When coach John Calipari, wing Billy Richmond III and forward/center Cooper Bowser arrived in Birmingham for SEC Basketball Tip-Off Media Days on Oct. 14, one thing became clear: College basketball is back.
Arkansas features a talented roster led by Richmond, transfers Bowser from Furman and Jeremiah Wilkinson from Georgia, and the nation’s top-ranked incoming high school class.
Jordan Smith Jr., last season’s consensus national high school player of the year, headlines a freshman group that includes JJ Andrews, Abdou Torre and Miikka Muurinen.
The Razorbacks have the talent to make a deep run in the 2027 NCAA Tournament, but a challenging nonconference schedule and 18 SEC games stand between them and March.
Can Calipari guide Arkansas to a third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance—and beyond—with a roster whose average age is 18.9?
As other programs lean on experience, Calipari is sticking with the approach that has defined his career: recruiting elite high school talent. This season will test whether that formula can produce another deep postseason run.
Starters Jordan Smith Jr., guard, freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson, guard, junior Billy Richmond III, guard/wing, junior Miikka Muurinen, wing/forward, freshman Cooper Bowser, forward/center, senior
Jordan Smith Jr. leads the unit as the backcourt after averaging 21.2 points, 5.8 assists and 3 steals per game in the Bahamas where he won Baha Mar Hoops Most Valuable Player. Smith Jr. will lead Arkansas as their starting point guard across the 2026-27 season.
Davion Thompson will back up Smith after scoring 11 points and adding 2.8 assists per game over the summer. Thompson will add the necessary 3-point shooting to the lead guard spot John Calipari needs to advance in the NCAA Tournament come March.
Jeremiah Wilkinson will likely begin the season as a starter at the shooting guard position but he could become one of the best sixth men in the country off the bench. Wilkinson averaged 10.5 points while shooting 50% from the field.
Abdou Torre will begin the season as Wilkinson’s backup but proved he could start in his first collegiate season when he scored 14.8 points, 5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest in Baha Mar.
Billy Richmond III can attack the rim, pull up from the mid-range, and defend better than many wings in the country. The Razorbacks’ leader scored only 8.3 points, three assists and 2.8 rebounds per game across the four games in the Bahamas.
JJ Andrews impressed during summer play with 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Like his teammate Toure, Andrews could challenge for a starting role at small forward or compete with fellow freshman Miikka Muurinen for minutes at power forward.
Muurinen was not granted his eligibility until Thursday, Sept. 29 so he did not play in the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League. He will be expected to start at power forward with the aforementioned Andrews and Maper Maker, who could also play at center.
Maker averaged 3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game across his action in the Bahamas.
Cooper Bowser started the first two games of summer action for Arkansas at the center position. Bowser put up 4.8 points, 5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game across his action.
Caleb Ourigou stepped in as the starting center for the final two games of Baha Mar action for the Razorbacks. Ourigou posted 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his minutes.
Ilia Frolov spent minutes off the bench playing the five for Arkansas. Frolov averaged 3.5 points and 4 rebounds per game in the Bahamas.
Paulo Semedo saw no action in the Baha Mar Summer League after suffering an injury prior to play beginning. Semedo is expected to see limited action again as a redshirt freshman in Fayetteville.
Regular Season: Nov. 3 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Nov. 8 Virginia (Washington DC; Capital Showcase) Nov. 10 Robert Morris Nov. 13 Central Arkansas Nov. 17 Indiana (New York City; Bad Boy Mowers Series – New York) Nov. 20 Mississippi Valley State Nov. 26 Michigan State (Detroit; CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic) Dec. 1 at North Carolina (ACC/SEC Challenge) Dec. 5 Oral Roberts (North Little Rock) Dec. 8 Oakland Dec. 13 UT Arlington Dec. 19 Arizona (Phoenix; Hall of Fame Series) Dec. 22 Central Michigan Dec. 29 Texas-Rio Grande Valley Jan. 2 Missouri Jan. 6 at South Carolina Jan. 9 Alabama Jan. 12 at Texas A&M Jan. 16 at Tennessee Jan. 19 Georgia Jan. 23 at Texas Jan. 26 LSU Jan. 30 Mississippi State Feb. 2/3 BYE Feb. 6 at Vanderbilt Feb. 9 Ole Miss Feb. 13 at Alabama Feb. 16 Auburn Feb. 20 at Kentucky Feb. 23 at Missouri Feb. 27 Florida March 2 at LSU March 6 Oklahoma March 10-14 SEC Tournament (Nashville)
Notes: In exhibition play, Arkansas will face against Gonzaga on Oct. 24 and Memphis on Oct. 28. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs 74-68 on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco during the Sweet 16. Arkansas will face Memphis a year after defeating the Tigers 99-75 in an exhibition at the Fedex Forum on Oct. 27, 2025.
Arkansas opens regular season play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Nov. 3), who they will play for the first time in program history. The first of five games against Power 5 competition is in Washington DC against Virginia (Nov. 8) in the Capital Showcase.
The Razorback returns home for a two game homestand against Robert Morris (Nov. 10) and Central Arkansas (Nov. 13). The Hogs have not faced the Colonials during John Calipari’s tenure but are 2-0 against the Bears in as many seasons.
Arkansas returns to Madison Square Garden, one of Calipari’s favorite arenas to play in, for the Bad Boy Mowers Series – New York against Indiana (Nov. 17). The Razorbacks have played the Hoosiers five times and are 3-2 in the series. Arkansas defeated Indiana 71-64 at Assembly Hall the last time they faced off on Dec. 29, 2019 in Eric Musselman’s first season as head coach.
Arkansas will be back at Bud Walton Arena for their matchup against Mississippi Valley State (Nov. 20) before facing Michigan State (Nov. 26), the Razorbacks’ third Thanksgiving Day matchup in as many seasons.
The Hogs will will go for their first victory on “Turkey Day” under John Calipari when they face the Spartans for the second consecutive season in the state of Michigan for the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic, this time in Detroit, Michigan.
Arkansas will continue their roadtrip to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where they will face North Carolina (Dec. 1) inside the Dean E. Smith Center in the ACC/SEC Challenge. The Razorbacks last game against the Tar Heels was an 87-72 loss at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas on Nov. 24, 2023 in the third place game of the event.
The Hogs take their annual trip to North Little Rock, Arkansas next to face Oral Roberts (Dec. 5), who they have seen a lot over the years. The Razorbacks defeated the Golden Eagles on a Davonte Davis buzzer-beater 72-70 in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2021.
After John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats were upset by Oakland in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64 on March 21, 2024, he took the open Arkansas job three weeks later. Calipari’s Razorbacks defeated the Golden Grizzlies 92-62 on Dec. 30, 2024 to close out non-conference play the next season.
Arkansas faces Oakland (Dec. 8) and UT Arlington (Dec. 13) in Fayetteville before hitting the road to Phoenix, Arizona to face Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series. The Razorbacks will attempt to avenge a 109-88 blowout loss to the Wildcats that ended their season in the Sweet 16 on March 26 in San Jose, California.
The Hogs close out non-conference play back at Bud Walton Arena against Central Michigan (Dec. 22) and Texas-Rio Grande Valley (Dec. 29).
Arkansas opens SEC play against Missouri (Jan. 2). The Razorbacks swept the season series against the Tigers last season, with a 94-86 victory at Bud Walton Arena on Feb. 21 and an 88-84 overtime win at Mizzou Arena on the final day of the regular season, March 7.
Arkansas’ first road conference game is at South Carolina (Jan. 6). The Razorbacks dominated South Carolina 108-74 in Fayetteville on Jan. 14 in their only meeting last season.
Alabama visits Bud Walton Arena on Jan. 9 for the teams’ first of two regular-season meetings. The Razorbacks are seeking their first win against Alabama in seven opportunities after their 117-115 double-overtime loss at Coleman Coliseum on Feb. 18, when Darius Acuff Jr. scored 49 points.
The Hogs take their first multi-game trip of conference play and it begins in College Station, Texas at Reed Arena where they will face Texas A&M (Jan. 12). They have not defeated the Aggies on their home floor since Feb. 20, 2024, when they defeated them 78-71.
Arkansas’ first road trip finishes up in Knoxville (Jan. 16), where they have not defeated Rick Barnes and Tennessee since Jan. 3, 2017. The young Razorbacks will have a tough matchup against a veteran-led Volunteers team.
Georgia comes to Fayetteville next on Jan. 19. Arkansas’ Jeremiah Wilkinson will face his former team, the Bulldogs, when they come to town for a Tuesday night showdown with students back in Fayetteville for the spring semester.
Arkansas heads to Austin next to face rival Texas (Jan. 23), who has gotten plenty of pre-season attention from the media. The Longhorns reached the Sweet 16 in Sean Miller’s first season as head coach following a 105-85 loss to the Razorbacks on March 4.
The Hogs finish the month of January at Bud Walton Arena with two teams they dominated last season. Arkansas faces LSU (Jan. 26), who they swept with an 85-81 win on Jan. 24 in Fayetteville and a 91-62 victory on Feb. 10 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Arkansas finishes the month against Mississippi State (Jan. 30) on a Saturday night. The Razorbacks crushed the Bulldogs 88-68 on Feb. 7 in Starkville, Mississippi last night.
Arkansas opens the month of February with a bye week before another Saturday night showdown at Vanderbilt (Feb. 6). The Razorbacks dominated the Commodores 93-68 at Bud Walton Arena on Jan. 20 before a second victory 86-75 in the SEC Tournament Championship game in Nashville, Tenn.
Ole Miss returns to Fayetteville next for a matchup that could turn into a trap game for Arkansas (Feb. 9). Next, Razorbacks head to Tuscaloosa to finish their two-game set against Alabama (Feb. 13).
The Hogs return home to face Auburn on Feb. 16 before a two-game road swing at Calipari’s former employer Kentucky (Feb. 20) and at Missouri (Feb. 23).
Arkansas welcomes Florida (Feb. 27) back to Bud Walton Arena for a huge late season showdown that could play a huge part in determining the SEC regular season title. The Razorbacks welcome their former point guard, Boogie Fland, back to Fayetteville for the first time when they face off with the Gators.
The Hogs head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for their final SEC road game of the season against LSU (March 2). The Razorbacks could sweep the Tigers for the second consecutive season with two wins against Will Wade’s team.
Arkansas wraps up the regular season back at Bud Walton Arena against Oklahoma (March 6). The Razorbacks are looking for a third consecutive victory against the Sooners following an 83-79 win on Jan. 27 in the regular season and an 82-79 win in the SEC Tournament en route to their first conference tournament championship since 2000.
Arkansas will return to Nashville, Tenn. for the SEC Tournament from March 10-14, looking for their second consecutive tournament championship.
After an exciting week 6 slate that saw excitement, back-and-forth games and upsets, it is time to prepare for what will be a loaded group of week 7 games, slated for Friday, Oct. 16-Saturday, Oct. 17.
Nebraska gave No. 6 Indiana a big scare to lead off Saturday’s action. The Corn Huskers took a 10-3 lead into the locker room at halftime and took a 17-6 lead with 12:01 to go in the game.
Then, Indiana mounted their comeback. The Hoosiers quickly answered to make the game 17-13 with 11:51 to go after a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Hoover to wide receiver Nick Marsh. After a Nebraska punt, Indiana scored again on another Hoover touchdown pass to Marsh, this one from 44 yards out.
The Indiana defense shut down the Nebraska offense two more times and they clinched the win for the 20-17 victory for Hoosiers.
The afternoon slate included Oklahoma’s upset of No. 1 Texas and No. 21 UCLA’s win against No. 13 Oregon. The Sooners defeated the Longhorns in another entertaining Red River Rivalry matchup at the Cotton Bowl. Texas took a 17-7 lead into halftime before the Oklahoma’s ground game set them up with 10 points to tie the game with 14:48 to go.
The Sooners’ defense forced two Arch Manning interceptions including defensive back’s Courtland Guillory’s fourth quarter pick that set up Oklahoma placekicker Tate Sandell’s game-winning field goal from 47 yards out.
Sandell’s kick gave Oklahoma a 27-24 win which helped them stay in the College Football Playoff conversation thanks to avoiding their third loss on Saturday afternoon.
UCLA dispatched Oregon in a low-scoring game at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins took their first lead over the Ducks at 10-6 with 8:08 to go until halftime.
UCLA extended their lead to 17-6 when backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach completed a nine-yard pass to the end zone for running back Wayne Knight. After backup quarterback Dylan Raiola was replaced by Brock Thomas, Thomas completed a 44-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Evan Stewart to make it 17-13 with 2:16 to go in the game.
The score remained the same after UCLA ran most of the rest of the clock out and the score said 17-13 at the end.
Two SEC matchups headlined the prime time slate. No. 10 LSU fell in overtime to Kentucky while No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama battled in another entertaining game. The Wildcats won their second consecutive overtime game
Kentucky took their first lead against LSU after quarterback Kenny Minchey’s 1-yard touchdown run made the score 21-17. The Tigers’ Scott Starzyk cut the lead to one with 2:13 to go in the third quarter. The Wildcats responded with a field goal of their own before LSU scored a touchdown to make it 27-24 Tigers with 9:42 to go in the game.
Kentucky’s two missed field goals sandwiched an LSU fumble before a Wildcats’ field goal made it 27-27 and forced over time. Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt scored on a 15-yard touchdown drive to open the period.
Then, Kentucky running back CJ Baxter answered with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Wildcats won the game with a successful two-point try on another run from Kenny Minchey, winning 35-34.
Georgia and Alabama went back-and-forth to close Saturday night’s action at Bryant-Denny Stadium at Saban Field. An EJ Crowell touchdown run from 1-yard out had the Crimson Tide up 14-10 at halftime.
After a low-scoring third quarter, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton rushed for a 14-yard score while Alabama placekicker Conor Talty’s 39-yard kick was good to equal the score at 17-17.
Georgia placekicker Connor Woodring’s kick from 23 yards out made the score 20-17 and the Bulldogs kept their undefeated season going.
Now, college football fans await a loaded week 7 slate that starts out with three big early games. No. 4 Ohio State battles No. 5 Indiana in a rematch of last season’s Big Ten Championship game, Florida and No. 7 Texas look to bounce back against each other and No. 16 Mississippi State attempts to keep their success going against a struggling No. 22 LSU team.
The afternoon slate includes two top 15 SEC matchups. No. 6 Alabama goes for their first win against No. 14 Tennessee in Knoxville since 2020 while Austin Simmons leads No. 13 Missouri into his old house, where they will play his former team, No. 9 Ole Miss.
The primetime slate includes two matchups with AP Top 25 teams. No. 2 Notre Dame heads to Provo, Utah for a matchup against No. 8 BYU while No. 18 Oklahoma State meets No. 20 Houston in a pivotal Big 12 game.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Georgia 6-0 (4-0) SEC This Week: Auburn (3-2) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ESPN) No. 2 Notre Dame 6-0 Independents This Week: at No. 8 BYU (5-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC) No. 3 Miami 5-0 (3-0) ACC This Week: Florida State (3-3) (Saturday, 6 p.m., ESPN) No. 4 Ohio State 5-1 (3-0) Big Ten This Week: at No. 5 Indiana (6-0) (Saturday, 11 a.m., FOX) No. 5 Indiana 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten Week: No. 4 Ohio State (5-1) (Saturday, 11 a.m., FOX)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
Risers No. 12 UCLA 5-0 (3-0) Big Ten Week 6: No. 21 (Defeated No. 15 Oregon 17-15) No. 17 Iowa 5-1 (2-1) Big Ten Week 6: No. 20 (Defeated Washington 41-24)
Dropped Out Oregon 3-2 (1-1) Big Ten Week 6: No. 15 (Lost to No. 21 UCLA 17-15) Florida 4-2 (2-2) SEC Week 6: No. 16 (Lost to South Carolina 38-19) Pittsburgh 5-1 (2-1) ACC Week 6: No. 25 (Lost to North Carolina 21-17)
New No. 15 Kentucky 5-1 (3-1) SEC Week 6: NR (Defeated No. 10 LSU 35-34) No. 21 Wake Forest 5-1 (3-1) ACC Week 6: NR (Defeated NC State 38-14) No. 25 Northwestern 4-1 (1-1) Big Ten Week 6: NR (Defeated Ball State 45-14)
The Week 7 Slate (Rankings based on the AP Top 25.)
No. 16 Mississippi State (4-1) at No. 22 LSU (4-2) 11 a.m., ESPN Mississippi State will be in Baton Rouge for a huge SEC matchup against LSU. The Bulldogs and Tigers face off with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst), Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter) and (sideline reporter) on the call at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Mississippi State lost to Alabama 56-23 on Oct. 3 before taking their open week last weekend. Quarterback Kamario Taylor completed 19 of 34 passes for 258 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. Running back Fluff Bothwell suffered an injury against the Crimson Tide while wide receiver Anthony Evans III caught 12 passes for 166 yards.
The Mississippi State defense gave up a lot of points against Alabama the last time they were on the field so it will be up to defensive leaders Tyler Lockhart and Will Whitson to step up and lead the way. The linebacker Lockhart leads the Bulldogs with 31 tackles while defensive lineman Whitson has added 13 tackles and a team-high two sacks through five contests this season.
LSU fell to Kentucky 35-34 in overtime on Oct. 10 in their last game on the field. Quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 25 of 34 passes for 275 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. caught six passes for 62 yards and running back Dilin Jones carried the ball 16 times for 56 yards in the loss to the Wildcats.
Despite giving up 35 points in a defeat last Saturday, the LSU defense is still one of the strongest in the country. Linebacker TJ Dottery has recorded 4o tackles and two forced fumbles and defensive end Princewill Umanmielen has totaled 26 tackles and eight sacks through six games so far during the 2026 campaign.
