
Ten Programs Poised for a 2026 Slide in College Football
Analysts expect a notable dip in win totals for a dozen contenders, with betting markets already adjusting their outlooks.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Brent Key across Football, Basketball, Baseball.

Analysts expect a notable dip in win totals for a dozen contenders, with betting markets already adjusting their outlooks.

The 2026 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Trophy watch list includes Brent Key, highlighting his recent on‑field achievements and commitment to scholarship, leadership and integrity.

For much of the past decade, Clemson's dominance in the ACC has been defined by Dabo Swinney's leadership, but the rise of NIL and the transfer portal is reshaping the conference's power structure.
A ranking of the ACC’s top coaches heading into the 2026 season spotlights recent triumphs, rebuilding efforts and storylines that will shape the conference’s narrative.

Virginia Tech's 2026 home schedule features a mix of rebuilding opponents and powerhouse rivals, with each game carrying its own story.

From Jahmyr Gibbs' dual‑threat brilliance to Brent Key's vision for the next wave, Georgia Tech's recent recruiting hauls are reshaping the program's trajectory.

Georgia Tech plans to keep its rugged running attack for the 2026 season, leaning on key backs and a more prominent tight‑end role, while bolstering a stout defensive line under coach Brent Key.

Despite being projected for just 6.5 wins, Georgia Tech’s blend of a retooled offense, aggressive defense and veteran leadership under Brent Key could turn modest expectations into a surprise run at the ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth.

The Atlantic Coast Conference’s annual kickoff event in Charlotte brings together 17 head coaches and over 50 top student‑athletes, setting the stage for a season marked by depth, tradition and national relevance.

Georgia Tech will host its annual First Saturday on The Flats on August 8, 2026, kicking off the upcoming football season with a family‑friendly event on The Flats, offering free admission, DJ performances, tailgate games and a chance to meet head coach Brent Key and student‑athletes.

The Volunteers will travel to Atlanta next season to face a Georgia Tech squad that returns just under half of its production and must integrate new coordinators and emerging talent.

A non‑conference road game against the Volunteers highlights a transitional year for Georgia Tech, which returns just under half of its production and integrates fresh talent at quarterback, running back and on defense.

Georgia Tech enters its season opener as a 7.5‑point favorite against Colorado, with new quarterbacks, coordinators and a revamped roster promising a fresh start for both programs.
J. Batt, the newly appointed athletics director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC, brings a decade‑spanning record of fundraising and strategic leadership to the University of Kentucky, where he pledges to blend revenue generation with the preservation of a championship legacy.

With no linebacker committed in the 2027 class, Virginia Tech is making a decisive push for three‑star recruit CJ Ohuabunaw, who visited Blacksburg on an official trip and attracted interest from Florida State, Kansas and Louisville.

Andrew Smart, son of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, received his first college football offer from rival Georgia Tech during a seven‑on‑seven camp, a moment that quickly spread online.

During a seven‑on‑seven camp, Andrew Smart, the 2030 quarterback prospect and son of Georgia coach Kirby Smart, received his first college scholarship from rival Georgia Tech. The interaction, captured online, also saw LSU recruiter Lane Kiffin’s son Knox offered earlier, adding another layer to the Bulldogs‑Yellow Jackets saga.

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt outlines the college football teams he believes will see their stock rise or fall in 2026, highlighting key coaching changes, quarterback situations and program momentum

Analysts forecast Georgia’s 2026 season will feature a demanding schedule, including matchups against Alabama, Oklahoma and Florida, with the Bulldogs expected to finish 11‑1 and secure a berth in the SEC championship game.

After an official visit to Atlanta, Brodie Campbell, a three‑star quarterback from Newnan, Georgia, announced his commitment to Georgia Tech, a decision influenced by the coaching staff, academic opportunities and the program’s gritty identity.
Jordan Dillon, a senior offensive lineman at Effingham County High School, announced his commitment to Georgia Tech, citing a desire to help the team achieve playoff success while pursuing a degree in marketing or sports management.

McCarty Harrelson, a top kicker and punter, has pledged to join Georgia Tech, citing the school's closeness to home and its welcoming atmosphere.

Georgia Tech opens its season with a slate of home games on ESPN, highlighted by a much‑anticipated matchup against Tennessee that promises fresh storylines and a revived rivalry.

Georgia Tech’s head coach Brent Key has steered the Yellow Jackets to multiple bowl appearances and a near‑ACC Championship, yet CBS Sports still places him 27th among head coaches — a rating many experts deem unjust.