Phil Steele's Top 12 College Football Surprise Teams Ahead of Week 10

As kickoff for the 2026 college football season draws near, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to project the final 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Stripping away subjective voter bias and preseason hype, the algorithm evaluated per-play efficiency, roster talent, and schedule difficulty to calculate every program's exact postseason odds. We expanded our master index to power rank the top 30 teams most likely to crash the playoff party. From top-tier titans like Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oregon leading the field, to dark horses and Group-of-Five contenders like Boise State, Utah, South Carolina, Florida State, and Virginia lurking on the bubble, we break down every program's FPI profile, projected record, and postseason odds. Check out our complete 30-team playoff projection to see where your team stands.

ESPN Ranks College Football's 48 Teams With a Chance to Make CFP Going Into Week 10

Why the Ohio State-USC clash points to over 50.5, how both offenses could reach 30, and whether Lincoln Riley&#039;s uneven tenure may soon come to an end at USC.

Ohio State vs. USC: Over 50.5 Bet and Riley's Future

Ohio State visits USC with Luke Fahey replacing Julian Sayin, as the Buckeyes test their depth against a Trojans team hoping to stay in playoff contention.

Ohio State vs. USC: Can Luke Fay Lead the Buckeyes?

Jayden Maiava is an 88-1 Heisman long shot, but wins over Ohio State, Indiana, and UCLA could boost his stock as USC navigates a brutal late-season schedule.

Jayden Maiava’s USC Heisman Odds Face Tough Upcoming Tests

Lincoln Riley faces mounting pressure as USC meets Ohio State, with big-game struggles, a shaky offense and quarterback depth shaping this key matchup.

Lincoln Riley Faces Pressure as USC Takes on Ohio State

In the mega-expanded Big Ten, having an elite mind on the sidelines is the ultimate difference between contending for a national championship and scrambling for bowl eligibility. USA Today ran a comprehensive audit to rank every single Big Ten head coach heading into the 2026 season. From Curt Cignetti crowning an incredible national title run in Bloomington to top Ryan Day and Dan Lanning, to blockbuster moves like Kyle Whittingham taking over Michigan and Matt Campbell landing at Penn State, we break down the entire 18-team hierarchy. Check out our complete tactical breakdown to see where your favorite team's head coach lands entering 2026.

USA Today's Big Ten College Football Head Coaches Ranked 1-18: Going Into Week 9

LOS ANGELES - USC Trojans held practice on Aug 11, 2026 at Howard Jones Field and The Sporting Tribune&#39;s Dakota Gray was there to capture the following TST Images.

TST Images: USC Football Practice at Howard Jones Field

LATEST Ryan O'Connell NEWS

Miami and Notre Dame meet in South Bend with Heisman hopes at stake, as CJ Carr, Malachi Toney and others battle to shape the trophy race this weekend.

Miami vs. Notre Dame Could Decide the Heisman Trophy

Miami&#039;s elite offense faces Notre Dame&#039;s stout defense in a defining 2026 matchup featuring star quarterbacks, explosive playmakers and major playoff stakes.

Miami vs. Notre Dame: Elite Offense Meets Top Defense

Miami and Notre Dame renew a fierce football rivalry shaped by blowouts, controversy and iconic games, with major rankings and national attention at stake.

Miami vs. Notre Dame: Historic Football Rivalry Returns

Florida State fires Mike Norvell after a poor loss to Clemson, triggering a $51 million buyout and questions about Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles&#039; future.

Florida State Fires Mike Norvell After Clemson Loss

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View the profile of USC Trojans LB Ryan O'Connell on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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Ryan O'Connell is a LB for the USC Trojans in the NCAAF.

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TST Best Bets: November 3, 2026

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Cutter Gauthier hat trick powers Ducks 6-goal rally, reset win over Senators

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Ryan O'Connell

#41 · USC · LB

HT/WT

6’1”, 230 lbs

Birthplace

Fairfield, CT, USA

Class

Senior

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