Mississippi State must hope Kamario Taylor protects the football better than he did in the loss to Alabama and gets tailback Fluff Bothwell back to support the offense so he can get the ball to receivers Anthony Evans III, Sanfrisco Magee and Marquis Johnson.
LSU can protect their home field and defeat the Bulldogs again if Lane Kiffin’s running backs can set up Sam Leavitt’s passing attack for another great offensive performance. The Tigers defense is good enough to stop the Mississippi State offense but without linebacker Whit Weeks due to injury, Taylor and his offense can definitely take advantage of that to win the game on Saturday afternoon.
Lane Kiffin and LSU cannot lose to Mississippi State after another loss to Kentucky for one of his programs last Saturday. Jeff Lebby’s offense is definitely capable of scoring with Sam Leavitt and the Tigers offense but it won’t be enough in Baton Rouge. Kiffin does not let the loss from last weekend turn into another one and they avoid dropping out of College Football Playoff contention.
Florida (4-2) at No. 7 Texas (4-1) 11 a.m., ABC Florida will be in Austin to meet Texas in a game where both teams want to get back on the right track. The Gators attempt to defeat the Longhorns for the second season in a row with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call at Darrell K. Royal Stadium in Austin, Texas.
Florida was blown out by South Carolina 38-19 on Saturday, Oct. 10 and fell from their No. 16 ranking to outside of the AP Poll. Quarterback Aaron Philo completed 21 of 28 passes for 227 yards, a touchdown and an interception while wide receiver Dallas Wilson posted eight catches for 74 yards and running back Jadan Baugh was limited to 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against the Gamecocks.
The Florida defense has struggled so far overall but linebacker Myles Graham is a big reason why they can turn the corner and get better. Graham has recorded 42 tackles and two and a half sacks through six games during the 2026 season. Graham’s fellow linebacker Jayden Woods has 24 tackles, four and a half sacks and a forced fumble so far this season as well.
Texas was stunned by rival Oklahoma by a score of 27-24 in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 10. Quarterback Arch Manning completed 19 of 31 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. Wide receiver Cam Coleman caught five passes for 110 yards and a touchdown while tailback Hollywood Smothers rushed 12 times for 39 yards in the defeat against the Sooners.
The Texas defense can get their team back on the right foot with a strong showing against a Florida offense with a great rush attack. Linebacker Rasheem Biles leads the Longhorns in tackles (41) in addition to his two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. Edge defender Colin Simmons continues to prove he can be a top ten pick in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft after posting 17 tackles, nine and a half sacks and two forced fumbles through five contests this season.
With questions on if signal-caller Aaron Philo can play against Texas due to injury, Tramell Jones Jr. will step in for him and the rushing attack will become that much more important for Florida to end their two-game losing streak. The Gators will have to rely on running backs Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark to return to the form they had just weeks ago, helping them reach their 4-0 start.
Texas can win by getting back to success on offense against a weaker Florida defense. If quarterback Arch Manning can’t have success against the Gators defense with receivers Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo and Emmett Moseley V to throw to down the field, the Longhorns don’t deserve a College Football Playoff spot. If Will Muschamp’s defense does their job, Texas should get back to their winning ways.
With the home crowd behind them, Texas will defeat Florida and avoid losing back-to-back games. The Longhorns’ offense will return to form and their defense will stand up strong against Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark’s ground attack with questions at quarterback in Gainesville with Aaron Philo’s injury concerns.
No. 4 Ohio State (5-1) at No. 5 Indiana (6-0) 11 a.m., FOX Ohio State and Indiana face off in a huge AP top 5 matchup on Saturday afternoon. Big Noon FOX for the matchup between the Buckeyes and Hoosiers with Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst) and Jenny Taft (sideline reporter) on the call at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
Ohio State dominated Maryland 45-16 in their last time on the field on Saturday, Oct. 10. The connection between quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has paced the Buckeyes offense this season. Sayin completed 13 of 21 passes for 242 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception and Smith caught four passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Running back Bo Jackson carried the ball 23 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns against Maryland as well.
Safety Earl Little Jr. has emerged as the top dog on an Ohio State defense that lost a lot of talent to the NFL last spring. Little Jr. has totaled 30 tackles through six contests so far this season. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the top pass rusher for the Buckeyes, recording 15 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble as well.
Indiana edged Nebraska 20-17 on Saturday, Oct. 10. In the close victory, quarterback Josh Hoover completed 12 of 22 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Hoover’s favorite wide receiver is Charlie Becker, who caught three passes for 52 yards while tailback Turbo Richard rushed eight times for only 10 yards in the victory against the Corn Huskers.
Indiana linebacker Isaiah Jones leads the team with 46 tackles and an interception. Defensive lineman Tobi Osunsanmi leads his front with 22 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble so far through the 2026 season.
Ohio State can avenge their Big Ten Championship loss to Indiana from last December by relying on the connection between Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. If Bo Jackson can get down field like he did in the victory against Maryland, Arthur Smith’s offense will be able to open up the passing attack from Sayin to Smith, Devin McCuin, Nate Roberts and Chris Henry Jr.
Indiana’s ball control will get them a second consecutive victory against Ohio State. Josh Hoover must protect the football in the passing game and avoid fumbling the ball with a better Turbo Richard performance on the ground. If Richard can get things going on the ground, pressure will be on Hoover to get the ball to Charlie Becker, Nick Marsh and Shazz Preston and the defense to stop the tremendous Buckeyes offense consistently.
In what could be one of the best games of the season, Ryan Day’s Ohio State team will prove why they are the best team in the Big Ten again against Indiana. The Buckeyes may struggle to move the ball against Bryant Haines’ defense through the first few drives but at some point Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith will get it going and they will continue their undefeated season.
No. 13 Missouri (5-1) at No. 9 Ole Miss (4-1) 2:30 p.m., SEC Network Missouri meets up with Ole Miss in a big SEC battle on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers and Rebels will battle with Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline reporter) on the call at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi.
Missouri won their first game in three matchups against Texas A&M, 27-6, on Saturday, Oct. 10. Quarterback Austin Simmons and wide receiver Cayden Lee return to their former school, Ole Miss, as the leaders of the Tigers offense. Simmons completed 14 of 28 passes for 147 yards, a touchdown and an interception while Lee caught seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown against the Aggies. Tailback Jamal Roberts turned in an incredible performance, recording 34 carries for 222 yards and two touchdowns in the win as well.
Missouri linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez leads the team with an incredible 63 tackles and one and a half sacks through six games so far this season. Edge defender Daeden Hopkins has added 17 tackles, seven sacks and two forced fumbles to back Rodriguez on the defense.
Ole Miss blew out Vanderbilt 52-10 on Saturday, Oct. 10 following their open week. Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss completed 20 of 30 passes for 213 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the win. After returning from an injury, tailback Kewan Lacy carried the ball seven times for 39 yards and a touchdown ahead of playing against his former team, Missouri. Wide receiver Deuce Alexander continued his productive season with five catches for 74 yards for a touchdown against the Commodores.
After struggling through the first few weeks of the season, the Ole Miss defense held the Vanderbilt offense to just three points. Linebacker Luke Ferrelli leads the Rebels with 34 tackles and a sack through the first five games of the 2026 campaign. Also, defensive end Blake Purchase has totaled 21 tackles, three and a half sacks and a forced fumble this season.
Missouri can defeat Ole Miss with another strong performance from their ground game, led by Jamal Roberts against a Rebels defense that has not had much success this season. If Roberts can have success, it will help setup the passing game from Austin Simmons to Cayden Lee and Donovan Olugbode down the field. Offensive success will help the Tigers’ defense, led by Nicholas Rodriguez and Daeden Hopkins against Trinidad Chambliss and the opposing offense.
Chambliss and the Ole Miss offense will have to have a strong performance against the Missouri defense if they want to win this game. Chambliss will need to get the ball to Deuce Alexander, Traylon Ray and Caleb Odom while relying on Kewan Lacy to set them up with second and third and shorts. The Rebels defense must come out strong against Chip Lindsey’s strong offense.
In what should be the game of the week in the SEC, Missouri will go on the road looking for their second win against an AP top 10 team this season, after they defeated Florida at home in Columbia, Missouri on Oct. 3. It will be tough to do against an Ole Miss team that has not lost against an SEC team at home since 2024, but it is doable if they come out strong.
With former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons and receiver Cayden Lee going against their former team in their old house, they will know what they have to do to get a win. But Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels will protect their home field and edge the Tigers out for a win.
No. 6 Alabama (5-1) at No. 14 Tennessee (5-1) 2:30 p.m., ABC Alabama will attempt to bounce back after last week’s loss to Georgia when they renew their rivalry against Tennessee on Saturday afternoon. The Crimson Tide and Volunteers face off with (play-by-play), (analyst), (sideline reporter) and (sideline reporter) on the call at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Alabama fell to Georgia, 20-17, in a game of the SEC’s top two teams up to this point in the season on Saturday, Oct. 10. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 16 of 30 passes for 185 yards, a touchdown and rushed nine times for 41 yards against the Bulldogs. Trae’shaw Brown carried the ball nine times for 90 yards. The Crimson Tide will likely be without wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, it will be up to Lotzeir Brooks, who caught two passes for 37 yards against the Bulldogs.
Alabama linebackers Luke Metz and Caleb Woodson lead their defense. Metz has totaled 45 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery while Woodson has recorded 42 tackles, two sacks, two passes defended and an interception through six games this season.
Tennessee edged SEC bottom-dweller Arkansas 24-17 on Saturday, Oct. 10. Backup signal-caller George MacIntyre completed 18 of 29 passes for 247 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions against the Razorbacks. Tailback DeSean Bishop rushed 19 times for 138 yards and a touchdown and wide receiver Mike Matthews caught four passes for 78 yards in the victory.
Tennessee linebacker Amare Campbell and defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam are the two players that lead a much better unit in Jim Knowles’ first season as the coordinator. Campbell has recorded 39 tackles and two sacks and Gilliam has recorded 21 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles so far during the 2026 campaign.
Alabama needs to forget their loss to Georgia and get back to playing the complimentary football they know they can against Tennessee. The Crimson Tide’s Keelon Russell will be without Ryan Coleman-Williams but there are others that can step up for him on the perimeter to make plays. Without Coleman-Williams, Trae’shaw Brown’s volume will likely go up in the backfield and their defense will be trusted upon to defend against George MacIntyre, who makes just his second start of his career on Saturday afternoon.
Amare Campbell, Xavier Gilliam and the Tennessee defense will have to be the story if they want to protect their home field against an Alabama team that has shown to be Kalen DeBoer’s best through his three season tenure. If the defense can get Russell and the Crimson Tide offense to struggle or turn the ball over, DeSean Bishop will have to turn in the best game of his season running the ball to come out with the win.
Alabama will go into Knoxville and get their first win against Tennessee in their last three opportunities on Saturday afternoon. Keelon Russel will use the Alabama running game to set up their passing attack without Coleman-Williams and they will score enough against the talented Tennessee defense and move to 6-1 ahead of their showdown against Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 24.
No. 18 Oklahoma State (4-1) at No. 20 Houston (5-1) 6:30 p.m., FOX Oklahoma State squares off with Houston in a huge Big 12 battle on Saturday. The Cowboys and Cougars meet with Jack Kizer (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst) on the call at John O’Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Oklahoma State won their fourth consecutive game after defeating UCF 42-28 on Saturday, Oct. 10 the last time they were on the field. The Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker completed 19 of 28 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns against the Knights. Tailback Caleb Hawkins carried the ball 23 times for 83 yards and wide receiver Wyatt Young caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in the victory.
Oklahoma State linebacker Ethan Wesloski leads the defense with 53 tackles and a sack through five games so far this season. In addition, defensive end Jaleel Johnson has totaled 11 tackles and a sack and a half through five games as well.
Houston went to Kansas State and defeated the Wildcats 35-16 on Saturday, Oct. 10. Cougars quarterback Connor Weigman completed 19 of 30 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns against Kansas State. Tailback Re’Shaun Sanford II rushed 20 times for 90 yards while tight end Patrick Overmyer added eight catches for 83 yards and four touchdowns in the win.
The secondary is the strength for the Houston defense so far this season. The Cougars’ defensive backs Kentrell Webb, who has 38 tackles, and Javion White, who has 24 tackles, two and a half sacks and a forced fumble through six games so far during the 2026 season.
Oklahoma State will hope Drew Mestemaker excels against the talented Houston secondary and gets the ball to his playmakers on the perimeter, the Cowboys can go on the road to Houston and get Eric Morris another big win. The defense will need to be consistent against Connor Weigman and the Cougars offense to get the win s well.
If Houston can have as much success from the Weigman to Patrick Overmeyer in the red zone against the Oklahoma State defense, they will put their defense in a great position. The Cougars can rely on their strong secondary with Kentrell Webb and Javion White to shut down the Cowboys’ talented receivers, but Mestemaker is an offensive weapon they do not want to overlook.
Oklahoma State and Houston should trade scores back-and-forth and the team that gets the ball last should win this game. The dual between Drew Mestemaker and Connor Weigman will come down to the wire and the home team will come out on top. Willie Fritz’s Cougars will move to 6-1 ahead of their showdown at No. 11 Utah on Saturday, Oct. 24.
No. 2 Notre Dame (6-0) at No. 8 BYU (5-0) 6:30 p.m., ABC Notre Dame and BYU face off in the second AP top 10 matchup of the day. With ESPN’s College GameDay in town, the Fighting Irish and Cougars meet up with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly. Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Notre Dame blasted longtime foe Stanford 58-7 on Saturday, Oct. 10. Quarterback CJ Carr completed 14 of 20 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Running back Jonaz Walton carried the ball 13 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns and wide receiver Jordan Faison caught three passes for 16 yards in the win.
Notre Dame linebacker Drayk Bowen has totaled 30 tackles to lead the team entering their huge week 7 showdown. Defensive lineman Boubacar Traore’s 17 tackles, three and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception have also been huge for the Fighting Irish up front.
BYU defeated Iowa State 24-10 on Friday, Oct. 9, the last time they hit the field. Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 22 of 30 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns while rushing nine times for 109 yards against the Cyclones. Wide receiver Legend Glasker caught five passes for 99 yards and a touchdown while LJ Martin has been sidelined with a lower-body injury. Martin’s replacement Journee Tonga rushed eight times for 19 yards and a touchdown in the win.
BYU linebacker Cade Uluave and defensive end Tausili Akana are the top two players on their defense. Uluave’s 26 tackles, interception and half sack and Akana’s 11 tackles and three and a half sacks will be vital against the strong Notre Dame offense.
Notre Dame can defeat BYU if they rely on CJ Carr to do what he does best and that his taking care of the ball and scoring touchdowns for his offense with the help of Jonaz Walton and Jordan Faison. The Fighting Irish defense should be able to shut Bear Bachmeier and his unit down if Carr is able to have success because they will be off the field and well-rested.
BYU will hope that their defensive playmakers can get in the backfield and cause problems against the talented Notre Dame offense to set their offense up with quality field position. From there Bachmeier will be able to get it to Legend Glasker, Kyler Kasper and Walker Lyons down the field, especially without the help of talented tailback LJ Martin.
If the BYU does not have success on early downs, they will struggle to win this game against Notre Dame. The Cougars defense must take advantage of their home crowd and force the Fighting Irish to make a mistake early in the game to set their offense up for success. However, Notre Dame will make it too difficult for BYU to do that and the Fighting Irish will continue their undefeated season.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Commodores is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, October 17 on ESPN2 with Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst) and Michella Chester (sideline reporter) on the call. Next up Arkansas takes their open week before returning to action when they host Missouri on October 31.
Schedule: Arkansas (2-4) at Vanderbilt (3-3)
Tune In: Saturday night’s matchup between Arkansas and Vanderbilt will stream on ESPN2 with Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst) and Michella Chester (sideline reporter) on the call. The game can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Chuck Barrett (play-by-play), Quinn Grovey (analyst) and Geno Bell (sideline reporter) on the call from inside FirstBank Stadium.
Notes: Ryan Silverfield is still seeking his first SEC win as Arkansas’ head coach entering Saturday night’s showdown against Vanderbilt. Silverfield and the Razorbacks are hoping to maintain their undefeated record in Nashville against the Commodores. Arkansas has never lost on the road at Vanderbilt, winning each of the past four meetings in 1949, 1995, 2006 and 2011.
QB KJ Jackson has completed 110 of his 184 passes (59.8%) for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing for a team-leading two touchdowns. Jackson’s best game of the season so far was the 34-6 victory against Tulsa (Sept. 26). The Montgomery, Ala. native recorded his first 300-yard passing game and rushed for two touchdowns against the Golden Hurricane.
RB Sutton Smith has led the Arkansas rushing attack through the first half of the season. The Marietta, Ga. native has rushed 50 times for a team-high 166 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Smith has also caught 11 passes for 73 yards (6.6 average).
WR Chris Marshall is the star of Arkansas’ offense through six games. The Missouri City, Texas native has caught 42 passes for 605 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall leads the SEC in receptions (42) and receiving plays of 10-plus yards (27); ranks second in receiving yards (605), receptions per game (7.0) and first down receptions (25); and is third in receiving yards per game (100.8).
DB Khmori House has paced Arkansas’ defense through the first half of the season with 37 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. The Pasadena, Calif. native has recorded a tackle for loss in five of Arkansas’ first six contests this season.
Clark Lea has his Vanderbilt team at 3-3 at the midway point of the 2026 campaign. Lea’s Commodores struggled during the first three seasons of his tenure before the 2024 and 2025 seasons when they combined to go 17-9. The success Lea and the program have had, has him at a 29-39 record entering his first matchup against Arkansas as Vanderbilt’s head coach on Saturday night.
