One of these eight college football teams will be hoisting the national championship trophy in 2026

Joel Klatt revealed his way-too-early top 10 for 2026. He explained why the Ohio State Buckeyes landed on this list, and why they will be back on the top end of college football with QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith returning.

At the beginning of every college football season, the age-old adage of "hope springs eternal" rings true for every fanbase.

Every team is 0-0 and all their goals for the coming year are in front of them.

Many programs, coaches, and fanbases all believe they have a chance to win a national title, and in a mathematical sense they aren't wrong.

I'm here to tell you, however, that it's rarely that wide open and, during any given year, only a handful of teams can actually win the whole thing.

This year, I've identified eight teams who I believe can hoist a national championship trophy.

MISSOURI'S ELI DRINKWITZ BECOMES LATEST SEC COACH TO MAKE RIDICULOUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT BIG TEN SCHEDULES

Through some combination of returning production, transfer portal talent, and elite coaching, one of these eight teams will more than likely be the last one standing next January.

Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes attempts a catch in front of OJ Frederique Jr. #29 of the Miami Hurricanes in the second quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 31, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Ohio State Buckeyes could probably get penciled into this list every year while Ryan Day is their head coach and their talent acquisition stays at the level it's currently at, but this year in particular feels like a big one in Columbus.

Coach Day has assembled a staff consisting largely of former NFL coaches and