Predicting the final 2025/26 EFL League One table from what we've seen so far | OneFootball

FLW have predicted how the League One standings may look after 46 games

The 2025/26 League One campaign’s opening stages have been unpredictable and exciting.

Pre-season favourites have failed to perform, promoted clubs have shocked spectators and there is still a massive element of intrigue over what will happen next.

Given what we’ve already seen thus far, Football League One have attempted to predict how the League One table will look after 46 matches.

Cardiff City currently hover around the division’s promotion-paying positions and they should have enough to clinch the title.

Stevenage may run them close, but the Bluebirds’ extra quality should get them over the line after 46 matches.

2 Stevenage

Stevenage have been one of the surprise packages of this season’s opening stages and don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Squad depth may let down Alex Revell’s side in their pursuit of the title, but promotion to the Championship is still definitely a realistic possibility.

Huddersfield Town entered this season with expectations sky-high, after a summer of extensive recruitment and have lived up to the billing for the most part.

A few minor defensive inconsistencies will need to be ironed out, but the Terriers look more than capable of remaining in the automatic promotion fight over 46 matches.

Bradford City have kicked off their 2025/26 campaign in flying form after achieving promotion from League Two last term and now look fully capable of fighting for Championship football.

Squad depth may see them lose out to the likes of Cardiff and Huddersfield over 46 games, but Graham Alexander will no doubt still be delighted with a play-off finish.

Lincoln City appear to be another team that have taken a massive step from last season and look to have the quality within their ranks to fight for the play-offs.

The Imps have been progressing under Michael Skubala for multiple seasons now and could be rewarded with a play-off finish for their loyalty.

6 Stockport County

Stockport County entered the 2025/26 campaign as one of the favourites to fight for the title, but haven’t looked competitive enough to do so thus far.

Dave Challinor has quality within his ranks though, and if he can convert a few more draws into victories, another play-off finish should be secured.

7 AFC Wimbledon

Another side promoted from League Two last term, AFC Wimbledon look fearless in their approach to football and have shown real potential to fight for the play-offs this season.

A slight lack of incontinency may cost them a top-six finish, but there is no reason why they can’t be in the hunt based on what we’ve seen so far.

8 Barnsley

Barnsley started their 2025/26 campaign brilliantly, winning seven of their first nine matches to assert themselves as promotion challengers.

However, a poor run of form since then has dropped them out of contention for now and fears over consistency prevent them from featuring any higher on this list.

9 Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers have shown real quality at times, most notably in their derby day triumph over Wigan Athletic, but have struggled to convert draws into victories.

If Steven Schumacher doesn’t fix this issue quickly, it will ultimately prevent the Trotters from challenging for promotion.

Mansfield Town look much more competitive than the team that ended last season and have proven to be one of the third-tier’s most consistent sides so far.