Five College Football Programs Facing Possible Late-Season Slides
With the 2026 college football season near its midpoint, several teams are at risk of struggling over the rest of the schedule. The article identifies Texas A&M, Michigan, Florida State, Colorado, and LSU as programs that could decline. It points to difficult upcoming matchups and poor starts as reasons for concern.
The piece lists Texas A&M, Michigan, Florida State, Colorado, and LSU as teams whose second halves could unravel. Texas A&M sits at 3-3 after defeats to Kentucky, LSU, and Missouri, and still must face Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Texas. Michigan is 3-2 with Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, UCLA, and Ohio State remaining, making 7-5 a likely best case.
Florida State is 3-3, with Miami, Clemson, Pittsburgh, and Florida ahead, raising questions about Mike Norvell. Colorado has dropped three straight before Utah and Oklahoma State. LSU, now with a second loss, meets Alabama and Texas in consecutive November games and visits Tennessee.
A late-season slide for these programs may affect fans, students, athletic departments, and local businesses tied to game days. Coaching uncertainty could influence recruiting, donor confidence, and player morale. Media coverage and playoff debates might intensify, while communities around campuses could see shifts in travel, spending, and campus mood. The impact likely remains mostly sports-centered, though it could shape university branding and alumni engagement.