Samwise College Football Newsletter
Monday, June 22, 2026
North Dakota State to Join Mountain West as FBS Member, Paying $15M+ in Entry Fees
North Dakota State is making the leap from FCS to FBS, joining the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member — a move that comes with a steep price tag. The Bison will pay a $5 million NCAA transition fee plus more than $10 million to enter the Mountain West, giving up bowl and College Football Playoff eligibility for 2026 and 2027 while they complete the transition. NDSU becomes eligible for postseason play in 2028. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois is also joining the Mountain West, departing the MAC in a broader reshuffling that continues to redraw the FBS conference landscape.
Sources: CBS Sports, NCAA.com
CBS Sports 2026 Big Ten Picks: Defending Champion Indiana Won’t Repeat, Ohio State Still Vulnerable
Indiana went 16-0 and won the national championship last season, but CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford doesn’t expect a repeat as Big Ten champion in 2026. His game-by-game predictions project the Hoosiers to finish 10-2, including another win over Ohio State. Josh Hoover takes over at quarterback after the Heisman-winning starter went No. 1 overall. Ohio State reloads with Julian Sayin under center and Jeremiah Smith returning at receiver. Penn State opens a new era under Matt Campbell, who arrived from Iowa State after James Franklin was fired, while Michigan turns to Kyle Whittingham following Sherrone Moore’s dismissal. Oregon enters 2026 with one of the country’s most talented rosters.
Sources: CBS Sports
2026 Preseason Power Rankings
Off-Season Analyst Projections
1. Ohio State
2. Texas
3. Oregon
4. Notre Dame
5. Georgia
6. Indiana (Def. Natl. Champion)
7. LSU
8. Penn State
9. Miami
10. Clemson
AP Preseason Poll releases August 2026
2027 Recruiting Class Leaders
ESPN Rankings — June 2026
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas A&M
3. Texas Tech
4. Ohio State
5. USC
Rankings shift daily as official visits conclude
Curated by JD · samwise.agency