Texas and Ohio State are the early favorites to capture the 2026 national title.
As college football fans and analysts begin to look ahead to the 2026 season, two programs have emerged as the early favorites to compete for the national title: Texas and Ohio State. These teams have positioned themselves at the forefront of the conversation for a variety of reasons, including strong recruiting classes, successful recent seasons, and highly regarded coaching staffs. While the 2025 season has yet to unfold, it is clear that both the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes are building formidable rosters with championship aspirations.
The road to the national championship is never predictable, and a lot can change in the coming seasons. However, with talent, tradition, and the leadership in place, Texas and Ohio State are among the most compelling contenders for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. Let’s explore the factors that make these programs so promising heading into the next few years.
Texas Longhorns: A Resurgent Power
Once one of the most dominant programs in college football, Texas has experienced a period of rebuilding over the past decade. However, recent developments have put the Longhorns back in the conversation as potential national title contenders. With head coach Steve Sarkisian at the helm, Texas has shown significant signs of improvement, culminating in a strong performance during the 2024 season. The Longhorns finished the year with impressive wins over top-ranked opponents, and their recruiting efforts have been nothing short of outstanding.
Coaching Stability and Recruiting Excellence
Steve Sarkisian, who took over as head coach in 2021, has brought a sense of stability to a program that had struggled to find consistent success since the days of Mack Brown. Sarkisian’s offensive acumen has helped develop a potent attack, while his ability to recruit top-tier talent has bolstered the roster.
One of the most notable features of Sarkisian’s tenure is the Longhorns’ ability to recruit top prospects. Texas has always been a fertile recruiting ground, but the program’s return to prominence has allowed the Longhorns to land some of the country’s best high school talent. In particular, the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are expected to bolster the team’s depth at key positions, including quarterback, offensive line, and defensive back.
Quarterback Play and Offensive Firepower
At the heart of Texas’ resurgence is its quarterback play. The Longhorns have been fortunate to have several talented quarterbacks over the years, and this trend looks set to continue with Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback from the Class of 2023. Manning, a five-star recruit and the nephew of former NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning, is expected to be the centerpiece of Texas’ offense for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. His skill set, combined with his ability to lead and make big plays, gives the Longhorns a significant advantage at the quarterback position. If Manning develops as expected, he could lead Texas to its first national championship since the 2005 season.
Beyond Manning, Texas boasts a deep and talented roster of playmakers on offense. The running back room is loaded with talent, and the receiving corps has consistently produced big-play threats. Additionally, the offensive line is expected to be one of the most formidable in the nation, providing Manning and his backs with the protection they need to thrive. With Sarkisian’s offensive schemes and a high-powered attack, Texas will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
Defensive Resurgence
While Texas has long been known for its offensive prowess, the defense has often been the team’s Achilles’ heel in recent years. However, under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns have made significant strides on that side of the ball. Texas’ defense has become more aggressive and disciplined, and it has the personnel to compete with the best in the country. The defensive line is stacked with elite talent, including several highly ranked recruits who are expected to contribute immediately. Meanwhile, the secondary, which had been a weak spot in previous seasons, has shown signs of improvement, thanks to a talented group of defensive backs.
With the defense continuing to improve, Texas looks like a well-rounded team capable of competing for a national title in 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes: A Perennial Powerhouse
Ohio State has long been a dominant force in college football, consistently competing for national titles and maintaining one of the most talented rosters in the country. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff and remain one of the top programs in the nation heading into the 2026 season. With elite talent across the roster and a proven track record of success, Ohio State is an obvious contender for the national championship.
Elite Recruiting and Development
Ohio State’s success begins with its ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. The Buckeyes consistently land some of the best players in the country, and their 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are expected to be no different. With elite talent at nearly every position, Ohio State’s roster is stacked with future NFL prospects.
The Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts have been especially impressive along the offensive and defensive lines. Ohio State has a history of developing NFL-caliber players in the trenches, and the 2026 season should be no different. In addition, the quarterback position remains a strong point for Ohio State, with Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit, expected to be the leader under center in 2025 and 2026. McCord has already shown flashes of brilliance and, with another year of development, could emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Dynamic Offense and Talented Playmakers
Ohio State’s offense is one of the most potent in the country, consistently ranking among the best in the nation in both passing and rushing yards. The Buckeyes have a dynamic group of playmakers on offense, including talented wide receivers, running backs, and a strong offensive line. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most talented wide receivers in recent memory, provide McCord with a reliable and explosive target in the passing game.
In the backfield, Ohio State has a wealth of talent, including TreVeyon Henderson, one of the top running backs in the country. Henderson’s ability to make plays on the ground adds an additional dimension to Ohio State’s offense and makes them even more difficult to defend. The offensive line, as always, is a strength for the Buckeyes, ensuring that McCord has time to survey the field and make plays while also opening up running lanes for Henderson and other backs.
With a high-powered offense that can score from anywhere on the field, Ohio State is a serious threat to win the national title in 2026.
Defensive Dominance
Ohio State has long been known for its ability to play physical, hard-nosed defense, and this tradition is expected to continue in 2026. The Buckeyes consistently produce top-tier defensive players who can disrupt offenses and change the course of a game. Ohio State’s defense is led by an imposing front seven, which is among the best in the country at stopping the run and applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. In addition, the secondary is filled with talented cornerbacks and safeties who can lock down receivers and make game-changing plays.
Ohio State’s ability to play solid defense will be crucial in the 2026 season, as the College Football Playoff continues to be a high-stakes tournament where every defensive stop counts. With a well-rounded roster on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes will be a formidable opponent for any team.
The Road Ahead: Who Can Challenge Texas and Ohio State?
While Texas and Ohio State are the early favorites for the 2026 College Football National Championship, the road to the title will not be easy. Both teams will face stiff competition from other perennial powers, such as Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, and Michigan. Additionally, there are always potential dark horses that can rise up and surprise the college football world.
That being said, Texas and Ohio State have the right combination of talent, coaching, and resources to make them the early frontrunners for the 2026 title. With strong recruiting classes, established coaching staffs, and championship-caliber rosters, both programs are poised to be in contention for the national championship for the foreseeable future.
A Promising Future for Texas and Ohio State
As the 2025 season unfolds, the spotlight will inevitably shift to these two programs. With elite talent and the infrastructure to succeed, Texas and Ohio State are well-positioned to compete for the 2026 College Football National Championship. For fans, the next few years should be an exciting and competitive ride as these powerhouse programs build toward what promises to be a thrilling title race. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty who will ultimately claim the crown, Texas and Ohio State are undoubtedly the teams to watch as the 2026 season approaches.
