USA TODAY Sports recently ran a computer simulation of the 2026 College Football Playoff, using the popular video game College Football 27 to model every possible matchup. The exercise involved running the tournament 100 times, each iteration producing a different set of results based on the game's algorithmic outcomes.
Miami's Near‑Certain Path to the Playoff
In 91 of the 100 simulations, the Hurricanes secured a spot in the four‑team playoff, underscoring a dominant performance that outpaced every other program. Their consistency suggests a strong roster and favorable matchups within the game's parameters.
Traditional powerhouses also featured heavily. Ohio State reached the playoff in 85 simulations, while Texas Tech did so in 66, Oklahoma in 62, and both Southern California and Notre Dame each earned a playoff berth in 59 simulations. Mississippi, Brigham Young and SMU each appeared in more than half of the runs, indicating that even programs outside the usual elite circle can break through under the right circumstances.
A Wide‑Open Field: 57 Teams Get a Shot
Across the 100 iterations, 57 of the 138 Bowl Subdivision teams managed to claim at least one playoff slot. The spread includes a mix of historic contenders and lesser‑known programs, painting a picture of a landscape where depth and schedule nuance can shift the balance dramatically.
The simulation, commissioned by USA TODAY Sports and built on the College Football 27 engine, offers a glimpse into how computer models can stress‑test assumptions about team strength, conference dynamics and recruiting pipelines. While the outcomes are not predictive of actual future results, they highlight the volatility that can exist when variables such as injuries, weather and in‑game decision‑making are abstracted into a digital environment.
Fans and analysts alike may find the exercise useful as a conversation starter about which teams could surprise in the real 2026 season. The data also serves as a reminder that even in a sport steeped in tradition, the interplay of talent, coaching and luck can produce unexpected playoff participants.