ESPN outlines 100 key storylines for 2026 college football season
With 100 days until Week 0, the sports broadcaster identifies major narratives including Bill Belichick’s second year at North Carolina and the Pac-12’s expansion.
ESPN has published a comprehensive preview titled "100 things to know before college football season 2026," marking 100 days until the start of Week 0. The report outlines key storylines, player profiles, and predictions for the 2026 NCAA college football season, with Week 0 set to kick off with North Carolina facing TCU in Dublin.
The preview highlights a significant coaching carousel, particularly within the SEC, where six head coaches are at new schools. Lane Kiffin begins his first season at LSU after leaving Ole Miss, while Pete Golding, Alex Golesh, Ryan Silverfield, Jon Sumrall, and Will Stein also take over new roles. Elsewhere, Bill Belichick enters his second year at North Carolina following a 4-8 record in his debut, and James Franklin joins Virginia Tech, bringing several transfers from Penn State, including quarterback Josh Hoover.
Conference realignment remains a central theme, with the Pac-12 relaunching as Oregon State and Washington State welcome Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State. The SEC begins its first season with a nine-game conference schedule, while North Dakota State makes its jump from FCS to FBS.
Key player movements feature prominently in the report, with Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore returning for their second seasons as starters. Manning is identified as a central figure in the Heisman Trophy race, having thrown for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Other notable transfers include Darian Mensah moving from Duke to Miami and Sam Leavitt joining LSU from Arizona State.
The preview also details specific matchups and predictions for the College Football Playoff field. Indiana, the defending national champions, are highlighted for their stability under Curt Cignetti, while Oregon is positioned as a top contender with Moore back. The report notes that Ohio State is the No. 1 team in early rankings, with a crucial Week 2 game against Texas serving as a major measuring stick for both programs.
