The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with a wide-open field and a lot of talent across the board. Here's a breakdown of the experts' predictions, with a focus on the most overrated and underrated teams, playoff participants, Heisman Trophy winners, and national champion.
Most Overrated Team
Texas A&M
The Aggies had a dream start to the 2025 season, but their dream quickly turned into a nightmare. They lost to in-state rival Texas and first-round playoff opponent Miami, and coach Mike Elko had to replace his offensive and defensive coordinators. With a challenging schedule ahead, including road games against Oklahoma, LSU, and Alabama, Texas A&M could still be quite good, but it's the most likely top-10 team to drop out of the rankings.
Least Overrated Team
Houston
Houston has a lot to love about its team. Makhi Hughes should be a productive rusher after transferring from Oregon, and Conner Weigman should prove reliable. If Patrick Overmyer can come in and be a difference-maker at tight end, the Cougars can have a strong offense to support a defense with a lot of potential.
Most Underrated Team
Louisville
The Cardinals have a formidable duo in the backfield with Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown, and getting QB Lincoln Kienholz up to speed is crucial for their success. Coach Jeff Brohm, a quarterback whisperer, should be able to get Kienholz ready for the season.
Least Underrated Team
Washington
Jedd Fisch has overachieved at every stop as a head coach, and Washington has a talented roster with one of the true game changers in the sport at quarterback in Demond Williams. The Huskies have a difficult November stretch, but they are expected to be in the Big Ten mix when that slog begins.
College Football Playoff Predictions
The top four seeds are: Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, and Miami (Fla.). The rest of the field is filled with talented teams, including Indiana, Ohio State, and Georgia.
Heisman Trophy Winner
The experts predict that Darian Mensah will win the Heisman Trophy, with his production and performances on a big stage. CJ Carr and Arch Manning are also considered strong contenders.
National Champion
The experts predict that Ohio State will win the national championship, with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith leading the way. Oregon and Notre Dame are also considered strong contenders.
Coach of the Year
The experts predict that Marcus Freeman will win the Coach of the Year award, with Notre Dame set up well to make the playoff and possibly even earn a first-round bye.
Other Predictions
The experts also predict that Mario Cristobal will win the ACC Coach of the Year, and Jedd Fisch will be a strong contender for COTY status.
