
The College Football Playoff’s 24‑Team Dream: Who Gains, Who Loses
An expansion to 24 teams would open the playoff to many more schools, alter coaching legacies and redefine how elite programs schedule each season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kyle Whittingham across Football.

An expansion to 24 teams would open the playoff to many more schools, alter coaching legacies and redefine how elite programs schedule each season.

Nebraska sits eighth in the Big Ten per ESPN and tenth per CBS Sports, facing a challenging schedule as it seeks to turn back‑to‑back 7‑6 seasons into a breakthrough year.

Savion Hiter, a consensus five‑star recruit, joins the Michigan Wolverines with high expectations after a record‑setting high school career.

Savion Hiter, a consensus five‑star running back from Virginia, has joined the Michigan Wolverines as a true freshman. With a high‑school career that included over 3,000 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns, his arrival adds depth to a backfield that already features Jordan Marshall. Coached by Kyle Whittingham and guided by position coach Tony Alford, Hiter is expected to contribute immediately while developing his pass‑catching and blitz‑pickup skills.

Washington’s latest recruitment push targets Samiu Taukiuvea, a highly rated offensive lineman whose path is shaped by former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham now leading the Wolverines.

After losing key starters, Michigan leans on emerging talent and experienced transfers, aiming for an aggressive, physical defense.

Michigan's defensive backfield blends experienced returners with promising newcomers, aiming to strengthen a secondary that faces depth challenges.

Michigan’s early recruitment of 2028 quarterback Drew Sheridan highlights the Wolverines’ aggressive approach, as the Dearborn native impressed staff during a campus visit and expressed enthusiasm for the program’s direction.

The Wolverines are refining a new man‑to‑man defensive approach, focusing on mental confidence and key cornerback development before their season opener against Western Michigan.

The Wolverines' secondary features standout returning players Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry, coached by Jernaro Gilford, while emerging talents like Shamari Earls and transfer Smith Snowden add depth, though recent departures leave the unit thin.

Michigan’s sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood is refining his game under quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, with high hopes for a more decisive 2026 season.

Michigan’s football program is intensifying its pursuit of elite quarterback talent, and few names have generated as much buzz as Drew Sheridan, a three‑star recruit from Dearborn Divine Child.

Michigan’s coaching staff is leveraging personal connections and a clear development vision to land elite talent, outpacing traditional powerhouses in the race for the next generation of Wolverines.

Jayce Brewer, a 2027 four‑star edge rusher from Indianapolis, announced his commitment to the University of Michigan, bringing size, athleticism and raw talent to Ann Arbor.

The Hoosiers are ranked No. 6 nationally, but their 2026 slate features multiple top‑20 opponents and several coaching storylines.

Monsanna Torbert's decommitment from Indiana and rapid ascent in the rankings have turned his recruitment into a high‑stakes chase among college football powerhouses.

Big Ten coaches express confidence in Michigan's ability to win the conference, citing deep rosters, impactful recruiting and strategic transfers, while outlining a schedule that begins with summer conditioning on June 1 and culminates in a September 5 opener.
Iowa's 2026 football schedule pits the Hawkeyes against top‑ranked rivals early, highlighting quarterback uncertainty and the potential for a playoff push.
The Hawkeyes’ schedule packs three power‑house opponents into a two‑week window, while a later stretch offers a chance at a perfect run against weaker foes.

The latest wave of Big Ten coaching changes reveals divergent approaches to roster construction, from Chesney’s aggressive portal use to Fitzgerald’s adaptation challenges, and the steady hands of Whittingham and Campbell.

Penn State’s post‑spring ranking, a challenging yet promising schedule, and the impact of transfers and coaching changes set the tone for a season that could see the Nittany Lions reach double‑digit wins.

After spring ball, Michigan climbs to fifth in the Big Ten rankings, driven by a fresh coaching direction and the emergence of quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Four-star cornerback Darius Johnson commits to Michigan, joining a surge of high‑profile recruits in the 2027 class.
Michigan lands a top cornerback, expanding a recruiting class that now ranks No. 15 nationally.