The sequence 2, 8, 26, 80 follows the pattern: each term = 3×previous term + 2. Let's verify: 2×3+2=8, 8×3+2=26, 26×3+2=80. The next term would be 80×3+2=242. This makes option D correct. Alternatively, it can be expressed as 3^n + 3^(n-1) - 1, but the recursive pattern is clearer.