2026/27 EFL League One Predictions
The 2026/27 EFL League One season looks set to be one of the most fascinating campaigns in the division for some time.
There is an incredibly strong collection of clubs competing in the third tier this season, including former Premier League champions Leicester City, recently relegated Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Luton Town, Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield Town and Reading.
Leicester's arrival is particularly shocking. The Foxes were Premier League champions just over a decade ago but have suffered back-to-back relegations and will begin their first League One campaign since 2008/09. They have appointed Russell Martin as manager in an attempt to reset the club.
Sheffield Wednesday have also undergone major changes following their relegation from the Championship, including a change of ownership and a substantial overhaul of their squad. Louie Barry is among the notable arrivals.
At the other end, Bromley are beginning their first-ever season in League One after winning the League Two title, while Cambridge United have returned to the third tier after promotion. Notts County have also returned to League One after winning the League Two play-offs.
So, who will go up, who will make the play-offs and who will drop into League Two?
Here are my predictions for the final 2026/27 EFL League One table, starting with 24th.
24th – Burton Albion
Burton Albion have spent the last two seasons fighting at the bottom of League One, finishing one place above the relegation zone on both occasions.
That makes another difficult campaign a concern, particularly as the Brewers have not dramatically changed their position in the pecking order during the summer.
Corey Addai has arrived in goal and is regarded as an upgrade, but there are questions over whether Matthew Dennis can replace the goals provided by Jake Beesley.
Burton's experience of surviving relegation battles could prove valuable, but I think this is the year they finally run out of room.
Prediction: 24th
23rd – Leyton Orient
This is one of my biggest calls.
Leyton Orient finished 20th last season, narrowly avoiding relegation, but I think they will find themselves in even greater danger this time around.
Richie Wellens remains in charge and Orient have been active in the transfer market. Fin Stevens, Joseph Olowu and Isaac Hayden have all arrived, adding experience and defensive strength.
The major concern is the departure of Dom Ballard, who provided a significant number of their goals last season. Orient have attempted to address that by making Jaze Kabia their club-record signing after his arrival from Grimsby Town.
They have also added Tottenham youngster Yusuf Akhamrich on loan for the season.
There is clearly a desire to improve on last season, but I am not convinced the changes will be enough.
Prediction: 23rd
22nd – Cambridge United
Cambridge United return to League One after winning automatic promotion from League Two.
Neil Harris remains in charge and Cambridge have looked to add experience to a squad that already contains talented players such as Ben Knight.
The club have signed players with League One experience as they attempt to make the step back up without undergoing a complete rebuild.
However, the jump from League Two is considerable, and Cambridge have been identified among the clubs facing a genuine relegation battle.
I think they will compete hard but ultimately fall short.
Prediction: 22nd
21st – AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon enjoyed a memorable 2025/26 campaign but I expect the new season to be considerably more difficult.
The Dons survived in League One and have had a relatively quiet summer in terms of recruitment.
Jayden Stockley provides an experienced option in attack and gives Wimbledon a proven source of goals, but the overall squad remains one of the more modest in the division.
With several clubs around them possessing greater financial resources and deeper squads, survival will be the priority.
I think Wimbledon will be involved in the relegation fight throughout the season.
Prediction: 21st
20th – Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic narrowly avoided relegation last season and have brought Gary Caldwell back to the club for a second spell.
Caldwell returned in February 2026 after leaving Exeter City and was tasked with keeping Wigan in League One. He previously managed the club between 2015 and 2017 and led them to the League One title during his first spell.
The summer has been focused on younger players, with Wigan attempting to build rather than make a large number of expensive additions.
Caldwell's previous experience should help, but Wigan still have plenty to prove after last season's relegation battle.
Prediction: 20th
19th – Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster returned to League One last season and achieved a comfortable mid-table finish.
Grant McCann remains in charge and the club have an opportunity to build on that first campaign back in the division.
One of the notable additions is goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, who has joined on loan from Stoke City. He gained Championship and League One experience with Stoke before making the move to Doncaster.
Doncaster should be capable of competing, but I do not see enough to push them towards the top half.
Prediction: 19th
18th – Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town finished in mid-table last season and continue to be managed by Nigel Clough.
Clough is now one of the longest-serving managers in English professional football, and the club have maintained that continuity going into the new campaign.
The Stags have also added considerable experience to their attack. David McGoldrick and Michael Smith form a new-look strike partnership with a combined age of 72.
That experience could prove valuable, but I think Mansfield will struggle to reproduce some of their better performances from previous seasons.
Prediction: 18th
17th – Peterborough United
Peterborough are one of the most difficult clubs to predict because their recruitment model remains heavily focused on young players.
The club have a strong reputation for developing and selling talent, but that does not always translate into consistent success at League One level.
Peterborough were involved in the relegation battle last season and will be looking for a considerably more consistent campaign.
