The college football landscape is shifting fast, and fans are already buzzing about what 2026 might bring. With the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding to 12 teams and the SEC and Big Ten evolving, the season ahead looks unpredictable and exciting.
Let’s dig into the storylines and questions circling college football right now. Here’s some analysis and a few predictions, though honestly, who really knows?
CFP Expansion: A New Era for College Football
The College Football Playoff is jumping to a 12-team format, and that’s bound to shake things up. Fox Sports reports that SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has voiced some worries about how it’ll all work out.
Still, the expansion could play right into the SEC’s hands. The league is expected to snag four automatic bids, and there’s chatter about maybe even eight SEC teams making the playoff.
This new format also cuts down the long three-week break for top teams. That means squads can keep their momentum rolling and, hey, maybe even host a playoff game at home.
Impact on the SEC
The SEC is set up to make the most of this new playoff structure. With those automatic bids, more SEC teams could get a shot at the title—maybe more than ever before.
Hosting a playoff game at home? That’s a serious advantage. Playing in front of your own crowd in a high-stakes game could make all the difference.
Big Ten’s Response
The Big Ten isn’t just watching from the sidelines. The conference has bagged three straight national championships, which is no small feat.
Commissioner Tony Petitti seems pretty optimistic, pointing to programs like Ohio State, Oregon, and USC. These teams have real Heisman contenders and sharp coaches, so it’s hard not to see them as threats.
Indiana’s Rise and Challenges
Indiana’s been turning heads lately under Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers landed one of the top transfer portal classes, including former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, Michigan State wideout Nick Marsh, and Kansas State’s Tobi Osunsanmi.
With returning talent like receiver Charlie Becker, Indiana suddenly looks like a team that could make some noise on the national stage.
Challenges Ahead
But let’s be real—Indiana’s got some obstacles. Their schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Michigan, and USC looming.
The whole Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) thing adds another layer of unpredictability. Even with all that talent, repeating their recent success won’t be a walk in the park.
Coaching Shakeups and Their Implications
The coaching carousel just keeps spinning. Nick Saban is out at Alabama, and DeBoer’s in. It’s been a bumpy start for DeBoer so far, including a tough loss to Indiana.
If things don’t turn around, Alabama might be looking for another new coach sooner than later. The pressure’s on, no doubt.
LSU and Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin’s been busy in the transfer portal, piecing together a tough LSU roster. With Sam Leavitt, formerly of Arizona State, at quarterback, the Tigers will face a gauntlet of a schedule, including Texas and Ole Miss.
The SEC is stacked with teams bringing back their starting quarterbacks—Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma. That makes the road to the CFP even trickier for LSU.
Big Ten Coaching Strength
The Big Ten, on the other hand, has quietly built up a deep bench of strong coaches at places like Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State. That depth matters.
With more proven leaders on the sidelines, Big Ten teams might be better prepared for the grind of the regular season—and whatever the playoff throws at them.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026
So what’s next? The expanded CFP format should give both the SEC and Big Ten more chances to make their mark. Indiana’s rise is worth watching, even if their path is steep.
Coaching changes at places like Alabama and LSU? Those could shake things up in ways nobody’s expecting.
Potential Breakout Teams
- Ohio State: With Heisman hopefuls like Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes are set up for another big year.
- Oregon: Dante Moore at quarterback gives the Ducks a real shot at a deep playoff run.
- USC: Jayden Maiava might just be the breakout star everyone’s talking about by season’s end.
Challenges for Traditional Powerhouses
- Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s performance under DeBoer will be under scrutiny. Another subpar season could lead to significant changes for the program.
- LSU: The Tigers have a competitive roster. Still, they face a tough schedule and strong competition within the SEC.
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