
Iowa Hawkeyes’ Playoff Hopes Ride on Early Wins and Quarterback Battle
A look at how road victories, a new starting quarterback and defensive leadership shape Iowa’s chances of breaking into the College Football Playoff.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Heather Dinich across Football.

A look at how road victories, a new starting quarterback and defensive leadership shape Iowa’s chances of breaking into the College Football Playoff.

James Franklin's first season at Virginia Tech brings a revamped roster, high‑profile recruits and a 7.3% playoff odds projection, setting the stage for a challenging but promising 2026 campaign.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich ranks Alabama 17th among 31 teams for the 2026 College Football Playoff, citing a challenging schedule, an unsettled quarterback battle and a pivotal Oct. 10 matchup against Georgia as key factors shaping the Crimson Tide’s postseason chances.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich argues that Tennessee’s 20.5% chance of making the College Football Playoff is overly optimistic given a 4‑8 conference record last season and a schedule stacked with top‑ranked opponents.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich says Colorado’s recent 3‑9 season and massive transfer influx leave the program unlikely to contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.

Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame aims to translate preseason optimism into a playoff berth and a shot at the title.

A recent ESPN report highlights the SEC’s serious consideration of self‑governance, driven by disputes over NCAA authority and proposed legislation, while underscoring the financial and relational risks of such a move.

Kalen DeBoer enters a pivotal 2026 season at Alabama, where a flawless coaching pedigree meets intense pressure and shifting power rankings.

ESPN's 2026 rankings of college football coaches have stirred conversation, especially after Lane Kiffin was placed seventh despite a high‑profile move to LSU and a lucrative contract.

ESPN’s latest rankings spotlight Curt Cignetti’s historic start and the shifting power dynamics in college football.

From Frisco to Tampa, ESPN’s multi‑network rollout features in‑person reports, streaming on ESPN+, and extensive studio programming to launch the upcoming season.

The NFL announced it would not hold a supplemental draft in July, eliminating Brendan Sorsby's last path to playing high-level football this year. The decision reflects concerns over his gambling history and the league's need for a full investigation.

The playoff’s potential expansion to 24 teams is sparking debate over revenue gains versus the sport’s traditional regular‑season drama.

ESPN's new 128‑page preview magazine introduces three regional covers spotlighting the most talked‑about quarterbacks and offers deep analysis of storylines, rivalries and coaching changes.

ESPN's new preview showcases regional covers, star athletes and extensive broadcast plans for the upcoming college football season.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey argues the SEC remains the strongest college football conference despite the Big Ten's three straight national titles and rising betting odds.

Florida’s football program is targeting its inaugural College Football Playoff appearance, driven by a new coaching staff and a challenging slate of games.