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Bryan Fischer & Pat Forde

Way-Too-Early 2026 College Football Playoff Brackets: Expert Picks, Imaginative Scenarios

Curt Cignetti Arch Manning Mike Norvell Notre Dame Ohio State Football Dante Moore Indiana Miami Oregon

The Indiana Hoosiers have barely lifted the College Football Playoff national championship trophy, but it’s never too early (right?) to look ahead to next season. As it stands, the format remains the same for 2026 with a 12-team field featuring the five highest-ranked conference champions and the top four seeds receiving first-round byes. Sports Illustrated writers Pat Forde and Bryan Fischer give their picks on who will make a playoff run next season, then delve into some imaginative scenarios for additional brackets.

Pat Forde’s way-too-early 2026 College Football Playoff bracket

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