Countdown to 2026 College Football: Top Storylines, Games, and Predictions

The countdown to the 2026 college football season is on. With just 100 days left, the energy is pretty much off the charts.

This year looks wild—there’s a storm of storylines, can’t-miss games, rising stars, and coaching drama. High-profile transfers? Check. The Pac-12’s back? Sort of. It’s all brewing for a season that feels unpredictable in the best way.

Let’s take a look at what could really shape the months ahead.

Key Storylines to Watch

As we inch closer to kickoff, a few stories are already dominating the chatter. One that won’t go away: Texas quarterback Arch Manning is back after a 10-3 debut as starter.

Manning’s Heisman hopes are real, and every snap he takes will be under a microscope. The hype is justified, but can he live up to it?

The Pac-12 Relaunch

The Pac-12 is making a comeback, though it’s not quite the same league. Oregon State and Washington State stick around, joined by Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State.

The idea? Make the Pac-12 the top football conference outside the Power 4. If they can recapture that “Pac-12 After Dark” magic, fans are in for a treat.

Miami’s Quarterback Reload

Miami made waves by pulling in transfer QB Darian Mensah, the guy who took Duke to its first ACC title since ’89. Mensah’s deal could hit $4 million this year, which is wild for college football.

Circle November 14—Miami faces Duke. That one’s got drama written all over it.

Must-See Games

The schedule is loaded with games that could shake up the College Football Playoff and the conference races. Some matchups just stand out.

North Dakota State at UNLV, October 10

North Dakota State, FCS royalty, is jumping to the FBS. Their Week 7 showdown at UNLV, the Mountain West favorite, is a huge test.

Will the Bison take over right away, or do they hit some bumps? Not sure, but it’s going to be fun to watch.

Texas at Texas A&M, November 27

Texas A&M started 11-0 last year, something they hadn’t done in decades, but then dropped their last two—including Rivalry Week in Austin. Since Texas joined the SEC, the Aggies are 0-2 against them.

This game could decide who makes it to the SEC title game. Stakes don’t get much higher.

Oregon at Ohio State, November 7

Oregon’s only lost to national title finalists the last three years. Their trip to Columbus is a massive one for Dan Lanning and the Ducks.

If Oregon wants to finally break through, this is the hurdle.

Coaching Carousel

Coaching changes have been flying. Some of them could totally flip the script this season.

Lane Kiffin to LSU and James Franklin heading to Virginia Tech? Not moves people saw coming.

Lane Kiffin at LSU

Kiffin leaving Ole Miss for LSU was a stunner. Now he’s got QB Sam Leavitt and the top portal class in the country.

September 19, LSU vs. Ole Miss—expect fireworks and maybe the most hostile crowd all year.

James Franklin at Virginia Tech

Franklin’s Penn State exit was rough, but he’s starting fresh at Virginia Tech. He brought over a few Nittany Lions, including transfer QB Ethan Grunkemeyer.

The Hokies will be tested against Clemson, SMU, and Miami. Their season could swing on those games.

Heisman Contenders

The Heisman race feels wide open. There’s a handful of legit stars in the running.

Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Oregon’s Dante Moore are all in the mix.

Arch Manning, Texas

Manning put up 3,163 passing yards, 26 TDs, and 10 rushing TDs last season. He’s got new weapons and a fresh backfield.

He’s right at the top of the Heisman list, but it’s a crowded field.

Dante Moore, Oregon

Dante Moore could’ve gone to the NFL as a first-round pick, but he came back to Eugene. With him, Oregon’s championship hopes are legit.

Freshmen and Transfers to Watch

This season’s got some high-impact newcomers, both freshmen and transfers. Miami’s Darian Mensah and Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby are getting a lot of attention.

Darian Mensah, Miami

Mensah broke Duke records and led them to an ACC title. Now he’s in Miami, and people are watching closely to see if he can repeat that magic.

Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech

Brendan Sorsby’s situation is messy. He’s under NCAA investigation for allegedly betting on Indiana games while on the roster.

His eligibility is up in the air, and it’s anyone’s guess how that’ll play out.

Predictions and First-Time CFP Teams

Everybody’s got predictions, and a few teams could finally break into the CFP. Florida, Virginia Tech, and Iowa are getting some buzz.

Florida Gators

New coach Jon Sumrall is trying to turn things around after a 4-8 season. With Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech and transfer QB Aaron Philo, the Gators have a shot to surprise people.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Franklin’s Hokies are a dark horse for the CFP. But with games at Clemson, SMU, and Miami, the road’s not exactly easy.

Conclusion

The 2026 college football season could be one of the most exciting in a while. High-profile transfers are shaking things up.

There are some big coaching changes, too. And honestly, the Heisman race feels wide open for once.

Fans have a lot to look forward to. If you want more details or updates, you can check out the full article on ESPN.