The opening months of the 2025/26 League One season have produced plenty of surprises, particularly among the teams at the top of the table.
Alex Revell’s Stevenage have been the standout performers so far, sitting at the summit after a superb start. Bradford City, fresh from promotion, occupy second place in the automatic promotion spots — while several pre-season favourites are struggling to keep up with the pace set by the early leaders.
At the moment, Cardiff City, Stockport County, AFC Wimbledon, and Lincoln City hold the play-off positions. However, with the season still in its early stages, a host of clubs will believe they can break into the top six before the campaign concludes.
Among those pushing for promotion are Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers, and Luton Town, all of whom are sitting comfortably in the top half. Meanwhile, sides like Leyton Orient and Plymouth Argyle will be hoping to recover from their slow starts and mount a late charge — especially given how Richie Wellens guided Orient to the play-off final last season, proving that it’s never too late for a turnaround.
Lee Hendrie predicts League One top six
Speaking to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie shared his predictions for how the League One top six will look by the end of the season — and he expects only two teams currently outside those spots to break in.
“I think Luton will turn a corner massively after the managerial change, so I believe they’ll make it,” said Hendrie.
“Bradford, for sure, will be in the top six.
“Stockport — I’ll include them as well.
“Cardiff, one hundred percent.
“Huddersfield will finish in there, and Barnsley too.
“Stevenage are absolutely flying, so they’ll be in as well.”
Hendrie’s projection would see AFC Wimbledon and Lincoln City fall out of the top six, while Bolton Wandererswould narrowly miss the play-offs for the second year running.
Belief in Jack Wilshere’s Luton Town
Despite Luton currently sitting 11th in the table, five points adrift of the play-off places, Hendrie has backed the Hatters to surge up the standings under new manager Jack Wilshere.
The former Arsenal and England midfielder took over earlier this month following Matt Bloomfield’s departure. Hendrie believes Wilshere — supported by experienced assistant Chris Powell, who previously guided Charlton Athletic to the League One title in 2012 — has what it takes to lead Luton back to the Championship at the first attempt.
With so many strong contenders in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive League One seasons in years, all eyes will be on whether Hendrie’s bold predictions come true when May rolls around.
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