"Now that much of the recruiting movement for the 2026 season has come to a close, the focus shifts to the field and who might be the contenders for the 2026 College Football Playoff. A blend of factors will play a role, including who has best managed to further build and strengthen their roster via new additions -- whether that be through the high school ranks or transfer portal."
"The Bulldogs have once again filled some big needs in the cycle. Five-star Kaiden Prothro sits atop their high school recruiting class. He's a massive 6-foot-7 target who could be used in a few ways but would quickly help at a tight end position that loses Oscar Delp. Smart hit the portal to reel in Auburn defensive Amaris Williams, who has a mix of physical tools but limited production."
"Curt Cignetti is as good as anyone at identifying the right scheme fits. That's especially true at quarterback, where he coaxed improved production out of transfers Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza over the past two seasons. His next transfer target, TCU's Josh Hoover, checks the right boxes: He's a savvy, battle-tested starter with as consistent and as quick a release as any QB in college football and drives the ball into tight windows."
Recruiting and transfer-portal activity will shape the College Football Playoff field for 2026, with roster-building through high school classes and portal additions a central factor. Twelve playoff spots are in play, emphasizing returns from 2025 bracket teams and potential new contenders. Georgia combined elite recruiting (No. 6 class) and targeted portal moves to address tight end and defensive backfield needs, adding five-star Kaiden Prothro and transfers such as Amaris Williams and Khalil Barnes. Indiana paired a modest high school class (No. 28) with a top-three transfer haul and pursues TCU quarterback Josh Hoover as a scheme-fitting, battle-tested starter.
Read at ESPN.com
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