The 2025 college football season was a thrilling ride, ultimately leading to an exhilarating College Football Playoff and a national championship for undefeated Indiana, marking an extraordinary turnaround in the sport’s history.
This season also featured a hectic coaching carousel, with several high-profile programs like LSU, Penn State, Florida, and Michigan making significant changes at the top.
With so much happening, anticipation is high for the fall and what college football will present next. We asked our reporters which games, players, and teams they are most eager to watch in 2026.
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Early-season games | Storylines
Impact players | Newcomers
Teams that could surprise
What early-season game are you most excited to see?
Adam Rittenberg: Ohio State at Texas, Sept. 12. This matchup promises more excitement and improved play compared to the season opener in Columbus last year. Texas quarterback Arch Manning is likely to start the season as a top Heisman Trophy candidate after a strong finish in 2025. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin was also a Heisman finalist last year, which many overlook. Both quarterbacks and their respective offenses are expected to shine in 2026, and the winning team will gain significant confidence in their playoff aspirations.
Dave Wilson: I also support Ohio State-Texas. The Columbus game last year featured Lee Corso’s farewell to “College GameDay” and ended in a frenzy of hot takes regarding Manning, despite a close loss to the national champions. Manning may have struggled then, but he improved throughout the season, and Texas is eager for a rematch at home with new talent around their QB. Let’s not forget Will Muschamp is back in Austin, taking charge of the defense, bringing added scrutiny to Texas.
David Hale: Clemson at LSU in Week 1. This game has the feel of two teams on divergent paths. LSU is filled with hope after hiring Lane Kiffin, having amassed talent through the transfer portal and recruiting. Kiffin’s arrival has created an optimism that rivals Brian Kelly’s tenure. Conversely, Clemson is recovering from its worst showing since 2010, now with uncertainty at QB and several NFL departures. This matchup was previously regarded as a top-five clash, and a win here could either revive Swinney’s program or signal a downward spiral.
Mark Schlabach: Arizona State at Texas A&M, Sept. 12. The Aggies were poised for a historic season until their last two games unraveled due to losses to Texas and Miami in the CFP. Quarterback Marcel Reed returns, aiming for improvement, while Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton offers a strong target alongside Mario Craver. The Sun Devils, after winning the Big 12 in 2024, face a challenge as they lost key players to other programs and the NFL. Can Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley step up at quarterback? There’s potential.
Andrea Adelson: LSU at Ole Miss, Sept. 19. The Lane Kiffin homecoming — his return to Oxford — promises to be must-watch. How will the fans and his former players react? Any pregame theatrics? Will his old squad compete with his new one? Given Kiffin’s ambitious goals for a national title, both teams with their rosters stacked through the transfer portal could yield significant SEC and CFP implications.
Heather Dinich: I agree with Andrea on LSU-Ole Miss. The drama is palpable, and given Kiffin’s objective to win a national championship yesterday, this game becomes even more critical as LSU might face Clemson before this encounter. If LSU loses to Clemson, this match in Oxford might become their biggest challenge of the year.
Jake Trotter: I’ll add Oklahoma at Michigan on Sept. 12 to the mix. The Sooners had a standout season under Brent Venables, and with quarterback John Mateer back, they aim for a playoff return. Meanwhile, Kyle Whittingham is working to stabilize a previously chaotic Michigan program. He successfully urged touted quarterback Bryce Underwood to stay in Ann Arbor, marking a prime opportunity for Underwood to demonstrate his potential for playoff contention.
Harry Lyles Jr.: Florida State at Alabama, Sept. 19. This matchup is intriguing, partly due to Alabama’s need to respond after losing this contest last year and the potential fallout from this result. A loss for either team might put their head coaches on the hot seat, especially if both arrive at this game with unblemished records. While I believe both coaches, Kalen DeBoer of Alabama and Mike Norvell of FSU, are quite competent, the intensity from college football fans will likely put pressure on the one who loses.
What storyline are you most intrigued by?
Rittenberg: How will the SEC rebound? The 12-team CFP era has challenged the conference’s dominance, yet it remains filled with affluent programs and skilled coaches. With Georgia and Texas eyed as title contenders, and Texas A&M and Ole Miss fresh off their first playoff appearances, the potential for continued momentum is exciting. Can Lane Kiffin make an immediate impact at LSU?
Adelson: I’m curious whether Miami will remain in the championship race. Their success in 2025 wasn’t a fluke; Coach Mario Cristobal has consistently built strong recruiting classes. With returning talents like Malachi Toney, Mark Fletcher Jr., and key portal additions, Miami is not merely content competing — they aim to win the title. Is Mensah’s upgrade at quarterback sufficient to make that dream a reality?
Schlabach: On the SEC front, I’m keen to observe Ole Miss under Pete Golding’s first offseason and how much improvement LSU demonstrates under Lane Kiffin. New head coaches are at Kentucky (Will Stein), Florida (Jon Sumrall), Auburn (Alex Golesh), and Arkansas (Ryan Silverfield). An essential SEC narrative will be whether Kalen DeBoer can revive Alabama — a less-than-perfect start will raise eyebrows in Tuscaloosa.
Wilson: Parity is vital. Indiana has sparked hope for the other 99% of college football teams. Historically, seasons began with just seven or eight genuine championship contenders, focusing on programs like Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and Ohio State. The landscape has shifted, allowing more teams to vie for national glory.
