Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has released his early 2026 stock‑market style projections for college football, identifying programs he expects to appreciate and those likely to depreciate.
Buy and Sell Outlook
Among the buys, he points to UCLA, where new head coach Bob Chesney inherits a promising offense anchored by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a returning starter who showed flashes of elite potential last season.
Florida also appears on the buy list, driven by the arrival of veteran coach Jon Sumrall, whose previous stints have consistently produced winning records and strong defensive units.
Penn State receives a similar endorsement, with Matt Campbell stepping in as head coach; his reputation for maximizing resources and cultivating a high floor makes the Nittany Lions a safe bet for a resurgence.
Virginia Tech’s hiring of James Franklin is viewed as a catalyst for elevation, as Franklin’s track record of turning programs around suggests the Hokies could climb the rankings.
LSU’s entry on the buy side is anchored by Lane Kiffin’s arrival, a coach who has previously orchestrated national‑championship contending teams and brings a championship mindset to Baton Rouge.
The sell side includes Ole Miss, which Klatt believes may have hit its peak last year and now faces a transitional coaching environment that could stall progress.
Illinois is flagged for a potential decline as the team resets at quarterback, raising questions about continuity and performance.
Vanderbilt’s stock is projected to fall after losing key player Diego Pavia and confronting a roster heavy with inexperience.
Georgia Tech is another sell candidate, needing to rebuild around the departure of Haynes King and lacking a proven replacement.
Alabama rounds out the sell list, with a quarterback battle looming and the loss of Ty Simpson leaving the Crimson Tide with uncertainty under center.
Overall, the projections hinge on coaching stability, quarterback readiness and the momentum each program carries into the new season.