By Dustin Hollinger

Key Topics

• Would Brendan Sorsby Bet on a Billionaire Alum “Buying” the Big 12 Championship?
• Is 2026 Penn State Actually 2004 Nebraska in Disguise?
• Vanderbilt: Welcome to Year 1 A.D.—After Diego
• Will the Bison Continue to Stampede Throughout the West?
• Will the Hornets Sting the MAC, or Will They Be Stung?
• When EWU Says “See Red,” Is It the Panic Button?

Super Conferences

ACC: Virginia Tech

New coach James Franklin looks like the person who can restore the Hokies to the glory they enjoyed not too long ago. My initial impression is that he is the best thing to happen to Virginia Tech since Hall of Fame Coach Frank Beamer’s retirement eleven years ago.

James Franklin built two downtrodden programs into competitive winners, starting with his tenure at Vanderbilt from 2011–2013. He guided Vanderbilt to a respectable 24–15 record and its first-ever three straight bowl appearances.

Then he took over a struggling Penn State program that was coming off probation stemming from the Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal. During his time at Penn State, he made the Lions feel like the Joe Paterno era had returned, with eight New Year’s Bowl appearances, a Big Ten Championship, and five end-of-season Top Ten rankings.

This season, Virginia Tech is capable of winning eight games and could be a dark-horse ACC Championship contender.

ACC Champion Prediction: Clemson

Big Ten: Penn State & Indiana

Before hiring Matt Campbell, Penn State’s 54-day coaching search included nine candidates who either passed on the job or had no interest in it. To compare, Nebraska’s December 2003 coaching search lasted 41 days, and at least four candidates declined the offer.

Nebraska supporters were stunned when Frank Solich, who had a 75% winning percentage, was fired. The same can be said about Penn State’s decision to fire James Franklin.

Penn State, just like Nebraska, brought in a coach with a winning track record. The only thing Penn State is hoping for is that it does not become 2004 Nebraska.

Last year, I said, “The Hoosiers have enjoyed minor success over the past ten seasons. Their four bowl appearances between 2015–2020 point to that. No one expected this team to have this type of watershed moment, going 11–1. Although this was the nation’s surprise team two years ago, they may have ‘overachieved.’ It’s expected that there will be some regression, but Indiana should still be a quality team. The question is, how far will they drop off?”

Indiana finished the 2025 season undefeated and had its first-ever Heisman Trophy winner. For the second year in a row, the question remains: “This is a quality team, but how far will they drop off?”

Big Ten Champion Prediction: Ohio State

Big 12: Texas Tech

The yes, no, stop-and-go Brandon Sorsby eligibility saga is over—for now.

It all started last April when QB Brandon Sorsby checked himself into gambling-addiction recovery. He took the initiative to do the responsible thing. He was honest enough to admit to gambling against his own team while he was at Indiana. Did someone just say Pete Rose?

He said his final wager involving Indiana was a few weeks before he played for the Hoosiers. His other team, the Cincinnati Bearcats, said they had no knowledge of his problem. As an NCAA athlete, that is certainly not something you tout.

The NCAA ruled him ineligible. On June 8, a Texas (Tech?) judge granted an injunction allowing Brandon Sorsby to play. A few days later, the Oklahoma AG encouraged the Big 12 to suspend him. Then, a few Big 12 teams said they would boycott Texas Tech games if Sorsby took the field.

Finally, Brendan Sorsby left Texas Tech and is pursuing the NFL in 2027.

Upon winning their first-ever Big 12 Championship, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez said, “If you’re going to buy a team, why not be the best?”

Prior to that statement, a social-media influencer asked a billionaire former player to “buy some offensive linemen.” The booster responded, “I will.”

$27 million later, the Texas Tech Red Raiders won their first conference championship in 31 years and their first outright conference championship in 70 years.

Whether those quotes were tongue-in-cheek or brutal honesty, you don’t have to be Brendan Sorsby to bet that this Texas Tech former player is willing to “buy” another Big 12 Championship.

