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•Aug 12, 2026, 6:02 PMWhat Jordon Davison's injury means for the Oregon Ducks going forward
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 6:00 PMAuburn football duo earns preseason All-American nods
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 5:59 PMGeorgia football wants more explosive plays. How Mike Bobo plans to unlock them
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 5:56 PMMissouri football makes CBS Sports preseason top 25
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 5:54 PM2 Oregon players make annual college football athletic 'Freaks List'
NCAAF•Aug 12, 2026, 5:00 PMLooking at UNC and TCU fall camps amid Belichick’s information blackout