2026 College Football Playoff Predictions: 12-Team Bracket

Indiana's Championship Reign: A Glimpse into the 2026 College Football Playoff Picture

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The dust has barely settled on Indiana's historic 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Miami, but the world of college football never sleeps. Predictions for the 2026 season are already circulating, with CBS Sports' Brad Crawford offering an early bracket projection. The Hoosiers, fresh off a perfect 16-0 season, are positioned for continued success, earning a coveted first-round bye.

Why it matters

The 2026 College Football Playoff predictions offer a glimpse into the future of the sport, with several powerhouse programs poised to battle for the national title. The early projections highlight the shifting landscape of college football, with new faces emerging as contenders and established programs aiming to maintain their dominance.

The details

Beyond the defending champion Hoosiers, several teams are expected to challenge for the title. Miami, despite their championship game loss, is considered a top contender, projected to win the ACC and secure the No. 1 overall seed. Notre Dame, led by quarterback CJ Carr and coach Marcus Freeman, is also expected to be a force and receive a first-round bye. The Big Ten is shaping up to be highly competitive, with Texas, fueled by the return of quarterback Arch Manning, and Ohio State, boasting Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, projected to make the playoff. Texas Tech, after winning the Big 12 in 2025, is predicted to win the conference again and secure a spot in the playoff with transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby. LSU, under new head coach Lane Kiffin and quarterback Sam Leavitt, is a dark horse contender, predicted to make the playoff as a No. 9 seed. Texas A&M, with Marcel Reed returning at quarterback, is expected to remain competitive in the SEC and earn an at-large bid, while Memphis, under Charles Huff, is projected to represent teams outside the major conferences, securing a playoff berth after years of building towards this moment.

  • Indiana won the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
  • The 2026 College Football Playoff predictions are already circulating.

The players

Indiana

The defending national champion, fresh off a perfect 16-0 season.

Miami

Projected to win the ACC and secure the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame

Led by quarterback CJ Carr and coach Marcus Freeman, expected to receive a first-round bye in the 2026 College Football Playoff.

Texas

Fueled by the return of quarterback Arch Manning, projected to make the 2026 College Football Playoff.

Ohio State

Boasting Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, expected to contend for a spot in the 2026 College Football Playoff.

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What they’re saying

“Predictions for the 2026 season are already circulating, with CBS Sports' Brad Crawford offering an early bracket projection.”

— Brad Crawford, CBS Sports (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

The 2026 College Football Playoff predictions highlight the continued dominance of established programs like Indiana, Miami, and Notre Dame, while also showcasing the rise of new contenders such as Texas, Ohio State, and LSU. The shifting landscape of college football promises an exciting and unpredictable season ahead, with transfer quarterbacks and coaching changes adding an extra layer of intrigue to the playoff race.