Top college football teams face concerns and reasons for optimism
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 4:12 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026

As the 2026 college football season approaches, CBS Sports discusses concerns and optimism surrounding top 25 teams. Ohio State faces challenges in replacing key defensive players while boasting a strong quarterback-receiver duo in Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Oregon must navigate a coaching overhaul but possesses a talented defense. Notre Dame's offensive line has concerns with two new starters as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Wisconsin. Each team's ability to manage these factors will play a significant role in their playoff aspirations.
- •Ohio State's defense must replace several early NFL draft picks.
- •Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith form a potentially dominant QB-WR pair.
- •Oregon adjusting to first-year coordinators after significant staff changes.
- •Notre Dame's offensive line is integrating new starters ahead of Wisconsin.
- 4:12 PMCBS Sports — College football top 25: Biggest concern, best reason for optimism among 2026 contenders
"What will hold College Football Playoff hopefuls back, or push them forward this season
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Oct 18, 2026, 8:10 AM3 takeaways from Utah’s tough win over Colorado
NCAAF•Oct 18, 2026, 8:03 AMSteve Young admits ‘secret love’ for UCLA before Wisconsin clash
NCAAF•Oct 18, 2026, 8:01 AMMatt Campbell says QB change is not being considered
NCAAF•Oct 18, 2026, 7:05 AMFormer NFL referee confirms mistake in Notre Dame vs. BYU game
NCAAF•Oct 18, 2026, 6:55 AMWake Forest Dumps Cal: Message Executed, 41-7
NCAAF•Oct 18, 2026, 6:44 AMDave Portnoy reveals his new AP Top-10 after crazy college football’s Week 7
