www.espn.com - NCF Schedule superlatives: The toughest, easiest and most interesting matchups of 2026 We break down which teams face the biggest challenges and which have the easiest roads ahead. Bill Connelly's best games of the 2026 season These are the Power 4 games with highest combined SP+ ratings and a projected margin under eight points. Sources: Indiana DL Daley returning for 5th year Indiana star defensive lineman Stephen Daley will return to the Hoosiers for his fifth year, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Freeman, Fighting Irish focus on opener, not CFP After missing the College Football Playoff at the end of last season, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman wants his players focused on winning now, and that starts with the Fighting Irish's opener on Sept. 6 against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Buckeyes, Ducks lead off preseason coaches' poll Ohio State starts the 2026 season as the No. 1 team in the AFCA Coaches Poll as the Big Ten tries to extend its run of college football national champions to four. Pac-12, MWC settle suit over 'poaching,' exit fees The Pac-12 and Mountain West have finalized a settlement over "poaching" and exit fees ahead of a number of former MWC schools heading to the Pac-12. App State AD Gillin to CFP selection committee App State athletic director Doug Gillin has been appointed to the College Football Playoff selection committee. Sources: Cristobal secures extension with Miami Miami coach Mario Cristobal, who led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game last season before losing to Indiana, agreed to a long-term contract extension with the school, sources told ESPN on Monday night, confirming a report. Sources: Purdue hiring McClelland from Rice as AD Rice athletic director Tommy McClelland has emerged as the primary target in Purdue's athletic director search, sources told ESPN. Judge issues clarification to NCAA eligibility order The judge who granted the right to play another year of college sports to some athletes whose eligibility ran out last school year issued a new order Sunday that makes clear that it does not include football players who signed pro contracts this summer. 👀 Teams to break through, bounce back in 2026 Which teams and players are poised for the next step? Which are ready to put a down 2025 behind them? From playoff QBs to potential stars we're stacking the 40 most crucial players What players will have an outsized influence on the 2026 season? We start with CFP hopeful QBs and go from there. 31 teams -- yes, 31 -- with the best chance to make the CFP These schools have the players -- and the schedules -- to reach the playoff in 2026. One Akron football season-ticket holder can design opening drive of game All current season-ticket holders are automatically entered into a random drawing for the promotion, according to Akron, and they'll work with the head coach. College football X factors: Key issues for Top 25 teams The players, position groups or situations that could swing the season for each of the top teams. 2027 recruiting classes: Indiana, Penn State debut in expanded rankings Summer recruiting is winding down. Here's how the top classes are shaping up.