League One remains one of the most unpredictable divisions in English football — a place where fallen giants collide with hungry newcomers, and where history doesn’t always guarantee success.
The third tier of English football serves up a chaotic blend of ex-Premier League sides, traditional EFL clubs, and League Two promotions with something to prove. With this backdrop in mind, MatchDay Fever asked ChatGPT, OpenAI’s advanced AI, to name the 12 biggest clubs in League One heading into the 2025/26 season.
ChatGPT considered history, fanbase size, stadium capacity, honours, and cultural weight in its rankings.
Here are the results — and it’s quite a list.
1. Cardiff City
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium (33,000 capacity)
Relegated from the Championship last season, Cardiff City drop into League One for the first time in over 20 years. A club that reached the Premier League as recently as 2019, their infrastructure, stadium, and fanbase make them the biggest club in the division.
Their fall may have been steep, but League One could serve as a crucial reset — and a dominant campaign is expected.
2. Luton Town
Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Suffering back-to-back relegations, Luton find themselves in League One just over a year after gracing the Premier League. Despite their modest stadium and financial limitations, the Hatters’ rapid rise and strong culture put them second on this list.
Expectations are high for Matt Bloomfield to steer them straight back to the Championship.
3. Bolton Wanderers
Stadium: Toughsheet Community Stadium (28,000+ capacity)
From battling in Europe to League Two survival, Bolton’s fall has been dramatic. However, with a proud history and a huge stadium, they remain one of the biggest names outside the top two tiers. The Wanderers are rebuilding with purpose and pushing hard for a long-awaited return to the Championship.
4. Huddersfield Town
Stadium: John Smith’s Stadium (24,500 capacity)
After a two-year stay in the Premier League (2017–2019), Huddersfield looked to stabilise in the Championship. But relegation in 2024 now sees them in League One. They still carry the infrastructure and fanbase of a much larger club — and they’ll be eyeing an immediate return.
5. Reading FC
Stadium: Select Car Leasing Stadium (24,000 capacity)
Reading have seen it all in recent decades — from the Premier League to ownership chaos. Despite their financial and off-pitch issues, their academy, support, and second-tier pedigree secure them a top-five spot.
6. Wigan Athletic
Stadium: DW Stadium
The 2013 FA Cup champions have drifted in and out of the Championship since their top-flight days. Wigan still hold a strong reputation thanks to their modern history and loyal fanbase — especially among those nostalgic for the “Barclays Premier League” era.
7. Barnsley
Stadium: Oakwell
Often a yo-yo club between League One and the Championship, Barnsley have flirted with promotion but always seem to fall just short. They remain a formidable force in the third tier, with a solid infrastructure and recent second-tier experience.
8. Bradford City
Stadium: Valley Parade (25,000 capacity)
Back in League One after promotion, Bradford have the fanbase and stadium size to rival many Championship clubs. Having spent six seasons in League Two, the Bantams are finally back — and looking to climb even higher.
9. Blackpool
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Their 2010/11 Premier League season is iconic, but since then Blackpool have fluctuated between the second and third tiers. With a rich history and solid support, they remain one of the more respected clubs in League One.
10. Peterborough United
Stadium: Weston Homes Stadium
Despite limited time in the Championship, Posh have become one of the most consistent and well-run clubs in the EFL. With multiple EFL Trophy wins and a reputation for developing future stars, they remain a third-tier force to be reckoned with.
11. Leyton Orient
Stadium: Brisbane Road
From the National League in 2019 to the League One play-offs in 2025 — Leyton Orient’s climb has been steady and impressive. With a loyal London fanbase and upward momentum, they’re punching well above their weight.
12. Lincoln City
Stadium: Sincil Bank
Lincoln’s rise from non-league to League One in just two years (2017–2019) was impressive — and they’ve stayed stable since. Though they lack the historical weight of others on this list, their modern infrastructure, facilities, and strong local support secure their place in the top 12.
Final Thoughts
League One 2025/26 will be fiercely competitive. From Cardiff and Luton aiming to bounce straight back, to ambitious clubs like Bradford, Orient, and Lincoln, the third tier is stacked with history, passion, and potential.
These rankings may stir debate — but that’s part of the fun in football.
Who do you think is the biggest club in League One this season? Let us know in the comments or on socials.
MatchDay Fever 
Leave a comment