Bold Predictions for the Second Half of the 2026 College Football Season

Key Points:

• Miami and Notre Dame are set for a highly anticipated matchup reminiscent of their 1988 classic, with both teams potentially undefeated and ranked No. 1 and No. 2, featuring the nation's top offense against the top defense at Notre Dame Stadium.
• The 2026 college football coaching carousel is expected to be relatively quiet despite some hot-seat coaches, with major changes unlikely beyond Maryland's Mike Locksley and Rutgers’s Greg Schiano.
• Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is considered the best player in college football so far but is predicted not to win the Heisman Trophy due to strong late-season performances expected from several quarterbacks.
• UCLA is forecasted to make the College Football Playoff despite losing starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to injury, relying on their defense, running game, and backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach to sustain their success.
• Nebraska is projected to reach the College Football Playoff, with a manageable remaining schedule and a balanced team capable of winning key games against Oregon, Ohio State, and Iowa.