Dark horse teams that could make run at College Football Playoff during 2026 season

The College Football Playoff presents opportunities for unexpected teams to make their mark. While traditionally dominated by power conferences, the field can be expanded to include less prominent squads. The following are five potential dark horses that could impact the CFP this season: one from each Power Four conference and another from the Group of Six.

The ACC dark horse is the Louisville Cardinals. Under head coach Jeff Brohm, the team has made significant strides. Incoming transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, a dual-threat athlete from Pierre, South Dakota, is poised to build on his progress at Ohio State. Kienholz's dual-threat abilities, combined with a strong supporting cast, including recent transfers, could result in exciting performances and victories for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals also boast a formidable receiving corps, with top targets Tre Richardson and Brody Foley, as well as solid defensive performers like defensive end Clev Lubin and linebacker AJ Green. A favorable opening game against Ole Miss and a clean slate following initial challenges could position Louisville for success in the ACC.

On the Big 12 front, the Arizona Wildcats present another intriguing possibility. Quarterback Noah Fifita, who holds the record for most passing touchdowns in Wildcats history, leads the team. Despite losing his top receivers in the previous season, Fifita maintains an impressive passing record. His performance and the contributions of other key players, such as Tré Spivey, Chris Hunter, and Cole Rusk, signal a potential resurgence for Arizona in the Big 12.

The defense, under the guidance of Danny Gonzales, showed strong performance last year, ranking among the best in the conference in points allowed and yards per play. With several returning key defenders and a solid roster overall, Arizona has the potential to make a significant impact on the conference.