CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford just dropped his preseason bowl projections for 2026, and listen up, college football fans, because the Big 12 is about to blow up! We’re talking *two* teams projected into the College Football Playoff before the season even kicks off. Seriously, two. And here’s the absolute wild card: one isn’t even the defending conference champion getting the automatic bid. Crawford’s projections are setting a baseline for some truly bonkers outside expectations, and they’ve definitely got everyone talking.
BYU’s Moment Arrives, But Is It A Cruel Twist?
Remember how BYU has been knocking on the door, just outside the CFP picture? They put up a combined 23-4 record in 2024 and 2025, showing everyone they mean business. Well, Crawford sees 2026 as their year! He’s got the Cougars finally breaking through and making their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. This is massive! He projects them to snag the No. 10 seed, which is still a dream come true for that program. Their path includes a relatively favorable conference schedule and a *big-time* nonconference showdown with top 5 Notre Dame in October. They’ve got the right ingredients. But here’s the drama: Crawford predicts they’ll face the No. 7 seed Indiana in the first round. And get this: Indiana is the defending national champion! Talk about a brutal draw. Crawford sees the defending champion Hoosiers beating the Cougars, sending Indiana off to a Fiesta Bowl date with No. 2 Oregon. You make it, you’re *in* the dance… but only for one song. Is that a breakthrough or just a tease?
Utah’s Bold New Chapter and Texas Tech’s Title Defense
Over in Utah, it’s a whole new world. They’re rolling into 2026 with first-year coach Morgan Scalley at the helm, taking over from the legendary Kyle Whittingham. Losing a longtime program leader plus some serious talent usually screams rebuilding year. But hold up, expectations are *still* high! Scalley and company are projected to be right there in Big 12 contention, with the belief that results won’t take a dip. How? Key players like Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker, and Jackson Bennee are returning, huge for stability during this transition. Crawford’s got Utah heading to the Alamo Bowl, a premier Big 12 tie-in, where they’ll clash with former Pac-12 rival Washington. The Huskies, under Jedd Fisch in his third season, finished 9-4 last year, so that’s going to be a real battle. And let’s not forget the other Big 12 team projected into the CFP: the Texas Tech Red Raiders! They’re the defending conference champions, and Crawford pegs them to earn the league’s automatic bid. Texas Tech and BYU are both headed to the playoffs, with another eight Big 12 teams making it to the postseason. What an early look at what’s to come!
We’re just one week away from the 2026 campaign beginning, and fans are already scheming up excuses to ditch family plans for the next four months. These projections are just the beginning, but they paint a picture of an electric season ahead. Can BYU shock the world against the champs? Can Utah prove the doubters wrong with their new coach? The countdown is on!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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