Texas Tech, the reigning Big 12 champions, stares down a 2026 schedule with exactly zero opponents currently ranked in the post-spring top 25, setting them up for a wild ride nobody saw coming. Regular-season perfection still matters big time for postseason seeding, even with the expanded College Football Playoff changing the math. Unbeaten Power Four teams don’t have to sweat résumé comparisons or strength-of-schedule arguments.
The Grind of Unbeaten Seasons is Real
Look, going undefeated in college football is harder than ever. You got unexpected injuries, dangerous road trips capable of derailing title dreams, and talent alone just ain’t enough anymore. Since 2020, only 10 teams have reached conference championship weekend with undefeated regular seasons, and no season has produced more than two such teams. We all remember last year’s unbeaten No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in the Big Ten championship game with Ohio State and Indiana absolutely tearing it up. The teams that navigate their toughest matchups with championship aspirations intact are usually the deepest, most disciplined, and best prepared for adversity. You need roster strength, coaching edge, survival ability, and most importantly, schedule favorability to even be in the conversation.
Two Paths to Perfection: Tech’s Freeway, Notre Dame’s Gauntlet
The Red Raiders should cruise through their nonconference schedule and amazingly miss BYU and Utah during the regular season. This portal-heavy defense they’ve got bolsters their chances, even with the Brendan Sorsby fallout at quarterback. Texas Tech should be favored in every single game, though early tests against Houston and a Week 11 trip to Oklahoma State stand out as potential pitfalls. Their chances skyrocket if quarterback Will Hammond plays at an all-conference level.
Then you’ve got Notre Dame, where a playoff appearance feels almost inevitable this season. The Fighting Irish will get every single team’s best shot each week. Marcus Freeman’s big challenge is making sure his squad maintains that focus throughout the entire season, not just against ranked opponents. They’ll face an early measuring stick in Week 1 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, and they’ve got to deal with ranked opponents like BYU in Provo on Oct. 17, Miami, and SMU. Remember last season? Their opening loss to Miami, followed by another defeat against Texas A&M two weeks later, ultimately proved fatal. Getting past BYU in Provo on Oct. 17 is gonna be huge for them.
These teams have got their paths laid out. It’s gonna be a thrill watching if they can keep that perfect record all season long.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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