The 12-team showdown is back again in college football. Last year, there were a couple of teams, Tulane and James Madison immediately came to mind, that caused some uproar because they were in, and Notre Dame was not. But that is the way the system works, and we must abide by it. Here are our 2026 College Football Playoff predictions.
What’s Changed
The champions from the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference are guaranteed spots, as is the highest-ranked team from the American, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Sun Belt. If this had applied last year, Duke would have made the CFP.
The First Four
- Ohio State – The Buckeyes rise back to the top of the Big Ten and the College Football World. The Buckeyes are bringing back a talented roster that has a ton of experience and there is no overlooking what Ryan Day has been able to accomplish.
- Georgia – Kirby Smart is still the top dog in the SEC. While I don’t think it is possible to go undefeated anymore in that conference, the Bulldogs will come the closest to it with just one loss.
- Notre Dame – Oh, to be Notre Dame. They don’t really have a conference, and the schedule typically leans in their favor. Marcus Freeman is hot over what happened last year. This is their chance to prove the country wrong.
- Miami – The Hurricanes should run the table in the ACC where there hasn’t been a dominant team in some time. The Canes nearly pulled off the Natty a year ago.
The Next 5
- Texas – Arch Manning should be in line for his best season yet as the starting QB of the Longhorns. I think Steve Sarkisian is one of the best coaches in the country and should have them ready to go.
- Indiana – You can’t forget about the Hoosiers who are geared up for another run after bringing in Josh Hoover at QB. I’d trust Curt Cignetti to fix my electrical, plumbing, be a heart surgeon, and guide my team back to the CFP.
- LSU – The Tigers are set up for success with Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge. He should have a legit QB in Sam Leavitt ready to guide them to a deep playoff run after doing it two seasons ago with ASU.
- BYU – The Cougs got Kalani Sitake to stick around with a massive contract extension and he deserved it for a reason. He is as consistent as ever and with Bear Bachmeir back, it should be smooth sailing in a wild conference.
- Oregon – The Ducks might drop a game or two in the regular season, but I am banking on them being the dark horse in the playoff from the back.
The Fringe
10 Texas A&M – Kyle Field likely won’t host a playoff game this year but Marcel Reed could get an opportunity to light up the competition.
11 USC – Surprise! Lincoln Riley gets the Trojans into the CFP dance as an 11-seed.
12 UNLV – The Runnin’ Rebels are the best team in a weakened conference and get the honor of repping the Group of Six.
First Round
5. Texas defeats 12. UNLV
6. Indiana defeats 11. USC
7. LSU defeats 10. Texas A&M
9. Oregon defeats 8. BYU
Second Round
9. Oregon defeats 1. Ohio State
2. Georgia defeats 7. LSU
3. Notre Dame defeats 6. Indiana
5. Texas defeats 4. Miami
Semi Finals
9. Oregon defeats. 2.Georgia
5. Texas defeats 3. Notre Dame
Championship
- Oregon defeats 5. Texas in a wild and incredible journey to hoisting the trophy for the Ducks as Dan Lanning becomes a winner.