After the busy summer of Level 4, several clubs are preparing for the advancement battle, while others are ready for the relegation battle.
The Second League remains one of the most unpredictable and entertaining departments in football, and so does 2025-26.
101GreatGoals provides you with promotional favorites, downgrade scrapers and young guns to be on guard.
Favorites for promotion
MK Dons endured a tragic result of No. 19 last season, but Paul Warne’s arrival inspired Milton Keynes’ optimism.
The club spent a lot of money by the second standard, paying £800,000 to sign Bolton’s Aaron Collins and adding Will Will from Stockport will strengthen the spine.
On the sides of the way into the department, the Bristol Rovers looks like the best place to return quickly.
Darrell Clarke knows the league’s internal leagues, while experienced duo Macauley Southam-Hales and Josh McEachran are also brought into exciting talents like Kamil Conteh and Teenager Kofi Shaw.
Chesterfield won eight of the last 13 games to enter the playoffs last season, retaining key figures from John Fleck and Will Grigg, while Armando Dobra’s style and some clever loan moves could push them further.
Notts County, also a victim of a playoff heartbreaker, had to deal with Talisman David McGoldrick’s departure to Barnsley.
This puts pressure on Matthew Dennis to achieve his goal, and Manchester United’s Sonny Aljofree’s loan signing looks smart.
Cambridge United has left the league and has shown progress under Neil Harris, who added Dominic Ball and Ben Knight in the summer, should make them contenders.
Walsall’s dramatic breakdown after Christmas killed them in an automatic promotion, but after losing the playoff final, Mat Sadler’s team will desperately learn from the late-season downturn.
Ultimately, the newly promoted Barnet was full of motivation after taking the National League, and Dean Brennan’s team wouldn’t worry about anyone.
Playoff Contender
Salford City has been holding Matty Young after receiving a successful loan from Sunderland, a big step after losing Curtis to Bradford.
Karl Robinson is at the helm, co-owner Gary Neville still has huge ambitions that they will aim to climb the table.
Gillingham managed by Gareth Ainsworth if Bradley Dack stays healthy, and SAMOkes can rediscover his best form.
Consistency was the biggest problem for Crewe Alexandra, who won three of his last 20 games, killing them.
Manager Lee Bell is in trouble and adds experienced forward Louis Moult to strengthen the offense.
Last year, Crawley Town was in a mess, riding bikes among five managers before being relegated. They have handed over most of the teams, and Kabongo Tshimanga has entered the target.
Bromley finished 11th in his first football league season – a great achievement – while Grimsby Town and Colchester United want to build on a solid foundation.
David Artell won a new deal at Grimsby, and Danny Cowley continues to develop a young, promising Colchester team.
Swindon Town, now the colorful Ian Holloway, welcome home to Billy Bodin. Holloway’s lineage will make fans dream of the top 7.
Demoted candidates
Newport County’s commitment to a property-based style has earned their praise, but it also earned them points last season, especially on the field.
New boss David Hughes has faced huge challenges in the Manchester United Academy setup.
Harrogate Town is a perennial survivor and has conducted the transfer business as early as possible to give itself a chance.
Oldham’s athletic ability returns to the EFL after serving in non-leagues and strengthens the squad with experienced players to avoid a rapid decline.
Shrewsbury Town broke away from the league first after a disastrous year, with Michael Appleton trying to sing with Will Boyle, Tom Anderson and Tom forming a new spine. Survival is the first goal.
Transere Rovers has been stagnant in recent years, but with Richie Smallwood and Jason Lowe, they can keep them up late.
It could be a grim year at Accrington Stanley, who nearly avoided the decline last season. Budget restrictions again limit their recruitment, with only two new signings in non-leagues.
Andy Whing’s Barrow looks at the numbers, while former Barrow manager Pete Wild now leads Fleetwood Town, who has to deal with the loss of Phoenix Patterson and Brendan Wiredu.
After a quiet summer, Cheltenham town also looks fragile.
Young talent
Matus hellicek (Crewe, 20) – A skilled midfielder who wants to add goals after just one strike after just 38 appearances last season.
Kelly N’mai (Salford, 21) – Dutch-born winger borrowed the twinkling talent and will have a bigger impact this year.
Botan Ameen (Swindon, 18) – Iraq’s under-20 striker broke into the scene by eliminating Manchester United from the FA Youth Cup. He scored one goal and two assists in this goal last season.
