Jan 03, 2026
3 min read
What will 2026 bring to the world of sport?We asked our FOX Sports writers to dig into their crystal balls for the year ahead.
26 Bold Predictions for 2026: Bills, Orioles Titles;USA makes World Cup run
The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Orioles are battling it out for more championships.The United States Men's National Team is making noise at the World Cup.Fernando Mendoza serves as a reliever for the New York Jets.
We asked FOX Sports writers to look into their crystal balls to see what 2026 will bring to the world of sports.
Here are his 26 boldest predictions for the coming year:
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith won the Heisman
Smith was the nation's top player for the second year in a row, except for college football's top award voters. He led Ohio State to a national title team in just four games in 2024 and did so as a true freshman. 2025.In 2016, he finished sixth in the Heisman voting and was the only one to receive enough votes to make the top 10, but was not selected by the Biletnikoff voters. Now, in 2026, with talk of his age and his lasting impact on the sport, this could be the year Smith takes home his first crown since entering the sport.—RJ Young
Read more: Inside Jeremiah Smith's rise to stardom
The Buffalo Bills won the last Super Bowl
(Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
Just 31 years after losing the last of four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, the Bills brought a title to a titleless city by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LX.After losing the AFC East to the Patriots, who were forced to play three straight playoff games on the road, the Bills actually crisscrossed the AFC playoff field and the Kansas City Chiefs were politely out of the way.After that, Bills fans.Not only will they flock to Santa Clara, California for the big game, but they'll pack their soon-to-be-demolished stadium in New York's Orchard Park for an outdoor party (in a blizzard, of course).It will still snow two days later when more than a million Bills fans line Delaware Street in downtown Buffalo to watch snowplows carry their conquering heroes to the parade they've been waiting for a lifetime.They do.- Ralph Vaciano
The United States advances to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup
With all due respect to my FOX Sports colleagues Landon Donovan, Brad Guzan, Stu Holden, Cobi Jones, and Alexi Lalas, I am shocked that these talented players did not advance to the United States in the quarterfinals. In fact, to reach the round of 16, as they did in the 2022, 2014 and 2010 World Cups, they will need to win knockout games as the field expands. This is one of theThe USMNT has appeared in the World Cup 10 times.
But as a seeded team with a completely manageable draw, the co-hosts are the favorites to win Group D, setting them up to face the third-place side in the new round of 32. Playing at home, with the entire country on the bandwagon, American momentum is building at the World Cups.When a team heats up, they can ride the wave higher than what pure talent tells them they should.
It doesn't take much to dream.Under a coach who has led perennial underachievers Tottenham to the Champions League final, the bar must be set higher.Mauricio Pochettino already has.He tells anyone who will listen that the World Cup trophy is within reach.Everything has to go well to even reach the semi-finals.They need luck to get this far.But to paraphrase Pochettino: Why can't they?- Doug McIntyre
Read more: America can dream the 'impossible'
The College Football Playoff has expanded to 24 teams
All he has to do is keep his stakeholders and fans happy.Acrimony took over the sport after Lane Kiffin's decision to leave Ole Miss to become the head coach at LSU just as he finished leading the Rebels to their best season ever (11-1) and their first berth in the College Football Playoff.His decision meant leading a team four games out of playing for the national championship was less important than his $13.28 million contract with Baton Rouge.
Disbelief and anger filtered throughout the game as Notre Dame decided to forego postseason play entirely.After the Fighting Irish found out they weren't selected for the CFP, the matter couldn't go any further.But that will be the case unless the CFP Executive Committee fixes it, and the best way to do that is by doubling the field. - RJ Young
Baltimore Orioles win the series
Baltimore has the sixth longest championship streak in baseball, but that will all change in 2026 when the Orioles win the World Series.It would be their first title since 1983, when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies and eventual 23-year-old Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. earned the first MVP award of his career.The O's are long overdue for another trip to the Fall Classic, and now they finally look like they're about to reach baseball utopia.Their aggressive offseason really kicked off this winter when they signed first baseman Pete Alonso, and his 264 career home runs ended in a monster contract: $155 million over five years.Now they have one of the dirtiest lineups in baseball, and who knows, it might be good enough to dethrone the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers.Maybe the big opportunity that brought Alonso to the Birds was the missing piece.– Deesha Thosar
The New York Jets are all-in on Fernando Mendoza
By packing two of their first-round picks (and potentially more) in 2026, the Jets will move into the top three of the NFL draft and select Indiana's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.He's not the kind of smart franchise quarterback that sometimes ends up in a draft class, but Mendoza's prototypical size, mobility, lightning-quick release and leadership make him a surefire pick at the game's most important position this year.The thing does.- Rob Ring
Read more: Is Mendoza a 'game manager' or 'game changer'?
