Record predictions for every college football team in 2026: Who will win each conference?

USA TODAY Sports has made predictions for the final records of every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision for the 2026 season. Ohio State, Texas, Miami, and Texas Tech are predicted to win their respective Power Four conference championships. Although not favored to win their leagues, Oregon, Indiana, and Georgia are expected to challenge for automatic College Football Playoff spots.

In the Group of Six, predictions include Navy, Western Kentucky, Miami Ohio, UNLV, Boise State, and James Madison. For the Big Ten, Ohio State and Oregon are the top teams, followed by Indiana and Southern California. Washington and Penn State are expected to make noise given their relatively friendly schedules.

In the SEC, predictions favor Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Alabama, with Mississippi, Texas A&M, and LSU expected to reach the playoffs despite some uncertainty around the quarterback position. The ACC is predicted to be led by Miami, with SMU and possibly Clemson posing a threat. Virginia Tech, under new coach James Franklin, is expected to see a significant jump in performance.

The Big 12, despite the departure of Brendan Sorsby, is still expected to be dominated by Texas Tech. Brigham Young is predicted to be the Red Raiders' most significant threat. Houston, under coach Willie Fritz, might make a push to reach the top two and potentially the conference championship game.

Notre Dame aims for their first national championship since 1988, with a strong roster led by rising star quarterback CJ Carr. The Huskies will likely remain a bowl team under new coach Jason Candle. In the American, Navy is the primary favorite, with East Carolina and Tulane also expected to remain relevant.

In Conference USA, Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State, and Kennesaw State are at the top. Delaware, with an impressive offense, is worth watching. Miami (Ohio) has a strong roster and a good chance to represent the Group of Six in the playoff. The MAC features a broad range of teams, with Miami (Ohio) being the only contenders for a playoff spot.

UNLV is expected to be a strong team in the Mountain West, possibly vulnerable to an upset. New Mexico and North Dakota State are the most captivating teams in the MWC. Boise State, despite changing leagues, remains an elite team in the Group of Six. Fresno State is closely following Boise State.

In the Sun Belt, James Madison is expected to maintain their top position, although securing a playoff spot will be difficult. Old Dominion, if the Dukes regress, could take the division. A logjam exists in the West, as any of Troy, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, or Louisiana-Lafayette could reach the championship game.