ESPN writer Mark Schlabach explains why 2026 features ‘more parity’ across college football
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
The first College Football Playoff rankings of the season were released on Tuesday. While there’s a great deal that could change between now and Dec. 6’s Selection Day, there was still plenty to talk about.
On Thursday, Pat McAfee spoke with ESPN writer Mark Schlabach about how wide open the road to the Playoff could actually be. McAfee mentioned how, traditionally, the top four — Miami, Georgia, Utah, and Indiana in the initial rankings — are normally spot-on. But there’s an argument that the trend could change in 2026, Schlabach noted.
“I don’t think there’s any question there’s more parity. I think there are only three unbeatens left out of the Power Fours,” he said. “I think when I looked on Tuesday night, when I did the playoff ranking story, I think there were only nine teams in the Power Four with one loss. So I don’t think there’s any question.”
Schlabach gave the example of Georgia, which is No. 2 in the CFP Top 25 despite a loss to Auburn. BYU, at No. 9, lost to UCF. McAfee brought up Miami, which will have to navigate the rest of the regular season without Malachi Toney.
Another reason for parity: top-heavy rosters that could see teams stumble if one of their stars is injured.
“You don’t have as much depth. I mean, that ’21, ’22 Georgia team at Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter on the second string defensive line, those days are never happening again,” he said. “You look at Ohio State … great football team until (Julian) Sayin goes down.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
