10 biggest storylines entering the 2026 college football season
The 2026 college football season begins with the Big Ten conference holding significant momentum after winning three consecutive national titles. Analysts are debating conference depth and the impact of the updated 12-team playoff format.
Why it matters
College football is a major cultural and economic driver in the U.S. sports landscape, with shifting conference power dynamics influencing fan engagement.
With the start of the 2026 college football season officially now just days away, it's a perfect time to refresh yourself on some of the biggest themes that will dominate the season.
Here are 10 of the biggest storylines as we enter the third season of the 12-team College Football Playoff era.
If we're counting recent playoff titles as the ultimate barometer, the Big Ten currently has the upper hand. The league has won the last three national championships with three different teams — Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana.
Will one of those three teams win the title again to extend the streak to four? Can Oregon be the team to make it four in a row?
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