CBS is predicting that OBD win the whole banana this year. They also have tOSU losing three games, one of those to Kyle Whittingham at Michigan.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-bold-predictions-2026-way-too-early-top-25/

I don't know how to feel about that, and the many other predictions about Oregon getting their first 'Natty. The respect and exposure is great, but we have not yet proven to respond to the big moments yet. But eventually we can break through and...

I love the top prediction but reading between the lines, there are too many B1G teams that would make the playoff.

By my count he has Oregon, Washington, U$C and Indiana all in. What about a Michigan team that beats OSU in the 'shoe'? Does a three loss OSU get left out? Can any three loss BIG team get in?

So maybe five B1G teams in the CFP? I can see the snowflakes falling in Hades, hear the outraged whining from SEC land and the hurricane roar from Pawwl F's ears flapping.

OBD's certainly have the talent to win the Natty next season. .....

However they first have to gel together, navigate a strong conference schedule and minmize injuries to key players.

Then the young coaching staff needs to continue to improve their game planning and in game adjustments in the CFP.

It took Cig 4 decades to win his Natty. DL is in his 5th season. Can he learn and adjust when it matters?

I believe he will, just don't know what season......

9 hours ago, Charles Fischer said:

I don't know how to feel about that, and the many other predictions about Oregon getting their first 'Natty. The respect and exposure is great, but we have not yet proven to respond to the big moments yet. But eventually we can break through and...

Charles, Athlon Sports is one of the many sites you referred to.

I don't recall any 'expert' picking Indiana to win it all last season. Last season, Indiana's combined roster ranking was the 72nd-best combined roster in CFB. A 'Red Chip Roster' if you will. And in the preseason, Indiana was ranked No. 20 in the AP Poll.

This season, the Hoosiers have the 8th-best roster.

I imagine and hope that Dan Lanning is telling the team to avoid all of the preseason champ chatter. Last season, a bunch of predicted champs turned out to be chumps.

Beat Boise!

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/oregon-ducks-2026-national-championship-prediction-dante-moore

Ducks have great QB, great receivers including TEs and RBs, great DBs, awesome D line and some real athletes to help out at edge.

I mean this is serious college level talent. If any other team had this much fire power, I would not pick the Ducks to beat them in a playoff game.

The other 'pieces' need to fill in and not be liabilities of course. I hope they do it because they will lose a lot of good players at the end of next season to the NFL or the portal.