UNLV, Boise State and Navy emerge as College Football Playoff contenders

The 12-team College Football Playoff structure provides a guaranteed bid annually to a non-Power 4 conference program. UNLV, Boise State and Navy are identified as potential candidates to secure these positions for the 2026 season. UNLV begins its year with competition at quarterback between Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji as coach Mullen seeks to improve a defense that finished 117th nationally last season. Meanwhile, Boise State enters a rebranded conference that includes Oregon State and Washington State. The Broncos rely on returning production from quarterback Maddux Madsen and a strong linebacking corps as they prepare for a Week 1 road game against Oregon. Navy looks to build on back-to-back double-digit win seasons under coach Newberry, with Braxton Woodson expected to anchor the offense as the new starting quarterback.

• 7:10 AMYahoo Sports — 4 non-Power 4 teams that could crash College Football Playoff in 2026-27