Brian Kelly, who spent years at the helm of LSU before joining CBS Sports as a studio analyst, has sparked conversation by declaring the Texas Longhorns his pick to win the 2026 college football national title.
The Case for Texas
Central to Kelly's forecast is the belief that head coach Steve Sarkisian will continue to craft some of the most potent offenses in the sport, a reputation that has already made Sarkisian a sought‑after architect of high‑scoring schemes.
Adding to the optimism is the return of redshirt junior quarterback Arch Manning, who is expected to reclaim the starting role after a promising development period that has left many anticipating a breakout season.
Kelly also notes that the reduced external scrutiny surrounding Manning's personal brand could allow the quarterback to focus more fully on execution, potentially translating into more consistent performances on the field.
The prediction carries broader implications, suggesting that the Longhorns may re‑emerge as a dominant force in the SEC and reshape the narrative around college football's power conferences heading into the next decade.