Army is 19-8 over the last two seasons and recovered from a poor start in 2025 to play good football down the stretch. With 72% of their offensive snaps, the Black Knights should expect to be a contender in the American. But can you make the College Football Playoff running the triple option?

Illinois just completed its best two season run in school history, going 19-7. But the Illini have been uncompetitive in losses to Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana during that run. Can head coach Bret Bielema lead Illinois to be a real contender for the Big Ten title in 2026?

The Syracuse Orange are hoping to be much more competitive in the ACC this year. Last season was derailed due to Steve Angeli's injury, but he is expected to return and be healthy for the start of the season.

James Franklin is the new head coach at Virginia Tech, and expectations are through the roof for the Hokies. With 14 starters back, can Franklin get Virginia Tech back to playing important games in October and November in year one? 

Coming off a 9-win season, Wake Forest is working to show last season wasn't a fluke. The Demon Deacons bring in QB Gio Lopez to run the offense and eight players on defense. Is it enough to be a factor in an improving ACC? 

Virginia had its best season in program history last year. Can the Cavaliers keep it going with a new quarterback and running back, an experienced offensive line and pieces back on defense?

SMU's offense is loaded and the Mustangs are poised to once again compete for a trip to the ACC Championship game. Kevin Jennings is back at QB and he has a new RB in California running back Kendrick Raphael. Can the defense improve enough for the Mustangs to be in the hunt? #smumustangs #smu #collegefootball #cfb #ncaafootball

Pittsburgh is entering year 12 under head coach Pat Narduzzi and expectations are high with quarterback Mason Heintschel returning. Can the Panthers surprise and get back to the ACC championship game? #pittsburghpanthers #pittpanthers #pitt #cfb #collegefootball 

This episode previews NC State as a possible ACC sleeper for 2026: quarterback C.J. Bailey is back, Dave Doeren is back for year 14, and the offense returns key pieces with transfer reinforcements.

The defense needs upgrades but incoming transfers could help, and a favorable schedule — just two true road games until late November— gives the Wolfpack a real chance to compete in the conference behind top contenders like Miami.