
USC Trojans Eye First College Football Playoff Berth in 2026
A look at the key newcomers and strategic shifts that could propel the USC Trojans to a historic playoff run.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Walker Lyons across Football, Basketball.

A look at the key newcomers and strategic shifts that could propel the USC Trojans to a historic playoff run.

Jakub Urbaniak, a 6‑foot‑9 Polish center, has signed with BYU for the 2026‑27 season, adding size and international pedigree to the Cougars’ lineup. Meanwhile, BYU football standouts LJ Martin, Walker Lyons and Bruce Mitchell earned preseason honors that signal depth across the program.

Kalani Sitake voices dissatisfaction with the Cougars' recent performance despite a 23‑4 record, emphasizing the need for continued growth as the 2026 season approaches.

The Cougars are projected to dominate both sides of the ball, with standout players poised for accolades and a marquee broadcast appearance.

With the 2026 campaign opening against Utah Tech in under 40 days, BYU is shaping its roster around a returning head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and a running back poised to rewrite the program's record books.

BYU's fall practice will begin in August 2026, with Walker Lyons expected to anchor a revamped tight end corps.

With 21 former four‑star recruits set for the 2026 fall camp, BYU is building the depth and talent needed to challenge for the Big 12 championship.

BYU signed its strongest recruiting class in decades, featuring fifteen newcomers who are expected to contribute right away.

Bruce Mitchell, a first‑team All‑Big 12 selection, is focused on helping BYU return to the College Football Playoff while preparing for a 2027 NFL draft prospect role.

Despite losing several defensive stalwarts, the Cougars enter the season with a strong offensive core and high expectations.

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reflects on a flight conversation with a grandmother, his commitment to staying at his alma mater, and the family‑centric values that shape the Cougars' rise.
After turning down a high‑profile request from Penn State, Kalani Sitake remains at BYU, where he blends tradition, culture and new NIL opportunities to build a transformational program.

The Division 1 Cabinet’s recent decision allows student‑athletes who enroll after turning 19 to use up to five years of eligibility, with a specific exemption for two‑year religious missions. The change could keep several BYU stars on campus through 2027.

A look at how BYU's strong recent record, top‑ranked offensive line and emerging NFL talent are reshaping expectations for the Cougars.

With a 9‑4 finish in 2025 and a top‑ranked recruiting class, the Trojans are betting on new talent to chase a College Football Playoff spot.

Redshirt sophomore tight end Will Zundel, a Utah native who served a mission in Angola, has become a key special‑teams contributor for the Cougars and is poised for an expanded role in 2026.

Redshirt sophomore tight end Will Zundel blends academic honors, missionary service, and special‑teams contributions as BYU readies for the 2026 season.

A look at the pivotal 'what‑if' storylines that could determine whether BYU breaks into the top tier or faces unexpected setbacks in the upcoming season.

USC will open its 2026 football campaign on August 29 against San Jose State, and the Countdown to Kickoff series highlights standout players by jersey number, featuring Walker Lyons, a former Trojan who is now gearing up for his next season with the Cougars.

A look at the Cougars' projected lineup, highlighting the quarterback race, standout running back, receiver uncertainties, and the defensive units poised for impact.

Indiana leads the latest preseason top 25, with Oregon, Ohio State and a host of other programs rounding out the early rankings. Key players and coaching storylines promise a competitive year.

The latest preseason Top‑25 poll blends expert opinion with algorithmic evaluation, offering a nuanced view of teams such as Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas as the 2026 season looms.

From Provo to the Pacific, BYU’s football program is reshaping its recruiting pipeline, securing commitments from a diverse group of prospects and climbing the national rankings.

An overview of the major offseason moves shaping the 2026 college football season, from quarterback battles to coaching changes.