Way-Too-Early College Football Playoff Picks Feature Surprising Sleeper

As the summer sun starts to crank up, so does the buzz for college football. USA Today just dropped their way-too-early College Football Playoff (CFP) predictions for 2026, and the takes are already flying.

On the SEC Football Unfiltered podcast, Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams went back and forth in a draft, picking their top 12 teams for the CFP. There are the usual heavyweights, some hungry up-and-comers, and even a sleeper pick that’s got folks scratching their heads.

Let’s poke around these early picks and see what might be in store for 2026.

Top Contenders for the 2026 College Football Playoff

The reigning runner-ups are back, and this time they’re holding the top seed. New quarterback Darian Mensah is supposed to bring some real fireworks to the offense.

With Mario Cristobal steering the ship, their shot at a national championship feels pretty real—maybe more than ever.

Notre Dame: A Strong Contender

Notre Dame is right back in the conversation. Marcus Freeman has them projected for an 11-1 or even 12-0 season, so it’s hard to argue against their playoff spot.

Imagine a high-stakes rematch with Miami—wouldn’t that be something?

Texas: The Return to Glory

Texas is predicted to crash the CFP party again, this time with Arch Manning at quarterback and new wideout Cam Coleman. That combo, plus Collin Simmons leading the defense, makes them dangerous.

Honestly, the Longhorns are probably the SEC’s top hope this year.

Emerging Powerhouses

Oregon’s back for more, gunning for another Big Ten title with Dan Lanning calling the shots. Dante Moore is back under center, and there’s a sense they’re not satisfied with last year’s semifinal exit.

The Ducks’ path will be one to watch, especially if they can shake off those old ghosts.

Georgia: Chasing a Third National Title

Georgia’s not going anywhere. Gunner Stockton is leading the offense, and even after last year’s tough quarterfinal loss to Ole Miss, Kirby Smart has them primed for another deep playoff run.

The Bulldogs’ defense? Still scary. That could make all the difference.

Ohio State: Aiming for Another Championship

Ohio State, with Julian Sayin at quarterback and star receiver Jeremiah Smith, remains a threat. They’re not a lock for the Big Ten, but the Buckeyes always seem to find a way.

They just won the CFP, so who’s betting against them doing it again?

Surprising Sleeper and Bold Predictions

Here’s the wild card: USC. Their schedule is brutal—Oregon, Washington, Penn State, Ohio State, Indiana—but somehow, they’re still in the mix.

Jayden Maiava is under center, Lincoln Riley is still the guy, and while the defense is shaky, the offense might just be enough to make some noise.

Boise State: The New Pac-12 Representative

Boise State is back in the CFP for the second time in three years. They’re now the face of the new Pac-12, picked over teams like UNLV.

It’s a sign that college football’s landscape is shifting, and maybe the little guys can still crash the party.

Texas A&M: Consistent Contenders

Texas A&M, led by Marcel Reed, is expected to keep their playoff streak going. They won’t get a home game this time around, but the Aggies have earned their reputation as regular contenders.

Mike Elko’s done a heck of a job, and expectations are sky-high.

Reigning Champions and Other Notable Picks

The reigning national champs are back to defend their crown. Curt Cignetti’s 27-2 record over two years is just ridiculous.

Josh Hoover is stepping in at quarterback, Carter Smith is anchoring the O-line, and honestly, it’s hard not to see them making another deep run.

LSU: Lane Kiffin’s CFP Debut

Lane Kiffin finally gets his shot at a CFP game, now with LSU. Sam Leavitt is set to lead the Tigers at quarterback.

There’s a lot of talent here, but it’s tough to say if they’ll go all the way. Still, you can’t count them out.

Texas Tech: A One-Bid League Contender

Texas Tech is hanging around, even without Brendan Sorsby at quarterback. Will Hammond is stepping up, and while he’s not a superstar, he’s solid enough to keep them in the hunt.

The Big 12 is a toss-up, though, so getting more than one team in the playoff might be a stretch.

Conclusion

USA Today’s way-too-early CFP predictions have definitely sparked some excitement—and maybe a little bit of chaos—among college football fans. There’s a wild mix this year: the usual big names, a few fresh faces, and even a couple of teams nobody saw coming.

Honestly, who knows how the 2026 season will actually play out? Everyone’s got their eye on these picks, just waiting to see which teams actually show up when it matters.

If you want the full breakdown and every pick, the original article’s over at On3.