Sleeper teams from each Power 4 conference: Who will exceed expectations this college football season?

As the 2026 college football season approaches, several sleeper teams across the Power 4 conferences are poised to challenge the established order. Virginia Tech, Houston, Washington, and Mississippi State are highlighted as teams with the potential to exceed expectations due to strong coaching, returning production, and favorable schedules. These teams, often flying under the radar, have the talent and opportunity to make significant impacts and potentially contend for conference titles.

• Virginia Tech is identified as an ACC sleeper due to strong returning production, the addition of coach James Franklin, and an experienced quarterback.
• Houston is highlighted as a Big 12 dark horse with coach Willie Fritz, an improving defense, and an experienced roster, potentially challenging Texas Tech.
• Washington is expected to perform well in the Big Ten under coach Jedd Fisch, with a dynamic quarterback and strong returning production, benefiting from a manageable schedule.
• Mississippi State is seen as an SEC sleeper with coach Jeff Lebby, a talented roster, and a promising young quarterback, capable of spoiling other teams’ seasons.
• The article emphasizes that while championship contenders may be clear on paper, ‘paper never played a football game,’ suggesting that upsets and surprises are likely.