College Football Playoff odds: Two long-shot teams to make the 2026 CFP

The College Football Playoff field is usually dominated by the same handful of national powers, but every season leaves room for a surprise or two.Finding those teams before the season can create plenty of value in the futures market.Here’s a look at two teams that stand out as longer shots capable of crashing the 12-team field in 2026.The Tigers still have the underlying talent of a national contender without being priced like one.The 2026 recruiting class finished just outside the top 20 nationally, and Clemson continues to carry a strong blue-chip roster, particularly on defense.The Tigers are also bringing back more experience on that side of the ball, despite the disappointing 2025 season, which should give them a relatively high floor while the offense settles in.The schedule is difficult, but it also gives Clemson multiple ways to build a CFP resume.The Tigers open at LSU and later face Miami, Florida State, and South Carolina, so there are plenty of opportunities for quality wins.Just as importantly, the LSU and South Carolina games are nonconference, so losses there would not damage their path to the ACC Championship Game.Clemson does not necessarily need to be one of the 12 best teams wire-to-wire.If they go 7-1 in conference play, reach Charlotte and win the ACC, Dabo Swinney’s club has a direct route into the final 12.For a program with Clemson’s roster talent, recruiting pedigree and realistic conference-title path, this number feels like a solid buy-low.Catch up on The Post’s college football betting predictions and previews for the 2026 seasonHouston may offer the best combination of price, continuity, and schedule among the true playoff long-shots.The Cougars won 10 games last season and return 12 starters, including quarterback Conner Weigman.That gives head coach Willie Fritz considerably more continuity than many teams in this long-shot price range.Houston also upgraded several areas through their recruiting class and the transfer portal....