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Michigan Eyes CFP as Underwood, Run Stars, Defense Rebuilds

7/12/2026

Summary

Michigan Eyes CFP

Michigan Wolverines begin 2026 as a possible College Football Playoff contender.
QB Bryce Underwood must sharpen his passing while the run depends on Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter.
The defense must fill holes after four seniors entered the NFL draft and transfers left.
Coach Kyle Whittingham highlighted linebackers Chase Taylor, Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, noting Bowles' breakout season after 27 tackles and six sacks versus Purdue.

Summary

Nivison Ranks Teams

Nivison’s July 2026 analysis listed Florida, Kansas State, Michigan, NC State, Washington and Tennessee as programs.
Florida started Aaron Philo after 102-pass season at Georgia Tech, creating uncertainty.
Kansas State hired Collin Klein to steady quarterback Avery Johnson’s volatile play.
Washington saw Demond Williams Jr. return after a brief transfer flirtation.
Tennessee chose between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre at quarterback, hired Jim Knowles as coordinator, while NC State avoided Miami and SMU for a lighter schedule.

Summary

SMU Favored

DraftKings.com lists SMU as a 2.5-point favorite over Florida State and cites SMU’s College Football Playoff appearance two seasons ago as evidence of ACC title potential.
Louisville’s offense is strengthened by Ohio State transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, a key factor in the Cardinals’ ACC resurgence.
Virginia’s 46-38 double-overtime loss to Florida State in 2025 is cited as a turning point that could influence the 2026 rematch.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 the NCAA added a graduate-transfer rule letting degree-holding athletes change schools without sitting out, prompting dozens of football moves that reshaped rosters. The rule’s impact grew after the transfer portal launched on Oct 15 2018 and the Division I board adopted transfer windows in Aug 2022, while 2024’s unlimited-transfer policy and 2025 roster-limit reforms pushed programs like Michigan, Florida and SMU to rely heavily on immediate-eligibility transfers.

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Michigan Eyes CFP

Michigan Wolverines begin 2026 as a possible College Football Playoff contender.
QB Bryce Underwood must sharpen his passing while the run depends on Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter.
The defense must fill holes after four seniors entered the NFL draft and transfers left.
Coach Kyle Whittingham highlighted linebackers Chase Taylor, Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, noting Bowles' breakout season after 27 tackles and six sacks versus Purdue.

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