League One 2025/26: Lincoln's Record-Breaking 103-Point Title
Lincoln City won League One with a staggering 103 points — one of the highest totals ever recorded in English third-tier football. Cardiff City (91 pts) were promoted automatically, with Stockport County, Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers and Stevenage battling for the play-off spot.
Final Standings (Top 6 + Relegated)
| Pos | Club | Pts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln City 🏆 ⇧ UP | 103 | |||
| 2 | Cardiff City ⇧ UP | 91 | |||
| 3 | Stockport County PO | 77 | |||
| 4 | Bradford City PO | 77 | |||
| 5 | Bolton Wanderers PO | 75 | |||
| 6 | Stevenage PO | 75 | |||
| 21 | Exeter City ↓ | 49 | |||
| 22 | Port Vale ↓ | 42 | |||
| 23 | Rotherham United ↓ | 41 | |||
| 24 | Northampton Town ↓ | 35 | |||
The Promotion Race
Lincoln City's 103-point campaign was simply exceptional. Their 89 goals and defensive record of 41 conceded gave them a goal difference of +48 — by far the best in the division. They were 12 points ahead of Cardiff with games to spare.
Cardiff City's promotion returns them to the Championship after their stint in League One. The Welsh club's resources give them a strong chance of making an impact in the second tier. The play-off winner joined Lincoln and Cardiff to complete the promotion trio from League One.
Relegation
Exeter City (49 pts), Port Vale (42 pts), Rotherham United (41 pts) and Northampton Town (35 pts) were relegated to League Two. All four struggled throughout the season far from the promotion picture.
The Story: Lincoln's Unstoppable Season
Lincoln City have been one of English football's great overachievers over recent seasons. Their 103-point campaign is the result of sustained investment in coaching, recruitment and facilities at Sincil Bank.
The Championship awaits — and with a squad of this quality, built over several seasons, Lincoln City will not simply be making up the numbers. Their supporters, among the most passionate in League One, deserve to see their club competing at the second tier.
Looking Ahead
Lincoln, Cardiff and the play-off winner enter the Championship. Exeter, Port Vale, Rotherham and Northampton drop to League Two.
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