The 2026 college football season concluded with dramatic conference championship games, historic individual achievements, and a compelling race for the sport's most prestigious awards. The year will be remembered for its offensive explosions and remarkable individual performances that rewrote the record books.
Conference Championships
ACC Championship: Temple 42, Oklahoma 14
In what was expected to be Coach Futt Bucker's coronation following Oklahoma's week 2 dismantling of former national champion Dave Chappelle and Tennessee, the ACC Championship instead became a shocking demonstration of Temple's defensive prowess. After the Sooners' vaunted Go-Go offense had terrorized opponents all season, Coach Ben Dover's "gritty" Owls defense turned conventional wisdom on its head. The Owls set the tone early, jumping out to a 14-7 first-quarter lead and never looking back. Temple's defense forced four Oklahoma turnovers while their offense maintained perfect ball security, a crucial factor in the lopsided victory.
Temple's balanced attack accumulated 330 total yards, with QB Koren Lokombo efficiently managing the game. The Owls' ground game, led by Xavier Irvin, found consistent success with 127 yards and a touchdown. Most impressively, Temple converted 75% of their third downs (3-4) while holding Oklahoma to just 33% efficiency (2-6).
The game marked a surprising end to Oklahoma's otherwise spectacular regular season, as the Sooners' high-powered offense was held well below their season averages. Record-breaking running back Gavin Sawchuk was largely contained, while QB Jackson Arnold faced constant pressure in one of his least efficient outings of the year.
Big 12 Championship: FAU 31, UAB 23
In perhaps the most improbable championship victory of the season, Florida Atlantic - a team primarily known for their quarterback's prodigious interception totals and a single notable win - shocked the college football world by denying UAB what many had considered a guaranteed playoff bye week. The Blazers, who had been mentally preparing for their first-round playoff bye, instead found themselves on the wrong end of a season-defining upset. After falling behind 3-6 in the first quarter, FAU exploded for 21 points in the second quarter to take control of the game. Though UAB fought back with a strong second half, the Owls' early cushion proved decisive.
The game was marked by turnovers, with the teams combining for seven giveaways. Despite being outgained in total yards (299-254), FAU's opportunistic defense and timely offensive execution made the difference. The Owls managed to overcome a slight disadvantage in third-down efficiency (55% to 50%) by making crucial plays in key moments.
Record-Breaking Performances
The 2026 season saw several historic individual achievements that will likely stand for years to come:
Levi Payton (Ole Miss) - Receiving Triple Crown
The redshirt sophomore's record-breaking season became a lightning rod for controversy in college football circles. While the numbers themselves are staggering - 172 receptions, 3,016 receiving yards, and 52 touchdown catches, all new records - they've drawn sharp criticism from opposing coaches regarding Coach Harry Beevar's approach.
"It's interesting how these video game numbers seem to evaporate in meaningful games," one coach noted anonymously. "What we're seeing is essentially the football equivalent of missing shots deliberately to secure a triple-double in basketball."
The debate over the legitimacy of Payton's records has divided the college football community, with some arguing that the stats reflect tactical padding rather than organic achievement. However, the record books make no distinction between style points and substance - the numbers, controversial as they may be, will stand.
Spencer Roland (Cincinnati) - Single Season Sack Record
The freshman defensive end's 32.5 sacks set a new standard for pass rushers, though not without stirring controversy similar to Payton's receiving records. When questioned about allegations of stat-padding, Cincinnati head coach Bofa DaNutz responded with his characteristic bluntness: "He was a force to be reckoned with all season. Ask those pussies over at Ole Miss if they think he's not legit - they're still losing sleep over that pick six."
Roland's dominance off the edge proved to be a crucial factor in Cincinnati's undefeated regular season and eventual national championship run, with his game-changing plays often coming in the biggest moments.
Gavin Sawchuk (Oklahoma) - Rush TD Record
Despite Oklahoma's disappointing end in the ACC Championship, Sawchuk's 43 rushing touchdowns set a new single-season record. His 2,007 rushing yards also marked one of the most productive rushing seasons in recent memory.
Awards Race
Player of the Year: Levi Payton, Ole Miss
In a year of offensive fireworks, Payton's record-breaking season stood above the rest. His 3,016 receiving yards and 52 touchdowns represented the greatest statistical season by a receiver in college football history.
Coach of the Year: Bofa Danutz, Cincinnati
Leading Cincinnati to an undefeated season in their first SEC campaign, including a national championship, made Danutz the clear choice for Coach of the Year.
Other Major Awards:
- Best QB: Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati (5,829 yards, 65 TDs)
- Best Defensive Player: Spencer Roland, Cincinnati (32.5 sacks)
- Best RB: Gavin Sawchuk, Oklahoma (2,007 yards, 43 TDs)
- Best Receiver: Levi Payton, Ole Miss (3,016 yards, 52 TDs)
- Best TE: Cam Chavous, Cincinnati (1,484 yards, 17 TDs)
- Best DB: Ormanie Arnold, Cincinnati
- Best DE: Spencer Roland, Cincinnati
- Best LB: Emmanuel Raimann, Cincinnati
Cincinnati's Dominant Awards Haul
The Bearcats' perfect season was reflected in their unprecedented dominance of the awards, claiming eight major honors including:
- Coach of the Year (Danutz)
- Best QB (Sorsby)
- Best Defensive Player (Roland)
- Best DB (Arnold)
- Best DE (Roland)
- Best TE (Chavous)
- Best LB (Raimann)
- Broyles Award (Defensive Coordinator)
This concentration of individual awards among Cincinnati players and coaches underscored the historic nature of their undefeated campaign and national championship run.
Looking Forward
The 2026 season will be remembered for its record-breaking performances, dramatic conference championships, and Cincinnati's historic run to a national title. The individual achievements, particularly those of Payton, Roland, and Sawchuk, set new standards for excellence that future players will chase for years to come.
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