Ryan Day leaves Ohio State for the NFL after another national championship
From the forks and taunts after Michigan's fourth loss in 2024 to a legacy that fans will remember for generations to come.That's what awaits Ohio State head coach Ryan Day next season as he takes star running back Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to another national championship next year.At least, it's his second title in three years and he can complete a three-peat on that one.and what to do in the coming weeks with his current team.At the time, only a handful of coaches could play, and Sun was ready to leave college football for a chance to pursue a bigger prize in the NFL.He might bring some of his former players.– Michael Cohen
Philip Rivers is playing one more season … with the Chiefs
If you think the 44-year-old Rivers' retirement is a short-term thing, you're underestimating the competition of a professional athlete.And now that Rivers is getting a taste of the NFL life again, it's going to be hard for him to bring it back.So, after he failed to help the Colts make the playoffs without Daniel Jones, Rivers is sending navigation to let teams know he wants to stick around for at least one more season.And here he is.will receive a surprising offer: come to Kansas City and be a backup until Patrick Mahomes returns from his torn ACL.The chance to potentially play for Andy Reid and maybe even make it to the Super Bowl is too great to pass up.Plus, he can extend NFL health insurance for his giant family for another year.- Ralph Vaciano
Red Sox starlet Roman Anthony wins the AL MVP award
(Photo by Charles Brock/Iconsport via Getty Images)
Of course, if we were to pick this year's Rookie of the Year finalists to compete for the MVP trophy in 2026, it would make sense to start with Sacramento, where Nick Kurtz had one of the best seasons in the game.But that is not bold thinking.Instead, Anthony's superior combination surrounds him.will come together so quickly that he surpassed the likes of Yankees star Aaron Judge and Royals slugger Bobby Witt Jr.to claim AL MVP honors in his second MLB season.Anthony slashed .329/.419/.512 in his last 56 games with the Red Sox, showing superior plate discipline and striking the ball with a 60.3 percent strikeout rate that led the MLB.If they have the skills.If he could get the ball in the air more often to use his superior strength, the rise in power would be rapid.- Rowan Cavner
Will Power Capture 2026 INDYCAR Title
Will Power, who was dumped by Team Penske, won the 2026 INDYCAR title in his first season with Andretti.Power wins three races and finishes on the podium among others to win the championship as he embarks on a revenge tour of not being retained by Penske after a 17-year stint with the organization.Confused.— Bob Pokras
Messi, Argentina repeats as world champion
(Foto deur Mark Atkins / Getty Images)
Winning the World Cup is difficult: only eight countries have managed to do so in the men's tournament's nearly 100-year history.Do you do it twice in a row?This is almost unheard of.Only three teams, men and women, have done so in 31 World Cups ever: the American women led by Carli Lloyd/Alex Morgan/Megan Rapinoe in 2015 and 2019, the men of Italy in 1934 and 1938 and the men of Brazil and Pele in 1958.
