
Six Teams Poised to Break New Ground in the 2026 College Football Playoff
A look at the programs, key players and structural changes that could deliver the first-ever playoff appearances for several college football teams in 2026.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bear Bachmeier across Football.

A look at the programs, key players and structural changes that could deliver the first-ever playoff appearances for several college football teams in 2026.
The offseason buzz centers on the programs positioned to break into the College Football Playoff, highlighting quarterback developments, coaching continuity and schedule advantages that could tip the balance.

The Cougars are using the upcoming scrimmage to fine‑tune their depth charts and quarterback‑receiver rapport before the season kicks off.

BYU’s 2026 roster returns key starters who must sharpen pass rush, accuracy and consistency to unlock greater offensive and defensive potential.

ESPN’s annual Top 40 college football rankings highlight the nation’s most promising talents, with several Utah-connected athletes earning prominent spots amid injury narratives and shifting team dynamics.
The Cyclones will test their resilience against five marquee matchups, each presenting distinct challenges that could define their season under a new coaching era.

With the first official practice slated for Wednesday, BYU’s coaching staff and analysts are zeroing in on the wide receiver corps, where new faces and developmental opportunities could shape the offense.
Ohio State opens as the No. 1 team in the US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time since 2015, while Oregon, Georgia, and Texas round out the top four. The poll also spotlights emerging quarterbacks, transfer impacts, and defensive standouts across the country.

From red‑shirt freshmen to transfer breakouts, the 2026 Heisman conversation is already brimming with potential game‑changers.

Kalani Sitake voices dissatisfaction with the Cougars' recent performance despite a 23‑4 record, emphasizing the need for continued growth as the 2026 season approaches.

A record number of Big 12 players appear on preseason watch lists, highlighting the league's offensive depth and national relevance ahead of the upcoming college football season.

The latest preseason top‑25 poll highlights rising expectations for programs such as Boise State, Tennessee, SMU and Houston, while revealing critical quarterback situations and defensive upgrades that could shape the upcoming season.

With starter Bear Bachmeier entering his second year as BYU’s lead signal‑caller, the Cougars are evaluating Treyson Bourguet, a transfer from Western Michigan, for the primary backup spot. The competition will be on display during August 2026 fall camp.
The Cyclones will open the 2026 campaign against a mix of FCS and Power Five opponents, featuring notable games against Iowa Hawkeyes, Utah Utes and BYU Cougars.

The Cougars are projected to dominate both sides of the ball, with standout players poised for accolades and a marquee broadcast appearance.

The Big 12 prepares for its 30th anniversary season in 2026, highlighting historic achievements, fresh leadership and a new playoff structure.

With the 2026 campaign opening against Utah Tech in under 40 days, BYU is shaping its roster around a returning head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and a running back poised to rewrite the program's record books.

As fall camp begins, the Cougars focus on three pivotal storylines that could shape their season, highlighted by the performance of key players and an early test against the UCF Knights.
After finishing 11‑2 and capturing the Pop‑Tarts Bowl, the BYU Cougars are poised for a breakout 2026 season. With key players back and a slate of high‑profile games, the team hopes to translate its momentum into a College Football Playoff push.
At the Harrington Center for the Arts, brothers Bear and Tiger Bachmeier performed their first concert as the musical act Music Bachs, joined by uncle Don and coached by Kalani Sitake, as part of the city’s ‘Concerts in the Park’ series.
After a dominant 11‑2 campaign and a Pop‑Tarts Bowl victory, the Cougars bring back key players and a favorable slate of games that promise excitement for fans and newcomers alike.

From preseason obscurity to a favored title contender, BYU's transformation under Kalani Sitake is reshaping the conference landscape.

As the 2026 college football season approaches, teams across the Power 4 are finalizing their quarterback plans, blending established starters, high‑profile transfers and promising newcomers.

As the 2026 season looms, seven pivotal players and their teams emerge as critical to title contention, each bringing unique talent and experience.