Guess What's Next in Sports: Bold Predictions for 2026

Sports aren't always as predictable as they seem. Sure, favorites often win, but surprises happen too. Let's dive into some bold predictions for 2026, keeping in mind that anything can happen.

College Football Playoff Bracket

• Current Bracket: 12 teams
• Expansion Likely: To 16 teams
• Controversy: Teams ranked 13th and 14th (e.g., Notre Dame) might feel left out.
• Charity or Competition?: Including teams like Tulane and James Madison feels more like charity than fair competition.
• Prediction: Playoff should stay at 12 teams, but it probably won't.

Ohio State's Repeat Chance

• Defense: Strong, allowing only 106 points in 13 games.
• Offense: Top Heisman contenders like QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith.
• First-Round Bye: Extra motivation and advantage.
• Rarity of Repeats: Only four teams have done it in the past 50 years.
• Prediction: Possible, but not likely.

Los Angeles Dodgers Three-Peat

• Recent Addition: Star pitcher Edwin Diaz.
• Talent: Strong roster.
• Rarity of Three-Peats: Last MLB team to do it was the Oakland Athletics (1972-74).
• Recent Example: Kansas City Chiefs failed to three-peat in 2025.
• Prediction: Good chance, but not guaranteed.

Cleveland Browns and Shedeur Sanders

• Rookie QB: Shedeur Sanders has shown promise.
• Draft Needs: Bigger needs to address, like wide receiver or edge rusher.
• Unpredictability: Browns' decisions at quarterback are unpredictable.
• Prediction: Might stick with Sanders or make a surprising move.

Cleveland Guardians' Offense

• Support for Ramírez: Need to add a slugger.
• Offense: Near the worst in MLB last season.
• Free Agents/Trades: Marcell Ozuna or Ketel Marte could help.
• Prediction: Should reinvest savings in a stronger offensive lineup.

Steven Kwan's Re-Signing

• Four-Time Gold Glove Winner: Fan favorite.
• Consistent Career: Value comparable to Brandon Nimmo.
• Mistake Not to Repeat: Shouldn't let a key player go again (e.g., Michael Brantley).
• Prediction: Should re-sign Kwan long-term.

Cleveland Cavaliers' "Core Four"

• Core Four: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen.
• Recent Struggles: Despite a strong record.
• Injuries: Have complicated things.
• Roster Changes: Might be necessary to take the next step.
• Prediction: Foundation is solid, but roster is uncertain.

LeBron James' Return

• Age: 41, not the player he once was.
• Experience: Could help the Cavs.
• Homecoming: Storybook ending is always a possibility.
• Eastern Conference: Underwhelming, with LeBron as the third-best player.
• Prediction: Could make a strong run.

NFL's Onside Kick

• Current State: Often seen as a waste of time and not very exciting.
• Similar Changes: MLB removed the intentional walk.
• Prediction: NFL should consider a more engaging alternative.