Lionel Messi cemented his legacy as soccer's GOAT when he led Argentina to their first World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. And although the 38-year-old has not yet confirmed that he will help the Albiceleste defend their crown in the United States in 2026, his home since joining Inter Miami in the summer three years ago will prevent Inter Miami again, only the captain will prevent Messi.Of course, the opportunity to make even more history with his compatriots will not be prevented: Argentina, which also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, has the chance to win four consecutive trophies - something that no nation and no player - not even Pelé, the only man to win three World Cups - has ever achieved.–Doug McIntyre
Los Angeles Chargers win Super Bowl at home
The Chargers are 11-5, and they've done just as well for most of the following without starting Jim Harbaugh.With the heads under the pin, Denver is a big crown in a deep ride in a cold game in the Sophie Bowl in Soafi in February 2027, so it's home - the field of everything. - Greg Omen
The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Nets in Indianapolis
(Photo by Scott W. Graw/ICON Sportswire via Getty Images)
I think Michigan is the best team I've ever seen on both ends of the court.His slow start was understandable given all the new transfers, but he showed his skills in the players' away tournament with wins over San Diego State, Auburn and Gonzaga, averaging 36.6 points.The Wolverines have the best frontcourt trio in the country, with the versatility of forward Axel Landberg, the length of center Adi Mara and the strong scoring and rebounding of forward Moores Johnson Jr. and shooters like guard Nemari Burnett and forward Will Suchter.Guard Rudy Gale Jr. is an explosive wrecker, and even freshman guard Trey McCann has played a role among the veterans.This team has no weaknesses.- Casey Jacobson
USWNT's 'Triple Espresso' Reunites
The U.S. Women's National Team, which won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is evolving and growing both in terms of its number of players and what the team could look like at the next World Cup.Meeting new, younger players like the famous Triple Espresso (Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson) was of particular importance.Rodman has been called up a few times this year but has mostly been dealing with injuries (back pain and a sprained MCL), while Swanson and Wilson are on maternity leave and recently welcomed a daughter.Welcome.The USVNT is set to qualify for the 2027 World Cup, so expect coach Emma Hayes to begin solidifying her World Cup core group at some point next year. This marks the return of this talented trio.– Laken Littman
The Tennessee Titans hired Mike McCarthy as their head coach
Tennessee needs an experienced coach who,front, is an experienced offensive lineman, giving Cam Ward number 1 continuity in schemes and play-calling as a young player.With 18 seasons of NFL coaching experience, McCarthy checks both boxes.His experience coaching Aaron Rodgers and working under Jerry Jones also shows an ability to work with big people, which should appeal to the Titans franchise.McCarthy and Titans director of football operations Chad Brinker — Tennessee's head football coach — spent a decade together in Green Bay (2009-18), so there's a strong bond there.At the very least, McCarthy is a high-profile coach who can stabilize Tennessee.- Ben Arthur
Indiana Will Come Back, Win Back-to-Back Big Ten Titles
It's amazing to think of head coach Kurt Cignetti's success in two seasons at Indiana.In Year 1, the Hoosiers went 11-1 in the regular season and made the College Football Playoff. 2. Last year, he led his team to a 13-0 regular season and the Big Ten Championship.Transfer Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and IU finished first in the CFP.This is certainly a team that is favored to win the national championship, and while some talent is headed to the NFL, Cignetti has proven that he can work the transfer window to his advantage.There are already a ton of quality quarterbacks at the door, and there's no reason to think about Cignetti again next season.That would make for a strong national team for the title.– Laegan Littman
Minnesota Vikings signed Aaron Rodgers as QB1
Coach Kevin O'Connell admitted to talking to Rodgers last offseason when the veteran quarterback eventually landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.At the time, the Vikings had a commitment to Jay McCarthy, a former top-10 draft pick.But after one year on the job (and two years in the league), McCarthy still seems far from leading the organization to a playoff spot.So O'Connell goes after Rogers this time.The Vikings are trading McCarthy as a chance to develop another year in the outfield while managing Rodgers' offer.And maybe that applies to everyone involved.But O'Connell's name is built on playing QB.He can't risk another year of what McCarthy did in 2024.This could get the coach fired.- Henry McKenna
Pete Alonso leads MLB in home runs in his first season in Baltimore.
If that prediction comes true, it will be a harder pill to swallow for Mets fans who are still reeling from seeing three pitchers (Alonso, center fielder Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Diaz) leave this winter.But Alonso set career highs in slugging percentage, and ERA and left field at Camden Yards became a thing of the past for the Orioles last season.The decision to move to the left field fence made the ballpark one of the more suitable areas for righties.Alonso hit 38 home runs last season;Based on the expected home run, he could have scored 45 points had he played all the games in Baltimore.That total isn't enough to surpass Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Cal Raleigh in 2026, but Alonso is expected to score points in his first season with his new team.It doesn't take much to dream.-Rowan Cavner
Chiefs reach playoffs despite Mahomes injury, Kelce retires
(Foto di Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
If you think Mahomes is down and out, you are sorely mistaken.We see the Chiefs succeed in tough games in 2023 - and then fail in 2024. The 2026 campaign should be a solid year, even if the quarterback will likely miss the first month with an ACL injury.Coach Andy Reid will make sure he has a QB who can handle the offense (maybe Philip Rivers, as Ralph mentioned above).And the Chiefs should be back in the mix.The playoff roster should see major changes this season, including the departure of Kelce.Could he play another year?For sure.But it is difficult for him to commit to return this year.It will be even more difficult next year.His retirement will mean the end of the Chiefs era.
