
2026 College Football Preview: Teams Poised for Breakout Seasons
A look at the coaches, transfers and key returning players who could reshape the 2026 landscape, highlighting LSU, South Carolina, Houston, Penn State, Florida and USC.
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A look at the coaches, transfers and key returning players who could reshape the 2026 landscape, highlighting LSU, South Carolina, Houston, Penn State, Florida and USC.

Alani Noa, a key starter on the USC offensive line, has been selected for the 2026 Outland Trophy Watch List, positioning him to join the school's exclusive list of award winners.

Senior lineman Kilian O’Connor’s career‑ending injury during fall camp forces a reshuffle of the USC offensive line, opening the door for redshirt junior Tobias Raymond and a deep group of young players.

USC’s 2026 campaign hinges on a revitalized running game, a fortified defense and an elite offensive line, all orchestrated by coach Lincoln Riley as the Trojans aim for their first College Football Playoff appearance.

USC’s fifth‑year coach Lincoln Riley leads a talent‑laden Trojans squad, highlighted by award watch‑list selections and a revamped offensive line, aiming to break the program’s playoff drought.

With only one proven pass catcher returning, USC must rely on new transfers and developing talent to support quarterback Jayden Maiava and achieve its lofty goals.

Analysts predict a wide range of win totals for the Big Ten’s 2026 slate, with teams like Purdue, Minnesota and Ohio State eyeing over‑under lines that reflect new coaches, transfer portal additions and schedule shifts.

With a strong returning core and a highly touted recruiting class, the Trojans hope to turn preseason promise into a historic playoff run.

The University of Southern California's football program is preparing for the 2026 season, with fall practice set to begin on July 31. The early start is driven by a non‑conference game against San Jose State, and the roster features returning starters, high‑profile recruits, and a new defensive coordinator.

With the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, quarterback Jayden Maiava’s returning production and a revamped defense led by Hall of Fame coordinator Gary Patterson, the Trojans are poised to turn early momentum into a playoff‑ready campaign.

At the Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, USC head coach Lincoln Riley outlined the team’s ambitions, citing a top recruiting class and the potential of quarterback Jayden Maiava for Heisman consideration.

An in‑depth look at the top running backs poised to define fantasy lineups, the importance of four‑RB weekly stacks, and the players leading the conversation.

A deep dive into the 2026 USC Trojans football outlook, examining the offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, the revamped defense, and the upcoming showdown with Rutgers.

The Trojans will open their 2026 schedule against Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, aiming to build on a 9‑4 campaign and a revamped defense under Gary Patterson.

The Fighting Illini have posted back‑to‑back nine‑win seasons and a 10‑win campaign in 2024, yet preseason accolades remain limited, with just one player earning a second‑team All‑Big Ten selection.

EA Sports' College Football 27 brings a new generation of college football gaming, featuring USC's standout players and a roster that highlights both high ratings and notable omissions.

The Badgers open against a top‑five Notre Dame team, travel to Penn State and host USC, facing significant underdog status but seeing pathways to surprise victories.
With the 2026 season looming, the Oregon Ducks face a demanding slate that includes trips to Ohio State and Michigan, a showdown with USC, and a host of coaching changes across the Pac‑12. This ranking breaks down the challenges and opportunities awaiting the program.

A look at the most potent college football running back rooms heading into the 2026 season, highlighting key players and the depth that could redefine the game.

The newest edition of EA Sports' college football franchise debuts on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows, featuring a roster of Pensacola-born players and a $1,500 opt‑in payment.
The new College Football 27 title is now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows, offering a $1,500 opt‑in fee for players with ties to the Pensacola area and a Team Builder that can host UWF.

The 2026 season outlook sees Oregon's high‑powered offense leading the nation, driven by quarterback Dante Moore's decision to stay, while Texas, Ohio State, Miami and USC round out the top five.

Lincoln Riley’s USC squad boasts the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, a revamped defense under Gary Patterson, and a cadre of young stars poised to contend for a national title, according to analyst Brad Crawford.

After a season-ending knee injury, Riley Wormley is back and fighting for a third-down role, potentially giving the Trojans a deeper, more versatile rushing attack.