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's playoff bracket might stay at 12 teams, but it's likely to grow. The expansion from four to 12 teams was mainly about money, not competition. Teams ranked 13th and 14th, like Notre Dame, might feel left out. If the bracket expands to 16, even more teams will be upset. Including teams like Tulane and James Madison feels more like charity than fair competition. The playoff should stay at 12 teams, but it probably won't. Ohio State could repeat as national champions in college football. Their defense is strong, allowing only 106 points in 13 games. Their offense has top Heisman contenders like quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. With a first-round bye and extra motivation, they have a good shot. However, repeating is rare. Only four teams have done it in the past 50 years. So, while it's possible, it's not likely. The Los Angeles Dodgers might three-peat as World Series champions. They've added star pitcher Edwin Diaz and have a talented roster. But three-peats are even rarer than repeats. The last MLB team to do it was the Oakland Athletics from 1972-74. The Kansas City Chiefs failed to three-peat in 2025. So, while the Dodgers have a good chance, it's not guaranteed. The Cleveland Browns might stick with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in 2026. He's shown promise, and the Browns have bigger needs to address in the draft. They should focus on filling other roles, like wide receiver or edge rusher. But the Browns' decisions at quarterback are unpredictable. They might draft another quarterback or make a surprising move.The Cleveland Guardians should add a slugger to support José Ramírez. Their offense was near the worst in MLB last season. Ramírez carried the team, but they need more support. Free agents like Marcell Ozuna or trades for players like Ketel Marte could help. The Guardians should reinvest their savings in a stronger offensive lineup. The Guardians should also re-sign Steven Kwan long-term. Kwan is a four-time Gold Glove winner and a fan favorite. He's had a consistent career, and his value is comparable to other players like Brandon Nimmo. The Guardians shouldn't repeat the mistake of letting a key player go, as they did with Michael Brantley. The Cleveland Cavaliers might shake up their "Core Four" of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. Despite a strong record, they've had recent struggles. Injuries have complicated things, but roster changes might be necessary to take the next step. The foundation with Mitchell and Mobley is solid, but the rest of the roster is uncertain. LeBron James could return to the Cavaliers for one final season. At 41, he's not the player he once was, but his experience could help the Cavs. A homecoming storybook ending is always a possibility. The Eastern Conference is underwhelming, and with LeBron as the third-best player, the Cavs could make a strong run. The NFL should replace the onside kick with something more entertaining. It's often seen as a waste of time and not very exciting. Other sports have made similar changes, like MLB removing the intentional walk. The NFL should consider a more engaging alternative.