Dinich: The aftermath of Fernando Mendoza at Indiana raises questions. Who steps into the quarterback role? TCU’s Josh Hoover, a prolific passer, presents an opportunity though he dealt with 13 interceptions last season. This transition also comes as Indiana needs yet another new quarterbacks coach, as Chandler Whitmer has moved to the NFL. His successor, Tino Sunseri, departed for UCLA after 2024.
Trotter: Can the Big Ten achieve a fourth consecutive title? The conference boasts several serious contenders. Oregon appears loaded, with quarterback Dante Moore returning. New Michigan coach Curt Cignetti adds quarterback Hoover alongside more incoming talent. Ohio State boasts a tough schedule but an elite offensive trio led by Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, and star receiver Jeremiah Smith. Other teams like USC, Iowa, Michigan, Washington, and Penn State are also making waves in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25. Another championship could solidify the Big Ten’s status as the premier football conference.
Lederman: even if it may not seem significant, I’m interested in how the Group of 5 coaches from last fall’s cycle will fare in 2026. Bob Chesney (UCLA), Alex Golesh (Auburn), Eric Morris (Oklahoma State), Ryan Silverfield (Arkansas), and Jon Sumrall (Florida) have all transitioned from traditional Group of 5 roles to Power 4 positions. Their ability to manage expectations will potentially reflect on how future Group of 5 coaching talents are assessed.
Which players will be making the biggest impact?
Rittenberg: Recent transfer quarterbacks have significantly influenced the national championships, with Will Howard (Ohio State) and Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) leading the past two title winners. In 2026, we may see similar impacts with players like Brendan Sorsby at Texas Tech, Josh Hoover at Indiana, Darian Mensah at Miami, and Sam Leavitt at LSU, while more incumbents also exist among playoff contenders. I also foresee Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith excelling in his final college season.
Adelson: Regarding returning quarterbacks, Dante Moore at Oregon is expected to have a significant impact. After considering leaving for the NFL, his CFP semifinal performance spurred him to return and seek a brighter ending to his career. With their competitive roster, can Oregon clinch a national title in 2026?
Schlabach: I can’t wait to see Texas’s Cam Coleman in action. He displayed elite potential at Auburn despite the Tigers’ quarterback woes. Now, with Manning throwing to him, Coleman’s possibilities seem endless. He’ll create a formidable receiving duo alongside Ryan Wingo.
Wilson: At just 18, Miami’s Malachi Toney already boasts impressive stats: 109 catches, 1,211 yards, and 10 TDs — all with a late start to his first 100-yard game. With newfound experience and a full offseason to innovate his role, the potential for “Baby Jesus” to shine is immense.
Dinich: Keep in mind that defense wins championships. Notre Dame returns nine of its top ten tacklers from 2025. While QB CJ Carr will improve in his second season, the Irish will rely heavily on a championship-caliber defense to compensate for the departures of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
Trotter: Jeremiah Smith remains a standout. After two All-American seasons, he is expected to maintain his status as the most pivotal non-quarterback in college football. With marquee games on Ohio State’s schedule, he will have ample opportunities to make a significant impact this season.
Lyles: While much has been mentioned, don’t overlook Byrum Brown, transferring to Auburn from South Florida. even if the SEC represents a new challenge compared to the American Conference, Brown is one of the most thrilling players when he plays at his peak. His journey this fall will introduce a broader audience to his talent.
What teams are going to surprise us?
Rittenberg: Washington is primed for a breakout in coach Jedd Fisch’s third season. The Demond Williams Jr. transfer saga is worth monitoring, but Washington should draw strength from its experienced junior quarterback and seasoned roster. but, it needs improved performances against the Big Ten elite while also facing a manageable schedule prior to key matchups against Indiana and Oregon in late November.
Hale: SMU has found itself in tight situations since joining the ACC, losing three games by field goals, but with QB Kevin Jennings back and a strong transfer class, they’re gearing up for a strong run. Their early schedule features tough opponents, but if SMU can establish a robust start, they definitely have playoff potential.
Adelson: I want to draw attention to California. The Bears have been average recently but with Tosh Lupoi taking over as head coach, they’ve brought fresh ideas and recruited well, including promising talent in their offensive line. With returning stars like Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal is positioned to win games, but must avoid the usual mishaps that have plagued them.
Schlabach: Besides Penn State, keep an eye on Michigan in Kyle Whittingham’s inaugural season. With key players like Underwood, Jordan Marshall, and Andrew Marsh, a rebound this season seems likely. Should John Henry Daley return healthy, he can become one of the nation’s top edge rushers.
Wilson: Coach Willie Fritz is clearly not a surprise anymore after his achievements, but his two-time national awards underline his potential with the Cougars. Though Houston faced struggles in their initial year, the additions from the transfer portal could propel them into contention, particularly with a talented quarterback in Conner Weigman.
Dinich: I’m not counting USC out yet. This season feels critical for Lincoln Riley, with returning talents including quarterback Jayden Maiava and standout running back King Miller. If the defense can improve, a playoff push may not be far-fetched.
Trotter: Arizona quietly finished strong last season, closing with five straight wins. Quarterback Noah Fifita, with a wealth of experience, could be a decisive factor as they replace starters on both sides of the ball, making them a team to watch this year.
Lederman: Don’t overlook Oklahoma State; they could bounce back under new coach Eric Morris after a challenging season. With continuity from returning talents and a robust transfer class, they have a favorable schedule that could lead to an impactful season.