SEC: Vanderbilt

The old adage that “a person isn’t bigger than the program” doesn’t feel true for the Commodores since QB Diego Pavia arrived. He was the biggest thing to hit Nashville since country music.

Wherever Diego Pavia goes, winning immediately follows.

This started when he helped New Mexico Military Institute win the JUCO National Championship. His next stop was New Mexico State, a team that had gone 5–21 over the previous two seasons. In Pavia’s first season, the Aggies had a winning season capped by a Quick Lane Bowl victory.

His second year at New Mexico State was a 10-win season—their best since 1960, when they went 11–0.

Three years earlier, the Commodores had gone 2–10. Pavia’s winning ways have even extended into the courtroom. As a result of suing the NCAA, he was granted another year of eligibility.

In 2024, Vanderbilt had its first winning season since 2012, going 9–4. That included an upset over No. 1 Alabama that earned them the FWAA/Cheez-It National Team of the Week award.

Last year, the Commodores went 10–3 and had their first 10-win season in their 136-year history!

Vanderbilt Coach Art Guepe once said, “There’s no way you can be Harvard Monday through Friday and try to be Alabama on Saturday.”

That can now be modified:

“There is a way you can be Harvard Monday through Friday and BEAT Alabama on Saturday!!!!!”

Things don’t come easy for Vanderbilt, from its rigorous academics to playing in the SEC, which is probably the second-toughest conference in the world next to the NFL.

For years, the Commodores have been the SEC punching bag. The last two years, they’ve been punching back—and landing a few knockouts.

Vanderbilt’s last three straight bowl appearances came in 2011–2013, when they had spectacular QB play from Jordan Rodgers, Aaron’s brother. That seems to be the key to success.

This year, they’ll fight tooth and nail to get to six wins and a bowl invitation.

SEC Championship Prediction: Texas

Group of 6

AAC: ECU

Two years ago, I predicted Army would win the conference. They won the conference, the Independence Bowl, and achieved their first 12-win season at 12–2.

Last year, I predicted the same for Navy. They lost the tiebreaker to play in the conference championship. The Midshipmen went 11–2, went on to win the Liberty Bowl, and were awarded the Lambert “Eastern Champion” Trophy.

So, I feel confident that ECU is capable of winning the conference and reaching 10 wins.

The last two years, the Pirates have been quietly building toward a big season. During that time, they won back-to-back Military Bowl Championships over ACC teams.

AAC Champion Prediction: ECU

C-USA: Sam Houston

During the Bearkats’ short life as a “mid-major,” the program has experienced dreary lows in 2023 (3–9) and ethereal highs in 2024 (10–3 and New Orleans Bowl Champions).

Last season, that severe polar swing continued as Sam Houston lost Coach K.C. Keeler and 16 starters. As a result, Sam Houston finished 1–11 after winning the 2021 FCS National Championship.

This year, with a few breaks, they might even out to 6–6.

C-USA Champion Prediction: Western Kentucky

MWC: North Dakota State

When NDSU announced that it was moving “up” to the Mountain West, I questioned the move. Please refer to the February 15, 2026 article, “Is North Dakota State Retiring From the National Championship Business?” on CFRAPoll.com.

Given their move to the MWC, expect the Bison to continue to stampede through the West. The only difference is the route they’ll take. It’s no longer the Ohio Valley; it’s the Mountain West.

Unfortunately, they traded National Championships for small potatoes—the Potato Bowl, that is.

MWC Champion Prediction: UNLV

Sun Belt: Old Dominion

Old Dominion will likely be overlooked because of JMU’s dominance, but don’t sleep on the Monarchs.

Last year, ODU’s high-octane offense helped them to 10 wins and a Cure Bowl Championship over a good South Florida team.

This year’s “Royal Rivalry Challenge” between the JMU Dukes and ODU Monarchs will probably decide the Sun Belt Conference Championship.

