CBS Sports forecasts 2026 NFL and college football landscape
A new report projects the Miami Hurricanes as the top seed in the College Football Playoff, while also addressing NFL coaching pressures and veteran player rankings.
CBS Sports has released a comprehensive report forecasting the 2026 NFL and college football seasons, offering early projections for both major North American sports. The publication’s analysis centres on the anticipated College Football Playoff, where the Miami Hurricanes are projected to finish the season with a 13-0 record to secure the No. 1 seed.
The prediction suggests a significant presence from the Big Ten and SEC conferences, with three teams from each conference included in the playoff field. This early outlook provides a structural baseline for the upcoming college football campaign, although the specific identities of the other selected teams were not detailed in the summary.
Beyond the college game, the report addresses the current state of the NFL, highlighting rising urgency in positional markets and the impact of fully guaranteed fifth-year options for players. These factors are shaping team strategies and contract negotiations as the league approaches its next phase.
The analysis also identifies coaches currently facing pressure, describing them as being on the "hot seat." While the specific individuals were not listed in the provided text, the report frames these coaching situations within the broader context of league performance and expectations.
In a notable reference to league leadership, the text mentions the commissioner in her seventh season, noting that she has been the subject of criticism from players. The source material refers to this figure as "Engelbert," a name that appears to be a typographical error for Roger Goodell, though it is presented as such in the original reporting.
The report concludes with a focus on fantasy football, providing rankings for running backs by tier. This section includes projections, draft values, and sleeper targets, offering a detailed guide for fantasy league participants navigating the 2026 season.
