While the 2026 college football season is still a couple of years away, the early betting markets are already buzzing with anticipation. The first wave of season win total projections has been released, and two programs are already drawing significant attention for their sky-high expectations.

According to the initial odds, both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Texas Tech Red Raiders have been set with a formidable win total of 11.5. This projection immediately places them among the nation's elite and sets the stage for compelling storylines.

In South Bend, the optimism revolves around quarterback CJ Carr, who is already being touted as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. With a solid offensive line expected to protect him, the Irish are positioned to make another run at the College Football Playoff. The 11.5-win line suggests oddsmakers believe Notre Dame's schedule is manageable enough to potentially produce another dominant regular season.

Out in Lubbock, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are riding a wave of momentum. Coming off an impressive 11-1 campaign in 2025 under head coach Joey McGuire, the program is now viewed as the class of the Big 12. The identical 11.5-win total reflects a belief that their recent success is sustainable, marking them as a true national contender rather than a one-year wonder.

For those new to this type of wager, a season win total is a straightforward concept. Oddsmakers set a projected number of regular-season wins for a team based on factors like returning talent, coaching, and schedule strength. Bettors then wager on whether the team will finish with more wins (Over) or fewer wins (Under) than that number. It's a popular way to gauge a team's entire season potential before a single snap is played.

As the offseason progresses, these numbers will fluctuate with coaching changes, transfer portal movement, and recruiting developments. But for now, the message is clear: all eyes will be on Notre Dame and Texas Tech as they prepare to live up to these lofty 2026 expectations.