The 2026 season is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh slate of expectations for teams, coaches, and players alike. In this column, we’ll break down which groups have the most to prove in college football.
For teams, coaches, and players, the pressure to succeed can be intense during the offseason. Fans’ hopes often turn into disappointment if their teams fail to meet expectations. The stakes are high for those with lofty aspirations in 2026.
Among the teams that stand out as having significant pressure on them this season are Clemson, USC, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Texas Tech. Each of these programs has a mix of past success and recent underperformance that makes this upcoming campaign crucial.
Clemson has been a perennial powerhouse, but finishing 7-6 last year was a major disappointment given their veteran roster. The Tigers have made significant changes in the transfer portal to address issues on both sides of the ball. However, there are still major questions surrounding the team’s performance heading into this season.
USC, under coach Lincoln Riley, has been working towards sustained success but needs to show it can overcome a tough Big Ten schedule. Wisconsin had back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1991 and 1992, prompting changes in their front office and roster personnel. Alabama, coming off two successful seasons under Kalen DeBoer after Nick Saban’s departure, faces challenges replacing quarterback Ty Simpson and much of its offensive line.
Texas Tech made a surprising run to the CFP last season but will need to prove they can replicate that success without relying too heavily on transfer portal talent.
For coaches, Mike Norvell at Florida State, Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, Lane Kiffin at LSU, Matt Rhule at Nebraska, Shane Beamer at South Carolina, and Jeff Brohm at Louisville are under the microscope. Each of these coaches has had recent success or struggles that set a high bar for this season.
At the quarterback position, several players have significant expectations to meet in 2026. DJ Lagway at Florida State, Sam Leavitt at LSU, Marcel Reed at Texas A&M, Josh Hoover at Indiana, Brendan Sorsby at Texas Tech, and Arch Manning at Texas are all under pressure to perform well this season.
Finally, non-quarterback players like Ryan Williams (Alabama receiver), Makhi Hughes (Houston running back), Dylan Stewart (South Carolina defensive end), and Cam Coleman (Texas wide receiver) have a lot riding on their performance in 2026. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact but will need to prove themselves this season.
In conclusion, the pressure is high for teams, coaches, and players alike heading into the 2026 college football season. Those with the most to prove include Clemson, USC, Wisconsin, Alabama, Texas Tech, Mike Norvell, Kalen DeBoer, Lane Kiffin, Matt Rhule, Shane Beamer, Jeff Brohm, DJ Lagway, Sam Leavitt, Marcel Reed, Josh Hoover, Brendan Sorsby, Arch Manning, Ryan Williams, Makhi Hughes, Dylan Stewart, and Cam Coleman. The stakes are high, but with great potential for success comes significant pressure to perform in 2026.