USA TODAY columnist Paul Myerberg has identified nine college football teams that have exceeded expectations this season, according to a new analysis published Thursday.
The list highlights programs that were not widely predicted to contend for conference titles or playoff berths but have emerged as significant surprises through the first half of the 2026 campaign.
Myerberg's breakdown examines each team's key victories, statistical improvements, and remaining schedule challenges as they aim to sustain their unexpected success.
