SEC Football Unfiltered 2026 College Football Playoff Picks

Podcasts and the Collaborative Method

The USA TODAY Network’s “SEC Football Unfiltered” releases its first CFP bracket for the 2026 season in a unique duo format. Hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams each supply six selections, ensuring no overlap and no host overriding the other’s choices. This team‑driven approach lands twelve qualifiers with a mix of conference powerhouses and sleeper teams.

Adams kicks off with Miami, earning a quick endorsement from Toppmeyer for ACC representation. The pair then alternates picks, with Notre Dame, Texas, Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Indiana, LSU, Texas A&M, Southern Cal and Boise State filling the remaining slots. The process keeps both personalities engaged, as each reaction is vocalized on air.

Top 12 Teams Selected

John Adams’ picks begin with Miami, followed by Notre Dame and Texas, then Oregon, Georgia and Texas Tech. The final three from Adams are Indiana, LSU and Southern Cal.

Blake Toppmeyer’s selections mirror the order but cover distinct schools: Notre Dame, Texas, Oregon, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Boise State. The pairing yields four SEC teams, four Big Ten squads and a handful from other conferences.

One notable mention is Sam Leavitt, the LSU quarterback whose health could sway the LSU pick’s viability. Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby’s absence is factored into the decision to include the Red Rifles.

Breakdown by Conference

Four SEC entries appear—Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M and Southern Cal—showcasing the league’s depth. The Big Ten is represented by Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana and Boise State (though Boise State is Group of Six). Additional teams hail from ACC (Miami), Big 12 (Texas and Texas Tech) and the independent Notre Dame.

The selection process also includes a safeguard against BYU, with Adams racing to lock in a Big 12 pick before Toppmeyer could inadvertently choose the Cougars. This rule keeps the bracket balanced and prevents over‑representation of a single program.

Why the Picks Matter for 2026

These early forecasts set the conversation for the upcoming season, highlighting which programs insiders believe can make noise in the College Football Playoff. The mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging squads reflects a competitive landscape where schedule strength and returning talent will be critical.

Coaches like Curt Cignetti (Indiana) and Dan Lanning (Oregon) are already noted for their recent playoff runs, adding credibility to their inclusion. The podcast hosts also emphasize that any roster upheaval—such as injuries to key players like Leavitt or Sorsby—could reshape these projections as the year progresses.

Listen to SEC Football Unfiltered

Fans can catch the full discussion and reaction by subscribing to “SEC Football Unfiltered” on iTunes, Google Play or Spotify. Blake Toppmeyer serves as the senior national college‑football columnist for the network, while John Adams reports for the Knoxville News Sentinel.

The podcast also offers a newsletter that delivers updates straight to inboxes, keeping listeners informed about the evolving bracket and season news. Tune in for more insights as the 2026 campaign unfolds.