As the 2026 college football season approaches, FOX Sports analyst RJ Young has released his predictions for the champions of each of the Power 4 conferences. His selections include the Ohio State Buckeyes for the Big Ten, the Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC, the Miami Hurricanes for the ACC, and the Texas Tech Red Raiders for the Big 12.
Young's analysis factored in elements such as returning production, coaching stability, strength of schedule, and overall team talent. He acknowledged that predictions are subject to change and that his past forecasts have not always proven accurate.
Big Ten: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are predicted to win the Big Ten, a title they have not secured since the 2020 season. Young noted that while the conference race was competitive, Ohio State's significant talent on both offense and defense, bolstered by a strong transfer portal class and a top-five recruiting class, gives them an edge. The return of quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, considered one of the top players in college football, are key factors. The defense, despite losing production, has been addressed through recruiting and the transfer portal, with the return of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia expected to aid the reloading process.
SEC: Georgia Bulldogs
Despite acknowledging the talent of other SEC contenders like Texas, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and LSU, Young has selected the Georgia Bulldogs to win the conference. He likened Georgia's consistent success to the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era Patriots, expressing a high level of trust in Kirby Smart's program. The Bulldogs return significant production, including veteran quarterback Gunner Stockton, and feature a strong defense with potential preseason All-Americans Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden in the secondary. While the SEC schedule is challenging, Young anticipates Georgia will emerge with the fewest setbacks.
ACC: Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes are favored to win the ACC, a conference title they have yet to claim since joining in 2004. Young points to Miami's significant talent advantage and their near miss in the previous championship game as indicators of their potential. The offense is expected to be strong with the addition of transfer quarterback Darrian Mensah and returning players like running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and wide receiver Malachi Toney. While both lines of scrimmage need to replace production, the team's recruiting success in these areas offers promise. A favorable schedule and superior firepower lead Young to predict a championship for the Hurricanes.
Big 12: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech is projected as the Big 12 champion. While the departure of quarterback Brendan Sorsby presented a challenge, the team has acquired FSU transfer Thomas Castellanos. Young emphasizes that the quarterback position is not the sole basis for his pick, as Texas Tech is expected to be the most talented team in the conference overall. The Red Raiders secured a top-ten transfer portal class and boast the most returning production in the Big 12. A manageable schedule, including key home games against Houston and both Arizona teams, could set them up for success, with an early matchup against Houston seen as a tone-setter for the season.
