Ready to get hurt again: Five teams Tom Fornelli can't quit going into 2026

Key Points:

• The author admits to frequently falling for college football teams each summer, often expecting them to exceed preseason win totals despite past disappointments, and shares five teams they are optimistic about for the 2026 season.
• Florida Gators are viewed as a potential College Football Playoff contender due to a strong coaching upgrade with Jon Sumrall, effective offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, and a manageable SEC schedule.
• Kansas State, led by quarterback Avery Johnson and new coach Collin Klein, has a favorable schedule avoiding top Big 12 teams like Texas Tech and BYU, with potential to reach the Big 12 Championship Game.
• Michigan State is expected to improve from low preseason expectations (3.5 wins) under coach Pat Fitzgerald, boosted by a large transfer class and defensive improvements, potentially ending a four-year bowl drought.
• USC Trojans, despite losing key players, return many starters and have promising quarterback development under Lincoln Riley, with a challenging schedule but potential to be a serious playoff contender.
• Virginia Tech, coached by James Franklin, is seen as a team on the rise in the ACC with a relatively favorable schedule, possibly exceeding the modest 6.5 win total projected for 2026.