Seven CFP Contenders Enter 2026 With 1 Key Flaw Each

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 2

Seven teams viewed as 2026 national-title threats all carry a defining roster question into Labor Day weekend, making the playoff race look unusually open.
Miami, Georgia and Texas face some of the biggest pressure points: Miami must replace 22 sacks from first-round edge rushers, Georgia needs new targets after losing Zachariah Branch's 81 catches, and Texas has to fix a pass defense that allowed 339 yards a game in 2025.
Ohio State and Indiana both hinge on offensive reloads — the Buckeyes need a No. 2 option beside Jeremiah Smith after 21 of 33 touchdown passes went to Smith and Carnell Tate, while Indiana tries to sustain 41-plus points per game after heavy draft losses.
Notre Dame and Oregon round out the contender list with trench concerns, as the Irish replace two first-round running backs and the Ducks rebuild an offensive line that returns only 2 starters from a unit that allowed 19 sacks in 15 games.