Way too early predictions for 2026

On Tuesday afternoon, BC’s home and road opponents were made ‘official’ in a post on social media, even though the majority of those opponents have been known for a while now.

So, with that in mind (and no portal or defensive coordinator content quite yet), I figured I’d take a crack at predicting BC’s record before the team is even put together because, why not?

Home opponents

Florida State – With Tommy Castellanos announcing on X that he’s back with the Seminoles next season (note: I fell for a fake account, but knowing CFB these days he might find a way to get another year), it might be one hell of an atmosphere when TC and FSU return to Alumni. Hopefully, this game is in prime time (and hopefully it’s The Red Bandana Game too). Eagles win regardless of who the QB is.

Maine – This was the only game that currently had a date attached to it (September 19). This has noon start written all over it and should be a win for the Eagles, although…Jordan Stevens has done a heck of a job there since he took over and the Black Bears did put a mini scare into the Eagles a few years ago on a Friday night under Hafley.

Pittsburgh – Obviously, the Panthers are ahead of BC in terms of ACC and national contention, but I think these two teams will be a lot more evenly matched in 2026. And, after the absolute embarrassing beat down on the road, you hope (assume?) the Eagles are out for a little revenge. BC wins.

Rutgers – A solid northeast matchup coming up. These two teams first met in 1919 and the Eagles have dominated for the most part. The last time these two programs met was 2022. Rutgers is of course in the Big 10 now and this is probably a physical, dog fight type of matchup, but I have the Eagles squeaking one out.

Syracuse – One of the only two wins this past season and it was on the road. Hard for me to see Syracuse beating BC at home next year (that’s assuming the Eagles have fielded a MUCH better team obviously). 5-0 at home…

Virginia Tech – It was a very down year for the Hokies (3-9 overall) and they finished just above BC in the basement of the ACC. Again, assuming BC has done a lot of work to the roser (I’m expecting 20-30 portal additions) I think the Eagles actually finish the home slate unbeaten.

This home schedule certainly isn’t as marquee or entertaining as last year’s was, but it does give the Eagles plenty of opportunity to make sure fans are showing up with a good product against ‘meh’ opponents.

Road opponents

Cincinnati – Now this road schedule is a much different story, starting with the Bearcats. Cincy was a 7-5 team this year and has stiffer competition in the Big 12. If this is a prime time game I hate BC’s chances. If it’s a day game, I give them a better shot with less juice in the building. Still, I’m taking Cincy here.

Duke – The Blue Devils had a (small) case to make the CFP this year after a remarkable, first-place finish in the ACC and the title game victory over the 19th-ranked Cavaliers. Still, Duke also lost to UConn this year (obviously BC did too), and I think this might have been one of those seasons where anyone could have gotten in and it just happened to be Duke. Give me BC on the road (Hafley beat them in his first game as head coach on the road a few years ago, I think that’s the last time they were there?)

Georgia Tech – Loss. Tough game against a G-Tech team that put up 628 yards of offense (albeit in a nail-biter that BC should have won at home). They won’t have Haynes King, but it feels like the Yellow Jackets are building something legitimate now.

Miami – Win. Hear me out…Miami has been building towards this playoff appearance now for quite a while after being down in the dumps for seemingly a decade or so. Regardless of what happens in the CFP, they’re still going to be nationally ranked next year, but I think the Hurricanes take a small step back and have a few hiccups, with this game being one of them. Ideally, it’s early in the season so BC can take them by surprise (and hopefully in primetime so the heart isn’t as bad). Initial gut instinct tells me BC pulls off an upset here.

Notre Dame – Loss. Notre Dame will be on a mission all next season after getting screwed. This won’t be the absolute blowout in the snow in South Bend like it was a couple years ago, but ND is just on a different level than BC in the current college landscape.

SMU – This was actually a coin flip for me. They probably should have beaten the Mustangs with James at QB last year and then this past season SMU took advantage of bad football and rolled at Alumni 45-13. This should (needs to be) a better BC roster and I think it’ll be more competitive, but the Mustangs are another team just in a different class than BC right now. SMU wins.

Final record

8-4. Yeah, I know, I’m way too optimistic and they haven’t even put the roster together yet. Just wait until they add stud LBs and a solid QB I might even have them 10-2 (just kidding…)

Already looking forward to spring ball and training camp!