Top College Football Playoff Contenders for 2026: USC, Florida, Louisville
College football’s about to hit a wild new era. With revenue sharing and the transfer portal shaking things up, there’s suddenly a real shot at parity at the top. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, a handful of programs are right on the edge of making their College Football Playoff (CFP) debuts. Let’s talk about six teams that could crash the party, thanks to some sharp offseason moves and coaching shakeups. They’re not in the way-too-early top 10, but don’t be shocked if they grab attention early and keep it rolling through the year.
Contents
USC Trojans: A Calculated Path to Glory
Lincoln Riley is steering the USC Trojans into what feels like a make-or-break 2026. With four career playoff trips under his belt, Riley’s aiming for his first CFP run with USC. The Trojans’ schedule is no joke: Fresno State, Louisiana, Rutgers, Oregon, Washington, Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland, and UCLA are all lined up.
What to Like
Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns after a monster 3,700-yard season. The running backs, Waymond Jordan and King Miller, are a real threat. Replacing wideouts Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane won’t be easy, though. USC’s freshman class is ranked No. 1, and bringing in Gary Patterson to run the defense? That was a savvy move.
Determining Factors
USC could face up to four top-20 teams, which means plenty of chances to pad the resume. Oddly, they skip Notre Dame this year—first time since 2020. But that Nov. 14 trip to Indiana? Might be huge for playoff hopes.
BYU Cougars: Building on Momentum
Kalani Sitake’s BYU Cougars deserve a look. Their 2026 slate: Utah Tech, Arizona, Colorado State, TCU, Iowa State, Notre Dame, UCF, Arizona State, Utah, Baylor, Kansas, and Cincinnati.
What to Like
Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman QB, is back, along with Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin. The O-line is beefed up with transfers Paki Finau and JR Sia. Defense looks steady, especially with California linebacker Cade Uluave and Mississippi State corner Jayven Williams joining up.
Determining Factors
Everything might come down to the Notre Dame game in Provo on Oct. 17. Sitake’s Cougars are almost unbeatable at home lately—11 wins in their last 12. A win over the Irish would make a statement.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: A New Era Begins
Eric Morris is the new guy in charge at Oklahoma State, looking to erase the sting of last year’s 1-11 mess. The 2026 schedule: Tulsa, Oregon, Murray State, West Virginia, UCF, Houston, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Kansas.
What to Like
Morris signed a top-10 transfer class, bringing in QB Drew Mestemaker and RB Caleb Hawkins from his old program. The roster now has 53 transfers—yeah, that’s a lot. Maybe that’s exactly what they need to forget last season.
Determining Factors
Can all these new faces click in time? We’ll see fast—the opener at West Virginia on Sept. 26 will show if they’re for real. A win there would be a real confidence jolt.
South Carolina Gamecocks: All-In for 2026
South Carolina’s front office has gone all-in for 2026. Their schedule is a gauntlet: Kent State, Towson, Mississippi State, Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia, Clemson.
What to Like
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is back, plus edge rusher Dylan Stewart and receiver Nyck Harbor. They’ve landed a top-25 transfer class and made some intriguing coaching hires. Shane Beamer’s clearly pushing hard for a breakthrough.
Determining Factors
Sellers’ play in a new offense will be huge. That Week 4 trip to Alabama? It’s a big early test—maybe too big, but you never know.
Louisville Cardinals: Aiming for the ACC Crown
Jeff Brohm has Louisville dreaming of a CFP spot. Their 2026 schedule: Ole Miss, Villanova, SMU, Wake Forest, NC State, Florida State, Syracuse, Stanford, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Kentucky.
What to Like
Brohm’s got three straight nine-win seasons and knows how to work the portal. Former Ohio State backup Lincoln Kienholz is set to run the offense, with Isaac Brown at running back. The defense has added starters at every level, which is no small thing.
Determining Factors
Keeping the defense sharp is everything. If they beat Ole Miss right out of the gate, watch the hype build fast.
Florida Gators: A New Chapter Begins
Jon Sumrall takes over the Gators, and the schedule’s brutal. In 2026, it’s FAU, Campbell, Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Florida State.
What to Like
Sumrall’s brought in a strong staff and some experienced Power Four guys. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and QB Aaron Philo could surprise people. Jadan Baugh is a real Doak Walker contender, and the receivers? Probably the most athletic group they’ve had in a while.
Determining Factors
Florida’s playoff hopes? Well, they’re really going to hinge on how they handle a brutal schedule this year.
There are some seriously tough games lined up—Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma jump out as the big ones.
If the Gators manage to snag a few wins early, maybe they stick around in the playoff conversation come November. That’s a tall order, but you never know with this team.
For more updates and some deeper dives on these possible CFP newcomers, check out CBS Sports.
