College Football Spring Highlights: Key Updates from Top Programs
The 2026 college football season is already generating a lot of buzz. There are plenty of storylines emerging from spring practices, and it’s hard not to get a little excited.
Ohio State’s early preparations for their big matchup against Texas are already underway. There are also whispers about possible changes to the College Football Playoff (CFP) schedule, which could shake things up in unexpected ways.
Let’s dig into some of the latest updates and insights from around the country. We’ll look at key teams, players, and a few curveballs that might shape the season ahead.
Contents
Ohio State’s Early Preparations for Texas Showdown
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day isn’t wasting any time. He’s got his team focused on one of the most anticipated games of the year—a trip to Texas on September 12.
Day is already deep into strategizing for this crucial showdown. With Ohio State widely expected to represent the Big Ten in the CFP, their performance against Texas will have plenty of eyes glued to the screen.
Key Players to Watch
All eyes are on freshman receiver Chris Henry Jr. this fall. Day thinks Henry could follow the path set by Jeremiah Smith, who really set the bar for true freshman receivers at Ohio State.
The offense as a whole will be under new leadership, with Arthur Smith, a seasoned NFL coach, taking over playcalling. It’s his first year in the role, so there’s a bit of mystery about what to expect.
Potential Changes to the College Football Playoff Schedule
The NCAA’s football oversight committee wants to start the 2027 season earlier—before Labor Day weekend. This move is likely to get the green light in June.
If approved, teams would get 14 weeks to play 12 games. That means two open dates and more wiggle room for postseason tweaks.
The Army-Navy game, a tradition held on the second Saturday in December, is a big factor in these proposed changes. If the CFP field expands to 24 teams, the postseason might start earlier, freeing up the first Saturday in December for Army-Navy.
But moving the game to Thanksgiving? Nobody seems thrilled about that—neither from a business nor a logistical angle. It just doesn’t fit.
Conference Developments and Key Teams
Spring has brought some interesting shifts across the conferences. A few teams and players are making headlines for all the right reasons.
ACC: Clemson and Miami
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney sounds genuinely optimistic about his team’s chances this year. The secondary, which struggled last season, has been bolstered by several key transfers.
Over at Miami, Mario Cristobal is putting in work to develop talent in the trenches. Freshman offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell is already turning heads, even if he’s still a bit raw.
Big 12: Texas Tech, BYU, and Arizona
Texas Tech and BYU are looking like early favorites in the Big 12, but Arizona isn’t just rolling over. Quarterback Noah Fifita, who leads all active players in touchdown passes, stuck with the Wildcats despite some tempting offers elsewhere.
Head coach Brent Brennan has nothing but praise for Fifita’s loyalty and the way the team is sticking together. There’s a sense of pride there you can’t fake.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Strength
Notre Dame’s defense is shaping up to be a real force, with 77% of its production returning. Cornerback Leonard Moore pointed out the depth and talent in the secondary, hinting that several players could be NFL-bound soon.
That defensive unit is going to be a major storyline for the Fighting Irish this year. If they go far, it’ll probably be on the backs of these guys.
Georgia Tech’s New QB1
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key has high hopes for new quarterback Alberto Mendoza. It can’t be easy following a Heisman-winning sibling, but Mendoza’s quick release and sharp mind have impressed so far.
Key keeps reminding him to play his own game and not worry about outside expectations. That’s easier said than done, but Mendoza seems up for the challenge.
Washington’s Quarterback Stability
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. thought about transferring, but in the end, he stuck with the Huskies. Head coach Jedd Fisch praised Williams for moving past the uncertainty and stepping up as a leader.
With Williams running the offense, Washington’s got a shot to build on last year’s momentum. There’s a quiet confidence around the program right now.
Indiana’s Transfer Success
Indiana has made some smart moves in the transfer portal. Redshirt senior defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker, who followed head coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison, is the only one from that group still on the roster.
Tucker’s leadership and experience could be a difference-maker for the Hoosiers. They’ll need it.
Virginia Tech’s Depth Emphasis
New Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin is all about building depth everywhere. He wants at least two and a half, maybe even three, solid options at every position—especially now that teams play up to 16 games in the CFP era.
The Hokies have boosted their depth at defensive end, defensive back, tight end, and quarterback. If you’re looking for a sleeper team, Virginia Tech might just be it.
Penn State’s Offensive Upgrades
Penn State’s offense is getting a real shake-up, especially at receiver. Quarterback Rocco Becht has come in, and he brought along two wideouts from Iowa State.
They’ve all flashed some promise already. Head coach Matt Campbell seems pretty upbeat about what they might do this season—he thinks they’ve got the skills to really matter.
If you’re curious for more updates or want a deeper dive into the 2026 college football season, check out the full article on ESPN.
