up next is the rookie draft and the beginning of free agency. All 14 teams have championship aspirations. Now is the time to maneuver into the best roster, players and picks, to make those dreams a reality. 

1. Minnesota 

Picks: 1.01 - 1.07 - 3.01 - 3.02 - 3.12 

Projected Cap Space: $12k 

Preview: Winning the Jeremiah Love sweepstakes is a fun way to start the offseason. Pairing him with Justin Jefferson will create quite the core. Limited cap space means nailing the 1.07 will determine if a playoff push is possible or if another rebuilding season lies ahead. 

2. Oklahoma 

Picks: 1.02 - 2.02 

Projected Cap Space: $28k 

Preview: Oklahoma gets to add a premium talent to the team with the 1.02 pick. Does the Baltimore duo get traded this offseason? It would take a haul, but the Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley trades of last offseason serve as a blueprint for how Oklahoma could find themselves with a stockpile of picks. This could set the team up for sustained long-term success. 

3. Wisconsin 

Picks: 1.03 - 1.13 - 3.11 

Projected Cap Space: $28k 

Preview: Wisconsin took a step back in 2025 after being competitive for a playoff spot for the prior two seasons. The biggest need is finding an RB2 to fill the current black hole at that position. An exciting pick with the 1.03 provides a chance to jump back into competing for a playoff spot. 

4. Maryland 

Picks: 1.04 - 1.12 - 2.04 - 3.07 

Projected Cap Space: $91k 

Preview: Maryland has hit the reset button on their previous championship roster. They hold the most available cap space and multiple first round picks. This roster has holes across the starting lineup to fill, so it will take some savvy to get this roster back to where it once was. 

5. Alaska 

Picks: 1.05 - 2.11 - 3.09 

Projected Cap Space: $29k 

Preview: Alaska enters its first season with dreams of doing what the former Ohio team never could and reach the playoffs. A deep roster makes this a possibility sooner rather than later. However, any playoff hopes lie in finding competent QB play. Mendoza in the draft paired with Willis or Brissett in free agency seems to be the likely play. 

6. Washington 

Picks: 1.06 - 2.05 - 2.06 - 3.05 - 3.06 

Projected Cap Space: $31k 

Preview: Washington will be fun to watch this offseason. Embrace the rebuild by trading away from the RB group, push for contention by trading some picks, or stand pat to grow organically all present intriguing arguments for this team. Tied for the most picks in the draft while still having 4 future first round picks after this draft signals lots of young talent on the way. 

7. Iowa 

Picks: 2.01 - 2.07 

Projected Cap Space: $38k 

Preview: The George Pickens trade left Iowa without a first-round pick in this year’s draft. While giving up a lottery pick always has the potential to sting, Iowa would make that trade again in a heartbeat as they were nearly able to go on their first playoff run. A big offseason awaits as they look to capitalize on last season’s momentum and make their first postseason appearance.  

8. Virginia 

Picks: 2.08 - 3.08 - 3.13 - 3.14 

Projected Cap Space: $35k 

Preview: How Virginia will address the WR position is the big question of their offseason. A potential all-in season awaits them as Jonathan Taylor is on his final franchise tag. One of four teams without a first round pick limits the ceiling on new talent from the draft, which leads to a critical free agency and trade market. 

9. Texas 

Picks: 1.09 - 2.03 

Projected Cap Space: $77k 

Preview: Texas and Michigan both reached the playoffs in year one as an expansion team. This quick jump to contention showed that both teams are ahead of schedule. However, both teams enter the offseason with the same glaring need, QB. Three teams in the ACL don’t have a starting QB plus potential dark horses could be looking at making an upgrade at the highest scoring roster spot. A bidding war lies ahead for the top free agent in the class, Justin Herbert. Texas turning down a $31k tag could prove to be a mistake as he’ll likely go for more due to the shortage of talent and the abundance of available cash across the league. 

10. California 

Picks: 2.14 - 3.10 

Projected Cap Space: -$4k 

Recap: The only team over the cap heading into the offseason. California has a talented roster that doesn’t need major additions as they hope to bounce back from an underperforming 2025. Changes are ahead to maneuver under the cap before the season starts. The picks should service as taxi squad filler. 

11. Michigan 

Picks: 1.11 - 1.14 - 2.09 - 2.10 

Projected Cap Space: $77k 

Recap: Michigan finds itself in a similar boat to Texas. Lots of cap space provide ample opportunity to go big game hunting in free agency. A couple of first-round picks will add some more talent to the roster. 

12. Vermont 

Picks: 1.10 - 2.12 

Projected Cap Space: $36k 

Recap: Vermont made the jump from sleeper rebuilding team to championship contender in 2025. Now it's time to find what that move is to put them over the top. Depth across the board hints that a move for a star could be in the works. 

13. South Dakota 

Picks: 1.08 - 3.03 - 3.04 

Projected Cap Space: $11k 

Recap: South Dakota looks to bounce back after falling short in the championship game. A near lottery pick opens multiple pathways towards adding meaningful talent to the roster either with an exciting prospect or a trade for a veteran. A team built to win now, expect them to be proactive in seeking out a way to get them over the top in this team’s current window of contention.  

14. Arizona 

Picks: None 

Projected Cap Space: $19k 

Recap: Arizona returns the majority of its players from its championship run last season. Minimal draft capital and limited cap space make any major additions unlikely. This team has proven to be aggressive in player acquisition so expect some moves to still be made.