College Teams Vie for Playoff Spots and Recruits

Penn State is strategically aiming for a potential No. 6 seed in the College Football Playoff without participating in the Big Ten championship game, leveraging potential challenges faced by teams like Ohio State. Meanwhile, Ohio State is concentrating on its 2026 recruiting class, securing top prospects such as Chris Henry Jr. and Jaeden Ricketts. In the Atlantic Coast Conference, Miami, SMU, and Clemson are competing for spots in the conference championship, influenced by various scenarios. Despite Miami's recent loss to Georgia Tech, they remain a competitive contender for the CFP, although their odds have been affected. The College Football Playoff now includes 12 teams, with conference champions automatically receiving the top four bids, complicating the playoff race.