Why Vikings made right call in QB competition; key dates on 2026-27 NBA schedule

The national championship is the ultimate prize. The conference title is every team's goal. But there's just something so uniquely meaningful about winning in-state bragging rights. In the lead-up to every college football season, we predict the best team in each state , and it's time for the 2026 edition.

There are, of course, the obvious choices: Wyoming and Hawaii win their states by default. There's also the state of Vermont, which goes unclaimed with no schools offering Division I football. Then there are the FCS powerhouses, like Montana State , North Dakota State and South Dakota .

And then come the tough ones. Take Texas, for instance. Texas , Texas A&M and Texas Tech have very realistic College Football Playoff aspirations, but only one can be the best. Our Austin Nivison gave that title to the Longhorns.

Here are the best teams in a few other hotly contested states:

The court rulings that paved the way for seniors to return for a fifth year of college basketball effectively created another transfer portal window. A few championship-contending teams capitalized on this chance to fill roster holes late in the offseason and emerged as clear winners from the free agency period . None are as obvious as Texas Tech .

The Red Raiders picked up two fifth-year standouts, including one familiar face in Darrion Williams . Our Isaac Trotter says this roster now has the makings of one that could cut down nets at the 2027 Final Four. And that's without Donovan Atwell , who might also be granted a fifth year.

A couple of other teams that came out ahead: Gonzaga and Tennessee . These additions will help them compete at the top of the Pac-12 and SEC, respectively:

⚾ Orioles at Twins, 1:40 p.m. on Peacock

⚾ Phillies at Cardinals, 2:15 p.m. on ESPN Unlimited

⚾ Brewers at Padres or Astros at Giants, 3:45 p.m. on MLB Network

⚾ Mariners at Yankees, 7:05 p.m. on ESPN

🏀 Tempo at Wings, 8 p.m. on USA Network

⚽ Leagues Cup: Nashville at Monterrey, 8 p.m. on FS1

🏀 Sky at Valkyries, 10 p.m. on USA Network

⚽ Leagues Cup: Querétaro vs. LAFC, 10:30 p.m. on Apple TV

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: CBS Sports. Open at source →