Sun Belt Champion Prediction: James Madison

MAC: Sacramento

A few years ago, Sacramento announced its goal of joining the PAC-12. It was reported that they secured $30 million for NIL. Stadium expansion was in the works, and their basketball teams were set to play in the NBA Sacramento Kings’ arena while they built a new one.

MAC membership is a stepping stone to the Mountain West or PAC-12.

Will the Hornets sting the MAC, or will the MAC sting them?

The answer is yes.

This season, I expect Sacramento to go 6–6. So, “The Stinging” will be reciprocated.

MAC Champion Prediction: Western Michigan

PAC-12: Colorado State

The PAC is WAC—the former Western Athletic Conference, that is.

Oh, the power of branding. Why else would the teams make a lateral move?

For about 25 years now, I’ve been calling for Boise and Fresno to be admitted to the PAC-10/12. Boise has turned itself from Cinderella (fluke) into a dynasty. Fresno’s longtime motto, “We’ll Play Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime,” has led to them pulling off major upsets over Top 10 teams.

Had the PAC-12 added these two teams five years ago, it would have been a mutual improvement. Today, it’s a desperate move for the Pacific-12 and a lateral move for Fresno and Boise.

Last year I said, “When former NFL Coach Jim Mora took over UConn in 2022, the Huskies were coming off a 4–32 record over the previous three seasons. His first year, UConn was a respectable 6–7. Then they regressed to 3–9. Then last year they had a watershed moment, finishing 9–4, including a win over UNC in the Fenway Bowl.

“During the offseason, Coach Mora accused major programs of ‘roster poaching,’ and if they don’t stop, he’ll expose them. If the Huskies have another great season, will Coach Jim Mora be the one the major teams want to poach?”

Since Colorado State has “poached” Jim Mora, is this the next step toward him becoming the next Lane Kiffin?

PAC-12 Champion Prediction: Boise

Independent: UConn and Chicago State

Unless you’re Notre Dame, life as an independent isn’t easy—especially in the era of super conferences that stretch from coast to coast.

Despite this challenge, the Huskies have built an impressive winning track record. New coach Jason Candle brings 11 years of winning, bowl games, and conference championships.

Given the loss of key players, winning is possible, but for now, it might not look easy or pretty.

Since this is Chicago State’s inaugural season before it joins the Northeast Conference, that’s reason enough to pay attention to the Cougars.

Small Colleges

HBCU: Southern

Last year I said, “Five years ago, Jackson State made headlines and was shot into national prominence when they hired NFL celebrity Deion Sanders as a novice college football coach. Norfolk State and Delaware State have done the same with Mike Vick and DeSean Jackson. If anything, these rookie coaches will bring instant exposure to these two programs and potentially to all of HBCU football.”

This season, it’s the Southern Jaguars’ turn as they bring in Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.

SWAC Champion Prediction: Alabama State

MEAC Champion Prediction: Delaware State

Ivy League: Pennsylvania

For the first time in 40 years, the Quakers won’t have Ray Priore on the sidelines!

Ray Priore was a longtime defensive coordinator before becoming head coach in 2015. During his first two seasons, he kept things rolling, winning the Ivy League and Lambert “Eastern Champion” Cup.

From 1982–2016, the Quakers captured 17 Ivy Championships. That meant each graduating class would win two conference championships.

The past 10 years, the Quakers haven’t been a serious Ivy Championship contender. That is what forced Coach Priore out.

Besides new Coach Rick Santos, Penn must replace All-Americans WR Jarred Richardson and offensive tackle Netinho Olivieri, dynamic QB Liam O’Brien, and Ivy Special Teams Player of the Year RB Jalien Stokes.

This is shaping up to be a sesquicentennial anniversary that Pennsylvania football would want to forget.

Ivy Champion Prediction: Yale

Big Sky: Eastern Washington

The Big Sky has touted itself as the “SEC of D-1AA.” They point to their 17 national championship appearances, winning seven, to back up that claim.

Throughout the Big Sky, they have fun game-day environments, high-energy games, and multiple ranked teams.

From 2004–2021, the Eagles enjoyed eight BSC titles, 10 playoff appearances, a 2010 National Championship, and another national championship game appearance.

