Samwise College Football Newsletter
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
NCAA Asks 10th Circuit to Permanently Reverse Class-of-2022 Eligibility Injunction
The NCAA is asking the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to permanently reverse a class-of-2022 eligibility injunction that would grant thousands of athletes a fifth playing season. In a statement Wednesday, the governing body declared: “The injunction should never have been granted, and we have asked the Tenth Circuit to permanently reverse it.” The injunction was issued July 31 by a Colorado federal judge, allowing class-of-2022 athletes an additional year of eligibility — a direct challenge to the age-based model the NCAA adopted in late June. The 10th Circuit has ordered expedited briefing, with the NCAA facing an August 17 deadline to file its reply.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Bryce Underwood Calls Ohio State Rivalry “Just Another Game,” Adding to Michigan Camp Controversy
Michigan sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood stirred controversy Tuesday by calling the Wolverines’ rivalry with Ohio State “just another game.” Speaking with NBC Sports’ John Fanta, Underwood said: “We’re guys in a different color. That’s how I see it.” The comments follow backlash directed at first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham, who last week downplayed hatred toward the Buckeyes before clarifying Monday that the game is of “utmost importance.” In Underwood’s first Game appearance last season, he was held to 63 passing yards in a 27-9 Michigan loss to then-No. 1 Ohio State. The 2026 edition is set for Nov. 28 in Columbus.
Tennessee Freshman QB Faizon Brandon Signs NIL Deal with Rhoback Ahead of Debut Season
Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has signed an NIL partnership with Rhoback, the performance apparel brand announced Tuesday on Instagram. Brandon — a five-star recruit ranked No. 10 overall and third at quarterback in the 2026 cycle — enters Rocky Top with a $1 million On3 NIL Valuation as he competes with George MacIntyre for the starting job under coach Josh Heupel. Rhoback’s growing quarterback stable also includes Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed, Penn State’s Rocco Becht, Notre Dame WR Jordan Faison, and Virginia’s Beau Pribula. In addition to Rhoback, Brandon holds a multi-year agreement with Leaf Trading Cards and has donated more than $12,500 to Tennessee Children’s Home.
Northwestern Receives $35 Million Donation as Ryan Field Opening and Chip Kelly Hiring Signal Program’s Ambitions
Northwestern’s football program received a three-year, $35 million donation from the Uihlein family, the school announced Tuesday — a significant financial commitment as the Wildcats prepare to open the $850 million Ryan Field this fall. Head coach David Braun enters his fourth season with a revamped offense led by new coordinator Chip Kelly, who arrives to modernize the unit around Michigan State transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles. Ryan Field officially opens October 2 against Penn State, marking exactly 100 years since Northwestern’s original stadium debuted. The privately funded venue features a standing-room student section dubbed the “Wildcat Wall,” designed to replicate a European soccer atmosphere.
Sources: CBS Sports
CBS Sports Projects Notre Dame and Georgia as Top Seeds in First 2026 CFP Bracket Forecast
CBS Sports released its first 2026 College Football Playoff bracket projection Tuesday, slotting Notre Dame and Georgia as the top two seeds in the 12-team field. Ohio State, Texas, defending national champion Indiana, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Boise State, and Texas Tech are among the programs projected to earn bids in the full 12-team field. CBS Sports analyst John Talty projects first-round matchups, quarterfinal scenarios, and semifinal pairings — all before the 2026 regular season has kicked off. Bracket projections will shift substantially once fall camp wraps and early-season games sort the national picture.
Sources: CBS Sports
Preseason Coaches Poll Top 10
1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. Notre Dame
6. Indiana ★
7. Miami
8. Texas A&M
9. Oklahoma
10. Ole Miss
★ Defending national champion · Season opens Aug. 29
CFP Projection (CBS Sports)
#1 Notre Dame · #2 Georgia
Also Projected In
Ohio State, Texas, Indiana
Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Boise State
Texas Tech
CFP Rankings released Tuesdays starting Week 9 (Nov.)
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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