Earlier this week, the USA Today Coaches Poll dropped and had plenty of fans arguing online about the rankings of certain teams as well as the merits of preseason polls in general.While I don't have much of an issue with how the rankings came out, outside of a few spots here and there, I would like to identify a few teams that I believe will outperform their preseason ranking.ONE OF THESE EIGHT COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS WILL BE HOISTING THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY IN 2026To be clear, the Coaches Poll isn't the same as the College Football Playoff Rankings, but the top-12 of the preseason polls in a given year is generally indicative of who everyone thinks will be in the big dance come December.With that in mind, here are three teams from outside the top-12 that will make the College Football Playoff in 2026.LSU Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks (40) looks on against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions during the second half at Tiger Stadium on Sept.20, 2025.
(Stephen Lew/Imagn Images)Maybe I'm just drinking the Lane Kiffin-laced Kool-Aid, but I have a hard time seeing the LSU Tigers missing the CFP in 2026 given everything we know about them.The hiring of Kiffin alone turned the Bayou Bengals into Playoff contenders almost overnight, but it goes beyond just the head coach.WHAT DOES A REALISTICALLY SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR LOOK LIKE FOR HEAD COACH LANE KIFFIN AT LSU?Both coordinators are considered some of the best in college, with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.and defensive coordinator Blake Baker likely headlining preseason Broyles Award watchlists.When you pair that coaching triumvirate with the reported $40 million roster that's been put in place, which includes the nation's top-ranked transfer portal class, you start to realize LSU is working with some serious firepower.I think 13 is a little low for this iteration of the Tigers, but I also doubt they'll be sneaking up on anyone.Despite his public pleas for patience, Kiffin understands the elevated expectations...