As spring approaches, college football reporters are already eyeing the 2026 season for potential breakout teams and players. Following Indiana's national championship and Fernando Mendoza's Heisman Trophy win in 2025, several programs are positioned for major improvement. Texas Tech, Miami, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss made the College Football Playoff for the first time last season, while Houston, Utah, and Virginia transformed from losing records to double-digit win campaigns.

Quarterback Arch Manning leads the way for Texas, with analysts predicting the Longhorns will make the playoff in his second season as starter. Notre Dame, narrowly missing the playoff in 2025 despite CJ Carr's strong freshman year, returns key weapons and defensive experience under coach Marcus Freeman. BYU emerges as another dark horse, bringing back quarterback Bear Bachmeier and leading rusher LJ Martin after a near-miss in 2025.

Other teams to watch include USC under pressure-coach Lincoln Riley, Louisville with transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, and Michigan under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Virginia Tech and Oklahoma State are identified as programs likely to show the greatest improvement from disappointing 2025 seasons. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters and coaching changes underway, the 2026 season promises to deliver unexpected contenders challenging for playoff berths.