We may have to wait another week for the return of the Premier League but fear not, the Championship is back. Expect plenty of thrills, spills and drama. After all ... We had Spygate to finish last year.
This time around could be even more interesting with the presence of West Ham in the league. However, there's plenty of strong competition including a group of clubs that narrowly missed out on a spot in the Premier League last time around. The playoffs will have a new format, too, and that could have a major impact at the end of the season.
Many clubs have had excellent transfer windows, addressing key needs and adding to already strong squads. Others, however, are lacking and might need to scramble at the end of the transfer window to bring in some added quality.
Here, ESPN takes a look at every club and makes a prediction for their finish.
Buckle up...
West Ham United -- 1st
Expect a quick return to the top flight unless something truly bizarre happens. They have enough to offset the big name departures of Manuel Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville and boast an attacking output that is far ahead of any of their rivals. A trio of Jarred Bowen, Taty Castellanos and Simon Adingra looks tasty. There's also plenty of options in midfield, with Edson Álvarez and Soungoutou Magassa a key pairing -- on paper at least. The squad is a mix of players with Premier League experience and young talent keen to prove themselves, with the Hammers hoping the latter group could play a big part in not just the future of the club but present too. Nuno Espirito Santo still leads the charge from the bench and if West Ham can start well, especially at home, then they could build serious momentum.
Wolves -- 2nd
Like West Ham they come down but should have enough to make it a swift return to the Premier League. Mateus Mané is someone you could see exploding this season while they've also secured the return of Raúl Jiménez. There's still plenty of players in the squad with Premier League quality with the likes of André, while along with Mane, young talent Fer Lopez could finally shine. Question marks? It has to be new boss Cesar Peixoto. Wolves' decision to go with the Portuguese is an interesting one given his lack of experience in English football so he will be under the microscope given expectations of an immediate return to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough -- 3rd
Kim Hellberg is an extremely gifted coach and the club has backed him this summer with players in key areas. They struggled with their goalkeeper and have now added Radek Vítek from Manchester United. Then there were issues up top -- to address that they've added Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur. The squad, all of a sudden, looks primed for a true push. Yes, they've lost Hayden Hackney, but the signing of Sebastian Berhalter might just offset that. Boro must maintain momentum too, given how badly they faltered towards the end of the season to finish 5th after spending 35 out of 46 matchdays inside the top two before the drop-off.
Southampton -- 4th
The shadow of Spygate still looms over the club given Tonda Ecker continues to wait on his fate from the FA and the club will start with a four-point deduction. However, in terms of matters on the field, they're stacked. Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin have returned to St. Mary's, whilst Lewis Dobbin has been signed from Aston Villa. Shea Charles will be a loss and it will be interesting to see whether Saints reinvest the £30m -- Flynn Downes and Caspar Jander can certainly hold together the midfield. Their 19-game unbeaten run last season might be needed again as all their closest rivals last term have strengthened well too.
Norwich City -- 5th
Philippe Clement's arrival in November triggered a stunning turnaround in the 2025/26 campaign, jumping from 23rd to end up 9th. They have some of the most exciting recruitment in the league and Andre Brooks' arrival from Sheffield United is another smart piece of business. Jovon Makama could be a huge star if he stays fit up front, while behind him they have good options in every area of the pitch. Injuries have been an issue though so a lot will depend on that. Their late-season surge last term saw them fall short but all signs are they could be serious contenders this time around.
Burnley -- 6th
Burnley have clinched an instant return to the Premier League in each of their last two seasons when down in the Championship. However, Maxime Estève, Jaidon Anthony and Axel Tuanzebe are all gone and right now it's a bit of an unknown quantity. Still, they should be sniffing around playoff places. There's a new boss in Nicky Hayen, with the Belgian bringing title-winning experience to the club.
Millwall -- 7th
It was agonisingly close for Millwall last term, missing out on automatic promotion on the last day of the season. Then, they lost to Hull in the playoffs. It's another squad with some interesting names, a blend of experience and youth, but compare the depth to others and it's going to be a tough ask for the boys from The Den. Last season was a record points total and repeating that is a major ask. Kyrell Lisbie is a smart signing and gives added threat in wide areas to the dangerous Femi Azeez. Keep an eye out for Camiel Neghli in midfield, too.
Sheffield United -- 8th
A lot is going to depend on Gustavo Hamer's future. He's linked with a return to Premier League new boys Coventry City and is very much the main man for the Blades. The first XI is good but they will need more if they are to challenge for the playoffs -- maybe any money from Hamer's sale could fill out the squad. Automatic promotion seems well out of the question.
