College Football is still a ways away, but it is always time to dive into the next season. Last season, Indiana perfected the greatest turnaround in CFB history, winning a National Championship after being heavy underdogs to win before the season. Anything can happen in College Football, and teams can come out of nowhere, jumping over the hurdles of the CFB Playoff pathing, and making their way to the tournament.
Looking at past seasons, CFB Playoff pathing has been difficult, but some teams have been able to sneak into the tournament. For example, just two years ago, Clemson, SMU, and Arizona State all benefited from easier schedules and were able to play in the CFP. The NCAA is still determining the optimal format for the CFP, and until they do, teams in major conferences with favorable schedules have a good chance of making the CFP.
CFB Playoff pathing is always tough; however, some teams can benefit from having an easy schedule in a top conference. In this article, I will be breaking down the 2026 schedules from teams I believe could make the CFP because of an easier schedule. Let’s dive in.
1. Wisconsin Badgers
Toughest Opponent – Notre Dame (9/6/2026)
Easiest Opponent – Western Illinois (9/12/2026)
2025 was a disastrous season for Wisconsin football, finishing with a 4-8 record and as one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. Head Coach Luke Fickell has been disappointing throughout his tenure with Wisconsin and could be on the hot seat during or after the season. Fickell and Wisconsin football have found some luck, having one of the easiest schedules in the Big Ten for 2026. They start off the season with their toughest game of the year, but then after that, Wisconsin has a great chance of winning more games than in 2025.
Fickell has brought in a great transfer portal, and the key to Wisconsin’s success lies with Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph. He was sensational in 2025, passing for 21 touchdowns and rushing for another 13. With an easy schedule, Joseph could have a great season and help Wisconsin football regain its glory. It is too early to say anything about the transfer portal, but Fickell and Wisconsin are hoping for a turnaround in 2026.
Can Wisconsin make the CFP? Probably not. Wisconsin football is years away from competing at a high level again. What is important is laying the foundation, and Fickell has just one season left to prove he can be a good head coach with Wisconsin. They have one of the easiest schedules in 2026, and if things go right with quarterback Colton Joseph, they could test the CFB Playoff pathing and fight for a spot in the tournament.
2. Houston Cougars
Toughest Opponent – Texas Tech (9/19/2026)
Easiest Opponent – Southern University (9/12/2026)
Unlike Wisconsin, Houston benefited from a great season in 2025, winning a bowl game against the LSU Tigers. The Big 12 has proven to be the most questionable and wide open Power Four conference. After winning 10 games in 2025, they could find similar success with a favorable schedule in 2026. Texas Tech won the conference in 2025, finishing as a top-four team in the country. However, Houston has a chance to win the Big 12 and to challenge the CFB Playoff pathing.
Houston’s success is going to ride on the success of quarterback Connor Weigman. He broke onto the scene in 2025, finishing the season with 25 touchdowns through the air and another 11 on the ground. Head coach Willie Fritz has completely revamped Houston football, seeing the same success that he saw at Tulane. Fritz is bringing in another great transfer portal, headlined with running back Makhi Hughes, who had great success under Fritz in Tulane.
Texas Tech is the betting favorite to win the Big 12 and has top ten odds to win the National Championship. Saying that, Houston is a scary team in the Big 12. With another year of acquiring new talent and developing in house talent, Houston has a great chance of challenging Texas Tech for the Big 12 in 2026.
3. Virginia Cavaliers
Toughest Opponent – SMU (10/17/2026)
Easiest Opponent – Norfolk State (9/12/2026)
Like Houston, Virginia is coming off a terrific season, nearly winning the ACC and earning a spot in the CFP. However, after a devastating loss in the ACC Championship to Duke, Virginia should be coming back with a vengeance. Just like the other teams on this list, they succeeded in the transfer portal and found their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. With an one of the easiest schedules in the ACC, Virginia should be challenging the CFB Playoff pathing.
Runningback J’Mari Taylor is coming off a career season, with over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his collegiate career. However, the big question mark for Virginia will be at quarterback. After a great year from Chandler Morris, he eligibility has run out, and Virginia has brought in two quarterbacks to compete for the job. Missouri’s Beau Pribula showed great promise last season before suffering injuries and Pittsburgh’s Eli Holstein struggled in 2025 but is looking to bounce back. Whoever ends up earning the starting job, they will benefit from one of the easiest schedules in CFB.
Virginia is coming off of a great season and they have another opportunity to create some magic once again. They are opening up ACC play in a unique way, playing at Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. It should be an exciting season for a team that has the biggest question mark at the most important position in the sport.
Many teams in CFB will benefit from an easy schedule and each team could test the CFB Playoff pathing in 2026. Each of these teams are a long shot to make the CFP because of the tough conference they play in. Each of these teams have the easiest schedule in their conference and could shock the world. The 2026 season is still down the road, but it is nice to get a glimpse and try and predict some of the crazy outcomes that could happen.
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