There is plenty of potential in the squad, but I think they will remain in the bottom half.
Prediction: 17th
16th – Notts County
Notts County are back in League One after winning promotion through the play-offs.
Martin Paterson deserves credit for getting the club back into the third tier for the first time since 2014/15. However, the squad has changed considerably during the summer.
Notts County's recruitment continues to follow their statistics-based model, but the departure of prolific striker Alassana Jatta is a significant loss. They have also brought in players with League Two experience.
I think they will survive, but only just.
Prediction: 16th
15th – Bromley
Bromley are my surprise package.
The Ravens won the League Two title last season and will now play in League One for the first time in their history.
Andy Woodman remains in charge and has already demonstrated that he can get the best out of his players, but Bromley face an enormous jump in quality.
They do not possess the resources of many of the clubs around them, and there are legitimate questions about whether they can maintain their momentum at the higher level.
Nevertheless, I think the momentum from last season, combined with the continuity of Woodman's management, will carry them through.
Rather than becoming involved in a relegation battle, I am backing Bromley to surprise a few people.
Prediction: 15th
14th – Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe have plenty of experience of competing towards the upper end of League One, but I think they will settle into mid-table this season.
Michael Duff is now settled in the Wycombe hotseat and has the opportunity to build on the foundations left by Steve Cook. Cook himself remains an important experienced presence at the back after joining on a free transfer.
The club have enough quality to avoid trouble, but the competition for the play-offs is particularly strong.
I expect Wycombe to be safe without seriously challenging for promotion.
Prediction: 14th
13th – Barnsley
Barnsley finished 15th last season after recovering from a difficult campaign.
Daniel Stendel has returned to Oakwell for a second spell, replacing Conor Hourihane.
Stendel will work with a relatively young squad, with players such as Reyes Cleary and Vimal Yoganathan among those expected to develop further.
The club's focus on youth could eventually pay dividends, but I think another season of consolidation is more likely.
Prediction: 13th
12th – Reading
Reading finished 12th last season and begin the new campaign with Leam Richardson still in charge.
Richardson took over during the previous campaign and has now had more time to establish his methods. The club have also brought in former Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman as Richardson's assistant.
Reading's summer recruitment has included Josh Stokes, Jacob Brown and Udoka, while academy players such as Kyreece Lisbie and Daniel Kyerewaa are also expected to have opportunities.
There is optimism that Richardson can introduce a more attacking style, but squad depth remains a concern.
I think Reading will improve but remain outside the play-offs.
Prediction: 12th
11th – Stevenage
Stevenage have established themselves as a competitive League One club and I expect another solid campaign.
Alex Revell remains in charge and has already demonstrated his ability to work with the resources available to him.
There have been some notable departures, including Charlie Goode and Harvey White, but Stevenage have a clear identity and a manager capable of getting the most out of his squad.
I do not see Stevenage being dragged into the relegation battle, but the competition above them is too strong for a play-off challenge.
Prediction: 11th
10th – Oxford United
Oxford United return to League One after relegation from the Championship.
Matt Bloomfield left the club during the summer and former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been appointed as his replacement. It is Ramsey's first permanent managerial role.
Oxford's summer has been complicated by an EFL transfer embargo, which restricted their ability to strengthen the squad. Frankie Kent also suffered an ACL injury shortly after signing, adding to the defensive concerns.
There is considerable interest in seeing how Ramsey performs in his first full managerial position.
I think Oxford will be competitive but not quite strong enough for the play-offs.
Prediction: 10th
9th – Bradford City
Bradford City narrowly missed out on promotion last season after reaching the League One play-offs.
Graham Alexander remains in charge and has continued to develop a side that has been particularly strong at home. Bradford won 15 of their 23 home league matches last season.
The Bantams have made changes to their squad during the summer, including the arrival of Callum Connolly and midfielder Adam Phillips.
After going so close last season, Bradford should again be competitive, but I think they will fall just outside the play-off places.
Prediction: 9th
8th – MK Dons
MK Dons are back in League One after promotion and have wasted little time strengthening their squad.
The club have recruited players with significant experience at this level, including Ryan Wintle, Cohen Bramall, Dan Barlaser, Sam Silvera and Sam Nombe.
Wintle is particularly notable after captaining Cardiff City to promotion to the Championship last season. He made 46 appearances in all competitions for Cardiff and was named their Player of the Year.
That level of recruitment suggests MK Dons are not simply aiming for survival.
I think they can go straight into the play-off places.
Prediction: 8th
7th – Stockport County
Stockport County were beaten in the League One play-off final last season, ending their hopes of back-to-back promotions.
The major change this summer has been in the dugout. Jimmy McNulty has replaced Dave Challinor after Challinor's long spell in charge.
McNulty has brought a greater emphasis on recruiting young players, while Stockport have also retained experience. Ben Osborn has returned permanently after impressing on loan and Eoghan O'Connell has joined on a free transfer.
