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Ahead of Week 2 of the 2026 college football season, attention turns to whether SEC or Big Ten teams can seize early advantages in the College Football Playoff picture, with several bluebloods facing marquee matchups and the Big 12, SEC and Group of Six conferences facing tests. Ohio State, which exited last year's playoff early amid criticism over a weak schedule, is looking to prove it is more 'battle tested' this season.