College football eyes program stability and key playoff matchups

As the 2026 college football season approaches, attention is turning toward program stability and key matchups that could define the College Football Playoff field.

At Auburn, head coach Alex Golesh has received praise from analyst Paul Finebaum for his unconventional approach to fall camp, which included moving the team to a resort to increase focus. This move is seen as a potential step toward providing the stability the Tigers have lacked after cycling through four head coaches in the last six years.

On the national stage, several marquee matchups are expected to influence playoff seeding. Key games include Ohio State at Texas on September 12, a high-stakes rematch following both teams' performances in 2025, and the September 19 clash between LSU and Ole Miss. The latter is noted for the emotional return of Lane Kiffin to Oxford, with both teams potentially competing for at-large playoff bids.