QB Jared Curtis has completed 82 of his 130 passes (63.1%) for five touchdowns and five interceptions to start his freshman season. The Nashville, Tenn. native has also rushed 47 times for 131 yards and two touchdowns through his five games of action.
RB Sedrick Thomas has rushed 51 times for 213 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Vanderbilt ground game. The Austin, Texas native has struggled with consistency running behind his offensive line. Thomas’ best performance of the season was a seven carry, 53-yard performance in their 35-31 victory against North Carolina State on Sept. 19.
WR Junior Sherrill has emerged as Jared Curtis’ top target down the field after catching 33 passes for 529 yards and three touchdowns through six games of action this season. The Nashville, Tenn. native has two 100-yard receiving games this season, including one against North Carolina State on Sept. 19 and the other against Georgia on Oct. 3.
S CJ Heard leads the Vanderbilt defense in total tackles (33), passes defended (6) and forced fumbles (2). The Atlanta, Ga. native is also second on the team in sacks (3) through six games this season. Heard also recorded an interception in their 52-17 loss against Ole Miss (Oct. 10) on Saturday.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — No. 15 Tennessee survived an upset bid Saturday to extend the SEC’s longest losing streak.
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop’s 8-yard touchdown run with 1:57 remaining gave the Volunteers a 24-17 lead and win. It was Tennessee’s first win in Fayetteville since 2001.
Arkansas (2-4, 0-3 SEC) lost its 14th consecutive conference game in heartbreaking fashion. The Razorbacks led 17-14 after the third quarter and had the ball near midfield with a chance to retake the lead when defensive back Shelton Lewis intercepted Tennessee quarterback George MacIntyre at the Arkansas 42 with 5:44 remaining.
However, the Razorbacks failed to pick up a first down on their last two possessions. Following the Shelton interception, Arkansas went three-and-out. It set up a 5-play, 94-yard march that gave the Volunteers the lead.
On the final Arkansas drive, the Razorbacks faced fourth-and-10 from its own 25 with all three timeouts remaining, head coach Ryan Silverfield chose to punt. After deciding to punt, Arkansas had to stop what they knew was coming — the Tennessee ground attack but they were unsuccessful. Bishop ran for 6 and 5 yards to convert a first down on the next drive, and the Vols ran out the rest of the clock.
Tennessee rushed 35 times for 167 yards and outgained Arkansas in total yardage 414-288.
The Razorbacks tied the game 17-17 with 7:20 to go in the game when former Volunteers kicker Max Gilbert made a 55-yard field goal.
Former Tennessee safety Christian Harrison blitzed on a third-and-5 and hit MacIntyre to force an interception on the next possession. The home crowd roared, sensing that multiple long losing streaks could end.
On top of their SEC losing streak, Arkansas lost its 10th consecutive home game against a Power 4 opponent. The Razorbacks last win against such an opponent was a 19-14 victory against then-No. 4 Tennessee on Oct. 5, 2024.
Things went from bad to worse for Arkansas after the interception. Tennessee’s strong defense stopped tailback Sutton Smith twice, including on a third-and-10 draw play to force the punt that led to the go-ahead drive.
Tennessee (5-1, 2-1) began its go-ahead touchdown drive at its own 6 with 4:08 to play. Bishop ran 59 yards to the Arkansas 35 on the first play of the drive. Bishop ran for 5 and 4 yards on the next two plays, and a facemask penalty on Arkansas’ Hunter Osborne escorted the Vols to the Arkansas 13.
Bishop scored on the first play after the 2-minute timeout. He finished with 138 yards on 19 carries.
The Razorbacks leaned on their own run game early in the second half to take a 14-7 lead. They rushed 12 times for 113 yards on their first two drives of the second half.
After forcing Tennessee to a three-and-out on the opening possession of the second half, Arkansas marched 70 yards and tied the game at 7-7 on Braylen Russell’s 10-yard touchdown run. Cam Settles’ 27-yard run, Jamari Hawkins’ 20-yard end-around and KJ Jackson’s 10-yard keeper helped set up the score.
Miguel Mitchell intercepted MacIntyre’s deep pass at the Arkansas 37 on Tennessee’s next possession. The Razorbacks turned the turnover into a 14-7 lead, capping the ensuing drive with Jackson’s 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jaden Platt on second-and-goal.
Tennessee scored on its next two possessions to regain the lead. Volunteers placekicker Cooper Ranvier’s cut the Arkansas lead to 14-10 with 1:35 left in the third quarter.
On the first play after forcing an Arkansas punt early in the fourth quarter, MacIntyre connected with tight end DaSaahn Brame for a 68-yard gain to the Razorbacks’ 6-yard line. Brame then lined up at fullback and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run on third-and-goal, putting Tennessee ahead 17-14 with 12:52 remaining.
Tennessee took a 7-0 into the locker room at halftime. MacIntyre threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Trent Thomas with 10:03 left before halftime for the only score up to that point.
Quincy Rhodes gave Arkansas a late scoring opportunity when the defensive end recovered a punt and returned it 58 yards to the Tennessee 20 with three seconds left in the first half. But Gilbert’s 38-yard field goalattempt sailed wide left, leaving the Razorbacks scoreless at halftime.
Arkansas took a Power 4 team to the limit after three poor showings in those types of matchups. Before Saturday, the Razorbacks had lost their three previous Power 4 matchups — road games against then-No. 12 Utah and Texas A&M and a home game against No. 2 Georgia — by a combined score of 122-34.
Notes: Arkansas is in the middle of their third conference losing streak of at least 14 games. All three streaks have occurred in the last 15 seasons.
The current streak began on Nov. 2, 2024 when the Ole Miss defeated the Razorbacks 63-31. They lost its last three SEC games last season, went 0-8 in the league in 2025 and is out to an 0-3 start to begin this season.
Arkansas’ longest SEC losing streak stretched 20 games from 2017-20 across three head coaches and an interim coach. It included the final three games of Bret Bielema’s tenure, 14 under Chad Morris, two under interim coach Barry Lunney Jr. in 2019 and Sam Pittman’s first game in 2020.
The Razorbacks also had a 17-game losing streak from 2012-14. That included the final four games under coach John L. Smith in 2012 and the first 13 SEC games under Bielema.
Next Up: Arkansas heads to Nashville next for their first matchup against Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3) since their 31-28 victory on Oct. 29, 2011. The Commodores lost to Ole Miss 52-17 on Saturday, which was their third consecutive loss.
Week 5 had some crazy endings, quality games and everything in between.
On Friday night, Virginia Tech lost a 24-14 lead and missed a potential game-winning field goal from the Pittsburgh 18-yard line in the closing seconds. Following its crazy victory, the Panthers entered the AP Top 25 at No. 25 in Sunday’s rankings.
No. 7 Alabama and No. 16 Mississippi State renewed their rivalry to begin Saturday’s action. The Crimson Tide went into Starkville and quickly took a 14-0 lead before scoring two more touchdowns to take a 28-17 lead into halftime.
Alabama scored the most points they have ever scored against an AP Top 25 opponent when they put up 28 more points in the second half, the most points the Crimson Tide have ever scored against a team with that mark next to their name thanks to quarterback Keelon Russell and the defense forcing two Kamario Taylor interceptions limiting Mississippi State to 45 rushing yards.
The afternoon slate included No. 14 Iowa welcoming No. 5 Ohio State to Iowa City and No. 25 Missouri hosting No. 8 Florida.
Following the Iowa’s 4-0 start, they were unable to upset the Ohio State. The Buckeyes scored 31 points behind Julian Sayin’s 324 yards and 3 touchdowns and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith recorded 206 passing yards and 2 touchdown performances and the Ohio State defense limited Iowa to 14 points.
Missouri surprised the country with a dominant performance against Florida, winning 45-17 behind quality complimentary football. The Tigers’ quarterback Austin Simmons accounted for 340 passing yards and two touchdowns, running back Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns and wide receiver Cayden Lee recorded 110 yards on eight catches.
The Missouri defense limited the Florida offense to just 325 yards following multiple 50-point performances by the Gators across the first month of the season. The Tigers keyed in on the Gators’ star tailback Jadan Baugh and limited him to 13 yards on 12 carries.
As expected No. 4 Miami dominated Clemson 41-13 in the ABC primetime game on Saturday night. The Hurricanes used a balanced performance from their offensive weapons, including quarterback Darian Mensah, who threw for 227 yards and a touchdown, running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who rushed 16 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns and wide receiver Cooper Barkate, who caught five passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.
The Miami defense forced the Clemson offense to 350 yards and forced a fumble. Hurricanes defensive back JJ Dunnigan’s intercepted Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds’ pass with 1:49 to go in the game before returning it to the end zone for the final score of the game.
No. 7 Indiana heads to Lincoln, Nebraska to face Nebraska in a battle of undefeated Big Ten teams on Big Noon FOX. The Hoosiers cannot overlook the Cornhuskers ahead of their big matchup against No. 5 Ohio State on Saturday, Oct. 17.
No. 1 Texas and Oklahoma return to face off Cotton Bowl Stadium while No. 21 UCLA and No. 13 Oregon resume their rivalry for Week 6’s afternoon slate. The Longhorns will attempt to get their third consecutive victory against the Sooners and retain their No. 1 ranking. The Bruins and Ducks are both positioning themselves as Big Ten Championship contenders so the winner of the matchup will be in a good position as they move into the rest of their schedule.
Two SEC battles top primetime action on Saturday. No. 2 Georgia will face No. 6 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in a rematch of the 2025 SEC Championship game with everybody watching. Last season, the Crimson Tide won the regular season meeting in Athens, Georgia before the Bulldogs dominated them in Atlanta, Georgia at the SEC Championship game.
No. 10 LSU will hit the Bluegrass State for an important showdown against Kentucky. Lane Kiffin and the Tigers cannot overlook the Wildcats, who have flown under the radar in Will Stein’s first season as head coach following victories against Texas A&M and South Carolina to begin SEC play.
No. 6 Alabama hosts No. 2 Georgia in a huge SEC battle on ABC. The Crimson Tide are looking for their 11th win over the Bulldogs since 2007, when Georgia last won a regular-season meeting between the teams.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Texas 4-0 (1-0) SEC This Week: Oklahoma (2-2) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN) No. 2 Georgia 5-0 (3-0) SEC This Week: at No. 6 Alabama (5-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC) No. 3 Notre Dame 5-0 Independents This Week: Stanford (2-3) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., NBC) No. 4 Miami 5-0 (3-0) ACC This Week: Off No. 5 Ohio State 4-1 (2-0) Big Ten This Week: Maryland (2-3) (Saturday, 3:15 p.m., Big Ten Network)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
No. 7 Indiana (5-0) at Nebraska (5-0) 11 a.m., FOX Indiana heads on the road for a crucial Big Ten battle against Nebraska on Saturday afternoon. The Hoosiers will face the Corn Huskers with Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst) and Jenny Taft (sideline reporter) on the call at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Indiana routed Rutgers 47-15 to move to 2-0 in Big Ten play on Saturday, Oct. 3. Quarterback Josh Hoover completed 20 of 27 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Turbo Richard rushed 13 times for 204 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Charlie Becker caught eight passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
The Hoosiers defense is led by linebacker Isaiah Jones, who has recorded 37 tackles and an interception while defensive lineman Tobi Osunsanmi has totaled 18 tackles and 4 sacks through five games so far this season.
Nebraska dominated Maryland 48-23 to move to 2-0 in Big Ten play on Saturday, Oct. 3 themselves. The Corn Huskers’ quarterback Anthony Colandrea completed 26 of 39 passes for 238 yards, three touchdowns and an interception against the Terrapins.
Colandrea’s top target Kwazi Gilmer caught 11 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns and tailback Jamal Rule hopes to return for Saturday’s action following suffering a lower-body injury in the victory against Michigan State on Saturday, Sept. 3.
Nebraska linebacker Owen Chambliss’ 26 tackles and a half a sack head the defense for Matt Rhule’s team. Defensive lineman Jahsear Whittington has added nine tackles, two and a half sacks and a forced fumble through five contests so far this season.
Indiana can continue their undefeated season if their offensive line continues to give Josh Hoover time to throw and Turbo Richard running lanes. With extra time to throw, Hoover would be able to get the ball to receivers Charlie Becker, Nick Marsh and Shazz Preston.
The Hoosiers defense will want to force Anthony Colandrea into turning the ball over with consistent pressure from Isaiah Jones and Tobi Osunsanmi. Colandrea will need to stay consistent by staying in the pocket and relying on Jamal Rule against an Indiana defense that can cause issues.
Nebraska must use their home field advantage to defeat Indiana and move to 6-0 on the season. The Hoosiers cannot overlook the Corn Huskers and think about their big game against Ohio State on Oct. 17 but head coach Curt Cignetti should have them prepared for a win. Indiana will defeat Nebraska but it will be a battle throughout the game.
No. 1 Texas (4-0) vs. Oklahoma (2-2) (Dallas; Allstate Red River Rivalry) 2:30 p.m., ABC Top-ranked Texas renews the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas on Saturday afternoon. The Longhorns will attempt to keep their success going against the Sooners with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Texas defeated Tennessee 20-17 on the road in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 26 before their open week to get some rest. Texas quarterback Arch Manning completed 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards and an interception. Running back Hollywood Smothers has sat out since the UTSA game due to an ankle injury, when he rushed 10 times for 54 yards. Manning’s top wide receiver is Ryan Wingo, who caught six passes for 74 yards in the win against the Volunteers.
Linebacker Rasheem Biles, who has recorded 29 tackles, 2 interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble leads the Longhorns defense. Edge Colin Simmons has 13 tackles, 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble alongside Biles.
Oklahoma lost to Georgia 41-13 on Saturday, Sept. 13 before they took their bye week as well. The Sooners offense has struggled through five contests this season. There needs to be hope quarterback John Mateer can improve after he completed 25 of 34 passes for two touchdowns and an interception.
Sooners tailback Lloyd Avant carried the ball 10 times for 23 yards while wide receiver Isaiah Sategna caught eight passes for 81 yards in the loss to the Bulldogs. Avant and Sategna will have to step up against the strong Texas defense on Saturday if they want to come out with a win.
The Oklahoma defense is one of the stronger units in the country. Linebacker Owen Heinecke leads the Sooners in tackles with 27 and he added a sack across four games to start the 2026 campaign. Defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore is the important piece up front for Oklahoma, with 11 tackles and two and a half sacks so far this season.
Texas can win their third straight game against Oklahoma if they control the controllables. Quarterback Arch Manning must protect the football and get it to his playmakers, including Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown Ryan Wingo, and Cam Coleman. The Longhorns defense needs to make sure they keep John Mateer and the Oklahoma offense from moving the ball down the field.
The Sooners defense must keep Manning and the Texas offense out of the end zone and make it a low-scoring game to give them a chance at their first win in two weeks. If Oklahoma turns the Longhorns’ touchdowns into field goals, they have a better shot at making it a low-scoring game and a chance to win the game.
However, the Texas defense has ruled this series over the last two seasons and that will not change on Saturday. The Oklahoma offense will fail to establish the ground game and as a result, John Mateer’s passing game will fail. The Longhorns will defeat the Sooners and move to 5-0.
No. 21 UCLA (4-0) at No. 13 Oregon (3-1) 2:30 p.m., CBS UCLA’s trip up north to Oregon headlines afternoon Big Ten action on Saturday. The Bruins will look to upset the Ducks with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter) on the call at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
UCLA routed Maryland 54-3 on Saturday, Sept. 26 before taking their bye week last Saturday. UCLA is led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who completed 15 of 24 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown in the blowout of the Terrapins. Bruins tailback Wayne Knight carried the ball 10 times for 100 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Semaj Morgan caught two passes for 16 yards against Maryland.
The UCLA defense has been led by linebacker Sam Omosigho, who has the most tackles and sacks on the team through four games. Omosigho has recorded 37 tackles, four forced fumbles and three sacks entering Saturday’s showdown against Oregon.
Oregon defeated USC 41-27 on Saturday, Sept. 26 before taking their open week. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore completed 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards before a scary hit caused him to suffer a concussion against the Trojans. Moore returned to practice but it will be out against UCLA. Dylan Raiola will step in if Moore after he completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Evan Stewart caught seven passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jordon Davison 16 times for 66 yards and a touchdown in the victory against USC.
The Oregon defense is headed by linebackers Devon Jackson and Matayo Uiagalelei. Jackson leads the Ducks with 23 tackles and an interception while Uiagalelei has 13 tackles, three sacks and an interception through four games this season.
In Bob Chesney’s first big game as UCLA’s head coach, he must get quarterback Nico Iamaleava ready to go on the road to face the tough Oregon defense. If Iamaleava is prepared to face the Ducks, the Bruins have a shot to go out and win. If not, Oregon will come out with the victory.
Oregon can defeat UCLA on Saturday if head coach Dan Lanning does not get in the way of his team. Lanning did so in the Ducks’ 39-31 loss against Oklahoma State on Sept. 12 so it will be important for him trust his players to protect their home field against the Bruins.
It is clear Bob Chesney is building the foundations of a quality program at UCLA but they will not be able to defeat Dan Lanning’s Oregon team on Saturday afternoon on the road. The Bruins will keep it close but the Ducks will be too much for them in the end.
No. 10 LSU (4-1) at Kentucky (4-1) 6 p.m., ESPN LSU and Kentucky meet up in a big SEC matchup on Saturday night. The Tigers and Wildcats face off with Wes Durham (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) on the call at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
LSU blew out McNeese 51-10 to grab their second consecutive victory on Saturday, Oct. 3 following their loss to rival Ole Miss on Sept. 19. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt played against the Cowboys despite a reported injury, when he completed 18 of 23 passes for 3 touchdowns and an interception. Since tight end Trey’Dez Green’s injury, wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. has emerged, recording three catches for 40 yards while tailback Dilin Jones carried the ball 16 times for 79 yards and a touchdown in the win as well.