Derby County -- 9th
A difficult one to predict as they could swing anywhere between playoffs and midtable, with keeping their XI fit imperative for a promotion run. Patrick Agyemang's long-term injury could well deny them really going for the playoffs. Filip Bilbija arrived to add some creativity and attacking output, he could be a key player soon enough.
Bristol City -- 10th
Michael Skubala's work with Lincoln was outstanding and the fact City brought him in offers plenty of excitement. Outside of that appointment they've done some good business over the summer and look a threat, especially in midfield, and have improved in attack too, with a pair of signings that you'd expect to greatly improve the goal output.
Wrexham -- 11th
Finishing just two points off the top six last term there is hope Wrexham can at least secure playoffs this time around. It has been a reserved window by Wrexham's usual standards under Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds though the signing of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson might well signal change. His arrival was certainly needed and Wrexham will need to tighten up defensively if they are to continue their progression.
QPR -- 12th
They could well be a surprise package and playoffs can't be ruled out. It's a well constructed squad with some brilliant individual talent. Richard Kone was a sensation leading the line and has a season in the Championship under his belt, while Ilias Chair continues to be one of the most eye-catching players in the league. Their wide areas also look exciting.
Swansea City -- 13th
Some good signings but still look weak from a defensive standpoint. If they can add there then they can cause problems. Elijah Just is set to be a lot of fun for the Swans and Zan Vipotnik staying will be vital.
Birmingham City -- 14th
Strong at home and awful away was the story of last season. The ownership will be wanting serious improvements but looking at the squad it's difficult to see them getting that. Expect more inconsistency.
West Brom -- 15th
James Morrison came in and had them playing some good football on their way to safety but can that continue? In part it felt like an ideal lift from a motivational point of view at the time but whether he can raise the levels is another question.
Watford -- 16th
Key players could still well leave and well, it's Watford. If one team plays up to stereotype it's them. Expect a managerial change before Christmas, maybe another after it. After all, new man Alessio Dionisi is the 24th permanent coach in 14 years. There's still too much to sort here and likely more to be sorted as the season goes on. That all being said, Othmane Maamma is going to be a must watch.
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Portsmouth -- 17th
John Mousinho is set to stay at the club despite speculation linking him with various managerial vacancies. The Pompey boss did impressive work on one of the Championship's tightest budgets and he will need to do similar again. However, Marko Milovanovic was the club's biggest outlay on a single player since 2009 and his goals will be key for safety.
Cardiff City -- 18th
A newly promoted side and this year will be just about keeping heads above water. They have a young squad, some serious talent and could well land some surprise wins.
Blackburn Rovers -- 19th
It's simply not looking good. A barren transfer window has left Tony Mowbray needing to work miracles this upcoming season. One bright spot could be Tom Atcheson, a fine young talent that will likely go far. However, Blackburn it seems won't go very far at all.
Stoke City -- 20th
It's all become very stale for the Potters and it's going to be another tough watch this season. They've spent a fair amount though, around £20m, including bringing in Ethan Galbraith from Swansea City. Still, they're going to be hovering around the bottom all season.
Preston North End -- 21st
Your captain essentially walking out of the club to join Wrexham is hardly ideal planning for the new season and in general PNE look a bit lost.
Bolton Wanderers -- 22nd
Back in the Championship after a seven-year absence, it's going to be a long season for sure. There are limits in terms of experience at this level and both goals and clean sheets will be hard to come by.
Charlton Athletic -- 23rd
It's really difficult to see them doing anything of note and a lot is going to be asked of the talented Karlan Grant. They narrowly missed relegation last season but it's unlikely they can be as lucky this time around.
Lincoln City -- 24th
It was an outstanding achievement coming up on 103 points but the level in the Championship will simply be too much. There's a lack of quality and depth, while losing Jack Moylan was a massive blow.
Key Championship dates for your diary
Millwall vs. West Ham: Sept. 19 - The Den, Feb. 21 - London Stadium
Southampton vs. Middlesbrough: Nov. 27 - St. Mary's Stadium, March 13 - Riverside Stadium
Blackburn vs. Burnley: Nov. 22 - Turf Moor, Feb. 6 - Ewood Park
Cardiff vs. Swansea: Nov. 29 - Swansea.com Stadium, March 13 - Cardiff City Stadium
West Brom vs. Wolves: Sept. 20 - Molineux, Feb. 20 - The Hawthorns
Wrexham vs. Birmingham City: Aug. 28 - Racecourse Ground, April 17 - St Andrew's
Playoff final: May 29