RJ Young’s 2026 Power 4 Forecast
Sports analyst RJ Young has released his outlook for the 2026 college football season, identifying the likely champions of the Power 4 conferences and outlining the factors that shape his predictions.
Conference Champions
Miami Hurricanes emerge as the ACC’s top pick, driven by quarterback Darrian Mensah’s arm and a schedule that accentuates their offensive strengths; Texas Tech Red Raiders are projected to capture the Big 12, leveraging a deep transfer portal class and robust returning production; Ohio State Buckeyes, led by quarterback Julian Sayin and a recruiting class that ranks among the nation’s elite, are favored in the Big Ten; and Georgia Bulldogs, anchored by running back Nate Frazier and defensive standouts Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden, are slated to repeat as SEC champions.
Young emphasizes that the convergence of experience, coaching continuity, and challenging schedules makes each of these programs uniquely positioned, suggesting that the 2026 season could set a new benchmark for competitive parity across the Power 4.