
2026 College Football Playoff Outlook: Contenders, Dark Horses, and Key Storylines
With six teams boasting +900 odds and a crowded Heisman race, the 2026 playoff picture is poised for surprise.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Curt Cignetti across Football, Basketball.

With six teams boasting +900 odds and a crowded Heisman race, the 2026 playoff picture is poised for surprise.

CBS Sports’ new ‘Confidential Conversations’ video captures a candid roundtable with Indiana University football standouts, offering a deep dive into the 2025 season’s defining moments and the program’s outlook for 2026

Indiana enters its 2026 opener as a heavy favorite, boasting a perfect record and a dominant coaching staff, while North Texas looks to pull off an upset in a sold‑out Memorial Stadium.

The latest NFL roster cuts have left a notable imprint of Indiana University alumni, with 18 former players earning spots on opening‑day rosters across a dozen teams, while undrafted prospects like Ke’Shawn Williams and Myles Price aim to carve out careers.

Indiana’s meteoric rise from a 3‑9 season to an undefeated national championship has sparked a search for the next program that can duplicate the feat, with Kentucky emerging as the most plausible candidate.
The 2026 college football season marks a pivotal moment for the Michigan Wolverines, as the program steps into the Kyle Whittingham era following a whirlwind offseason that saw more than 30 newcomers added to the roster.
Coach Curt Cignetti aims to follow up Indiana’s undefeated 2025 campaign with an 11‑1 record in 2026, targeting a Big Ten title and another College Football Playoff appearance.
Former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover has pledged to Indiana University, bringing a record‑breaking passing résumé and championship experience to the Hoosiers.

A look at the major storylines shaping the upcoming college football season, from controversial roster moves to championship expectations and the broader impact of NCAA litigation.

This week’s recap covers basketball’s non‑conference slate, Sam Alexis’s eligibility uncertainty, football’s fall camp, soccer dominance and losses, newcomer Oliver Moller‑Jensen’s rise, and recent fan‑engagement initiatives.
Indiana University’s head coach Curt Cignetti outlines the progress of new starting quarterback Josh Hoover, compares him to past Heisman standouts, and details key battles on defense and special teams.

The 2026 season promises dramatic shifts as transfers reshape rosters, historic programs chase new milestones, and analysts map out a bracket that could crown an unexpected champion.

Sports Illustrated’s historic top 25 list crowns Alabama as the greatest college football program, highlighting five championship teams and a legacy that eclipses fleeting modern triumphs.

Recent history shows that teams often surpass preseason expectations in college football, and Cal’s new coaching staff and talented quarterback position the Golden Bears to follow the surprising trajectories of Indiana, Arizona State, Vanderbilt and Virginia.

Bill Connelly’s latest coach rankings place Curt Cignetti at the top, highlighting Indiana’s strong 2026 transfer class and the analytical edge that could push the Hoosiers into a top‑five finish

With key veterans returning and promising newcomers, Indiana University's defensive line aims to be a cornerstone of the 2026 campaign.

Indiana University’s football coach Curt Cignetti appears in a fresh State Farm commercial that highlights personalized insurance pricing, using green‑screen technology and a recurring Jake character to showcase his rising prominence ahead of the 2026 season.

With the playoff expanded to twelve teams, analysts Austin Mock and Sam Khan Jr. outline the contenders, highlight sleeper programs, and predict a likely champion.
A look at the judges, coaches, executives and politicians whose decisions will define college football in the coming season.

After initially criticizing Indiana University’s 2024 playoff loss, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit now projects the Hoosiers as Big Ten champions, citing a perfect 16‑0 season, a 15‑game home winning streak and a top‑tier coaching staff. He predicts a pivotal October 17 matchup against Ohio State in Bloomington will seal the conference title, while also forecasting a No. 1 playoff seed for Indiana.

Indiana’s 2026 football squad blends a revamped quarterback room, key transfers and a fortified secondary as the Hoosiers aim to turn past frustrations into Big Ten contention.

A look at the 2026 college football predictions, highlighting unbeaten forecasts for Ohio State and Georgia, Indiana’s title push, and the impact of new coaches and key players across the nation
Indiana University football is preparing for the 2026 season by focusing on younger players to fill roster gaps left after the national championship loss. Key returning players like Brock Schott and Adedamola Ajani are expected to take on expanded roles, while veteran cornerback Jamari Sharpe will lead the defense. The article highlights potential breakout candidates, including wide receiver Davion Chandler and safety Byron Baldwin Jr., who could step up in responsibilities. Despite limited opportunities for traditional breakouts, the team’s depth and experience suggest standout performances are likely.

With a 23‑4 record over the past two seasons, a No. 14 preseason ranking and a schedule that includes marquee matchups against Notre Dame and Utah, the BYU Cougars are poised for a breakout year. Coach Kalani Sitake’s humble approach and expert predictions of an 11‑1 campaign add to the excitement.