Analyst Brad Powers has highlighted the most critical rivalry matchups for the 2026 college football season. his projections emphasize betting value and power ratings for high-stakes games involving programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas.
The Miami +7.5 bet and the 'Catholics vs Convicts' grudge
The matchup between Notre Dame and Miami carries heavy emotional and postseason weight following a 27-24 Miami victory in last year's season opener.. According to Brad Powers, that specific game was a turning point that allowed the Hurricanes to secure a final playoff bid over the Fighting Irish, eventually leading Miami to the National Championship. The 2026 clash returns to South Bend, where the cold November weather will provide a stark contrast to the Miami climate.
From a betting perspective, Brad Powers has already placed a wager on Miami at +7.5, predicting the line will not close higher than 6.5. This strategy leverages the performance of Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, who the report notes is particularly effective in the underdog role, having covered all four such bets last year with three outright wins.
Ohio State's #1 power rating and the Indiana streak-breaker
Ohio State enters the 2026 season as the top-ranked team in Brad Powers' power ratings, yet they face a psychological hurdle against Indiana. While the Buckeyes hold a dominant 80-13-5 historical edge over the Hoosiers, Indiana recently shattered a 30-game series winning streak by defeating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. This shift in momentum suggests that the upcoming game in Indiana could be one of the most significant home events in the university's history.
The rivalry with Michigan remains equally volatile, with Brad Powers ranking Michigan at #15. The analyst expects the betting line for the Ohio State-Michigan game to close at Ohio State -14, citing the Buckeyes' 27-9 victory in Ann Arbor last year. this trend reflects a decade where the two programs have frequently collided in the SEC Championship and National Championship games, cementing it as a primary driver of the sport's current landscape.
Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford with LSU
The 2026 clash between LSU and Ole Miss is framed by the controversial departure of Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss prior to last year's playoffs. Now leading LSU, Kiffin will return to Oxford in an environment that is expected to be among the most hostile in the country. As reported by the analysis, both teams face early-season tests—LSU against Clemson and Ole Miss against Louisville—that will determine the momentum heading into this grudge match.
Despite LSU's perceived talent advantage, Ole Miss relies on the returning presence of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Ken Lacy. The central question remains whether the emotional "chip on the shoulder" for the Ole Miss program can outweigh the raw talent of the LSU roster, especially given the high television viewership this rivalry typically attracts.
Georgia's 28-7 dominance over Alabama
The rivalry between Georgia and Alabama continues to define the SEC, with Georgia coming off a commanding 28-7 victory in last year's SEC Championship Game. Brad Powers suggests that both teams are likely to enter the 2026 showdown with 5-0 records, as both are favored by at least a touchdown in their first five games. however, the analyst believes the trend of Georgia's superiority will persist.
Kirby Smart has successfully navigated the pressure of facing Alabama, and as a result, Brad Powers has already bet on Georgia, expecting the line to close at Georgia -3. This matchup serves as a benchmark for the conference, representing a shift in power where the Bulldogs have become the more experienced and talented side of the pairing.
Arch Manning and the 12-game favorite streak
The return of the Texas and Texas A&M rivalry highlights the impact of conference realignment on storied traditions. Texas enters 2026 with immense pressure, as they are favored in all 12 of their regular-season games and could potentially open the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll. The Longhorns will be led by quarterback Arch Manning, who is tasked with maintaining a winning streak against an Aggies team that reached the College Football Playoff last year.
While Texas has won the last two meetings and knocked Texas A&M out of the SEC Championship both times, the gap in expectations is wide. The report notes that five of Texas's twelve regular-season spreads are less than a touchdown, suggesting that while the Longhorns are favorites, the path to an undefeated season remains precarious.
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