Week 5 College Football Playoff Predictions: Experts’ Top Picks Revealed
The College Football Playoff race is heating up as we move past Week 5 of the 2026 season. Seven of the top 10 teams in the AP poll were on the road, so there was plenty of potential for chaos. But six of the seven won convincingly, holding on to their strong positions in the playoff picture.
The only exception was No. 8 Florida, which suffered a crushing defeat to Missouri. Miami also made headlines, handing Clemson its second-worst home loss in the Dabo Swinney era and setting a program record with 248 points through five games. Notre Dame faced a tough test against North Carolina, then pulled away with a 17-point run in the third quarter. Here’s a closer look at the latest College Football Playoff predictions from ESPN experts.
Top Contenders: Texas and Georgia Lead the Pack
As the season goes on, Texas and Georgia have emerged as the frontrunners in the College Football Playoff race. Both teams have been remarkably consistent and resilient, earning top spots in several expert predictions.
Texas Longhorns
Texas has been dominant this season, landing at No. 1 in the predictions of several ESPN experts, including Andrea Adelson, Bill Connelly, and Max Olson. The Longhorns have looked strong on both offense and defense, making them a tough opponent for any team.
- Andrea Adelson: 1. Texas
- Bill Connelly: 1. Texas
- Max Olson: 1. Texas
- Mark Schlabach: 1. Texas
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has also impressed, earning the No. 1 spot in the predictions of Kyle Bonagura, David Hale, Eli Lederman, and others. The Bulldogs’ defense has stood out, shutting down opponents and keeping them off the scoreboard.
- Kyle Bonagura: 1. Georgia
- David Hale: 1. Georgia
- Eli Lederman: 1. Georgia
- Adam Rittenberg: 1. Georgia
Rising Stars: Miami and Notre Dame
Miami and Notre Dame have also made significant strides this season, earning high spots in the latest predictions. Both teams have shown they can perform under pressure, making them strong contenders for a playoff berth.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami has been piling up points, setting a program record with 248 through five games. The Hurricanes’ offense has been electric, and their recent win over Clemson has strengthened their case as a top contender.
- David Hale: 2. Miami
- Max Olson: 3. Miami
- Adam Rittenberg: 3. Miami
- Alex Scarborough: 3. Miami
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame faced a tough test against North Carolina but came out on top with a 17-point run in the third quarter. The Fighting Irish have shown resilience and determination, earning high spots in the predictions.
- Kyle Bonagura: 2. Notre Dame
- Bill Connelly: 3. Notre Dame
- Dave Wilson: 3. Notre Dame
- Mark Schlabach: 4. Notre Dame
Dark Horses: Indiana and BYU
Texas, Georgia, Miami, and Notre Dame have drawn plenty of attention, but Indiana and BYU have quietly positioned themselves as dark horses in the playoff race. Both teams could upset the top contenders.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana has been a surprise this season, earning high spots in several expert predictions. The Hoosiers have taken a balanced approach and played well on both sides of the ball.
- Kyle Bonagura: 3. Indiana
- Eli Lederman: 3. Indiana
- Alex Scarborough: 5. Indiana
- Mark Schlabach: 7. Indiana
BYU Cougars
BYU has made a strong case for itself, landing in the top 12 of several expert predictions. The Cougars have shown resilience and determination, making them a team to watch as the season unfolds.
- Andrea Adelson: 8. BYU
- Bill Connelly: 10. BYU
- Max Olson: 8. BYU
- Alex Scarborough: 9. BYU
Teams on the Bubble: Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU
Some teams have secured strong positions, while Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU are still on the bubble. They have the talent to make a deep run, but they’ll need to perform consistently to earn a playoff spot.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite a strong start to the season, Alabama sits just outside the top four in most predictions. The Crimson Tide will need a run of impressive wins to climb back into the playoff picture.
- Bill Connelly: 2. Alabama
- David Hale: 4. Alabama
- Max Olson: 5. Alabama
- Jake Trotter: 3. Alabama
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but needs more consistency to secure a playoff spot. The Buckeyes have the talent to compete with the best, though they can’t afford any slip-ups.
- Max Olson: 4. Ohio State
- Adam Rittenberg: 5. Ohio State
- Paolo Uggetti: 3. Ohio State
- Dave Wilson: 6. Ohio State
LSU Tigers
LSU has had an up-and-down season but is still in the playoff hunt. The Tigers need to finish strong and pick up some key wins to climb the rankings.
- David Hale: 8. LSU
- Max Olson: 10. LSU
- Adam Rittenberg: 9. LSU
- Dave Wilson: 10. LSU
As the season goes on, the College Football Playoff race is sure to have more twists and turns. For the latest predictions and expert insights, visit ESPN’s College Football Playoff 2026 Predictions.