Since Whit Weeks’ injury, TJ Dottery has succeeded as the top linebacker for LSU. Dottery has recorded 28 tackles and two forced fumbles through five games this season. Defensive end Princewill Umanmielen is a big piece for coordinator Blake Baker next to Dottery. Umanmielen has totaled 22 tackles and eight sacks so far this season.
Kentucky came back and defeated South Carolina 35-34 in overtime on Saturday, Oct. 3. Kentucky signal-caller Kenny Minchey has impressed under head coach Will Stein. Minchey completed 28 of 41 passes for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns. Former Texas running back CJ Baxter rushed 13 times for 48 yards and a touchdown wide receiver Kenny Darby caught 12 passes for 96 yards for a touchdown in the win against the Gamecocks.
The Kentucky defense is headed by Grant Godfrey, who leads the Wildcats with 43 tackles, two sacks and an interception in five contests this season. Defensive lineman Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace has 14 tackles, two and a half sacks, a forced fumble and an interception this season.
LSU’s defense must be able to force Kenny Minchey and the Kentucky offense to three and outs. The Tigers will want their offense to have the football more to tire the Wildcats defense. If TJ Dottery and the Tigers’ front controls the game, they can come out the win.
As mentioned above, Minchey must have another tremendous performance to get Kentucky its third SEC win of the season. He must play up to how he did in victories over Texas A&M and South Carolina and get the ball to CJ Baxter, Kenny Darby, Willie Rodriguez and Nic Anderson so they can move it down the field and set the Wildcats up for more points.
Lane Kiffin’s team at Ole Miss never had great success against Kentucky so that needs to change on Saturday night. It may not be pretty but in what should be a back-and-forth game, the LSU defense will make sure Kiffin gets another win against the head coach Will Stein and the Wildcats.
No. 2 Georgia (5-0) at No. 6 Alabama (5-0) 6:30 p.m., ABC ESPN’s College GameDay will again be in town for a third regular season matchup in as many seasons between Georgia and Alabama. The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide battle with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call at Bryant-Denny Stadium at Saban Field in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 38-14 the last time they hit the field on Saturday, Oct. 3. Bulldogs quarterback Gunnar Stockton completed 25 of 32 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Stockton carried the ball seven times for 22 yards in the victory against the Commodores as well.
Georgia tailback Nate Frazier suffered a rib injury against Arkansas on Sept. 19 so he only received two carries against Vanderbilt however he took them for nine yards. He is expected to play against Alabama on Saturday. The Bulldogs’ leading wide receiver, Craig Dandridge, caught one pass for six yards in the win against the Commodores.
Georgia has one of the stronger defenses in the nation. Linebacker Raylen Wilson leads the Bulldogs in tackles (27), sacks (3) and forced fumbles (2). Fellow linebacker Chris Cole has totaled 22 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one and a half sacks and a pass defended.
Alabama dominated Mississippi State 56-23 on Saturday, Oct. 3. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 16 of 22 passes for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown while running back Daniel Hill carried the ball five times for 22 yards in the victory against the Bulldogs.
Linebacker Luke Metz leads the Alabama defense with 38 tackles and an interception. Also, defensive lineman Devan Thompkins has recorded 19 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble so far this season.
Georgia must control the game defensively if they want to finally defeat Alabama during the regular season. Raylen Wilson and the Bulldogs defense must shut down Keelon Russell and his passing game to give their offense more opportunities to score the ball with better field position.
Russell needs to continue getting the ball to Ryan Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks and Rico Pritchett down the field so the Crimson Tide can defeat the Bulldogs. The Alabama has a higher-paced offense than Georgia so they need to take advantage of that on Saturday night.
In what could be one of the best games of the regular season, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama will win another big game against Georgia in the regular season. Ryan Coleman-Williams will make another big catch down the field, this time from Keelon Russell, and the Crimson Tide will move to 6-0 ahead of their matchup against Tennessee on Oct. 17.
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson (7) passes to running back Sutton Smith, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, during the first quarter against Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Visit wholehogsports.com/photos/galleries for more photos.
(Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Volunteers is set for 3:15 p.m. Saturday, October 10 on the SEC Network with Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline reporter) on the call. Next up Arkansas travels to Nashville to face Vanderbilt on October 17.
Schedule: No. 15 Tennessee (4-1) at Arkansas (2-3)
Tune In: Saturday afternoon’s matchup between Arkansas and Tennessee will stream on SEC Network with Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline reporter) on the call. The game can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Chuck Barrett (play-by-play), Quinn Grovey (analyst) and Geno Bell (sideline reporter) on the call from inside Kyle Field.
Notes: Ryan Silverfield is seeking his first SEC head coaching win and is looking for Arkansas’ fifth consecutive home win against Tennessee. The Razorbacks have defeated the Volunteers in each of its last four meetings against Tennessee at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (2006, 2011, 2020 and 2024).
QB KJ Jackson has completed 95 of 157 passes (60.5%) for 1,038 yards, six touchdowns and a team-leading two rushing touchdowns through five games. The Montgomery, Ala. native recorded his first 300-yard passing game and recorded two rushing touchdowns in the win against Tulsa on Sept. 26 to become only the third Arkansas quarterback to since 1995 to throw for 300-plus yards with multiple rushing scores in a game.
RB Braylen Russell is Arkansas’ leading rusher through five games this season, totaling 40 carries (3.4 yards per carry) for 136 yards and a touchdown. The Benton, Ark. native rushed for a season-high 49 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in the Razorbacks’ 31-14 victory against North Alabama on Sept. 5.
WR Chris Marshall is the star of the Arkansas offense through five games this season. The Missouri City, Texas native has caught 35 passes for 549 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall season has been highlighted by back-to-back 100-yard receiving performances against Georgia on Sept. 19 and Tulsa on Sept. 26. Marshall leads the SEC in receiving plays of 10-plus yards (25) and first down receptions (24) while ranking second in receptions (35), receiving yards (549), receptions per game (7.0) and receiving yards per game (109.8)
DB Khmori House has led the Arkansas defense through the first five games of the 2026 campaign. The Pasadena, Calif. native leads the Razorbacks in tackles for loss (4.5), and sacks (2.0) so far this season. House has recorded a tackle for loss in each of Arkansas’ five games this season.
Josh Heupel has gone 77-29 overall as a head coach and has a 49-21 record over six seasons at Tennessee. Heupel’s Volunteers are 4-1 overall with a 1-1 record in the SEC following their 24-14 win against Auburn on Oct. 3. Heupel will attempt to lead Tennessee to their first win against Arkansas in Fayetteville since the 2001 season on Saturday afternoon.
George MacIntyre is expected to make his first start at quarterback for Josh Heupel and Tennessee after replacing Faizon Brandon in the second quarter of the victory against Auburn on Oct. 3. The Franklin, Tenn. native has seen action in three games so far this season where he has completed 14 of 20 passes for 148 yards for a touchdown. After MacIntyre replaced Brandon against the Tigers, he completed 8 of 10 passes for 80 yards in the victory.
RB DeSean Bishop has powered the Tennessee offense through five games this season with 88 carries for 540 yards and seven touchdowns. The Knoxville, Tenn. native exploded in the win against Auburn with 34 carries for 220 yards and three touchdowns on Oct. 3. Bishop’s performance against the Tigers included season highs in carries, rushing yards and touchdowns.
WRMike Matthews has paced the Tennessee receivers throughout the 2026 campaign. The Lilburn, Ga. native has recorded 18 catches for 318 yards and three touchdowns through five contests this season. Matthews caught four passes for 57 yards in the victory against Auburn on Oct. 3.
LBArion Carter leads Tennessee in tackles despite only seeing action in four games so far during the 2026 season. The Smyrna, Tenn. native has totaled 33 tackles and a sack so far this season. Carter recorded 6 total tackles and 1 fumble recovery against Auburn on Oct. 3.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Arkansas football’s Southeastern Conference losing streak reached 13 games following a 34-7 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday night.
The Razorbacks (2-3, 0-2 SEC) lost to the Aggies for the fifth consecutive time and remain winless at Kyle Field since 1989.
Texas A&M (3-2, 1-2 SEC) earned its first SEC win of the 2026 season behind a strong rushing performance. Running back KJ Edwards rushed for two touchdowns, while quarterback Marcel Reed added another. Edwards and Reed each finished with 66 rushing yards.
Reed completed 13 of 19 passes for 170 yards and did not throw an interception for the first time since the Aggies’ Week 1 game against Missouri State.
Arkansas generated big plays in the running game for the first time this season, but it was not enough. The Razorbacks totaled 98 rushing yards and averaged a season-high 4.6 yards per carry.
Wide receiver Chris Marshall provided the lone bright spot for the Arkansas offense. Marshall caught seven passes for 76 yards, including a one-handed, 26-yard touchdown reception from quarterback KJ Jackson with 24 seconds remaining in the first quarter. It was the Razorbacks’ only score.
Marshall was the only Arkansas receiver to record a catch through the first three quarters. Receiver Donovan Faupel caught an 11-yard pass with 13:18 remaining in the game, while running back Sutton Smith made the other five receptions for 24 yards.
Jackson completed 13 of 25 passes for 111 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Texas A&M held the ball for 38:15, compared with Arkansas’ 21:45.
After winning the coin toss and receiving the opening kickoff, Arkansas turned the ball over on the third play from scrimmage. Jackson overthrew wide receiver Antonio Jordan, and Texas A&M’s Dalton Brooks intercepted the pass at the Aggies’ 33-yard line before returning it 39 yards to the Arkansas 28.
Arkansas had an opportunity to force Texas A&M into a field-goal attempt on the ensuing drive, but the Aggies converted a fourth-and-1 from the 19-yard line when Reed broke free for a 6-yard run. Texas A&M then capped the possession with Carsyn Baker’s 2-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead.
After Arkansas went three-and-out on its next possession, Texas A&M added to its lead with a 10-play, 78-yard touchdown drive capped by Edwards’ 20-yard scoring run.
The Razorbacks finally responded late in the first quarter on Marshall’s one-handed touchdown catch in the end zone.
Arkansas caught another break on its next possession but could not capitalize. Facing fourth-and-12, the Razorbacks appeared set to punt before Texas A&M’s Jayden Warren was penalized for roughing kicker Gavin Rush, giving Arkansas a fresh set of downs at the Aggies’ 43-yard line. The Razorbacks moved to the 29, aided by Smith’s 14-yard run, but Jones sacked Jackson for a 7-yard loss on third-and-11.
Arkansas placekicker Max Gillbert attempted a 55-yard field goal, but the kick was low and wide left, keeping the score at 14-7 with 10:34 remaining in the first half.
What followed was a sequence of costly plays that appeared to mark a defensive turning point for the Razorbacks.
Texas A&M reached the Arkansas 9-yard line on its next drive, and the defense forced a 27-yard field-goal attempt. However, the Razorbacks were penalized for having 12 men on the field, giving the Aggies a new set of downs.
The Arkansas defense forced another third down from the 9, but defensive holding on defensive back La’khi Roland gave Texas A&M another first down.
Arkansas forced Texas A&M into another third down, this time third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, but Reed escaped around the right side, beat defensive back Shelton Lewis to the edge and scored. The touchdown gave the Aggies a 21-7 lead with 2:27 remaining in the first half.
With 2 seconds remaining before halftime, Texas A&M faced fourth-and-3 from the Arkansas 39-yard line and sent out its field-goal unit. Aggies kicker David Olano connected on a career-long 57-yard field goal that would have been good from even farther out, extending Texas A&M’s lead to 24-7 at the break.
It was the first of two field goals of at least 50 yards for Olano, who added a 50-yarder early in the fourth quarter to provide the final margin.
Texas A&M needed just four plays to cover 75 yards on the opening possession of the third quarter, highlighted by Kiotti Armstrong’s 54-yard catch-and-run. Edwards finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to extend the Aggies’ lead to 31-7.
Notes: Texas A&M has won 14 of the past 15 meetings with Arkansas, though the Razorbacks lead the all-time series 42-38-3. Arkansas’ last win in the series was a 20-10 victory Sept. 25, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Until last season, Arkansas had won five consecutive games against Tennessee. The Volunteers snapped that streak with a 34-31 victory Oct. 11, 2025, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Next Up: Arkansas returns to Fayetteville to face Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC) at 3:15 p.m. CT Oct. 10 inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Volunteers enter the matchup following a 24-14 win over Auburn on Saturday.
Week 4 ended the first month of the 2026 college football season in entertaining fashion.
On Friday, No. 5 Indiana defeated Northwestern in a defensive struggle. The Hoosiers carried a 12-0 lead into halftime before the Wildcats climbed back into the game, cutting the deficit to 15-7 entering the fourth quarter. Indiana and Northwestern then traded touchdown drives to open the final period before a Wildcats field goal set the final score at 29-23.
In Arch Manning’s first game in Knoxville against uncle Peyton’s alma mater, No. 14 Tennessee, No. 1 Texas escaped with a 20-17 win. In an ugly game, Manning and the Longhorns offense did enough to defeat the Volunteers and earn their first SEC win.
In a loaded afternoon slate, No. 21 Florida protected its home field against No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28, No. 18 Iowa defeated No. 19 Michigan on the final play of the game, No. 2 Georgia dominated Oklahoma 41-13 and Boise State traveled to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and beat Western Michigan 32-7.
The Gators’ ground attack controlled the game against the Rebels. Tailback Jadan Baugh carried the ball 29 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns to help Florida rout Ole Miss.
Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown completed a game-winning, 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Reece Van Zee as time expired.
Facing its best competition of the season, Georgia’s defense caused four Oklahoma turnovers including three fumbles and an interception. In a battle of the Broncos, Boise State outgained Western Michigan 337-223 and its defense forced quarterback Broc Lowry into an interception in a rout.
In the prime-time slate, No. 24 Mississippi State defeated No. 19 Missouri 31-24, No. 20 Oregon outscored No. 12 USC 41-27 and No. 10 LSU dominated No. 23 Texas A&M 35-6.
Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor shined again, this time against the Tigers. Down 24-17 in the fourth quarter, Taylor and the Bulldogs outscored Missouri 14-0 in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
In a game that saw Oregon star quarterback Dante Moore suffer a concussion after a hard hit backup quarterback Dylan Raiola replaced him and led Oregon to a win by completed 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards after entering the game in the second quarter.
The Tigers’ defense dominated against the Aggies. LSU held Texas A&M to 4-for-15 on third down, 197 total yards and forced two turnovers.
Week 5 begins with an ACC showdown in Blacksburg, Virginia, between two undefeated teams. Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech will meet as each seeks its second ACC win of the season.
An old SEC rivalry takes center stage in the early slate when No. 7 Alabama makes another trip to Starkville, Mississippi, to face No. 16 Mississippi State..
The afternoon slate will include No. 14 Iowa hosting No. 5 Ohio State in a tense Big Ten showdown while No. 8 Florida will attempt to continue its success on the road at No. 25 Missouri, which seeks to get back on track.
The night slate is headlined by No. 4 Miami’s trip to Clemson. No. 18 USC and Washington will also look to bounce back when they meet at the Coliseum.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Texas 4-0 (1-0) SEC This Week: Off No. 2 Georgia 4-0 (2-0) SEC This Week: Vanderbilt (3-1) (Saturday, 11:45 a.m., SEC Network) No. 3 Notre Dame 4-0 Independents This Week: at North Carolina (2-1) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ESPN) No. 4 Miami 4-0 (2-0) ACC This Week: at Clemson (3-1) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC) No. 5 Ohio State 3-1 (1-0) Big Ten This Week: at No. 14 Iowa (4-0) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., CBS)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
Risers No. 8 Florida 4-0 (2-0) SEC Week 4: No. 21 (Defeated No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28) No. 14 Iowa 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten Week 4: No. 17 (Defeated No. 18 Michigan 20-19) No. 15 Oregon 3-1 (1-0) Big Ten Week 4: No. 18 (Defeated No. 12 USC 41-27) No. 16 Mississippi State 4-0 (2-0) SEC Week 4: No. 24 (Defeated No. 19 Missouri 31-24) No. 20 Houston 3-1 (0-1) Big 12 Week 4: No. 25 (Defeated Georgia Southern 42-27)
Fallers No. 9 Ole Miss 3-1 (1-1) SEC Week 4: No. 4 (Lost to No. 21 Florida 52-28) No. 17 Tennessee 3-1 (0-1) SEC Week 4: No. 14 (Lost to No. 1 Texas 20-17) No. 18 USC 4-1 (2-1) Big Ten Week 4: No. 12 (Lost to No. 20 Oregon 41-27) No. 25 Missouri 3-1 (0-1) SEC Week 4: No. 19 (Lost to No. 24 Mississippi State 31-24)
Dropped Out Penn State 3-1 (0-1) Big Ten Week 4: No. 13 (Lost to Wisconsin 24-20) Louisville 2-2 (1-1) ACC Week 4: No. 16 (Lost to Wake Forest 30-27) Michigan 3-1 (0-1) Big Ten Week 4: No. 18 (Lost to No. 17 Iowa 20-19) Texas A&M 2-2 (0-2) SEC Week 4: No. 23 (Lost to No. 10 LSU 35-6)
New No. 19 Oklahoma State 3-1 (1-0) Big 12 Week 4: NR (Defeated West Virginia 41-24) No. 22 Boise State 3-1 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 4: NR (Defeated Western Michigan 32-7) No. 23 UCLA 4-0 (2-0) Big Ten Week 4: NR (Defeated Maryland 54-3) No. 24 Kentucky 3-1 (1-1) SEC Week 4: NR (Defeated South Alabama 45-21)
The Week 5 Slate (Rankings based on the AP Top 25.)
