League One / 1-24 Predictions

Hi everyone, it's time for my League One 1-24 predictions and after plenty of research, I think we have a cracking season ahead in probably the toughest league to predict this season.

But here goes...

1. Luton Town (League One Champions!)

It feels like a snake‑and‑ladders ride for Luton Town: going from League Two to the Premier League, and now back down to League One. Losing Thelo Aasgaard, who arguably could've been the league’s best player this season, to Rangers is a big blow - but the arrivals of George Saville, along with forward options like Nahki Wells and still having Jacob Brown, give them real firepower. If further signings arrive, I see Luton as champions.

Nahki Wells joined on a free transfer from Bristol City.

2. Huddersfield Town

There's a bit of the unknown factor with Lee Grant taking charge, but they’ve recruited well. The standout transfer is Alfie May, who joins Dion Charles up front - expect goals. Ryan Ledson takes over the captain’s armband after arriving from Preston. That spine of experience and attacking flair gives Huddersfield a solid base to push for promotion.

3. Bolton Wanderers

Bolton look like one of the most dangerous attacking teams in League One. Thierry Gale and Amario Cozier-Duberry bring width and creativity, while Mason Burstow and John McAtee add goals down the middle. The midfield arrival of Joel Randall and other reinforcements like Ethan Erhahon from Lincoln complete a squad brimming with energy. Big season ahead.

4. Stockport County

Love this Stockport side, and especially Dave Challinor - but can they retain him? If they do, this squad has the consistency and cohesion to finish even higher. A few smart moves made them stronger going into the season, and could see them challenging for the title if stability with the manager remains.

5. Cardiff City

Cardiff have a player yet to fulfil his potential in Rubin Colwill - I think this is the season he breaks out. Brian Barry-Murphy arrives as manager, and whispers of a Gareth Bale‑linked takeover add intrigue. They would have the resources and ability to push right to the top if the new structure comes together.

6. Blackpool

Steve Bruce is back at his best - always a manager capable of turning things around in the EFL. Losing Rob Apter hurts, but the forward duo of Ashley Fletcher and Niall Ennis give them solid firepower. Defensively manageable, and with experience at the back, I think a play‑off place is realistic.

7. Bradford City

Manager Graham Alexander penned an extension and that continuity matters. Max Power arrives in midfield to replace Richie Smallwood, while Stephen Humphrys, Ibou Touray, and Curtis Tilt bring know‑how. A brilliant home support and a couple more signings before the window shuts, and I think they will be in the mix.

8. Leyton Orient

Richie Wellens is one of the best managers in the league when it comes to building teams. They lost key loanees Jamie Donley and Charlie Kelman, but adding Demetri Mitchell from Exeter brings pace and potential. Orient could surge again - and Wellens might just end up with a bigger job if it all clicks.

9. Barnsley

The signing of David McGoldrick - a true EFL legend - means goal threat is sorted. But I’m not entirely convinced by Conor Hourihane as boss; a poor start could shake the dugout early and lead to a change. Even so, McGoldrick’s contribution with goals and assists could see them competing in the play‑off spots.

10. Wycombe Wanderers

Manager Mike Dodds is yet to convince me, and there’s a question mark over talisman Richard Kone’s future. Recruitment hasn’t really inspired confidence, so I’m banking on a top‑half finish rather than a play‑off push. If form dips, this could go pear‑shaped quickly.

11. Doncaster Rovers

Billy Sharp, even at 39, can still find the net in League One. Matty Pearson adds aerial threat and solidity at the back, as well as a few goals. Under Grant McCann, Doncaster have some character in midfield and fight in defence - expect them to be solid around mid‑table.

12. Plymouth Argyle

This will be a baptism of fire for Tom Cleverley, tasked with revival after last season’s chaos. Losing Ryan Hardie stings, and the transfer window hasn't inspired. I think Plymouth will struggle compared to expectations unless new arrivals improve the starting XI.

13. Reading FC

I’ve got a feeling Noel Hunt will surprise people this season. Despite losing Harvey Knibbs and Amadou Mbengue, the signing of Mark O’Mahony from Brighton is intriguing - he’s a striker who could score here. Just need more depth, but Reading might outperform expectations with Lewis Wing and Charlie Savage still at the club.

14. Mansfield Town

With Nigel Clough still in charge, Mansfield are steady - maybe slightly better than last year’s 17th place finish. They’ve made sensible but muted signings. Don’t expect flashy football, but I do expect stability and a season looking upward rather than downward.

15. Stevenage FC

14th place finish last campaign, with little sign of a shake‑up this summer. Filip Marschall in goal is decent, and Jamie Reid is scoring again - but overall they look like a mirror of last year: settled, safe, but not spectacular.

16. Lincoln City

Ethan Erhahon leaving hurts, and while Sonny Bradley strengthens defence, the rest of summer recruitment hasn’t convinced. Michael Skubala will need bigger help in midfield and attack to push them forward. As it stands, I expect them to tread water.

17. Rotherham United

If Dan Gore can stay fit during his second loan, he could be a breakthrough star. But past injuries cast doubt. The rest of the Steve Evans squad remains - replacement of high earners with hungry youth is key. An average season looks probable.

18. Wigan Athletic

This feels shaky. Paul Mullin is a marquee signing but eats up budget, and I’m not convinced he’s the answer. Dara Costelloe could add spark, but after seasons of stagnation, I can see trouble for Wigan. If they start badly, questioning of Ryan Lowe is likely.

19. Peterborough United

Huge losses in Kwame Poku, Tayo Edun, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Hector Kyprianou leave gaps. Their owner Darragh MacAnthony is savvy, but backup quality is missing. This one’s a relegation scrap unless reinforcements arrive fast.

20. Northampton Town

Kevin Nolan has cleared the decks, and I rate the signing of Tyrese Fornah from Salford. But Nolan admits multiple areas still need strengthening. If Tom Eaves is their main goal threat, that’s a worry. Big weeks ahead there.

21. Port Vale

They’ve got goals that others around them don't in Jayden Stockley and Lorent Tolaj, but I’m unconvinced by Darren Moore - talented manager at the top of a division, but not always effective. They may surprise.

22. Burton Albion

Last season’s survival was a managerial masterclass by Gary Bowyer, but losing Rumarn Burrell is a hit. Still feel they’ll be in a relegation scrap again. Keeping them up this season won’t be easy - and could test Bowyer’s magic wand again.

23. Exeter City

After a 16th place finish, key departures have weakened a squad that looked fragile. Gary Caldwell faces a challenge to rebuild. Few recruitment sparks so far - a tough season feels likely looking at the tools he has to work with.

24. Wimbledon AFC

I’ve got them bottom. Promoted via play-offs, but goals are light and squad depth thin. A decent home record in League Two won’t translate across an entire season here. Unless they find firepower fast, they could struggle to stay up.