There is enough quality to remain near the top of the table, but the managerial change could take time to settle.
I expect Stockport to make the play-offs.
Prediction: 7th
6th – Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town finished ninth last season but enter 2026/27 with a new permanent head coach.
Martin Drury was appointed after taking caretaker charge at the end of the previous campaign. He is assisted by former Huddersfield striker Jon Stead.
The club have recruited Matty Young on loan from Sunderland and signed Ashley Fletcher, giving them additional quality at both ends of the pitch.
Drury is taking on his first senior managerial role, but he has surrounded himself with experienced coaches.
I think Huddersfield can improve on last season and secure a play-off position.
Prediction: 6th
5th – Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth finished eighth last season and narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Tom Cleverley remains in charge and has now had a full season to establish his approach at Home Park.
The Pilgrims lost striker Lorent Tolaj to Bristol City, but have attempted to replace that attacking threat, including the recruitment of Mansfield striker Will Evans. Alex Mitchell has also returned permanently after an impressive loan spell.
Cleverley's side were particularly strong during the final part of last season, losing only two of their final 16 league matches.
I expect Plymouth to take another step forward and challenge for automatic promotion.
Prediction: 5th
4th – Blackpool
Blackpool are another side I expect to improve, although their summer recruitment has been relatively quiet.
The Tangerines finished in mid-table last season and will need to find greater consistency if they are to compete for promotion.
Their transfer activity has not suggested a dramatic change in approach, with the club avoiding a major spending spree.
That makes fourth place something of an optimistic prediction, but Blackpool have the infrastructure and experience of League One to compete.
I expect them to secure a play-off place.
Prediction: 4th
3rd – Luton Town
Luton Town are one of my strongest promotion candidates.
The Hatters finished seventh last season after returning to League One, missing the play-offs by a single point, but they did win the EFL Trophy.
Jack Wilshere now has another season of management under his belt and has had time to establish his style.
Luton have strengthened with Kasey Palmer joining permanently, while Callum Marshall has also arrived. George Johnston, Harrison Ashby and Emilio Lawrence are among the other additions.
After the experience of last season, I think Luton will be considerably stronger and finish third.
Prediction: 3rd
2nd – Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday are my prediction to finish second.
The Owls endured a miserable 2025/26 campaign both on and off the pitch and were relegated from the Championship. The club subsequently experienced a change in ownership and a major squad overhaul.
Henrik Pedersen is now in charge and the club have made a significant number of additions.
The signing of Louie Barry is particularly eye-catching. Barry joined from Aston Villa and has signed a contract running until 2030, with a further option.
Callum Slattery, Sil Swinkels, Joe Lumley, Harry Gray and Mason Burstow are among the other players added to the squad.
There are still obvious questions after everything that happened last season, but the resources available to Wednesday at this level should make them one of the leading promotion candidates.
I think they will finish second – narrowly missing out on the title.
Prediction: 2nd
1st – Leicester City
Leicester City are my prediction to win League One.
It is extraordinary to think that Leicester were Premier League champions only a decade ago, but after two successive relegations they now find themselves in England's third tier for the first time since 2008/09.
Russell Martin has been appointed manager and has been tasked with rebuilding a club that has experienced significant turmoil.
Many of Leicester's highest earners have left, but there remains considerable quality within the squad. Harry Souttar and Stephy Mavididi are among the experienced players available to Martin, while the club also have a number of promising young players who could receive greater opportunities in League One.
There is also significant uncertainty away from the pitch. Leicester's owners have reportedly been seeking a buyer, with the club having suffered major financial losses and a six-point deduction last season.
Despite that turmoil, I think League One will provide Leicester with the opportunity to reset.
The Foxes have too much quality to spend another season in the third tier and I expect Martin to guide them back towards the Championship at the first attempt.
The title race with Sheffield Wednesday should be close, but I am backing Leicester to edge it.
Prediction: 1st
My final 2026/27 EFL League One table
| Position | Club |
|---|---|
| 1st | Leicester City |
| 2nd | Sheffield Wednesday |
| 3rd | Luton Town |
| 4th | Blackpool |
| 5th | Plymouth Argyle |
| 6th | Huddersfield Town |
| 7th | Stockport County |
| 8th | MK Dons |
| 9th | Bradford City |
| 10th | Oxford United |
| 11th | Stevenage |
| 12th | Reading |
| 13th | Barnsley |
| 14th | Wycombe Wanderers |
| 15th | Bromley |
| 16th | Notts County |
| 17th | Peterborough United |
| 18th | Mansfield Town |
| 19th | Doncaster Rovers |
| 20th | Wigan Athletic |
| 21st | AFC Wimbledon |
| 22nd | Cambridge United |
| 23rd | Leyton Orient |
| 24th | Burton Albion |
