College Football Preview 2026: CFN's 138 Team Previews, Rankings, Schedules and Predictions

[ASFN Admin]

The college football season is coming fast, and not a moment too soon

Here we go with the College Football News Preview for the 2026 season with our complete previews for all 138 FBS teams.

Coming over the next several days: All-American and all-conference teams, projected records, transfer portal impact, returning stars, top newcomers, conference outlooks, preseason rankings, win total projections, bowl projections, and College Football Playoff predictions.

But first, our detailed preview of every team.

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

2026 College Football Team Previews, Rankings, Schedules and Predictions​

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Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of a 2026 logo before the CFP National Championship college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
© James Lang-Imagn Images

26 Key Questions for the 2026 Season​

26: Winningest Programs Yet To Make the CFP
25: ACC Key Questions
24: Big 12 Key Questions
23: Big Ten Key Questions
22: Top 2027 NFL Draft Prospects
21: SEC Key Questions
20: What's Next in Realignment?
19. UP NEXT: Ranking the new coaches

Most previews were done earlier in the summer. We try to update everything on the fly, but please let us know at @ColFootballNews if we're missing anything.

ACC Football Previews 2026​

Boston College​

The Eagles will bounce back fast under O'Brien.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Cal​

The Golden Bears are more dangerous now.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Clemson​

Can Dabo Swinney bring the Tigers back?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Duke​

The Blue Devils keep on winning.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Florida State​

Can the Seminoles get their swagger back?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Georgia Tech​

Rebuild or reload for Brent Key and the Yellow Jackets?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Louisville​

It's time for the Cardinals to win an ACC championship.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Miami​

Can the Hurricanes get back to the CFP?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

North Carolina​

Bill Belichick needs results now.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

NC State​

When is it finally the Wolfpack's turn?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Pitt​

The Panthers are the ACC's ultimate wild card.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

SMU​

The Mustangs are among the ACC elite.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Stanford​

Can Andrew Luck fix the Cardinal?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Syracuse​

Can Steve Angeli bring the program back?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Virginia​

The Cavaliers have to finish the job.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Virginia Tech​

Can James Franklin fix the Hokies?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Wake Forest​

Time to stop overlooking the Demon Deacons.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

American Conference Football Previews 2026​

Army​

Can the Black Knights possibly go to the College Football Playoff?
Team Preview

Charlotte​

Tim Albin's 49ers need a breakthrough.
Team Preview

East Carolina​

Why the Pirates could win big again.
Team Preview

Florida Atlantic​

Can Zach Kittley's offense dominate?
Team Preview

Memphis​

Can Charles Huff keep the Tigers rolling?
Team Preview

Navy​

Can the Midshipmen crash the College Football Playoff?
Team Preview

North Texas​

How fast can the Mean Green reload?
Team Preview

Rice​

Improved Owls need a few breaks.
Team Preview

Temple​

KC Keeler is building a winner.
Team Preview

Tulane​

Can the Green Wave win another American title?
Team Preview

Tulsa​

Finally time for a Golden Hurricane breakthrough.
Team Preview

UAB​

It's Alex Mortensen's program now.
Team Preview

USF​

Brian Hartline's Bulls built to win the American.
Team Preview

UTSA​

Is this the year the Roadrunners get noticed?
Team Preview

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Big 12 Football Previews 2026​

Arizona​

Can the Wildcats Push in the Big 12 Race?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Arizona State​

Kenny Dillingham Keeps the Sun Devils Rolling.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Baylor​

The great Bears offense has to start producing wins.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

BYU​

Can the snubbed Cougars grab a CFP spot?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Cincinnati​

The Bearcats need a breakthrough season.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Colorado​

Can Deion Sanders shock the world again?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Houston​

The Cougars are good enough to win the Big 12.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Iowa State​

The Cyclones are starting over under Jimmy Rodgers.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Kansas​

Lance Leipold needs more from his Jayhawks.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Kansas State​

The Collin Klein era begins - and it should be strong.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Oklahoma State​

The Cowboys will be wild again under Eric Morris.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

TCU​

The Horned Frogs want to be better than good.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Texas Tech​

Do the Red Raiders have staying power?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

UCF​

Time for the Knights to win like a Big 12 team.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Utah​

Can Morgan Scalley finally get the Utes to the playoff?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

West Virginia​

The Rich Rodriguez attack is loaded.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Big Ten Football Previews 2026​

Illinois​

Bret Bielema's team is good enough to be a bother again.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Indiana​

The Hoosiers aren’t going anywhere - they're still amazing.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Iowa​

Can the Hawkeyes win just a little bit more?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Maryland​

Will the Terps finally get noticed?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Michigan​

Kyle Whittingham will try making the Wolverines elite again.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Michigan State​

Can Pat Fitzgerald bring back the Spartan toughness?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Minnesota​

PJ Fleck's team has to find its footing in the loaded Big Ten.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Nebraska​

Can the Huskers finally deliver?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Northwestern​

The Wildcats will look the part in their new house.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Ohio State​

Will the Buckeyes find another gear?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Oregon​

Is this finally the Ducks' national title time?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Penn State​

Can Matt Campbell win the big games?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Purdue​

Barry Odom is slowly getting the Boilermakers moving.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Rutgers​

Will the Scarlet Knights surprise the Big Ten?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

UCLA​

Can Bob Chesney pull off the next great turnaround?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

USC​

Can Lincoln Riley finally get the Trojans in the CFP?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Washington​

Can the Huskies run with the Big Ten big boys?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Wisconsin​

Will Luke Fickell's team ever score?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Conference USA Football Previews 2026​

