Four new programs projected for College Football Playoff top 12 ranking
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 12, 2026, 7:23 AM
Last updated Oct 12, 2026
At the midpoint of the college football season, projections for the College Football Playoff top 12 include first-time entrants Iowa, UCLA, Wake Forest, and Utah. Each team has opportunities to secure a playoff spot based on their remaining schedules. The latest predictions suggest Wake Forest will need to win against SMU to retain its favored status, while UCLA's key win over Oregon positions it strongly for the playoffs. The rankings will factor in conference champions and Notre Dame's performance, with additional analysis forecasting outcomes as teams approach pivotal games in November.
- •Iowa, UCLA, Wake Forest, and Utah projected as top 12.
- •Wake Forest must defeat SMU to avoid potential slip.
- •UCLA benefits from recent win over Oregon.
- •Predictions reflect ongoing shifts in standings and performance expectations.
- •James Madison expected to claim Group of Six spot.
- 7:23 AMYahoo Sports — College Football Playoff Top 12 Prediction: Four First-Time Programs Projected In
"At the season’s halfway point, here’s our projected College Football Playoff Top 12, led by newcomers Iowa, UCLA, Wake Forest, and Utah.
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