2026 College Football Playoff Predictions: Notre Dame, Georgia Lead the Pack
With the 2026 college football season creeping closer, fans and analysts are buzzing. The shift to a 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) just adds fuel to the hype.
This year’s early matchups—Texas-Ohio State, Ole Miss-LSU, Oklahoma-Michigan—could be pivotal. Last season’s wild ride, with Indiana grabbing the No. 1 seed and Miami storming to the title game, has everyone guessing what’s next.
Let’s take a look at the projected 2026 College Football Playoff bracket. Who’s in, who’s out, and who’s got a shot?
Preseason College Football Playoff Bracket
This year’s preseason CFP projections blend the usual suspects with a few upstarts. Here’s who’s expected to make the field:
- Notre Dame
- Georgia (SEC champion)
- Ohio State (Big Ten champion)
- Miami (ACC champion)
- Texas
- Texas Tech (Big 12 champion)
- Indiana
- Ole Miss
- Oregon
- Texas A&M
- LSU
- Boise State (Top G6 team)
First-Round Byes
The top four seeds get a first-round bye—a huge advantage. Here’s who’s projected to earn those coveted spots:
- Notre Dame
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Miami
First-Round Matchups
No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas
Boise State, top Group of Six team, heads to Austin. They’ve got their hands full—Texas is stacked and still stinging from missing a bye.
The Longhorns are looking for a statement win. Hard to see Boise State pulling the upset.
Winner: Texas
No. 11 LSU at No. 6 Texas Tech
LSU, now led by Lane Kiffin, sneaks in with a 10-2 record. Their first test? A trip to face Texas Tech.
Kiffin’s pricey roster is expected to pay off early. LSU is picked to outlast the Red Raiders in a tough one.
Winner: LSU
No. 10 Texas A&M at No. 7 Indiana
Indiana lost some key pieces from their title run, but they’re still dangerous. Coach Curt Cignetti knows how to get the most out of his roster.
Quarterback Josh Hoover could be the difference. Indiana gets the nod here.
Winner: Indiana
No. 9 Oregon at No. 8 Ole Miss
Ole Miss is back hosting another home playoff game, this time against Oregon. It’s a clash of talented QBs: Dante Moore for Oregon, Trinidad Chambliss for the Rebels.
Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy are a handful. The edge goes to Ole Miss at home.
Winner: Ole Miss
Quarterfinals
No. 8 Ole Miss vs. No. 1 Notre Dame
Notre Dame comes in undefeated, but Ole Miss is peaking at the right time. The Rebels have a new offensive coordinator, John David Baker, keeping things fresh.
The Irish might stumble here. Ole Miss could pull off the upset.
Winner: Ole Miss
No. 7 Indiana vs. No. 2 Georgia
It’s Cignetti vs. Kirby Smart—two coaches who know how to win. Georgia’s been grinding out ugly wins all year, and that grit should serve them well.
Indiana’s got heart, but Georgia’s depth tips the scales.
Winner: Georgia
No. 11 LSU vs. No. 3 Ohio State
LSU’s run under Kiffin has been a fun story, but Ohio State is a different animal. The Buckeyes are more tested than last season and look ready for the big stage.
Ohio State’s talent and experience are just too much.
Winner: Ohio State
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Miami (FL)
Texas, with Arch Manning and coach Steve Sarkisian, faces a tough Miami squad. The Hurricanes are gritty, but Texas has the depth and star power.
It’s close, but Texas squeaks through.
Winner: Texas
Semifinals
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ole Miss
Texas and Ole Miss meet again, and you can bet the Rebels haven’t forgotten last year’s heartbreak. This one’s likely to be another thriller.
Still, Arch Manning and the Longhorns are expected to edge it out. Texas moves on to the title game.
Winner: Texas
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Georgia
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, who almost went to Georgia, leads the Buckeyes into a marquee semifinal. He’s got Jeremiah Smith to throw to, and that duo might be the difference.
Georgia’s defense is tough, but Ohio State is projected to make their second title game in three years.
Winner: Ohio State
National Championship
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State
The national championship game brings us a rematch of that wild Week 2 clash between Texas and Ohio State.
Texas pulled off the win earlier in the season, but now it’s all on the line in Las Vegas.
Arthur Smith is calling the shots on offense, and Matt Patricia’s got the defense dialed in. With that coaching duo, Ohio State’s got a real shot to show what they’re made of when it matters most.
The Buckeyes are looking like the favorites to take home the 2026 season title.
Winner: Ohio State
If you’re after more details or want the latest College Football Playoff bracket projections, check out 247Sports.