Delaware​

The talented Blue Hens should build off their great season.
Team Preview

FIU​

Willie Simmons' Panthers to make a CUSA title push.
Team Preview

Jacksonville State​

Can the Gamecocks get back to the CUSA Championship?
Team Preview

Kennesaw State​

Jerry Mack built a winner fast.
Team Preview

Liberty​

Was last year's dud just a blip or are the Flames in trouble?
Team Preview

Middle Tennessee​

The program is too good to be so blah again.
Team Preview

Missouri State​

Last year's fun was just the beginning.
Team Preview

New Mexico State​

Is this the breakthrough year for the Aggies?
Team Preview

Sam Houston​

Can Phil Longo make the offense work?
Team Preview

Western Kentucky​

Conference USA title or bust for the Hilltoppers.
Team Preview

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Independent Football Previews 2026​

Notre Dame​

Win the national title or don't, Irish.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

UConn​

Different team, new coach, same high standards.
Team Preview

MAC Football Previews 2026​

Akron​

After a decent season, can the Zips make some real MAC noise?
Team Preview

Ball State​

Can Mike Uremovich get the Cardinals moving?
Team Preview

Bowling Green​

Eddie George's rebuilding job continues.
Team Preview

Buffalo​

Pete Lembo's Bulls are overdue to win again.
Team Preview

Central Michigan​

Here's the next step season for the Chippewas.
Team Preview

Eastern Michigan​

Can the Eagles get back to a bowl level?
Team Preview

Kent State​

Real hope for the Golden Flashes after a stunning season.
Team Preview

Miami University​

Another run at the MAC crown.
Team Preview

Ohio​

The Bobcats keep rolling through odd times.
Team Preview

Sacramento State​

The Hornets' big bet to breakout.
Team Preview

Toledo​

Mike Jacobs will keep the Rockets rolling.
Team Preview

UMass​

The Minutemen are way overdue for a little luck.
Team Preview

Western Michigan​

This might be the best Group of Six team.
Team Preview

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Mountain West Football Previews 2026​

Air Force​

The Falcons will get back to winning.
Team Preview

Hawaii​

Timmy Chang has the Rainbow Warriors rolling.
Team Preview

Nevada​

Can the Wolf Pack finally catch a break?
Team Preview

New Mexico​

The fun Group of Five team to pay attention to.
Team Preview

North Dakota State​

It's what we've all been waiting for - the Bison in the FBS.
Team Preview

Northern Illinois​

Can the Huskies make any noise in their new conference?
Team Preview

San Jose State​

Here's the refresh for the Spartan program.
Team Preview

UNLV​

Dan Mullen's Rebels look to rule the lighter Mountain West.
Team Preview

UTEP​

The Miners will try to stun in their new conference.
Team Preview

Wyoming​

This is when the Jay Sawvel era has to get rolling.
Team Preview

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Pac-12 Football Previews 2026​

Boise State​

Will the Broncos dominate yet another conference?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Colorado State​

Jim Mora leads the Rams' fresh start.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Fresno State​

The Bulldogs will bully the new Pac-12.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Oregon State​

JaMarcus Shepherd tries to crank up the Beavers.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

San Diego State​

Can the Aztecs rule the new Pac-12?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Texas State​

The Bobcats stepping up a few level with their great offense.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Utah State​

The Aggies have to get better in a new, stronger conference.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Washington State​

Total rebuild, new Pac-12, same expectations.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

SEC Football Previews 2026​

Alabama​

11 wins aren't enough again for the Crimson Tide.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Arkansas​

Ryan Silverfield tries to fix the Razorbacks.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Auburn​

Get ready for fast, fast, FAST from Alex Golesh's Tigers.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Florida​

Jon Sumrall looks to fix the Gators fast.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Georgia​

Can the Bulldogs save the SEC?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Kentucky​

Will Stein will make Kentucky great because of Will Stein.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

LSU​

College football isn't ready for Lane Kiffin's Tigers.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Mississippi State​

One of the more fun SEC teams this season needs more wins.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Missouri​

Time for the Tigers to finally break through.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Ole Miss​

Can Pete Golding prove the Rebels don't need Lane Kiffin?
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Oklahoma​

Brent Venables built a Sooners team to win it all.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

South Carolina​

The Gamecocks are trying to get back on track.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Tennessee​

College Football Playoff or bust.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Texas​

Arch Manning and the Longhorns look to finish the job.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Texas A&M​

The Aggies have to prove they're a CFP powerhouse.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

Vanderbilt​

Life after the Diego Pavia era.
Team Preview | Schedule Analysis

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

Sun Belt Football Previews 2026​

Appalachian State​

The Mountaineers are trying to restore the former glory.
Team Preview

Arkansas State​

Can the Red Wolves win the Sun Belt?
Team Preview

Coastal Carolina​

Ryan Beard tries to revive the Chanticleers.
Team Preview

Georgia Southern​

The Eagles trying to reload ... and keep winning.
Team Preview

Georgia State​

Can Dell McGee finally turn things around?
Team Preview

James Madison​

Can Billy Napier keep the Dukes rolling?
Team Preview

Louisiana​

The Ragin' Cajuns need more than bowl eligibility.
Team Preview

Louisiana Tech​

Can the Bulldogs shine in the Sun Belt?
Team Preview

Marshall​

The Herd will be back in the Sun Belt race.
Team Preview

Old Dominion​

Can the Monarchs reload again?
Team Preview

South Alabama​

Was last year just a blip for the Jaguars?
Team Preview

Southern Miss​

The Golden Eagles rebuilding the rebuild.
Team Preview

Troy​

The Trojans battle through a big rebuild.
Team Preview

ULM​

Can this finally happen for the Warhawks?
Team Preview

College Football Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | AAC | CUSA
ND & UConn | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | Sun Belt

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