Head Coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers looks on in the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google The College Football Playoff field is usually dominated by the same handful of national powers, but every season leaves room for a surprise or two.
Finding those teams before the season can create plenty of value in the futures market.
Here’s a look at two teams that stand out as longer shots capable of crashing the 12-team field in 2026.
The Tigers still have the underlying talent of a national contender without being priced like one. The 2026 recruiting class finished just outside the top 20 nationally, and Clemson continues to carry a strong blue-chip roster, particularly on defense.
The Tigers are also bringing back more experience on that side of the ball, despite the disappointing 2025 season, which should give them a relatively high floor while the offense settles in.
The schedule is difficult, but it also gives Clemson multiple ways to build a CFP resume.
The Tigers open at LSU and later face Miami, Florida State, and South Carolina, so there are plenty of opportunities for quality wins.
Just as importantly, the LSU and South Carolina games are nonconference, so losses there would not damage their path to the ACC Championship Game.
Clemson does not necessarily need to be one of the 12 best teams wire-to-wire.
If they go 7-1 in conference play, reach Charlotte and win the ACC, Dabo Swinney’s club has a direct route into the final 12.
For a program with Clemson’s roster talent, recruiting pedigree and realistic conference-title path, this number feels like a solid buy-low.
Catch up on The Post’s college football betting predictions and previews for the 2026 season
Conner Weigman of the Houston Cougars throws a pass in the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers during the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium on Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Getty Images Houston to make College Football Playoff (+850, FanDuel Sportsbook) Houston may offer the best combination of price, continuity, and schedule among the true playoff long-shots.
The Cougars won 10 games last season and return 12 starters, including quarterback Conner Weigman.
That gives head coach Willie Fritz considerably more continuity than many teams in this long-shot price range.
Houston also upgraded several areas through their recruiting class and the transfer portal.
The offensive line added multiple potential starters, while five-star freshman Keisean Henderson gives the program one of the most talented newcomers in the country.
The biggest selling point, though, is the winnable Big 12.
Houston does not need to survive an SEC- or Big Ten-caliber schedule to reach the playoff.
Its conference slate is manageable, with the toughest games coming against teams such as Texas Tech and Utah.
A 10-2 season and Big 12 Championship appearance is plausible.
For a 10-win team returning with substantial experience and a realistic route to the conference title, this is an attractive number.
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
