CBS Sports predicts Way-Too-Early 2026 College Football Playoff 12-team field, bracket

The College Football Playoff (CFP) predictions for 2026 have been released, with key projections for the upcoming season. Indiana, the reigning national champions, are anticipated to secure a first-round bye as the Big Ten champions. Miami, who lost to Indiana in the 2025 title game, is projected to earn the top seed and win the ACC. Notre Dame and Texas are also expected to receive byes, with Texas winning the SEC.

Notable teams in the projected playoff bracket include Texas Tech, predicted to win the Big 12, and Oregon, which is expected to secure an at-large bid. Ohio State and Georgia are also projected to make the CFP, with LSU, Texas A&M, Memphis, and Michigan rounding out the field. Key players expected to influence the 2026 season include Arch Manning for Texas, Julian Sayin for Ohio State, and Gunner Stockton for Georgia. The projections highlight the competitive landscape as teams prepare for the expanded 12-team playoff format.