
Six Teams Poised to Break New Ground in the 2026 College Football Playoff
A look at the programs, key players and structural changes that could deliver the first-ever playoff appearances for several college football teams in 2026.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Morgan Scalley across Football.

A look at the programs, key players and structural changes that could deliver the first-ever playoff appearances for several college football teams in 2026.

From undefeated champions to high‑profile mid‑season switches, the 2026 coaching landscape blends historic triumphs with high‑stakes challenges.

Major transitions in Utah football leadership, including Kyle Whittingham's move to Michigan and Morgan Scalley's promotion, reshape the upcoming Big 12 season and influence national title contenders.

The latest preseason top‑25 poll highlights rising expectations for programs such as Boise State, Tennessee, SMU and Houston, while revealing critical quarterback situations and defensive upgrades that could shape the upcoming season.

Analysts forecast a breakout year for Utah’s offense, a potential Big 12 title clash with BYU, and Heisman contention for quarterback Devon Dampier, among other projections.

After back-to-back Pac-12 titles and two Rose Bowl appearances, Utah is charting a path toward its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, but the road ahead demands precision and resilience.
The Cyclones will open the 2026 campaign against a mix of FCS and Power Five opponents, featuring notable games against Iowa Hawkeyes, Utah Utes and BYU Cougars.

An analysis of the programs most likely to break into the 12‑team College Football Playoff in 2026, highlighting recent performances and key storylines.

Utah’s quarterback Devon Dampier, who battled a sports hernia and other setbacks in his debut season, is using the offseason to rally teammates, sharpen his mobility and aim for a standout performance in the Big 12.

The Big 12 prepares for its 30th anniversary season in 2026, highlighting historic achievements, fresh leadership and a new playoff structure.

The 2026 Big 12 Media Days concluded with a new Monster Energy partnership and a preseason poll that positions Texas Tech as the team to beat, while Utah looks to challenge the forecasted leaders.
From Ames to Provo, a dozen programs have turned to new head coaches, reshaping strategies and expectations as the Big 12 enters a pivotal era.

The Utah Utes open the 2026 campaign with a series of home victories, navigate a key coaching transition, and confront a challenging slate of opponents that could shape their Big 12 title hopes and an undefeated finish.

Despite having the third‑oldest squad in the Big 12, Colorado’s chances of winning the conference remain long, as oddsmakers prioritize team performance over age.
A ranking of Big 12 coaches reveals a spectrum of job security, highlighting alumni commitments, program revivals and the looming threat of replacement for several underperforming leaders.

Morgan Scalley succeeds Kyle Whittingham, introducing a new identity while leveraging Utah's storied home dominance and adapting to the NIL era.
Running back Wayshawn Parker is targeting a career‑year performance for the Utah Utes, believing a revamped offensive line and new coaching direction will elevate the team’s standing in the Big 12 and boost his NFL draft prospects.

The 2026 slate splits the Utes' campaign into three distinct phases, with a grueling eight‑game conference stretch that could determine postseason fate.

The University of Utah will open its 2026 football schedule with three unprecedented home games, a $1.45 million agreement that includes financial shares and ticket allocations for each opponent, while Arkansas voices worries about a late start time.

The latest Big 12 preseason football rankings reveal a competitive landscape, with Texas Tech leading the pack and several programs poised for breakthroughs.

The Big 12 enters the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy that is already generating buzz among analysts and fans alike.

The University of Arizona’s football program looks ahead to a 2026 schedule that blends historic rivalries, new coaching directions and a roster bolstered by standout returning talent.

Long‑time Laredo Morning Times columnist Clara Sandoval shares her excitement for the Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas, highlighting new coaching talent, playoff expansion talks, and her enduring passion for the sport.
Utah coach Morgan Scalley proposes moving bowl games to Week 0, expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, and using financial incentives to keep players engaged while addressing fiscal pressures in college athletics.