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With the League One season already underway last weekend, Jamie McCreedy has given his league table for the 2025/26 season, starting at the bottom.
24. AFC Wimbledon
After promotion via the play-offs last season, life in League One will come as a shock. However, with an opening day defeat to promotion favourites Luton, they will take some hope from that game.
23. Northampton Town
Northampton have been struggling as of late. Only two wins in the final ten last season left the side pandering around the relegation places, and with a severe lack of depth, the club will be in for a long season. However, the Cobblers have signed well, with Elliott List looking to return to his previous form when he helped Stevenage survive relegation seasons ago.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Jack Baldwin of Northampton Town in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town FC and Charlton Athletic FC at Sixfields on December 21, 2024 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
22. Port Vale
Despite achieving promotion last season, Vale scored 65 goals and conceded 46. They have a great shot-stopper in Ben Amos, but it looks like the side won’t be changing too much as their activity in the transfer market has been underwhelming.
21. Bradford City
Newcomers Bradford are a big club at this level. They will shock you too, having battled well against the sides at the top and losing to sides in or around the relegation spots. The defence is average, meaning they will be even more prone to concessions with the jump up.
20. Mansfield Town
Having remained low in the table last year, a repeat of things is to come for Mansfield this season. Liam Roberts has joined from Millwall and looks to be the starter between the sticks. He kept eight clean sheets in 23/24 when playing for Barnsley, making 38 league appearances that campaign.
19. Burton Albion
Burton have struggled as of late — a series of managers and instability on and off the pitch. They remained in League One by the narrowest of margins and things can’t get much worse. To give them some hope, they saw a huge number of newcomers join last campaign, and towards the end of last season, improvements were glimmering through. They have beaten Mansfield in the opening game — a sign of things to come, perhaps.
18. Doncaster Rovers
In what would be quite some return to League One after a promotion-winning season last time out, Doncaster will look to stabilise and remain as far away from relegation as possible. Too good for the division below, but the experience of players like Billy Sharp will be vital to keep them on track.
17. Exeter City
A young squad that is determined to prove themselves — and that starts in goal with the exciting prospect of Joe Whitworth. Having signed no one over the age of 26, this side will be fuelled by passion and a manager who has experience in the division above.
LINCOLN, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Joe Whitworth of Exeter City reacts at the final whistle following the Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City FC and Exeter City FC at LNER Stadium on March 22, 2025 in Lincoln, England. (Photo by Chris Vaughan/Getty Images)
16. Peterborough United
The side has that big-club mentality that has pulled them out of struggling situations. However, that mentality will drop if they carry on last season’s form into the new campaign. They have spent money, unlike some of the sides above. Declan Frith joins the side after a stint in Switzerland, where the winger looked promising.
15. Huddersfield Town
The highs of the Premier League to the lower half of League One is quite some fall for the side. Alfie May is beyond proven, having scored 16 times for Birmingham last season. With the appointment of Lee Grant as manager, there is potential to become a powerhouse of the division and rise back up the ranks.
14. Rotherham United
Rotherham’s form got worse towards the end of last season, and it’s something that has to be addressed. With the loan signing of Daniel Gore from Manchester United, he is a promising talent who will want to show his ability. However, the side let go of some quality players like Clarke-Harris, who is a proven goal scorer.
13. Barnsley
David McGoldrick is proving age is just a number, having scored 17 goals for Notts County last season. With Conor Hourihane impressing as interim manager, the side secured him as the permanent boss.
12. Wigan Athletic
After ending the season unbeaten in the last eight, Wigan will look to steer clear of off-pitch issues and focus on remaining stable on the pitch. If their end-of-season form is continued into this campaign, then Wigan could push even higher up the table, having done well against sides higher up last season.
11. Cardiff City
Cardiff now see the Premier League as a distant memory, and mid-table will become all but familiar if they don’t improve up front. A valuation of fifteen million euros came as departures left for free or low fees — including Aaron Ramsey.
10. Plymouth Argyle
New season, new league and new manager. It’s Tom Cleverley’s mission to return the side to the Championship at the first time of asking, but that will be tough. However, the former Watford boss is the fifth manager to join within the last two seasons, proving it’s a pressurising job that lacks board trust.
9. Stevenage
As most sides do, Stevenage struggle to gain possession — with the average per game being 46.9%. However, they kept the sixth-highest number of clean sheets (17), but they do struggle going forward with a limited number of options.
8. Lincoln City
Lincoln are among the lowest for possession in games, however they create enough chances in 90 minutes. Last season they intercepted the highest amount per game, but on average conceded 13 fouls a game.
7. Bolton Wanderers
With a history of falling short when it matters most, Bolton are itching for a promotion push. They are incredibly competitive, scoring from all over the pitch. Wanderers have a great record in possession, and they just need to clear things up at the back in order for a successful campaign.
6. Luton Town
Luton fans expect promotion after two successive relegations — and who can blame them?! Simply put, the Hatters conceded too many times and didn’t score often enough. It’s clear where changes need to be made.
5. Reading
For a club with an exceptional history — and last season providing a late play-off push — Reading will look to dominate the league and return to the Championship. The side is young, but they do lack the depth needed for a continuous push.
4. Wycombe Wanderers
Richard Kone set the league alight last season, and he has been eyed up by other clubs. Wycombe were just brilliant all over the pitch — they scored, were steady at the back, and were consistent in doing so. If Kone departs, then the club can look towards Daniel Udoh as a short-term option.
3. Blackpool
Steve Bruce brings experience, and if they continue with the form from the end of last season, then they are in for a treat. Ashley Fletcher is reliable and poses a threat for the opposition. Creativity is certainly lacking in the side, but a promotion season looks possible.
BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 2: Blackpool manager Steve Bruce protests after Stevenage were awarded a penalty during the Sky Bet League One match between Blackpool and Stevenage at Bloomfield Road on August 2, 2025 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images)
2. Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient ended last season in some form, missing out on the play-offs for a chance at second-tier football. Losing Charlie Kelman could prove vital, and they have already lost to Huddersfield — a side they should brush aside.
1. Stockport County
Pressure would be a big factor for Stockport if they are not champions come next year. They have retained manager Dave Challinor and have broken their transfer record bringing in Malik Mothersille, who was vital for Peterborough last season. They also find the back of the net frequently enough to be crowned champions.
