Indiana broke a 30-year gap between first-time champions. For the next to join the club, there are some obvious candidates.
Ohio State starts the 2026 season as the No. 1 team in the AFCA Coaches Poll as the Big Ten tries to extend its run of college football national champions to four.
The players, position groups or situations that could swing the season for each of the top teams.
Which teams and players are poised for the next step? Which are ready to put a down 2025 behind them?
TV, realignment, stars and legends, postseason quarrels. Those themes have set up epic games and made the current sport.
From new coaches to unproven players, these issues could trip up the best teams in the country.