Pittsburgh (4-0) at Virginia Tech (4-0) 6 p.m., ESPN Two old Big East foes, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech, face off again as ACC teams on Friday night. The Panthers and Hokies will each battle for a fifth win with Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst) and Dana Boyle (sideline reporter) on the call at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Pittsburgh shut out Bucknell 59-0 on Saturday, Sept. 26 in its last game. Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel completed 26 of 39 passes for 403 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 33 yards in the victory. Heintschel’s running back is Damon Ferguson Jr., who carried the ball nine times for 56 yards and top receiver Cataurus Hicks, who caught three passes for 66 yards in their win against the Bisons.
Pittsburgh defensive back Josh Guerrier leads their defense with 22 tackles through four games so far during the 2026 season. Guerrier is assisted by defensive lineman Jimmy Scott, who has totaled four tackles and a sack so far this season.
Ethan Grunkemeyer and Virginia Tech opened ACC play with a 21-14 win against Boston College on Sept. 26. Grunkemeyer completed 22 of 36 passes for 147 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Jeffrey Overton headlines the running back room and tight end Luke Reynolds leads the receiving group Overton recorded 25 carries, 209 yards and 1 touchdown while Reynolds caught five passes for 15 yards against the Eagles.
Hokies defensive lineman Cortez Harris leads the way for his defense with 11 tackles and five sacks. Linebacker Noah Chambers has added 20 tackles and a half a sack to strengthen the defense,
Outside of the two beatdowns where they scored 59 against Miami (Ohio) and Bucknell, Pittsburgh has only outscored the two Power 4 opponents they have played, UCF and Syracuse, 34-20. For the Panthers to defeat Virginia Tech, Mason Heintschel must play his best game of the season behind center as they go on the road looking to defeat the Hokies.
If Ethan Grunkemeyer can rely on tailback Jeffrey Overton to have a similar performance against Pittsburgh, that will set up his passing game well so Virginia Tech can score points. If Cortez Harris and Noah Chambers key in on stepping Heintschel, it will be easier to protect their home field and come out with a victory.
In what should be a back-and-forth game, Virginia Tech will come out on top against Pittsburgh. The Hokie defense will show up and consistently stop the Panther offense from success. Virginia Tech will continue their undefeated season before traveling to play California on Oct. 10.
No. 7 Alabama (4-0) at No. 16 Mississippi State (4-0) 11 a.m., ABC Alabama and Mississippi State renew their old rivalry on Saturday afternoon, both looking to continue their undefeated seasons. The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs face off for an AP Top 25 matchup with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Mississippi.
Alabama routed South Carolina 49-18 on Saturday, Sept. 26 the last time it took the field. The Crimson Tide’s signal-caller Keelon Russell completed 21 of 27 passes for 365 yards, four touchdowns and rushed eight times for 35 yards and another touchdown in the win against the Gamecocks.
Alabama running back Daniel Hill struggled in to get the ground game going for the Crimson Tide, rushing eight times for 15 times and 1 touchdown. Ryan Coleman-Williams continues to lead the team in receiving after catching five passes for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns in the victory against the Gamecocks.
Alabama linebacker Caleb Woodson leads the team in tackles with 30 and has recorded two sacks through four games as well. Defensive lineman Devan Thompkins is a big part of the Crimson Tide pass rush with 16 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble so far this season.
Mississippi State continues to be led by quarterback Kamario Taylor, who completed 27 of 38 passes for 360 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in their 31-24 victory against then No. 19 Missouri. Taylor’s favorite receiver Anthony Evans III caught eight passes for 114 yards while his tailback Fluff Bothwell carried the ball 25 times for 122 yards and a touchdown in the win against the Tigers.
Bulldogs’ linebacker Jalen Smith has recorded 28 tackles and 1 interception to headline Zach Arnett’s unit. Defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe has also recorded 13 tackles and one and a half sack to support Smith and the rest of the defense.
Alabama cannot lose the lead at halftime against Mississippi State how they did against Kentucky and Florida State. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to emphasize ball security and to avoid throwing the ball into harms’ way to Keelon Russell and the Crimson Tide’s offensive playmakers.
If Caleb Woodson and Devan Thompkins can lead the Alabama defense in multiple stops against Kamario Taylor and the Mississippi State offense, they will have a better shot of defeating the Bulldogs and moving to 5-0 on the season.
Mississippi State will depend on the success of Taylor and his playmakers. The Bulldogs’ defense needs to be solid on limiting Russell, Hill, Coleman-Williams and others but they are capable of outscoring Alabama with Taylor behind center.
It could be a rainy day in Starkville on Saturday but that should not limit the scoring that much. The game between Alabama and Mississippi State should be close throughout. However, the Crimson Tide’s experience in close games should help them get a road victory against the Bulldogs.
No. 5 Ohio State (3-1) at No. 14 Iowa (4-0) 2:30 p.m., CBS ESPN’s College GameDay will be in town for a huge Big Ten battle between Ohio State and Iowa on Saturday. The Buckeyes will attempt to go on the road and give the Hawkeyes their first loss with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter) on the call at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Ohio State dominated Illinois 42-19 on Saturday, Sept. 26 the last time they hit the field. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards, four touchdowns and rushed seven times for 29 yards and another touchdown. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to shine for the Buckeyes’ offense, caught 12 passes for 217 yards and all 4 of Sayin’s passing touchdowns. Tailback Bo Jackson carried the ball 11 times for 53 yards in the win against the Fighting Illini.
Safety Earl Little Jr. appears to be the next Ohio State star in the secondary as he leads the Buckeyes with 23 tackles and 1 pass defended through four games so far through the 2026 season. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has recorded 11 tackles and two sacks as well.
Iowa defeated Michigan in an exhilarating 20-19 victory on Saturday, Sept. 26. Quarterback Hank Brown completed 21 of 35 passes for 227 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back Kamari Moulton rushed 13 times for 44 yards while wide receiver Tony Diaz caught three passes for 46 yards in the victory against the Wolverines. The strength of the Iowa football team is their defense. Linebacker Cam Buffington leads the Hawkeyes with 38 tackles while defensive end Joseph Anderson has two sacks through four games this season.
Ohio State will give Iowa their first loss if they continue to rely on what has given them success over the last two seasons. The Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith connection has been unstoppable this season. So if Sayin and Smith get that going, it will be is easy for complimentary football with Bo Jackson in the backfield and an improving defense that has many new pieces.
Iowa must hope that Cam Buffington and Joseph Anderson limit Sayin’s passing attack so that they can set up the run and move down the field consistently and get in the end zone. If the Hawkeyes’ defense sets up their offense with solid field position, they can set up their offense for success.
If Iowa can protect Kinnick Stadium and come out with a win against Ohio State they will prove they can make it to a College Football Playoff appearance. However, the confidence of the Buckeyes’ offense will be too much to handle and the Hawkeyes will fall.
No. 8 Florida (4-0) at No. 25 Missouri (3-1) 2:30 p.m., ABC Florida and Missouri will continue their series on Saturday on the gridiron. The Gators will look to continue their undefeated season when they face the Tigers with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call at Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri.
Florida surprised the college football world and blew out then-No. 4 ranked Ole Miss 52-28 in Gainesville on Saturday, Sept. 26. Quarterback Aaron Philo completed 16 of 23 passes for 1 touchdown while the running back duo of Jadan Baugh, who recorded 29 carries for 142 yards and three touchdowns, and Duke Clark, who rushed 12 times for 126 yards and 1 touchdown, led the Gators to a win over the Tigers. Vernell Brown III caught three passes for 25 yards in the win.
Linebackers Myles Graham (28 tackles and 0.5 sacks) and Jayden Woods (19 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble) have been the leading forces for an up and down Florida defense through four games this season.
Missouri took a disappointing 31-24 loss to then-No. 24 ranked Mississippi State on Saturday, Sept. 26 after losing a fourth quarter lead. Tigers’ quarterback Austin Simmons completed 23 of 39 passes for 395 yards for 3 touchdowns while his favorite wide receiver Cayden Lee caught 11 passes for 156 yards for 2 touchdowns in the loss. Running back Jamal Roberts took 26 carries for 95 yards on Saturday.
Missouri linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez leads the Tigers with 39 tackles while adding 1 sack through four games so far this season. Edge defender Daeden Hopkins has recorded 14 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles as well.
Florida’s offense will be the reason why they continue to win if they are successful against the Tigers on Saturday. Aaron Philo must get the ball to tailbacks Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark, to continue their success on Saturday. If Baugh and Clark succeed, it will continue to put less pressure on their defense to make stops.
Missouri’s defense must step up against the Gators’ high-scoring offense if they want to protect home field and avoid dropping back to back games. The Tigers will want Austin Simmons to get the ball down the field to Cayden Lee and rely on Jamal Roberts to move the clock down to keep the Florida offense off the field as much as possible.
John Sumrall has Florida back and where they need to be but they cannot overlook this game at Eli Drinkwitz’s Missouri team. The Gators will not do that and take care of business in Columbia, but it will be a close finish thanks to the Simmons and Lee connection.
No. 4 Miami (4-0) at Clemson (3-1) 6:30 p.m., ABC Miami might have made it all the way to the national championship last season but they can put an exclamation point on their takeover of the ACC if they defeat Clemson. The Hurricanes will look to formally end Dabo Swinney and the Tigers’ run with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call at Hard Rock Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida.
As expected, Miami defeated Central Michigan 52-3 on Saturday, Sept. 26. The Hurricanes’ quarterback Darian Mensah completed 23 of 27 passes for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing four times for 21 yards and another touchdown. Mensah’s top wide receiver is Malachi Toney caught six passes for 120 yards and 1 touchdown while his top running back Mark Fletcher Jr. last saw action on Friday, Sept. 18 against Wake Forest. He is set to return against Clemson after dealing with a minor upper-body injury.
Miami defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot leads the Hurricanes in both tackles (17) and sacks (4) through four games so far this season. Alongside Lightfoot, defensive back JJ Dunigan has recorded 16 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Clemson defeated California 24-10 on Friday, Sept. 25. The Tigers’ quarterback Tait Reynolds completed 13 of 21 passes for 108 yards and 1 interception while rushing 11 times for 28 yards. Tailback Gideon Davison rushed 22 times for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns and wide receiver TJ Moore caught three passes for 24 yards against the Golden Bears.
Safety Corey Myrick leads Clemson with 35 tackles and a pass defended. Tigers defensive end Will Heldt has recorded 12 tackles and 4 sacks, headlining Tom Allen’s defensive front.
Miami needs to continue to rely on Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney to spread the field and score points against the Clemson defense to win this game. The Hurricanes should do more than enough on offense to give their defense enough time to rest so that they can stop the Tigers offense.
Corey Myrick and Will Heldt must lead the Clemson defense to successful stops consistently against the high-scoring Miami offense. There is not a great chance for the Tigers’ to win if their defense does not give their offense a chance to succeed with good field position.
Miami has already outscored their ACC competition 78-26 and it will not end on Saturday, even on the road against Clemson. The Hurricanes offense should go up and down the field on the Tigers’ defense and cruise to 5-0 before their bye week.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Arkansas will head back on road to face Texas A&M at Kyle Field.
Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Aggies is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, October 3 on ESPN2 with Lowell Galindo (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst) and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter) on the call. Next up Arkansas returns home to play Tennessee on October 10.
Tune In: Saturday night’s matchup between Arkansas and Texas A&M will stream on ESPN2 with Lowell Galindo (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst) and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter) on the call. The game can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Chuck Barrett (play-by-play), Quinn Grovey (analyst) and Geno Bell (sideline reporter) on the call from inside Kyle Field.
Notes: Ryan Silverfield is seeking his first SEC win as the Arkansas football coach on Saturday against Texas A&M. The Razorbacks are looking for their first win in College Station since 1989. Arkansas leads the series 42-37-3 but has lost 13 of the last 14 matchups since 2012.
QB KJ Jackson has completed 82 of 132 passes for 927 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions through four starts this season. Jackson has also rushed for a team-leading two touchdowns. The Montgomery, Ala. native recorded his first career 300-yard passing game and added two rushing touchdowns in the 34-6 win against Tulsa on Sept. 26. As a result, he became only the third Arkansas quarterback since 1995 to throw for 300-plus yards with multiple rushing scores in a game.
RB Cam Settles got his first career start in the win against Tulsa on Sept. 26. The Little Rock native rushed 11 times for 40 yards (3.6 yards per carry) to lead the team and caught six passes for 20 yards. Settles has totaled 70 rushing yards on 20 carries (a team-leading 3.5 ypc) and is tied for second on the Razorbacks in receptions with 10.
WR Chris Marshall leads the SEC in every receiving category through four games and is the star of the Arkansas offense. The Missouri City, Texas native has caught an SEC-best 28 passes for 473 yards and a touchdown after recording back to back 100-yard receiving performances against Georgia on Sept. 19 and Tulsa on Sept. 26. Marshall’s 195 yards against the Golden Hurricane are good for seventh most in a game in program history.
DB Khmori House has paced the Arkansas defense through the first four games of the 2026 season, recording 3.5 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks, which both lead the team. The North Carolina transfer has totaled a tackle of a loss in each of the Razorbacks’ four games so far this season.
Mike Elko has his Texas A&M Aggies out to a 2-2 start to the 2026 season after back to back disappointing losses to Kentucky on Sept. 19 and LSU on Sept. 26. Elko has an overall record of 37-18 as a head coach and 21-9 so far in his time at Texas A&M since he returned to College Station after his time at Duke. Elko will attempt to lead the Aggies to their fifth consecutive win against Arkansas since 2021.
QB Marcel Reed has completed 72 of 130 passes for 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions while rushing 34 times for 104 yards and 1 touchdown through four games this season. In the loss to LSU on Sept. 26, Reed completed only 10 of 26 passes for 106 yards and 1 interception. The Nashville, Tennessee native was limited to 10 carries for negative 13 yards in the loss to the Tigers.
RB Rueben Owens II leads the Texas A&M rushing attack with 56 carries for 248 yards and 1 touchdown through four contests this season. Owens carried the ball 11 times for 62 yards against LSU on Sept. 26. The El Campo, Texas native caught only one pass for 9 yards in the loss to the Tigers.
WR Mario Craver has been the top receiving threat for Texas A&M through four games this season. Craver has recorded 22 catches for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has also taken one handoff for 6 yards. The Birmingham, Ala. native will be crucial in extending drives for the Aggies against the Razorbacks.
LB Nick Mikhail leads Texas A&M with 23 tackles through four games this season. Mikhail recorded 5 total tackles against LSU on Sept. 26. Mikhail and the Aggie defense will have to be more successful against Arkansas to avoid a similar defeat that they took to the Tigers last weekend.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas never trailed against Tulsa and recorded its first win against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent in 385 days with a 34-6 victory against the Golden Hurricane on Saturday night.
Arkansas snapped its program-record 12-game losing streak against Tulsa at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks (2-2) entered the game with the nation’s third-longest active losing streak among FBS teams behind Charlotte and Purdue, who have each lost 13 games in a row.
Following back-to-back blowout losses to Utah and Georgia, Arkansas defeated Tulsa (3-1), who came to Fayetteville after a strong start to the season. The Razorbacks outgained Tulsa 441-241 in total offense and won the turnover battle 2-1.
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson completed 24 of 36 passes for a career-high 309 yards, a touchdown and 1 interception. Razorback receiver Chris Marshall was Jackson’s favorite target again. Marshal caught nine passes for 195 yards and a touchdown.
Marshall’s 195 yards gave him the seventh-highest single-game total by an Arkansas player. It was the most yards since Treylon Burks caught 10 passes for 206 yards at Missouri in 2020. Marshall has 331 receiving yards in the last two games.
Jackson also used his feet to help the Razorbacks defeat the Golden Hurricanes. He ran 10 times for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns. He scored on runs of 10 and 11 yards.
Jackson’s 11-yard run on third down gave Arkansas a 32-6 lead with 5:44 remaining in the game. Running back Sutton Smith successfully reached the end zone on the ensuing two-point conversion.
The Razorbacks successfully moved the ball down the field at will for most of the night but often were stopped in the red zone. Arkansas placekicker Max Gilbert was successful on field goals from 23, 35 and 29 yards in the first half before a 38-yarder early in the fourth quarter on drives that started deep in Tulsa territory.
Gilbert’s 23-yard kick capped a long opening drive for Arkansas with 8:48 to go in the first quarter. After the Razorback defense forced Tulsa to punt on its first possession, Jackson finished a five-play, 60-yard touchdown with a 10-yard touchdown run.
Arkansas’ first touchdown drive included a 44-yard pass from Jackson to Marshall on third-and-8 that went to the Golden Hurricane 14. That was the second-longest catch of the game for Marshall, who added a 50-yard reception in the second quarter to set up Gilbert’s second field goal that gave the Razorbacks a 13-0 lead.
Gilbert’s 29-yard field goal gave Arkansas a 16-0 lead at halftime.
Both teams punted on their opening drives of the second half before Tulsa quarterback Dexter Williams led the Golden Hurricane’s only scoring drive of the game.
Williams completed three passes before a 15-yard keeper set Tulsa up with first-and-goal at the Arkansas 1. Golden Hurricane running back Damari Alston scored on a 1-yard touchdown run before a failed two-point conversion kept the score at 16-6.
Tulsa’s onside kick was unsuccessful the ensuing onside kick which Razorback linebacker Jeremy Evans recovered at the Arkansas 49. Jackson found Marshall again, this time for 28 yards on third-and-10 to the Tulsa 23. Two plays later they connected again for a 20-yard touchdown.
