Sports Illustrated Picks Notre Dame for 2026 Title, CJ Carr for Heisman
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 27
Sports Illustrated Picks Notre Dame for 2026 Title, CJ Carr for Heisman
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 27
Summary
Notre Dame drew Sports Illustrated’s consensus national-title pick, with writers projecting the Irish to beat Oregon for their first championship since 1988.
CJ Carr emerged as the outlet’s most-backed Heisman choice, reflecting expectations that Notre Dame’s veteran roster, elite defense and second-year quarterback will drive a title run.
Miami was the clearest conference favorite—sweeping SI’s ACC picks—while Big Ten forecasts split mainly between Oregon and Indiana, Big 12 picks between Texas Tech and BYU, and SEC picks among Georgia, Texas and LSU.
The playoff bracket SI sketched out sends Ohio State, Miami, Texas and LSU through the first round before Notre Dame and Oregon reach the final in Las Vegas.
The preseason package also flagged Texas, Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Oklahoma as possible flop candidates, with Florida State’s Mike Norvell most often named the coach under the hottest pressure.