Overrated/Underrated - CFB Power Four Projections 2026-27

OVERRATED - Nebraska Cornhuskers

It feels like Nebraska gets hyped up every offseason and I'm still not completely buying it. Matt Rhule has definitely brought in a different brand of football to the program. But even with a highly touted prospect in Dylan Raiola at QB, Nebraska has concluded consecutive years with a 7-6 record. 

The Huskers added 16 transfers with a ton of starting experience, including former UNLV/Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea. There's definitely depth on this roster. However, until Nebraska proves it can turn all of that potential into nine or ten wins, I think the expectations are a little too high.

UNDERRATED - UCLA Bruins

UCLA is probably my favorite sleeper team in the Big Ten. Bob Chesney comes over after going 21-6 at James Madison and leading the Dukes to a Sun Belt Championship and College Football Playoff appearance last season.

Chesney also attacked the portal big time, bringing 40+ transfers while keeping Nico Iamaleava at quarterback. Eleven of those transfers are former JMU players who made the move with their HC. If Nico takes that long awaited huge step up this season, I wouldn't be surprised whatsoever if UCLA knocks off some big teams this season. 

OVERRATED - LSU Tigers

There's no denying that LSU has talent. Lane Kiffin is one of the best offensive coaches in college football and he basically rebuilt his coaching staff after arriving in Baton Rouge, with several assistants following him over from Ole Miss.

That being said, that's also why I believe that the expectations are getting a little too high. This is still Kiffin's first season and there are a lot of new pieces that need to come together immediately. LSU could definitely become dangerous later in the year especially with a fantastic QB coming in (Sam Leavitt.) I'm just not sold on them being an elite SEC team right away, considering all of the high flying teams that they'll have to play. 

Auburn might be one of the most interesting teams in the entire SEC. New head coach Alex Golesh brought in 39 transfers, including quarterback Byrum Brown, who followed him over from USF. 

Golesh has proven that he can build a really good offense + Auburn desperately needed something different on that side of the ball. I'm not saying Auburn is suddenly winning the SEC, but, I firmly believe that people are underestimating this team. Alabama shouldn't count the Iron Bowl as a lock just yet, even in Tuscaloosa. 

Texas Tech is obviously a very good football team. The Red Raiders are coming off a school-record 12 wins and their first Big 12 Championship, so Joey McGuire deserves a ton of credit for what he's built in Lubbock. Having said that, repeating that type of result is completely different, especially at this day and age. Everyone in the conference is going to be chasing Texas Tech now and the expectations are massive. 

The scandal with QB Brendan Sorsby was the talk of the offseason. Now, the Red Raiders will have to rely on Will Hammond, who had seven TD's and three INT's over the seven games that he threw a ball in last season. They even added former Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos. I still think they're quite good. I just don't think another 12-win season and Big 12 title should be treated like it's a guarantee.

UNDERRATED - Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State is entering a completely new era with Collin Klein taking over for Chris Klieman. I actually love the hire. Klein is a Kansas State legend and previously helped lead some very productive offenses as the Wildcats' offensive coordinator.

With the portal being as crazy as it is lately, the Wildcats went out and added 26 transfers. Avery Johnson staying in Manhattan gives Klein an experienced & extremely talented quarterback to build around nonetheless. There's definitely some risk with a first-year head coach. But, I think Kansas State could be one of the teams we're talking about this year inside the Big 12. 

OVERRATED - Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia was one of the better stories in college football last season. However, just like Texas Tech, I'm not completely sold on them repeating that success. Tony Elliott deserves credit for turning the program around, although expectations have changed pretty quickly in Charlottesville.

The Cavaliers added about 30 new transfers this offseason, including QB Beau Pribula, DB Omillio Agard & DE Devon Baxter. There's clearly expectations of a repeat this season. Replacing that many pieces & immediately expecting another huge season is asking a lot though. I think Virginia is still solid, just a little overrated. 

UNDERRATED - Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech is not only my favorite sleeper in the ACC. But, it's also one of my favorite sleepers in the country. James Franklin (previously at PSU) taking over in Blacksburg completely changes how I look at this program. A proven winner/excellent recruiter, he's already brought a completely different level of excitement back to VT. 

The Hokies put together a transfer class that was ranked as high as fifth nationally by On3 and Franklin made the offensive line a massive priority. Tech also has Ethan Grunkemeyer battling at QB & returns DT Kemari Copeland, who earned preseason All-ACC recognition. I'm not expecting Virginia Tech to immediately become a playoff team. But, with Franklin running the program, I think the Hokies could be much closer to competing near the top of the ACC than people realize.