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Will the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Orioles finally secure long-awaited championships? The U.S. men’s national soccer team is gaining attention at the World Cup. And could Fernando Mendoza be the breakthrough star for the New York Jets?
FOX Sports writers looked ahead to 2026 to make their boldest sports predictions for the coming year.
Among the highlights: Jeremiah Smith, after a stellar freshman season at Ohio State, is expected to claim his first major award by 2026, having already made a significant impact as a wide receiver. The Buffalo Bills, 31 years after their Super Bowl run in the early ’90s, are predicted to bring a championship to “Titleless Town” by triumphing over the Rams in Super Bowl LX, igniting huge celebrations in Buffalo despite snowy weather. Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s soccer team is favored to reach the World Cup semifinals as hosts, with momentum and new coach Mauricio Pochettino inspiring dreams of a trophy.
The College Football Playoff is expected to expand to 24 teams to address fan and stakeholder dissatisfaction following controversial coaching moves and postseason decisions. The Baltimore Orioles, long overdue for a title since 1983, are tipped to win the World Series, bolstered by a major signing in Pete Alonso and a lineup potent enough to challenge dominant teams like the .
The New York Jets are predicted to invest heavily in securing Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Ryan Day might leave Ohio State for an NFL coaching career after winning another college title. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers could unretire to serve as a temporary starter for the Kansas City Chiefs during Patrick Mahomes’ injury.
In baseball, Red Sox star Roman Anthony is forecasted to win the American League MVP, and in IndyCar, Will Power could capture the championship after joining Andretti. Lionel Messi is predicted to lead Argentina to another World Cup title, a rare feat in soccer history.
More predictions include a dominant Michigan basketball team, the reunion of the USWNT’s “Triple Espresso,” and a coaching hire for Tennessee Titans in Mike McCarthy. Indiana is expected to repeat as Big Ten champions, and the Vikings might bring back Aaron Rodgers to mentor their young QB.
In MLB, Pete Alonso could lead in home runs in his first season with the Orioles, and the Chiefs are expected to make the playoffs despite key player changes. Only one quarterback, Mendoza, might be taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Kyler Murray could join the Miami Dolphins, Michael Jordan may become a NASCAR ambassador, and Mets pitcher Nolan McLean is poised for breakout success.
Robert Saleh might become the Cleveland Browns coach, Rick Pitino may win a national title with St. John’s before retiring, and the Chiefs could draft top defensive talent Caleb Downs to bolster their defense.
Fan Take: The Orioles’ potential World Series win is monumental for baseball fans, signaling a thrilling resurgence for a team with a long drought. This breakthrough could energize the fanbase, shift the competitive landscape, and renew interest in the sport nationally.
