Which teams narrowly missed the 2025 College Football Playoff?

Teams that narrowly missed the 2025 College Football Playoff and are aiming for 2026 include Notre Dame, BYU, Texas, Vanderbilt, and Utah.

How are Notre Dame and BYU preparing for the 2026 season?

Notre Dame is focusing on a strong recruiting class and transfer portal additions after losing top running backs, while BYU retains key players and adds transfers despite coaching changes.

What are Texas's prospects for the 2026 College Football Playoff?

Texas is making an 'all-in' push for the 2026 season with Arch Manning, bolstered by a top-10 recruiting class and significant transfer portal additions, though they face a challenging schedule.

Home / Sports / CFP Bubble Burst: Teams Aim for Redemption in 2026

CFP Bubble Burst: Teams Aim for Redemption in 2026

24 Mar

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Summary

Notre Dame eyes playoff return after 2025 exclusion.
BYU retains key players despite coaching and roster losses.
Texas aims for an 'all-in' season with Arch Manning.

CFP Bubble Burst: Teams Aim for Redemption in 2026

College football programs that narrowly missed the 2025 College Football Playoff are now strategizing for a 2026 playoff berth. Notre Dame, having been passed over for the playoff, boasts a highly-ranked recruiting class and promising transfer portal acquisitions, though they face the challenge of replacing their star running backs. The team expects to be favored in most games.

BYU, after a strong 2025 season that included a Big 12 title game appearance, aims to maintain momentum. Despite losing key defensive players and coordinators, the Cougars return award-winning players and have bolstered their roster through recruiting and transfers. However, they also faced an unexpected setback with the expulsion of a leading receiver.