Early predictions for League One in 2025/26 as Plymouth Argyle bounce back and Bradford City surprise us all

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We may be waving goodbye to an absolutely thrilling League One campaign now, but here at EFL Analysis we are always looking ahead, and we’ve put together our predictions for 2025/26 already.

The 2024/25 campaign saw Birmingham City dominate in League One like no team has ever done before, with the Blues registering an EFL record points tally.

Behind them, Wrexham made history by achieving a third-successive promotion against all the odds, and the Red Dragons will now return to the second tier for the first time in 43 years.

We’ve just enjoyed a fascinating battle for the final promotion place through the play-offs, with Nathan Jones and Charlton Athletic securing glory at Wembley at the expense of Leyton Orient.

Meanwhile, down in League Two, some big teams have made the jump up to the third tier, with Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City, Port Vale, and AFC Wimbledon gaining promotion.

With all this in mind, we’ve taken a shot at some early predictions for the League One 2025/26 campaign.

• READ MORE: Charlton and Leyton Orient fans left frustrated by League One play-off final delay, it’s ‘not great for the spectacle’

League One promotion race for 2025/26

Obviously, the three relegated teams from the Championship will be expected to challenge for promotion from League One next season.

Of them, Plymouth Argyle are probably best-placed to get over the line. They’ve got a decent financial foundation, a fairly decent squad, and one of the best managers in the division in Miron Muslic (if he stays, that is).

Luton Town could be in the mix, too. They’ve got another bright manager in Matt Bloomfield, who ironically would probably have steered Wycombe to promotion this year had he stayed put.

Cardiff City, however, look to be in trouble. They still don’t have a new manager and financially Cardiff are not in the strongest position, either. All things considered, the Bluebirds will be lucky to land in midtable.

As for the teams that were challenging at the top this season, Stockport County are sure to compete again, especially if they keep hold of Dave Challinor. Leyton Orient will struggle without their loan stars next season, though, and may have missed their window now.

Meanwhile, Reading and Huddersfield both missed out on the play-offs in 2024/25, but they’ll have renewed optimism ahead of the new campaign. Reading have finally found new owners, while Huddersfield look set to appoint Lee Grant as their new manager. Both teams will be ones to watch.

Finally, we expect Bolton Wanderers to push on and break into the top six next season. They came close this year, and with Steven Schumacher now having a full summer to get his squad in shape, they’ll surely be one of the teams to beat.

Surprise packages for League One next season

After Wrexham’s success this season, it’s impossible to write off any of the promoted teams coming up from League Two. Of them, we’re backing Bradford City to give it a good go, and while they may not trouble the top six just yet, they’ll be in the top half of the table.

Doncaster Rovers ended up being the champions of the fourth tier, and they’ll also be an interesting team to watch. Don’t be surprised to see them in the top 12, either.

As for teams already in the division, we would expect both Wigan Athletic and Barnsley to do better than they did this term, while Blackpool under Steve Bruce are a team we simply cannot rule out of contention.

• READ MORE: Nathan Jones reacts to Charlton Athletic play-off final victory with ‘Premier League gamble’ he took to join club

Relegation battle for League One 2025/26

Down at the bottom, there are a few teams we are really worried about. Burton survived by the skin of their teeth in 2024/25 and will be fighting at the bottom again next season, while Northampton Town are likely to do the same.

Two teams that face a struggle in 2025/26 are Lincoln City and Peterborough United. Neither team set the world alight in the league this season. With Lincoln set to lose Ethan Erhahon and Peterborough losing Kwame Poku and Hector Kyprianou, their depleted squads may be in danger.

The newly-promoted Port Vale should be able to steer clear of danger thanks to the experience of their manager, Darren Moore, who is now celebrating his second promotion (remember that incredible League One success with Sheffield Wednesday?)

AFC Wimbledon may be close to the drop zone, but should just have enough to stay up, though it’ll go down to the wire. Still, given their backstory, you’d be hard-pressed to find a neutral who wouldn’t want them to survive.

Meanwhile, the likes of Mansfield Town and Stevenage will regress next season, with both sides primed for the drop.