Arkansas’ final two touchdowns were set up by turnovers. Linebacker Ben Bogle recovered a Williams fumble that was forced by defensive lineman Antonio Sandel-Bascomb at the Arkansas 42 late in the third quarter. Bogle’s fumble recovery set up Gilbert’s fourth field goal.
The final Razorback score was set up by cornerback Shelton Lewis, who stripped and recovered a fumble at the Arkansas 49. Tulsa tight end Chris Gacayan had a 23-yard catch before Lewis took the ball away.
Williams completed 20 of 32 passes for 176 yards for the Golden Hurricane. Williams, who began his career at Indiana, started his second game in place of injured starter Baylor Hayes (sprained knee).
Arkansas won the rushing battle against Tulsa. The Razorbacks rushed 43 times for 132 yards, and Tulsa rushed 23 times for 65 yards.
Notes Arkansas won its 20th consecutive game against Tulsa to improve to 56-13-5 in the overall series. The series was played annually with the exception of one year between 1933 and 1990 but has only been played six times since 1993.
The Razorbacks will return to the Golden Hurricane’s Chapman Stadium next season before another meeting in Fayetteville in 2029.
Arkansas has played more games (74) against Tulsa than any team that is not currently in the SEC. The Razorbacks have faced Texas A&M 82 times and Texas 81 times.
Next Up Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) is scheduled to face Texas A&M (2-2, 0-2 SEC) at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 3, in College Station. The Aggies will likely fall out of Sunday’s AP Top 25 after back-to-back losses to Kentucky and LSU.
The weekend began Friday night with No. 13 Texas Tech’s 28-26 victory over No. 22 Houston in a thrilling Big 12 contest decided in the final seconds. The Red Raiders trailed 10-0 after the first quarter but staged a comeback, scoring 21 consecutive points between the second quarter and the opening stages of the third. Texas Tech sealed the win by stopping Houston’s 2-point conversion attempt.
The weekend continued with three high-scoring afternoon games. No. 23 Louisville defeated No. 16 SMU in a 41-31 slugfest, while No. 10 Alabama rallied and scored 50 points against Florida State. Kamario Taylor also continued his strong season as Mississippi State defeated South Carolina 41-34.
Three competitive games closed the weekend during the prime-time slate. Florida outscored Auburn 44-39 in Auburn, Alabama, behind tailback Jaden Baugh, who carried the ball 26 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
West Virginia upset No. 25 Virginia at the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mountaineers quarterback Michael Hawkins completed 10 of 17 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while adding 123 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
The highlight of the weekend came as No. 8 Ole Miss sent former head coach Lane Kiffin and then-No. 7 LSU back to Baton Rouge with a loss. The Rebels took a 24-7 lead into halftime before the Tigers tied the game in the fourth quarter.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss scored on a 14-yard run, and the Rebels converted a 2-point attempt to secure a 32-24 victory. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt later threw an interception to Ole Miss cornerback Jaylon Braxton.
As Week 4 arrives, the Big Ten and SEC feature several major matchups. In the morning slate, Arch Manning and No. 1 Texas travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, to face No. 14 Tennessee, where Manning’s uncle, Peyton, played nearly 30 years ago.
A strong afternoon slate follows. No. 17 Iowa’s matchup with No. 18 Michigan highlights the Big Ten schedule, while key SEC games include No. 4 Ole Miss’ trip to Gainesville, Florida, to face No. 21 Florida and Oklahoma’s visit to No. 2 Georgia.
A significant Group of Six matchup also takes place in the afternoon, as Boise State travels to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to face Western Michigan. The Broncos will take on a Broncos team that many believed should have defeated Michigan in Week 1.
The prime-time slate includes even more Big Ten and SEC action. After a slow start to the season, No. 20 Oregon can show it has moved past its early struggles with a road win over longtime rival No. 12 Southern Cal at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
No. 23 Texas A&M and No. 10 LSU will each look to respond after Week 3 losses when they meet in College Station, Texas. Meanwhile, No. 19 Missouri and No. 24 Mississippi State will try to build on their early-season momentum in their respective matchups.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Texas 3-0 (0-0) SEC This week: at No. 14 Tennessee (3-0) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ABC) No. 2 Georgia 3-0 (1-0) SEC This week: Oklahoma (2-1) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ESPN) No. 3 Notre Dame 3-0 Independents This week: at Purdue (1-2) (Saturday, 1 p.m., Peacock) No. 4 Ole Miss 3-0 (1-0) SEC This week: at No. 21 Florida (3-0) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ABC) No. 5 Indiana 3-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Northwestern (2-0) (Friday, 7 p.m., FOX)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
No. 1 Texas (3-0) at No. 14 Tennessee (3-0) 11 a.m., ABC Arch Manning and Texas head to Knoxville to face Tennessee for the first time ever. The Longhorns and Volunteers face off with ESPN’s College GameDay in town and Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Texas dominated UTSA 30-6 on Sept. 19 in their last result on the football field. Longhorn signal-caller Arch Manning completed 16 of 32 passes for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. He rushed 10 times for 53 yards as well. Leading rusher Hollywood Smothers carried the football 10 times for 54 yards and receiver Cam Coleman caught four passes for 59 yards with half of his catches ending in touchdowns.
Defensive back Jelani McDonald, who has recorded 18 tackles and edge Colin Simmons, who has put up 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery, lead the Texas defense across three games so far this. season. The Longhorn defense has been the anchor of their team this year and new coordinator Will Muschamp will want his unit to continue to prove it against Tennessee.
The Volunteers’ signal-caller Faizon Brandon, who completed 18 of 26 passes for 178 yards and 1 touchdown in their 42-9 victory against Kennesaw State on Sept. 19. Brandon also carried the ball 10 times for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tennessee tailback DeSean Bishop rushed nine times for 42 yards and 1 touchdown while Brandon’s favorite receiver Mike Matthews caught four passes for 41 yards against the Owls.
On defense, Volunteer linebacker Amare Campbell has recorded 17 tackles while defensive lineman Xavier Gilam has totaled 12 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble through three contests this season. Jim Knowles’ defense will want to make Manning and Texas work for every yard that they get on Saturday afternoon to potentially get the upset.
Texas will rely on its strengths versus Tennessee if they want to continue their undefeated season. Manning will attempt to get the ball to Brown consistently while running backs Smothers and Raleek Brown will get the ball down the field.
While the Longhorn offense may get a lot of the shine, the Texas defense is what leads them to wins. Simmons is a talented pass-rusher that will challenge the Volunteers’ offensive line for all 60 minutes. Plus, McDonald is a veteran defensive back that can cause challenges for opposing quarterbacks.
Brandon is a freshman quarterback that will be challenged against a Texas defense that has a lot of talent and depth. Despite playing at home, Muschamp’s unit will pose problems not many others can. As a result, Brandon will need to rely on Bishop in the backfield to set up the passing game to receivers like Matthews down the field.
The Tennessee defense, led by Campbell and Gilam, will attempt to get in the backfield and create problems for Manning and the Texas offense that can get going in a hurry. The Volunteers will have to rely on their home field advantage because if they do, they will have a better shot to defeat the Longhorns.
In Tennessee’s first game against a real opponent during the 2026 season, they will come up short against top ranked Texas, despite playing at home in the friendly confines of Neyland Stadium. The Longhorn defense will shut down Brandon and the Volunteer offense and win by 10 points.
Boise State (2-1) at Western Michigan (2-1) 2:30 p.m., ESPN2 In a showdown of the Group of 6’s best teams to date, Boise State makes the trip to Western Michigan for an afternoon showdown. The two Broncos squads will battle with Jay Alter (play-by-play), Tom Luginbill (analyst) and Lauren Sisler (sideline reporter) on the call at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Boise State defeated South Dakota on the last time they were on the field, 38-24, on Sept. 19. The Broncos’ quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 22 of his 31 passes for 208 yards, 2 touchdowns and he rushed three times for 19 yards against the Coyotes.
Running back Dylan Riley carried the ball 26 times for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns and wide receiver Rasean Jones caught eight passes for 95 yards and 1 touchdown in the victory on Saturday. Linebackers Boen Phelps and Jayden Virgin-Morgan lead the Boise State defense with 29 combine tackles and 2 sacks.
Western Michigan beat Rice by only seven points, 28-21 on Sept. 19. Bronco signal-caller Broc Lowry completed 14 of 20 passes for 116 yards and 1 touchdown while rushing 17 times for 39 yards and another touchdown against the Owls.
Tailback Jalen Buckley starred for WMU against Rice, carrying the football 13 times for 117 yards and 1 touchdown. Leading receiver Aveion Chenault recorded 3 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown against the Owls.
The Western Michigan defense is headed by linebackers Dillon Moore (20 tackles) and Domanick Moon (17 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble) through three games this Eason. Moore and Moon will be vital in Saturday’s game if the Broncos want to defeat Boise State.
The Boise State offense needs to continue producing if they want to go on the road and get a win against Western Michigan on Saturday afternoon. Madsen will need to rely on Riley to set him up for passes down the field to receivers Jones, Akeem Wright and tight end Matt Wagner.
All the Bronco defense is shut down a Western Michigan offense that scored 28 points a week ago. If Phelps and Virgin-Morgan can create pressure Lowry and shut running game led by Buckley, they should have a win on Saturday.
Western Michigan must establish a running game with Buckley to set up the pass to Chenault if they want to score with Madson and the Boise State offense. If not, their defense will have to get a stop on most of if not every drive if they want to protect their home field and come out with a victory.
In the Group of 6 headliner on Saturday afternoon, Boise State will control the time of possession and come out with a victory. Western Michigan will grab an early lead in the game but Boise State will prove that their depth is the difference in the victory.
Projected Score: Boise State 35, Western Michigan 24
No. 17 Iowa (3-0) at No. 18 Michigan (3-0) 2:30 p.m., CBS Iowa and Michigan begin Big Ten play, both as undefeated teams on Saturday afternoon. The Hawkeyes and Wolverines will meet up with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter) on the call at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Iowa wrapped up non-conference play by blanking instate foe Northern Iowa 55-0 on Sept. 19. The Hawkeyes’ quarterback Hank Brown completed all 12 of his passes for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brown’s running back Kamari Moulton is trending for a return to play against Michigan after missing last week’s game against Northern Iowa. Iowa’s top receiver Tony Diaz caught only two passes for 22 yards in Saturday’s win.
The Hawkeyes are built on their defense and linebacker Cam Buffington is a big reason why. Buffington has accounted for 27 tackles alongside defensive end Joseph Anderson, who has totaled 2 sacks through three games during the 2026 season.
Last weekend, Michigan dominated UTEP 52-17. Quarterback Bryce Underwood leads the Wolverines through the air and on the ground. Underwood was efficient against the Miners, completing 19 of 25 passes for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing six times for 22 yards.
Tailback Jordan Marshall carried the ball 12 times for 59 yards and 1 touchdown against UTEP on Saturday. JJ Buchanan has emerged as Underwood’s top target so far this season, catching seven passes for 92 yards and 1 touchdown against the Miners.
Linebacker Troy Bowles and defensive end John Henry Daley’s combined 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks are the reason why Michigan regained its posture after a rough opening game against Western Michigan.
Iowa will have to rely on its defense so they can shut down Underwood and his legs so they can start Big Ten play on a high note. It will start with the Hawkeyes’ Buffington and Anderson, who can pose many problems to the Wolverines’ offensive line.
Similarly, Michigan’s defense will need to shut down Brown and the Iowa offense. The Hawkeyes’ offense has never been good but if the Wolverines want to come out on top, Bowles and Henry Daley will be important in keeping them out of the end zone and making a statement.
In what should be a low-scoring game, Michigan will protect its home field and continue their undefeated season with a victory against Iowa. The Wolverines will rely on their ground attack to set up passing opportunities for Underwood and get them another victory on Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma (2-1) at No. 2 Georgia (3-0) 2:30 p.m., ESPN A struggling Oklahoma team faces Georgia on the road for their first matchup since the exciting 2017 Rose Bowl Game. The Sooners and Bulldogs face off with Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst) and Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter) on the call at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
Oklahoma must be better on offense after scoring only two touchdowns in a 14-6 victory against New Mexico on Sept. 19. A big part of that is the Sooners’ signal-caller John Mateer, who completed 19 of 25 passes for 238 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Mateer also rushed 10 times for only 17 yards against the Lobos.
Oklahoma has failed to get their ground game going with Lloyd Avant’s 32 carries for 141 yards and 1 touchdown being the top number for the Sooners through three games this season. Wide receiver Isaiah Sategna, who caught six passes for 101 yards and 1 touchdown, and tight end Rocky Beers, who caught 2 passes for 34 yards, have not only shined against New Mexico but also throughout the rest of the season so far.
The Oklahoma defense is one of the best in the nation. Linebacker Owen Heinecke is one of the nation’s best with 25 tackles and 1 sack to his name through three games this season. Defensive back Reggie Power III has totaled 16 tackles and 2 sacks so far this season as well.
Georgia dominated Arkansas 45-17 in Fayetteville last Saturday and faces their first true test when Oklahoma comes to town. Quarterback Gunner Stockton impressed against the Razorbacks, completing 10 of 13 passes for 147 yards, 1 touchdown and rushed seven times for 97 yards in Saturday’s impressive result.
Stockton’s playmakers Nate Frazier, who carried the football 14 times for 75 yards and 1 touchdown, and Craig Dandridge, who caught three passes for 74 yards, will be key for the Bulldog offense against a tremendous Oklahoma defense on Saturday afternoon.
Georgia safety Rasean Dinkins leads the team in tackles with 10 while linebacker Raylen Wilson has 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble through three games so far this season. Dinkins and Wilson can cause many problems for Mateer and the Sooner offense with their talents.
Oklahoma will have to rely on their defense to consistently stop the Bulldog offense time and time again as they go on the road to Athens on Saturday. The Sooners will want to set up Mateer and his offense with short fields against Georgia.
Georgia will want to keep chugging along and continue their undefeated season, playing complimentary football with Stockton’s passing attack, Frazier’s ground attack and a consistent defensive effort. The Bulldogs are capable of winning a national championship this season and this is their first real test.
In one of many important SEC battles in week 4, Georgia will outlast Oklahoma in a relatively lower scoring game thanks to all of the defensive talent on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs won’t have as much success as they have had through three games offensively against Brent Venables’ defense but it will be enough as they move onto Vanderbilt next weekend.
No. 4 Ole Miss (3-0) at No. 21 Florida (3-0) 2:30 p.m., ABC Ole Miss and Florida both started SEC play with victories last Saturday. Both the Rebels and Gators will look to continue their winning ways with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Ole Miss’ offense could not be stopped in the first half and they coasted to a 32-24 victory against rival LSU in primetime action. The Rebels’ signal-caller Trinidad Chambliss impressed by completing 33 of 48 passes for 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Tailback Kewan Lacy is questionable for Saturday’s action against Florida but before he exited Saturday’s game, he carried the ball nine times for 43 yards and 1 touchdown. Wide receiver Deuce Alexander caught seven passes for 60 yards and 1 touchdown against LSU.
Linebacker Tah’j Butler and defensive end Blake Purchase lead the Ole Miss defense this season. Butler and Purchase have combined for 31 tackles this season and they will both be important in leading Bryan Brown’s unit against an impressive Florida offense.
The Gators are led by Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Aaron Philo, who completed 15 of 22 passes for 204 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception in their 44-39 victory at Auburn on Saturday night. Running back Jadan Baugh is the highlight reel of the Florida offense, carrying the football 26 times for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns versus the Tigers. Top wide receiver Vernell Brown III caught five passes for 86 yards in the win as well.
Florida’s defense has not matched the production of its high-powered offense, which could set the stage for a shootout Saturday. Linebacker Myles Graham leads the Gators with 20 tackles through three games, while fellow linebacker Jayden Woods has added 15 tackles and three sacks. Together, Graham and Woods give Florida a productive linebacker duo.
Ole Miss will want to avoid the hangover from their big win against LSU and rely on Chambliss to keep their impressive offensive production going against an up and down Florida defense. Lacy may not be fully healthy entering Saturday’s showdown but he should give enough effort to get another win against the Gators.
Florida will probably be playing in a shootout against Ole Miss on Saturday. The pitch and catch game from Philo to Brown will be in full effect as will Baugh’s ground attack. It may not be enough but Jon Sumrall’s team is definitely capable.
As mentioned above, the battle between Ole Miss and Florida should be a shootout with Chambliss and Philo battling back and forth for all 60 minutes. The team that gets the ball last will win this game and that will be the Rebels, who score a game-winning field goal on the foot of Lucas Carneiro.
No. 20 Oregon (2-1) at No. 12 USC (4-0) 6:30 p.m., NBC A west coast Big Ten battle takes center stage between Oregon and USC on Saturday night. The Ducks and Trojans square off with Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter) on the call at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
Oregon shut out Portland State 84-0 in a dominant performance last Friday, Sept. 18. The Ducks’ signal-caller Dante Moore completed 19 of 23 passes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Jordon Davison paces the ground game after carrying the football 13 times for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Evan Stewart caught three passes for 72 yards and 1 touchdown against the Vikings.
Defensive back Koi Perich (16 tackles) and linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception) lead the Oregon defense. Perich and Uiagalelei will be key pieces against USC’s high-scoring offense on Saturday night.
USC opened Big Ten play with a high-scoring 42-35 victory against Rutgers on Sept. 19. The Trojans’ quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 20 of 32 passes for 277 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Scarlet Knights. Maiava’s tailback King Miller carried the football 16 times for 102 yards and 1 touchdown while his top wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt caught five passes for 77 yards against Rutgers on Saturday night.
