As college football's offseason optimism fades, FOX Sports' lead analyst Joel Klatt has identified the make-or-break questions for the 12 highest-ranked teams heading into the 2026 season.
Oregon: Can the defense step up in big games? After allowing 56 points to Indiana and 41 to Ohio State in recent College Football Playoff losses, Klatt questions whether new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton can fix a unit that faltered on the biggest stage.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish must replace two first-round running backs-including Heisman finalist Jeremiyah Love. Klatt notes that their top three returning backs have a combined 93 career carries, making this the most straightforward but critical question.
Ohio State: After losing three top-11 NFL Draft picks on defense, the Buckeyes' offensive line remains the bigger concern. Klatt points to five sacks allowed in each loss to Indiana and Miami, emphasizing that improved protection is key.
Indiana: Replacing reigning Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with QB Josh Hoover is a challenge, but Klatt believes the bigger issue is replacing cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, whose versatility anchored the entire defense.
Georgia: The Bulldogs have lacked playmakers on offense since tight end Brock Bowers left. Their leading returning receiver had just 18 catches, and Klatt questions whether anyone can step up as a true No. 1 threat.
Miami (Fla.): The Hurricanes lost three first-round talents on both lines of scrimmage-including tackle Francis Mauigoa and edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Klatt trusts Mario Cristobal's ability to reload those units.
Texas: After ranking 120th in running back yards per carry, the Longhorns must fix their ground game to take pressure off quarterback Arch Manning. New transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown will be key.
LSU: New head coach Lane Kiffin brought in 40 transfers, nearly half the roster. Klatt believes quick cultural buy-in is essential, especially with a brutal opening schedule against Clemson, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.
Texas A&M: Quarterback Marcel Reed started 11-0 but crumbled in losses to Texas and Miami. Klatt calls him a "low-floor, high-ceiling player" who must eliminate bad performances to make the Aggies a true contender.
USC: The Trojans have ranked 132nd in yards per carry allowed since Lincoln Riley took over. Klatt says even modest improvement against the run could elevate USC into contention.
Oklahoma: Quarterback John Mateer was a Heisman contender early last season, but carried too much of the rushing load. Klatt warns he won't survive a nine-game SEC schedule without help from his running backs.
Michigan: New offensive coordinator Jason Beck helped Utah lead the Power 4 in rushing. Klatt wonders if freshman QB Bryce Underwood can replicate the dual-threat impact of Utah's Devon Dampier without being overexposed.