Spring football wraps up and the top‑25 lists swing. Eleven CFP‑contender programs face key questions as they head into summer. Alabama, Oregon, Georgia, BYU, and Oregon, among others, must decide on quarterbacks, depth charts and transfer impact before the next season begins. Their performances in the final games will dictate draft prospects and coaching strategies.

Alabama’s offensive collapse last season left Ty Simpson and the line in tatters. With only 21 returning starters, the Crimson Tide may rely on raw talent like No. 2 recruit Keelon Russell to steady the QB room. Russell's spring play suggests he could be the 2026 season’s linchpin and secure the team’s playoff ambitions for next.

Oregon, under Dan Lanning, boasts a 26‑3 record but suffered blowouts in the Rose and Peach Bowls. Their roster, highlighted by Dante Moore and a top‑tier offensive line, must avoid the same late‑season collapse. The Ducks face a tough Big Ten schedule, including USC, Ohio State, and Michigan and maintain their national standing for 2026.

Georgia’s recent decline from a 42‑2 streak to 23‑5 underscores a need for playmakers. Despite defensive depth, the Dawgs have struggled to generate big plays. Their next challenge will be to convert efficiency into explosive moments against SEC rivals, a shift that could define their playoff trajectory for the season.