Preseason rankings place Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Georgia atop most 2026 polls following strong 2025 finishes that included multiple College Football Playoff appearances and conference titles. The 12-team playoff format remains unchanged, with the top four seeds earning byes directly to the quarterfinals and teams 5–12 competing in the opening round. Key variables include returning quarterback play, offensive line continuity, and early-season results against power-conference opponents, as injuries or unexpected losses can quickly shift selection committee perceptions. Conference strength, particularly in the Big Ten and SEC, along with head-to-head matchups in September and October, will heavily influence which programs secure the top-eight positioning needed to reach the quarters.