Five college football teams poised for surprise success in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 5:23 AM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026
East Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas State, and UCLA are identified as potential surprise teams in the 2026 college football season. East Carolina aims to build on its strong finish in 2025, having closed with a Military Bowl victory. South Carolina looks to improve after a disappointing 4-8 record last year, with expectations for at least eight wins this season. Kansas State, after a challenging 2025, aims for a turnaround with a favorable schedule and returning talent. UCLA, under new coach Bob Chesney, hopes to bounce back from a 3-9 performance.
- •East Carolina closed 2025 with a 23-17 Military Bowl win.
- •South Carolina aims for at least eight wins after a 4-8 record.
- •Kansas State's schedule lacks difficult opponents like Texas Tech and Utah.
- •UCLA seeks recovery under new head coach Bob Chesney.
- •These programs are looking to surpass expectations set by recent performances.
- 5:23 AMYahoo Sports — 5 College Football Teams That Will Surprise
"They're not getting much attention now, but these five college football teams are about to make a whole lot of noise in 2026.
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