Every New Year’s many of us pray and then make resolutions that will define us in the new year.
Well, I’m not big into resolutions. But I do have some predictions and hopes as we head into 2026. Some are personal, while others aim to make this place we call home a better place.
Ohio State will reign supreme again
The road to the College Football Playoff national championship is likely more challenging this season, with increased parity in the national landscape. Still, The Ohio State Buckeyes will again emerge as the best of the best. Look for Ryan Day’s crew of wide receiver Carnell Tate, quarterback Julian Sayin, linebacker Sonny Styles, and cornerback Davison Igbinosun to deliver the Buckeyes their second consecutive national title. But the road won’t be any easier, especially if there is a repeat of the Big Ten Championship game between Ohio State and the No. 1-seeded Indiana Hoosiers.
Long live the King
Most expect NBA superstar LeBron James to retire after this season with the Lakers. But let’s not forget James is nothing if he isn’t dramatic. Look for the King to return to his Cleveland Cavaliers roots to help his hometown team win its second NBA title. The Cavaliers have all of the talent to be successful, but they lack the understanding of what it takes to win it all. James will come home and give the Cavs what they are lacking. I can already hear it: “Cleveland, this is for you!” And you think I’m dreaming? I am one person who correctly predicted James would be coming back home the first time. When the Cavs were down 1-3 to the Golden State Warriors in 2016, me and James were the only ones who believed they would come back to give Cleveland its first championship in a very long time.
Flipping the Houses
It has been a rough first year under President Trump, and what has added to this has been the ease with which his troubling policies have been implemented in the two other branches of government that are supposed to exist. The problem is that the conservative-leaning Supreme Court has rubber-stamped almost everything Trump has pushed, and so has Congress, where the Republicans hold the majority in both houses. But my prediction is that America is tired and will stand up against Trump and his racist and oppressive policies in the November mid-term elections and give him two Houses capable and more than willing to push back. The system of checks and balances will keep Trump’s destructive policies in check during his final two years in office.
UH Cougars headed back to Final Four
The names on the jerseys have continued to change. Still, the success the University of Houston Cougars basketball team has enjoyed under the direction of Kelvin Sampson remains unchanged. And don’t look for anything to change in 2026. In fact, get ready to scream and support the Cougars as one of the elite teams in the nation makes another break-taking run to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four this season. Looking for players like Joseph Tugler, Emanuel Sharp, Kingston Flemings, and Milos Uzan to position the Coogs to cut down the nets at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium in April.
Amen Thompson taking over
All of the focus so far this season has been on what veteran star Kevin Durant brings to the Rockets’ championship hopes. But it will be third-year star Amen Thompson’s continued emergence that will lead the Rockets deep into the Western Conference playoffs this spring. The 6-foot-7 wing player will only grow in confidence and ability as the season progresses. And by the time the playoffs start in April, there will be little doubt who is the engine that will allow the Rockets to excel. That isn’t to say that Durant will take a backseat, but he will undoubtedly have to get used to being co-pilot with Thompson.
