
Five Programs Poised for a 2026 Rebound — or a Slip
The 2026 season may see former breakout teams stumble as they navigate new quarterbacks, departing stars, and demanding schedules.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Diego Pavia across Football, Basketball, Baseball.

The 2026 season may see former breakout teams stumble as they navigate new quarterbacks, departing stars, and demanding schedules.

Comedian Theo Von, usually known for his quirky performances, delivered an earnest message during Vanderbilt’s fall camp, urging law enforcement to release Javy Pavia and reinforcing the Commodores’ underdog identity.

A recent injunction grants an extra year of eligibility to class‑of‑2022 athletes, allowing former Oregon State football players Van Wells and Jaheim Patterson to potentially return in 2026, while prompting roster moves at Indiana and Oregon and raising broader questions about the NCAA’s new five‑for‑five model.

A recent injunction could allow Van Wells and Jaheim Patterson to extend their eligibility into the 2026 season, pending the NCAA’s appeal, while reshaping roster plans across several programs.
Vanderbilt's first double‑digit win season propels the program into 2026, with departing Heisman finalist Diego Pavia, coach Clark Lea, and a revamped roster poised for a challenging slate of SEC matchups.

The NCAA's 5‑in‑5 eligibility rule, introduced in June 2025, has been upheld by courts in Ohio and Colorado, allowing the entire Class of 2022 to claim a fifth year of competition. The decision clears the way for former Mizzou forward Mark Mitchell and others to return, but it also sparks roster‑cap debates and strategic reshuffling across the SEC.

The NCAA's fifth‑year eligibility rule and a wave of transfers reshape Purdue's secondary, offering new stability and depth for the upcoming season.
The sixth season of a college football coach’s career has become a recurring storyline in the national championship conversation, often marking the point where early promise crystallizes into title contention.
Will Stein takes the helm of Kentucky football, hoping to end a two‑year bowl absence as the Wildcats face a demanding slate of SEC opponents.

From Kirby Smart's near‑unassailable position to Shane Beamer's looming pressure, the 2026 season promises pivotal moments for SEC sidelines.

Purdue's linebacker unit blends experienced stalwarts with promising newcomers, setting the stage for a defense that could dominate the Big Ten if health permits.
Recent College Football Playoff results show the Big Ten outperforming the SEC, prompting coaches and commissioners to revisit long‑held assumptions about conference strength.
Recent playoff results show the Big Ten outperforming the SEC, prompting a reevaluation of conference hierarchies.

The Commodores' 2026 campaign hinges on the development of freshman quarterback Jared Curtis, with optimistic projections of a 10‑2 record and a playoff berth, while a pessimistic outlook predicts a 4‑8 finish.

A look at the Wolf Pack’s fall camp start, key position battles and the broader sports landscape that frames their 2026 campaign.

Vanderbilt’s new era under Clark Lea hinges on a deep roster and the emergence of cornerback Martel Hight, whose defensive focus could redefine the team’s SEC ambitions.

Donovan Dent, a former UNM basketball player now coaching in Albuquerque, is part of a legal effort to overturn the NCAA's restrictive eligibility rule, a fight that could reshape the landscape for college athletes seeking a fifth season.

A recent Ohio injunction lets graduating seniors challenge the NCAA’s age‑based eligibility standards, igniting a nationwide legal fight and reshaping career choices for college athletes.

Vanderbilt’s football program is charting a new course under head coach Clark Lea, building on a record‑setting 10‑3 campaign while integrating key returning talent and a promising kicking game.

Vanderbilt’s football program enters a pivotal season with high expectations, anchored by experienced players and a reliable kicker.

Trinidad Chambliss enters 2026 as a top college quarterback, having led Ole Miss to its first Playoff appearance and now navigating a court‑granted extra season.

Lane Kiffin’s arrival in Baton Rouge brings a fresh offensive philosophy and high expectations. As LSU gears up for a demanding 2026 slate, the Tigers’ new-look team features key transfers and a defense led by coordinator Blake Baker. The upcoming game against Tennessee highlights a schedule that could shape the SEC landscape.

ESPN’s Football Power Index places the Volunteers at No. 16, forecasts 7.3 wins and a 20.5 % playoff chance, and outlines a schedule that mixes easy victories with tough conference battles.

Vanderbilt's 2025 season delivered a historic ten‑win campaign and a Heisman runner‑up quarterback, but the departure of Diego Pavia poses a major challenge. Freshman Jared Curtis is poised to step in as the Commodores aim to sustain momentum into 2026.