USC’s defense is led by linebacker Deven Bryant, who leads the Trojans with 20 tackles. Bryant and safety Kennedy Urlacher, who has 2 sacks so far this season, will be vital pieces against Moore and the Oregon offense.
If Oregon wants to avoid another loss, head coach Dan Lanning will have to lead his team into Memorial Coliseum in primetime. Moore will have to be efficient and avoid turning the ball over. He can do that if he gets the ball to Davison in the backfield and Stewart down the field. The defense will need to shut Maiava down consistently to help their offense with better field position.
USC will likely lean on quarterback Maiava as it looks to preserve its undefeated season Saturday night against Oregon. The Trojans will also need running back Miller’s rushing attack to create manageable situations for Maiava and open opportunities in the passing game near the end zone. Defensively, USC faces a difficult challenge against an Oregon offense led by quarterback Moore and wide receiver Stewart.
In what could be a back and forth game in Los Angeles on Saturday night, Oregon will prove that they are a College Football Playoff contender again by going on the road and defeating USC. The Ducks will end the Trojans undefeated season as they return home to face another old Pac-12 foe, UCLA, next Saturday.
No. 24 Texas A&M (2-1) at No. 10 LSU (2-1) 6:30 p.m., ABC Two teams that were on the losing end of their games last Saturday, Texas A&M and LSU, meet for an annual battle on Saturday night. The Aggies and Tigers want to get back on the winning side with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Texas A&M struggled to a 31-21 loss against Kentucky on Sept. 19. The Aggies will look to get back in the win column with a second consecutive victory against LSU. Quarterback Marcel Reed completed 26 of 49 passes for 236 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Reed also rushed 10 times for 80 yards against the Wildcats.
Tailback Reuben Owens carried the football 18 times for 74 yards in last week’s loss. Leading receiver Mario Craver caught 11 passes for 119 yards against the Wildcats.
Linebacker Noah Mikhail and defensive end TJ Searcy are two playmakers that the LSU offense will have to watch out for on Saturday night. Mikhail and Searcy have combined for 32 tackles so far this season..
LSU fell to Ole Miss in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford by a score of 32-24. The Tigers were be able to come back thanks to a Trinidad Chambliss interception but their second half effort was not enough. Sam Leavitt completed 16 of 27 passes for 158 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception in the loss.
Without tight end TreyDez Green on the field due to an injury, who leads LSU with 222 yards and 1 touchdown receiving, Leavitt will need to rely on Winston Watkins Jr. and Eugene Wilson III down the field. Running back Dilin Jones carried the football 23 times for 106 yards and a touchdown against Ole Miss.
Linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive end Princely Unmanmielen lead the Tiger defense. Weeks has recorded 20 tackles while Unmanmielen has totaled 15 tackles and 6 sacks through the first three games of the season.
Texas A&M can go on the road and defeat LSU if Reed does not turn the ball over and he can get more than just Craver involved down the field in the receiving game. The Aggie defense should not have a huge problem stopping Leavitt and the LSU offense without Green to catch passes and a ground game that has been up and down.
The Tigers will hope Jones can carry the football well against the Texas A&M defensive front to set up opportunities for Leavitt to throw the ball to receivers. Weeks and Unmanmielen will be vital in shutting down the Aggie offense.
In what could be an ugly offensive matchup, the LSU defense will score at least once in a victory against rival Texas A&M. Kiffin and the Tigers will protect home field against the Aggies after a disappointing loss a week ago against Ole Miss.
No. 19 Missouri (3-0) at No. 24 Mississippi State (3-0) 6:45 p.m., SEC Network Two SEC surprises this season, Missouri and Mississippi State will meet as ranked opponents on Saturday night. The Tigers and Bulldogs square off with Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline reporter) on the call at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Mississippi.
Missouri struggled to defeat Troy 27-17 last Saturday. The Tigers’ signal-caller Austin Simmons completed only 11 of 20 passes for 108 yards and 1 touchdown. Tailback Jamal Roberts was tremendous against the Trojans, carrying the football 22 times for 128 yards and 1 touchdown. Wide receiver Donovan Olugbode only caught three passes for 31 yards for 1 touchdown in Saturday’s win.
On defense, Missouri is headed by linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez and edge Daeden Hopkins on defense. Rodriguez has recorded 26 tackles and 1 sack while Hopkins has totaled 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 fumbles through three games this season.
Mississippi State earned their first SEC win that was not against Arkansas since 2022 when they defeated South Carolina 41-34. Quarterback Kamario Taylor continues to shine this season, especially after completing 18 of 26 passes for 251 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception while rushing for eight times for 33 yards against the Gamecocks.
Running back Fluff Bothwell leads the ground attack for the Bulldogs. Bothwell carried the football 21 times for 115 yards last Saturday. Wide receiver Anthony Evans III caught six passes for 55 yards and 1 touchdown against the Gamecocks.
On defense, Mississippi State has gotten better from last season but they do not want to give up 34 points like they did last weekend if they want to defeat Missouri. The Bulldogs’ unit is led by linebacker Jalen Smith (20 tackles and 1 interception) and edge Amare Williams (12 tackles and 1.5 sacks) who have both starred through three games this season.
Playing in front of a crazed crowd in Starkville, the Missouri offense needs to establish the running game with Roberts to give them opportunities for second and third and shorts for less obvious passing downs. Simmons will need to take care of the football against the Mississippi State defense so that the field position is not flipped as they play on the road.
Mississippi State will rely on their home crowd advantage to start the game well and win their second consecutive conference game. The Bulldogs’ fate is on Kamario Taylor’s passing attack and a defense that can get off the field effectively against Chip Lindsey’s offense.
In a game either team could win, Missouri should have the overall coaching advantage with Eli Drinkwitz in charge. His road experience can help the Tigers defeat Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State team. However, Drinkwitz has not found success on the road against AP Top 25-ranked teams. So, the Bulldogs will edge Missouri in a wild, high-scoring game in “Starkvegas.”
Projected Score: Mississippi State 34, Missouri 31
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas will finish up non-conference play against Tulsa at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Golden Hurricane is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, September 26 on ESPN+ and SEC Network+ with Richard Cross (play-by-play) and Charlie Strong (analyst) on the call. Next up Arkansas heads to College Station to resume SEC play against Texas A&M on October 3.
Tune In: Saturday night’s matchup between Arkansas and Tulsa will stream on ESPN+ and SEC Network+ with (play-by-play), (analyst) and (sideline reporter) on the call. The game can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Chuck Barrett (play-by-play), Quinn Grovey (analyst) and Geno Bell (sideline reporter) on the call from inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Notes: Ryan Silverfield faces his first American Conference opponent since leaving Memphis, Tulsa on Saturday. Silverfield went 2-1 against the Golden Hurricane during his tenure for the Tigers from 2020-25. The last time Memphis faced Tulsa, and the Tigers dominated 45-7 on Oct. 4, 2025.
QBKJ Jackson has started all three games for Arkansas behind center since winning the starting quarterback job in fall camp. The Montgomery, Ala. native has completed 58 of 96 passes (60.4%) for 618 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Jackson could split time with backup quarterback AJ Hill against Tulsa as the two did so 45-17 loss to No. 2 Georgia on Sept. 19.
RBSutton Smith has carried the football 28 times for 66 yards and a touchdown while adding six receptions for 49 yards through the first three games of the 2026 season. The Marietta, Ga. native will look to lead an inspired rushing attack with Braylen Russell, Cam and Jasper Parker that has not yet established itself this season against the Golden Hurricane.
WRChris Marshall has impressed as the top wide receiver for the Razorbacks through three games the 2026 season. Marshall turned in his first 100-yard receiving game as a Razorback against the No. 2 Bulldogs. Marshall caught seven passes for 136 yards in their SEC opener against Georgia. The Missouri City, Texas native will continue to be the trustworthy threat for Jackson and Hill down the field for the Razorbacks throughout the 2026 season.
DB Khmori House has been the leader of the Arkansas defense, with 17 tackles so far this season. House leads the Razorbacks in tackles for loss (3.5) and sacks (2.0) The Pasadena, Calif. native has recorded a tackle for loss in each of the first three games this year.
Tre Lamb has his Tulsa team at 3-0 entering their trip to Fayetteville to play Arkansas on Saturday. Lamb has an overall head coaching record of 34-33 in seven seasons and a 7-8 record at Tulsa in his second season in the post. Lamb’s Golden Hurricane team upset Oklahoma State 24-10 on Sept. 5 who defeated then-No. 6 ranked Oregon on Sept. 12. His team shut out East Texas A&M 42-0 on Sept. 19.
QB Dexter Williams II is expected to step in for injured starter Baylor Hayes on Saturday against Arkansas. Williams has seen action in two games so far during the 2026 season, first in Tulsa’s 23-17 win against Sam Houston State on Sept. 12 and then in their 42-0 shutout of East Texas A&M. The Macon, Ga. native has completed 14 of 27 (51.8%) for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns.
RBDamari Alston has carried the ball 36 times for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns through three games this season. The fifth-year tailback’s best output this season was in the Golden Hurricane’s upset of Oklahoma State on Sept. 5, where he rushed 15 times for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Atlanta, Ga. native will look to keep things going against the Razorbacks.
WROran Singleton Jr. has caught nine passes for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns for Tulsa across their first three games this season. Like Alston, Singleton Jr.’s best showing so far this season was against the Cowboys on Sept. 5, where he caught four passes for 99 yards and 1 touchdown in the victory. The Clewiston, Fla. native is one of only three Golden Hurricane receivers with a touchdown catch this season (Donnell Gee Jr. and Jackson Schockley).
LB Chris Thompson Jr. leads the Tulsa defense with 26 tackles, 3 passes defended and 1 fumble recovery through three contests this season. Thompson Jr. recorded 10 tackles against Oklahoma State on Sept. 5, 8 tackles against Sam Houston State on Sept. 12 and 8 again against East Texas A&M Sept. 19. The Duncanville, Texas native has six more tackles than any other Golden Hurricane defenders this season.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas (1-2, 0-1 SEC) was blown out for the second consecutive weekend and Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) dominated throughout in a 45-17 drubbing.
The Razorbacks trailed by 21-3 walking into the locker room at halftime. The Bulldogs scored 24 points in the second half and the final score ended at 45-17 when the clocks hit triple zeroes.
Georgia did most of its work on offense on the ground against the Arkansas defense, rushing for 254 yards on 42 attempts. Running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowers combined for 25 carries for 114 yards and 4 touchdowns. Quarterback Gunner Stockton rushed four times for 122 yards.
Stockton also completed 10 of 13 passes for 147 yards. He exited the game after a 61-yard touchdown pass to Craig Dandridge to give the Bulldogs a 38-3 lead with 12:42 remaining.
Georgia outgained Arkansas 464-300 in total yards. The Razorbacks gained 142 of those yards in the fourth quarter. The Razorbacks’ offensive line had success protecting in the passing game but failed to generate a push in the running game, gaining only 17 yards on 20 carries.
Both KJ Jackson and AJ Hill saw time behind center for Arkansas against Georgia. Jackson started the game but Hill saw action on some drives.
Jackson completed 20 of 27 passes for 212 yards. Hill completed 8 of 14 for 76 yards.
On their opening drive, Arkansas moved the ball well before back to back incomplete passes on third and fourth down stalled the drive.
On Georgia’s first drive, it moved the ball 62 yards for a touchdown. The important play of the drive was a 33-yard pass from Stockton to tight end Lawson Luckie. Frazier scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.
Two pass interference penalties in the end zone set up Georgia well with a 2-yard touchdown for Bowens with 8:45 left before halftime. Lakhi Roland was flagged for pass interference on third-and-8 from the Arkansas 12, and Christian Harrison was called for interference on third-and-goal from the 7 when it appeared the ball was tipped.
Hill completed a 37-yard pass to wide receiver Chris Marshall to the Georgia 34-yard line on the next drive. On second-and-7 at the 31, a double pass from receiver Monte Harrison to Hill was stopped for a 5-yard loss. A play later, Hill was sacked by Justin Hill for a 7-yard loss that knocked that Razorbacks out of field goal range.
Georgia scored another touchdown on their next drive to take a 21-0 lead. Stockton’s 62-yard run on third-and-2 moved the Bulldogs all the way down to the Arkansas 11-yard line. Bowens finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown with 36 seconds to go in the first half.
Jackson led a solid drive during the final minute of the first drive to to give Arkansas its first points. First, he completed a 22-yard pass to Donovan Faupel before back-to-back passes to Marshall of 14 and 17 yards to Marshall, and finally 8 yards to Antonio Jordan.
At the Georgia 14-yard line, Jackson’s intentional grounding penalty forced Arkansas to take a field goal attempt. Razorback placekicker Max Gilbert’s 41-yard kick was good just before time expired in the first half.
On Georgia’s first drive of the second half, the Arkansas defense forced Georgia to settle for a field goal. Bulldog placekicker Peyton Woodring knocked it in from 38 yards out after Razorback defensive lineman David Oke sacked Stockton on third down.
Jackson was strip-sacked by Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson on Arkansas’ next drive. Jordan Hall recovered the football at Stockton converted a fourth-and-2 from the 24 and third-and-4 from the 7 with passes to Sacovie White-Helton. Bowens finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 38-3 lead with 3:35 left in the third quarter.
For the second consecutive week, Arkansas did not score a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Jackson completed a 25-yard pass to Jamari Hawkins on third-and-15 and Sutton Smith scored on a 5-yard run one play later to make the score 38-10 with 8:30 to play in the game.
Jackson led another touchdown drive in the closing minutes against Georgia. He completed a 2-yard pass to tight end Ty Lockwood to set the final score, 45-17.
Marshall finished with seven catches for 104 yards.
Bulldogs’ backup quarterback Ryan Puglisi led an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive after replacing Stockton. Puglisi completed two passes during the drive to Luckie, one for 24 yards to convert a third-and-7 and one for a 2-yard touchdown on the next play.
Dandridge led Georgia in receiving with 74 yards. Luckie added 59 yards on his own.
Notes Georgia moved to 7-0 against Arkansas in the Natural State. The Bulldogs are the only team in the SEC that has not faced defeat in either Fayetteville or Little Rock.
Arkansas is 0-6 against the Bulldogs in Fayetteville and 0-1 in Little Rock. Georgia defeated the Razorbacks 27-3 in 1992, 38-7 in 2000, 20-14 in 2004, 52-41 in 2009 and 37-10 in 2020 inside Razorback Stadium.
The Bulldogs defeated Arkansas 45-32 in their only appearance at War Memorial Stadium in 2014.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is 7-0 against Arkansas. Smart is 6-0 in Fayetteville and 1-0 in Little Rock. He is 2-0 in the state as a head coach, was 4-0 as the defensive coordinator at Alabama and was 1-0 as an assistant at LSU.
Next Up Arkansas is set to host Tulsa on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Golden Hurricane (3-0) received 18 votes this week’s AP Top 25 poll. They defeated Oklahoma State 24-10 on Sept. 5, one week before the Cowboys upset then-No. 6 Oregon by a score of 39-31 to snap a 21-game FBS losing streak. Tulsa shutout East Texas A&M 42-0 in week 3 to set up their matchup with the Razorbacks.
Week 2 delivered the kind of chaos and statement wins that make the college football season so compelling. Several ranked teams faced early tests, rivalry games produced memorable moments and a handful of programs reshaped expectations heading into conference play.
No. 23 Missouri opened the weekend by renewing its rivalry with Kansas in Lawrence. The Tigers and Jayhawks traded blows through three quarters before Missouri pulled away for a 38-21 victory behind quarterback Austin Simmons, who completed 19-of-29 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns.
Saturday brought more ranked matchups and surprising results. Michigan bounced back from its Week 1 loss to Western Michigan with a 17-10 win over No. 11 Oklahoma at the Big House. Quarterback Bryce Underwood helped power the Wolverines’ offense, rushing 18 times for 87 yards and a touchdown as Michigan’s defense held the Sooners in check.
Oklahoma State produced one of the weekend’s biggest upsets, knocking off No. 6 Oregon 39-31. After falling to Tulsa in its opener, the Cowboys responded behind quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns while adding 109 rushing yards and another score. The win gave Oklahoma State its 31st consecutive home-opening victory and its first win over Oregon in 11 meetings.
No. 10 Texas A&M also made a statement in a 48-20 win over Arizona State. The Sun Devils found early success with new starting quarterback Cutter Boley, but the Aggies took control after halftime. Texas A&M’s defense limited Arizona State to 10 second-half points and scored twice on a pick-six and a fumble return.
Elsewhere, No. 12 Alabama erased a 17-13 halftime deficit to defeat Kentucky, Mississippi State dominated Minnesota 38-13 and Boise State earned a 38-20 victory over Memphis in a matchup between two of the nation’s top Group of Six programs.
The biggest result of the weekend came in primetime, when No. 4 Texas stormed back from a 20-3 deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in the final seconds. The Longhorns moved to No. 1 in the AP poll following the win, while the Buckeyes dropped to No. 6. Iowa also continued its recent success in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, edging Iowa State 16-13 behind another strong defensive performance. The Hawkeyes have looked like one of the nation’s better defensive teams, though offensive improvement will be necessary if they hope to contend in the Big Ten.
Week 3 brings another slate packed with conference implications, renewed rivalries and matchups that could shape the College Football Playoff conversation before September ends.
The action begins Friday night in the Big 12, where No. 22 Houston hosts No. 13 Texas Tech in a Lone Star State showdown. Both teams entered the season with aspirations of competing near the top of the conference, and an early victory could provide valuable momentum in the race for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington.
