Experts offer predictions for 2026 college football season playoff contenders

College football experts have released their preseason projections for the 2026 College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy races. Following Indiana's recent national championship, analysts identified five different teams as potential title winners, with Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas frequently mentioned as top contenders. The expert panel categorized several programs as overrated heading into Week 1, including Texas A&M, LSU, Indiana, Texas Tech, and Utah. Concerns for these teams range from coaching transitions and roster turnover to difficult road schedules and injury management. While Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr enters the season as the favorite for the Heisman Trophy, analysts anticipate a wide-open field for individual and team honors. The preseason analysis concludes as teams prepare for the start of the regular season schedule.

• 4:04 PMCBS Sports — 2026 College Football Playoff predictions, expert picks, most overrated and underrated teams