Indiana’s Championship Reign: A Glimpse into the 2026 College Football Playoff Picture
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.
The Contenders: Beyond the Champions
While Indiana aims to repeat, several teams are poised 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. The Hurricanes, under Mario Cristobal, are building momentum and will gaze to Darian Mensah to lead their offense following the departure of Carson Beck.
Notre Dame’s Ascent
Notre Dame, after a strong 10-game winning streak, is also expected to be a force. Led by quarterback CJ Carr and coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish are projected to receive a first-round bye. Their decision to forgo a bowl game in 2025 signals a clear focus on the 2026 season.
Texas and Ohio State: Big Ten Powerhouses
The Big Ten is shaping up to be highly competitive. Texas, fueled by the return of quarterback Arch Manning, is predicted to make the playoff, while Ohio State, boasting Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, is also expected to contend for a spot. Michigan, with Bryce Underwood at quarterback and Kyle Whittingham as their new head coach, rounds out the Big Ten representation in Crawford’s projection.
New Faces and Shifting Landscapes
Beyond the established programs, several teams are making moves to join the national conversation. Texas Tech, after winning the Big 12 in 2025, is projected 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.
The Rise of Texas A&. M and Memphis
Texas A&M, with Marcel Reed returning at quarterback, is expected to remain competitive in the SEC and earn an at-large bid. Memphis, under Charles Huff, is projected to represent teams outside the major conferences, securing a playoff berth after years of building towards this moment.
Playoff Bracket Breakdown
Here’s a look at Crawford’s projected 2026 College Football Playoff bracket:
- First-Round Byes: Miami, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana
- First-Round Matchups: LSU at Ohio State, Michigan at Texas Tech, Memphis at Georgia, Texas A&M at Oregon
FAQ
Q: Who won the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship?
A: Indiana defeated Miami.
Q: Who is projected to win the ACC in 2026?
A: Miami.
Q: Which team is representing outside the major conferences in the projected playoff?
A: Memphis.
Q: Who is the new head coach at Michigan?
A: Kyle Whittingham.
Did you recognize? Indiana’s championship victory marks their first national title in program history, representing a significant turning point for the Hoosiers.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on transfer quarterbacks like Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech) and Josh Hoover (Indiana) – they have the potential to significantly impact their new teams’ success.
What are your thoughts on these early projections? Share your predictions in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore our other college football coverage for more in-depth analysis and insights.
