It is still incredibly early.
But after the opening weeks of the season, there is already a feeling that this could be something special.
Coleraine have made a blistering start, taking 13 points from their opening five games and putting together some of the most impressive attacking performances in the division.
Larne, meanwhile, are beginning to build momentum of their own.
After a delayed start to their league campaign, back-to-back victories over Glentoran and Bangor have moved the champions onto seven points from three games.
Two of the strongest squads in the division. Two clubs with genuine title ambitions. And, potentially, two teams capable of pushing each other all the way.
COLERAINE HAVE LAID DOWN THE MARKER
Coleraine could hardly have asked for a better start.
They have looked confident, aggressive and, at times, absolutely ruthless.
The 4-1 victory over Crusaders was perhaps the best example of that. Three goals inside eight minutes effectively ended the game before Crusaders had even settled.
Senan Devine, Matthew Shevlin, Jay Henderson and Will Patching have all made important contributions, while the arrival of Adam Brooks has only added further excitement to an already dangerous attacking squad.
There is also a growing sense that this Coleraine side has more depth than in previous seasons.
They do not appear to be relying on one player or one particular way of playing. There are goals throughout the side, quality in midfield and genuine competition for places.
After five games, they have set the standard.
LARNE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED
That is what makes Larne so interesting.
They are already on seven points from three games – and there is still a feeling that we have not seen the best of them yet.
The 2-1 win over Glentoran was an important response after their European disappointment. Larne showed enough quality to take control of the game before holding on to claim their first league victory of the campaign.
Last night’s 1-0 win over Bangor was different.
It was not about blowing an opponent away. It was about finding a way to win and adding another three points to the board.
That ability to win games in different ways is often what separates title challengers from the rest.
Larne know exactly what is required to win this league. They have experience throughout the squad, they have proven winners and they now have the opportunity to build momentum with games in hand on the teams around them.
THE DIFFERENT PATHS TO THE SAME GOAL
What could make this title race particularly interesting is how different the two sides are.
Coleraine have started at full speed.
They have scored goals, dominated games and immediately put themselves at the top of the table. The pressure is now on everyone else to keep pace.
Larne, meanwhile, are chasing.
They have played fewer games but are already close enough to make the points-per-game picture very interesting.
Coleraine are trying to build and maintain a lead.
Larne are trying to hunt them down.
If both teams continue on their current trajectories, we could quickly find ourselves in a situation where every dropped point feels significant.
BUT IS IT REALLY A TWO-HORSE RACE?
That might be the biggest question.
Linfield have recovered well from their opening-day defeat, Glentoran have spent big once again, and teams like Ballymena United, Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts are all likely to have a say.
It would be far too early to write anyone off.
But there is a difference between being capable of taking points off the top sides and consistently challenging for the title across an entire season.
Coleraine and Larne currently look like the two sides with the strongest combination of quality, depth and genuine title expectation.
A RACE WE COULD HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR
Northern Irish football has produced plenty of dramatic title races.
But there is something particularly appealing about the possibility of two clubs going toe-to-toe over an entire season.
Coleraine have not been champions since 1974. Larne are looking to defend their position at the top of the Irish League.
One is attempting to complete a remarkable journey back to the summit.
The other is determined to stay there.
It is only September. There is a huge amount of football still to be played.
But if Coleraine can maintain this level and Larne continue to build momentum, we could be looking at one of the most exciting title races the Premiership has seen in a very long time.
THE VERDICT
It is far too early to call it a two-horse race.
But Coleraine have made their intentions clear, and Larne are already keeping pace despite playing fewer games.
The prospect of these two pushing each other throughout the season is an exciting one.
And if they both continue to perform at this level, the 2026/27 title race could become one to remember.
