Who will make College Football Playoff? EA Sports College Football 26 simulates season
The expanded playoff means more teams have the chance to win a national championship, and while there are some teams expected to make the field, last season showed Cinderella squads have the chance to shock the country and qualify for a spot.
It's no different heading into the upcoming season with perennial national championship contenders, but it's unknown whether they'll actually make it, or some dark horse team will emerge like Indiana and Arizona State last season. Luckily, EA Sports College Football 26 out to give a preview of what could happen.
USA TODAY Sports simulated the 2025-26 season in College Football 26 100 times to see who made the College Football Playoff. There were teams that were frequently in the field − and often won national championships − but there were a few surprises that made it, which could give some programs optimism of what could be achieved in the upcoming campaign.
Most College Football Playoff appearances in College Football 26 simulation
Penn State had the most College Football Playoff appearances, making it in 88 of the 100 simulated seasons. It also won the most national championships of the simulation with 20 titles and 17 second-place finishes.
A total of eight schools − Penn State, Oregon, Georgia, Miami, Texas Tech, Clemson and Duke − appeared in the playoff more than 50% of the time.
College Football 26 simulation College Football Playoff breakdown
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