Only one QB goes in the first round of the NFL draft
While several teams need a franchise quarterback in a weak free agent class, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza will be the only quarterback selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.This announcement may raise eyebrows given the number of teams looking for a QB1, but the 2026 class lacks quarterback prospects that could warrant first-round consideration.Although Alabama's Ty Simpson and Oregon's Dante Moore could enter the conversation, their inexperience as a college player may prompt them to wait until 2027 to make the jump to the NFL.Preseason hype has us believing that the quarterback class of 2026 has the potential to be epic, but at this point it feels like a one-man show.- Bucky Brooks
Read more: Top 18 QB Prospects Ranking Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Quarterback Kyler Murray Joins Mike McDaniel in Miami
After placing him on injured reserve due to a foot injury in the second half of the season, the Arizona Cardinals appear ready to grant wily quarterback Murray a waiver, allowing him to move on to greener pastures.The prospect of joining an offensive guru like McDaniel with legitimate offensive weapons like De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as potential teammates would be appealing to the Oklahoma product.Playing for the Dolphins keeps Murray in a warm climate, and Murray would be a good fit for McDaniel's system, giving him the most talented signal caller possible.that he once had in Miami.– Eric D. Williams
Michael Jordan Named NASCAR Brand Ambassador
(Getty Images Orqali Jeffri Vest/ICON SportsWire Surati)
Basketball Hall of Famer and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan, in an effort to unify NASCAR after a controversial lawsuit engulfing the sport in 2025, has accepted the role of NASCAR's brand ambassador.He has agreed to appear five times on a national stage or media platform on behalf of NASCAR.He can't tell if his team is making money or not.– Bob Pockrass
New York Mets Righty Nolan Maclin Wins Cy Young Award
Not only will the New York Mets' breakout starting pitcher win his first career Cy Young Award in 2026, but that means he'll also be on track to win the National League Rookie of the Year award. Yes, that's his prediction for next season. The 24-year-old right-hander made his major league debut with a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 48 innings and eight starts, according to Jacob D.Groom and even former Mets pitchers like Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan compete. While it's still too early in McClain's career to make such a bold move, it's a stretch to predict how dominant he'll be in his first full season in the majors next year. So, look out, Paul Skeens. Another great right-hander in the league is competing for your trophy.—— Disha Tosar
Robert Saleh takes over as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Saleh would provide Cleveland with much needed leadership and stability if given the chance to be the head coach again if the Browns decide to move Kevin Stefanski.Saleh went 20-36 during his time with the Jets after the midseason trade in 2024, which doesn't seem too bad given the current state of the franchise.Saleh needs to bring in a legitimate recruit with experience in Kyle Shanahan's offensive line.work with whoever the Browns decide to go with at quarterback.Saleh spoke highly of Shedeur Sanders earlier this year, but the Browns have two first-round picks and will likely find their franchise quarterback in the draft.And with an already strong defense, Saleh could have a chance to turn things around quickly in Cleveland.– Eric D. Williams
Rick Pitino won the title with St. John's in the 26-27 season, he will go to the top
(Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images).
A shocking loss in the Round of 32 semifinals last year ended what many thought could be a fairytale season for San Juan, which won the Big East regular season and Big East Tournament titles under second-year coach Rick Pitino.The Red Storm changed their roster through the transfer portal, but it looks like they will be missing a player or two for the 2025-26 national championship.Pitino and billionaire donor Mike Repole are putting together a super team for the 2026-27 season that brings St. John's its first national championship in program history.It's Pitino's third national championship — his first at Kentucky in 1996 and at Louisville in 2013 — and the pinnacle that will eventually lead him into retirement, where he will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.—Michael Cohen.
Chiefs Land Ohio Province defensive tackle Caleb Downs
The Chiefs need to prioritize bolstering the offensive line this offseason, but I wouldn't hesitate if Downs lands in their lap this spring.The best defensive back in college football, the Buckeyes will give star Steve Spagnuolo a versatile chess piece at safety who is already well-versed in NFL concepts, having played under Matt Patricia at Ohio State.As fearsome passer Chris Jones ages, a down pairing with Trent McDuffie at fullback will bolster a Kansas City defense built around a strong secondary.-Ben Arthur
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