For the first time since 1963, they’re coming off four straight losing seasons.

The Eagles’ “See Red” chant is the red panic button. This year, it should be “Do or Die” for Coach Aaron Best.

Big Sky Champion Prediction: Montana State

Northwest Conference: Whitworth

Three years ago, Whitworth beat Linfield on the road to capture the NWC Championship.

Two years ago, I said, “The Pirates will love nothing more than back-to-back NWC titles for the first time since 2006–2007. Linfield, a team that hasn’t had a losing season since 1955, stands in their way.”

That’s what happened in 2024, as the Pirates were blown out at home by the Wildcats for the NWC crown.

The same thing can be said now: “The Pirates would love nothing more than back-to-back NWC titles for the first time since 2006–2007.”

The Linfield–Whitworth rivalry is shaping up to be a great one.

NWC Champion Prediction: Linfield

Frontier Conference: College of Idaho, Montana Tech, and Carroll College

The Big Sky Conference is often viewed as fun, passionate, high-quality football. The Big Sky has referred to itself as the “SEC of Division 1AA.”

The same can be said about the Frontier Conference.

Besides Carroll, Southern Oregon won the 2014 National Championship and returned to the national championship game in 2015.

The Frontier Conference is the Big Sky’s “little brother.” The Frontier Conference will have two automatic playoff bids and might receive three or four. This conference is that good.

If you’re looking for high-quality, championship-caliber college football, then look no further.

Throughout the 2000s, Carroll College conquered small-time college football, winning five straight NAIA National Championships from 2002–2007 and again in 2010.

Lately, the Fighting Saints haven’t been dominating like they were during the millennium decade, but they’ve won a share of the Frontier title in 2020 and 2022.

The Fighting Saints haven’t been winning like they’re accustomed to, but their six national championships in eight appearances and their Frontier-leading 39 conference championships always make them a dangerous team.

College of Idaho’s fast-break offense is not only entertaining, but the Coyotes have won at least a share of five conference championships since 2019. They’re a serious playoff contender.

Montana Tech (12–1) only lost to Frontier brethren College of Idaho in the playoffs. The Orediggers look poised for a deep playoff run.

Frontier Champion Prediction: Co-Champion Division Winners—Montana Tech and College of Idaho

Lone Star Conference: Eastern New Mexico

Just like Colorado State, this one is more about a coach than the team.

From 2003–2015, Coach Art Briles “was on top of the world.” While he was turning Houston and Baylor into conference champions and going to Cotton and Fiesta Bowls, he was named C-USA and Big 12 Coach of the Year and AP National Coach of the Year.

Suddenly, it all came crashing down, and his successful coaching career was in shambles.

A legal report stated that Baylor’s football program had numerous sexual-assault and misconduct incidents. Allegedly, the university offered free tuition as a settlement.

Baylor blamed Coach Briles for not vetting problem transfers, and he was fired.

Two years later, he was $15 million richer from his firing, but trust in him had been damaged.

Eleven years later, he’s back as a college coach, hoping to revive his coaching career like Jim Mora.

LSC Champion Prediction: UT Permian Basin

Sprint (Lightweight) Football: D’Youville and Midway

Sprint football was formed in 1934 and might be college football’s best-kept secret. The game is predicated on speed, and the maximum weight limit is 183 pounds.

Sprint football has two conferences: the original College Sprint Football League, established in 1934 in New England, and the upstart Midwest Sprint Football League, established in 2022.

This will be the D’Youville Saints’ first sprint football season. Having 38-time CSFL Champion Army and 41-time Champion Navy on the schedule will be brutal.

However, road trips to Molloy and Cornell give the Saints a chance to win a game or two.

Now that four-peat MSFL Champion Saint Mary’s of the Woods has moved on to the NAIA, that puts the Eagles in a great position to capture their first-ever MSFL title and perhaps the inaugural Sprint Football National Championship!

CSFL Champion Prediction: Army

MSFL Champion Prediction: Midway