Saturday afternoon features several consequential matchups. No. 16 SMU travels to No. 23 Louisville in a game between two ACC contenders hoping to keep pace with No. 5 Miami. Florida State also faces a pivotal opportunity against No. 10 Alabama. Mike Norvell and the Seminoles will try to build on last season’s upset of the Crimson Tide and create needed momentum for a program still searching for consistency.
In the SEC, Mississippi State faces South Carolina in a matchup featuring two of the conference’s most exciting quarterbacks. Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor has impressed through the first two weeks, but he will face a major test against Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a South Carolina team looking to establish itself in the conference race.
Saturday night brings a matchup between former SEC rivals as Auburn hosts Florida for the first time since 2019. The game also marks the first conference meeting for new head coaches Alex Golesh and John Sumrall, who previously faced one another in the American Athletic Conference while leading South Florida and Tulane, respectively.
West Virginia will then travel to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Classic against No. 25 Virginia. Rich Rodriguez’s Mountaineers and the Cavaliers both have an opportunity to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff conversation before entering the heart of their conference schedules.
The weekend’s marquee matchup comes from Oxford, Mississippi, where No. 7 LSU visits No. 8 Ole Miss in the Magnolia Bowl. Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss as LSU’s head coach, creating one of the most intriguing storylines of the early season as he faces former players, assistants and a program he once led. With both teams carrying playoff aspirations, the winner will leave September with a major résumé-building victory and a significant boost in confidence.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Texas 2-0 (0-0) SEC This Week: UTSA (2-0) (Saturday, 7 p.m., SECN+) No. 2 Georgia 2-0 (0-0) SEC This Week: at Arkansas (1-1) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ABC) No. 3 Notre Dame 2-0 Independents This Week: Michigan State (2-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., NBC) No. 4 Indiana 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten This Week: Western Kentucky (0-2) (Saturday, 3 p.m., Peacock) No. 5 Miami 2-0 (1-0) ACC This Week: at Wake Forest (2-0) (Friday, 6:30 p.m., ESPN)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
No. 22 Houston (2-0) at No. 13 Texas Tech (2-0) 7 p.m., FOX An all-Lone Star state showdown between Houston and Texas Tech will be the headliner on Friday night to begin week 3 of the college football season. The Cougars and Red Raiders will face off with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline reporter) on the call.
Houston’s Connor Weigman has completed 29-of-42 passes for 425 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception and his top receiver Amare Thomas has caught 11 passes for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. Weigman’s tailback Makhi Hughes has totaled 25 carries for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns after rejoining his head coach Willie Fritz. Texas Tech linebackers Ben Roberts, who has recorded 15 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble, and Austin Romaine, who has totaled 12 tackles, will be the key cogs against the Cougar offense.
After Will Hammond finally claimed his starting quarterback position, he has completed 46-of-60 passes for 487 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. His running back is J’Koby Williams and he has recorded 33 carries for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns. His top receiver, Kenny Johnson, has caught nine passes for 117 yards. Cougar defensive backs Jalen Mayo and Kentrell Webb have combined for 20 tackles and 2 passes defended to lead their defense.
The winner of this game will gain a huge first win in Big 12 play, so Weigman and the Houston offense will have to play through the loud noise in Lubbock that they will experience on Friday night. He will need to get the ball out to wide receivers Thomas, Koby Young and tight end Patrick Overmeyer while relying on Hughes in the backfield.
The Texas Tech defense will rely on their linebackers Roberts and Romaine to get to Weigman and cause him to make bad decisions while hoping their secondary can make a play on the ball. Safety Malik Esquerra is totally capable of locking down Cougar receivers after recording 12 tackles and 1 pass defended through the first two games this season.
The success of the Red Raider offense depends on the consistency of Hammond. Hammond has proven himself to be a capable quarterback but in their conference opener against a team like Houston, he must rely on Johnson and Coy Eakin catching passes down the field and Williams in the backfield.
The Cougar defense, led by Mayo and Webb, will hope their defensive line, that includes Ashton Porter and De’Marion Thomas, can get to Hammond so they can pounce on interceptions. Then, they can set their offense up with better field position or with points of their own.
At home, Texas Tech should defeat Houston but their lead won’t be in hand until the fourth quarter. The Cougars will compete well with the Red Raiders but the depth of Joey McGuire’s squad and the home environment will be enough for the victory.
No. 16 SMU (2-0) at No. 23 Louisville (1-1) 2:30 p.m., ESPN2 SMU and Louisville will meet in a highly-contested ACC battle on Saturday afternoon in the bluegrass state. The Mustangs and Cardinals will square off with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst) and Sherree Burruss (sideline reporter) on the call.
SMU is led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has completed 40-of-52 passes for 767 yards, 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has also rushed eight times for 38 yards through two games this season. Jennings has three receivers that have recorded over 100 yards: Yannick Smith (2 touchdowns), Jalen Hale and Jalen Cooper (1 touchdown). The rushing game has been a bit of a struggle for the Mustangs with Kendrick Raphael and Dramecko Green’s combined 32 carries have only resulted in 140 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Louisville secondary, led by Koen Entringer, Kaleb Beasley, and DJ Waller Jr., have combined for 32 tackles and 3 passes defended through games against Ole Miss and Villanova. The Cardinals defensive backs will look to cause Jennings to make mistakes, similar to how Florida State’s defense caused him to throw two interceptions two weeks ago in Tallahassee.
Since a disappointing first half against the Rebels, Louisville signal-caller Lincoln Kienholz has impressed, completing 34-of-50 passes for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing 20 times for 111 yards for 3 touchdowns to lead his team on the ground.
Receivers Tre Richardson, Lawayne McCoy and tight end Jaleel Skinner have been strong targets for Kienholz, each with over 100 yards and combining for 4 touchdowns. Isaac Brown will look to get more efficient against the Mustangs, after he only has 97 yards on 29 carries.
Safeties Jimmy Wyrick and Tyren Polley have been the standouts for the SMU defense this season, combining for 21 tackles. Wyrick and Polley will be important in shutting down Kienholz’s passing attack so he is not able to get out of the pocket and do what he does best, scramble down the field.
For SMU to win this game, Jennings must make good decisions when he is throwing the ball to Smith, Hale and Cooper, especially on the road. When Jennings hands the ball to Raphael and Green, they must get down the field to set up their quarterback against the strong Louisville secondary, led by Entringer, Beasley, and Waller Jr.
Louisville will continue to rely on Kienholz’s all-around attack if they want to defeat the Mustangs. The Cardinals have a strong passing attack with Richardson, McCoy and Skinner and Brown beside him at tailback and are capable of protecting their home field against the Mustangs’ defense.
In what will be a back and forth game throughout, Louisville will protect their home field against SMU. The Cardinals will use a game-winning field goal to defeat the Mustangs from placekicker Carson Hilbert.
Florida State (1-1) at No. 10 Alabama (2-0) 2:30 p.m., ABC Florida State will attempt to make it back-to-back victories against Alabama when they meet up on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Seminoles and the Crimson Tide will battle with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call.
Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels has completed 29-of-50 passes for 327 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception so far this season. Daniels has rushed 24 times for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tailback Ousmane Kromah has starred for the Seminoles through two games, rushing 36 times for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns. Daniels’ top receiving threat is Samuel Singleton Jr., who has caught six passes for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Alabama defense has allowed only 27 points through two games, one against East Carolina and the SEC opener against Kentucky. Linebackers Caleb Woodson, who has recorded 13 tackles and 2 sacks, and Luke Metz, who has totaled 10 tackles and 1 interception. If Kane Wommack’s defense can rely on their linebackers to keep Kromah from having success on the ground and limit Daniels’ passing game, they could have it easy on Saturday afternoon.
The Crimson Tide offense exploded for 32 points in the second half in their victory over the Wildcats to begin SEC play. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 16-of-23 passes for 188 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions and rushed three times for 17 yards. Tailback Daniel Hill rushed 18 times for 104 yards and a touchdown while top receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams caught four passes for 43 yards against Kentucky on Saturday.
Linebacker Chris Jones and defensive back Ashlynd Barker lead the Seminoles defense with 15 tackles each. Jones will attempt to shut the gaps for Hill to run through and Barker will head the secondary against Russell’s passing attack.
For Florida State to defeat Alabama again this season, they have to be successful on early downs. The Seminoles must have Daniels rely on Kromah’s rushing attack to set up the passing attack against a talented Crimson Tide defense, led by Woodson and Metz.
If Alabama wants to move to 3-0, the offense must be focused on starting the game well after scoring only 13 points through the first 30 minutes last season. The Crimson Tide want Russell to get the ball to Coleman-Williams as much as possible so they can get past what has been an up and down Florida State defense this season.
Alabama will dominate Florida State on Saturday. If that happens, the Seminoles could potentially fire head coach Mike Norvell and hire an interim coach. The Crimson Tide will prevent FSU from moving the ball down the field and they will have their best offensive performance of the season.
Projected Score: Alabama 49, Florida State 20
Image – Southeastern Conference
Mississippi State (2-0) at South Carolina (2-0) 3:15 p.m., SEC Network Mississippi State faces South Carolina in a battle to begin SEC play. The Bulldogs and Gamecocks face off on Saturday afternoon with Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline reporter) on the call.
Kamario Taylor has starred as one of the best quarterbacks in the country through two games for Mississippi State. Taylor has completed 38-of-56 passes for 581 yards, 7 touchdowns and he has rushed 19 times for 145 yards and 1 touchdown.
The tailback duo of Fluff Bothwell, who has recorded 27 carries for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns, and JJ Hill, who has totaled seven carries for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. Taylor has three receivers he relies on: Anthony Evans III, Marquis Johnson and Zion Ragins. Evans III, Johnson and Ragins have combined for 5 touchdowns through two games.
South Carolina linebacker Andrew Harris has been impressive so far through two games, a 57-0 shutout of Kent State and a 45-9 victory against Towson. Harris has recorded 22 tackles and 1 sack. In front of Harris, defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye has impressed with 7 tackles and 1 sack.
The Gamecock offense has enjoyed success to start the season, scoring a combined 102 points against the Golden Flashes and the Tigers. LaNorris Sellers has led his team behind center and in his third season as the starter, he has completed 29-of-46 passes for 366 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Sellers has carried the ball nine times for 120 yards and 1 touchdown as well.
Sellers’ weapons include running backs Matt Fuller, who has 21 carries for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Jabree Coleman, who has 10 carries for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns. In addition, wide receivers Nyck Harbor, Donovan Murph and DJ Back are Sellers’ favorite players to throw the football to.
Bulldog linebackers Jalen Smith, who has 12 tackles and 1 pass defended, and Ty Lockhart, who has 11 tackles and 1 sack so far this season, will be important in shutting down the Sellers-led offense. Smith and Lockhart will lead a defense that also includes safeties Marcus Williams and Isaac Smith, who have combined for 21 tackles.
Mississippi State can travel to Columbia and win this game if Taylor continues his success at the quarterback position, getting the football to Evans, Johnson and Ragin down the field and relying on Bothwell and Hill in the backfield. The Gamecocks’ defense will have a tough job dealing with Taylor’s dual-threat abilities.
Kendal Briles’ offense has succeeded so far but it will meet its first test when it faces Zach Arnett’s defense and faces its first test. Briles’ quarterback, Sellers, will have to stay poised against a much-improved Bulldog defense, and get the football to his playmakers in space.
Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks have the home field advantage and if he wants to remain in his post beyond this season, he needs his team to defeat Mississippi State to start conference play on a high note with a trip to No. 10 Alabama coming up next on their schedule. But the Bulldogs have proven everyone wrong this season, behind head coach Jeff Lebby. Lebby and MSU will go into Williams-Brice Stadium and get their first SEC win of the season.
Projected Score: Mississippi State 38, South Carolina 31
Florida (2-0) at Auburn (2-0) 6 p.m., ESPN Florida and Auburn renew an old rivalry to begin their conference slate in front of a raucous Jordan-Hare crowd. The Gators and Tigers, led by two former American Conference head coaches familiar with each other, John Sumrall and Alex Golesh, square off on Saturday night with Tom Hart (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst) and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) on the call.
Since transferring from Georgia Tech, Florida quarterback Aaron Philo has succeeded under offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, that came with him to Gainesville. Philo has completed 32-of-42 passes for 517 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception while recording nine carries for 33 yards and 2 touchdowns through two games this season.
Philo’s running back is the talented Jadan Baugh, who has emerged as one of the top running backs in the SEC, totaling 28 carries for 296 yards and 5 touchdowns. An impressive group of receivers line up on the perimeter for Florida, with Vernell Brown, Dallas Wilson and TJ Abrams combining for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns in wins against Florida Atlantic and Campbell.
Auburn safety Kaleb Harris has led his defense with 23 tackles, 3 passes defended and one fumble recovery through two games, a 17-16 win against Baylor and a 43-8 win against Southern Miss. Linebacker Elijah Melendez has impressed as well with 18 tackles, 3 passes defended and 1 sack. Harris will lead the secondary against Philo’s passing attack while Melendez will check on Baugh and the Gators’ ground attack.
After a lot of pre-season hype, Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown has not lived up to the success through two games as Golesh’s quarterback after following him from South Florida. Brown has completed 44-of-64 passes for 485 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions while rushing 34 times for 115 yards and 1 touchdown.
The running back duo of Jeremiah Cobb, who has recorded 24 times for 138 yards and 1 touchdown, and Omar Mabson II, who has 20 carries for 127 yards and 1 touchdown has been impressive so far this season. Brown’s receivers, Keshaun Singleton (131 yards), Jeremiah Koger (123) and Chas Nimrod (93) have been able to get open to catch passes but none of them have reached the end zone.
Linebacker Myles Graham (16 tackles) and defensive lineman Jeremiah McCloud (12 tackles) top the Florida defense as their playmakers. Graham and McCloud’s work also resulted in a combined 1 sack between them. They will be in charge of shutting down in Golesh’s impressive offense.
For Florida to go on the road and begin SEC play with a victory, Philo will have to continue his consistent play and avoid turning the football over to Auburn. Philo will have to watch out for Harris in the Tiger defensive backfield and Melendez from getting into the backfield and sacking him.
Auburn can protect their home field if Brown can get the football to his receivers early and often against the Florida defense and avoid turning the football over. Cobb will need to step up alongside Brown and create easier third downs with the work he does rushing the football.
Saturday night’s battle between Florida and Auburn is a make-or-break game for both teams. The Gators want to continue their success ahead of their battle in Gainesville against Ole Miss while the Tigers also want to stay undefeated before they host Clark Lea’s new-look Vanderbilt roster. In what will be a close game throughout, Sumrall’s team will get it done.
West Virginia (2-0) vs. No. 25 Virginia (2-0) (Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic) 6:30 p.m., ACC Network West Virginia meets Virginia in a huge battle between Big 12-ACC battle in Charlotte at the Duke’s Mayo Classic. The Mountaineers will challenge the Cavaliers on Saturday night with Wes Durham (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Madison Fitzpatrick (sideline reporter) on the call.
Former Mississippi State and LSU quarterback Michael Hawkins has completed 16-of-21 passes for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns and has rushed 26 times for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns through two games this season for West Virginia. Hawkin’s top receiving target is DJ Epps, who has caught five passes for 148 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Cam Cook has recorded 40 carries for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season as well.
Virginia linebackers Myles Brown and Maddox Marcellus have combined for 22 tackles to lead their defense alongside cornerback Jacobie Henderson, who has totaled 13 tackles, 3 passes defended and 1 forced fumble. Brown and Marcellus will look to shut down Cook’s and Hawkins’ and prevent them from opening up the pass.
Cavalier quarterback Beau Pribula has been fantastic in two games since coming over from Missouri in games against NC State and Norfolk State. Pribula has completed 21-of-25 passes for 317 yards for 5 touchdowns and 1 interception and has rushed 17 times for 102 yards. Xay Davis and Noah Vaughn form a solid duo alongside Pribula, combining for 222 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Da’Shawn Martin has caught 2 catches for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Mountaineers’ defense is anchored by cornerback Geimere Latimer II and safety Kamari Wilson in the secondary, along with linebacker Isaiah Patterson in the front seven. Patterson leads the team with 14 tackles through two games and has added a sack. Latimer has contributed 10 tackles, while Wilson has recorded 10 tackles and two interceptions.
Consistency will be important for Hawkins and the West Virginia offense. For the Mountaineers to defeat a Virginia defense that has only given up 11 points so far this season. The WVU defense will need to key in on the Cavaliers’ run game, with that being their strength.
As mentioned above, Virginia will need to continue relying on rushing the football with Pribula, Davis and Vaughn to get in the end zone and set up their passing game. The Cavalier defense will want to shut down Hawkins’ dual-threat abilities.
If this game was in Charlottesville, Virginia would handle West Virginia pretty easily. Since it is a neutral site game in Charlotte, the Mountaineers will keep it close for a half or three quarters before the Cavaliers break away in the fourth quarter.
No. 7 LSU (2-0) at No. 8 Ole Miss (2-0) 6:30 p.m., ABC LSU and Ole Miss meet in what could be college football’s most exciting game with Lane Kiffin returning to Oxford to face his old team. With ESPN’s College GameDay coming to town, the Tigers and Rebels renew their Magnolia Bowl rivalry with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has completed 41-of-57 passes for 574 yards for 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Leavitt has also rushed 23 times for 135 yards and 5 touchdown. Leavitt was listed as questionable on Thursday’s SEC availability report but Kiffin’s former assistant Pete Golden is not buying it.
Four targets have emerged for Leavitt including tight end Trey’Dez Green, who has caught 10 passes for 162 yards and 1 touchdown, wide receivers Winston Watkins, who has caught 12 passes for 153 yards and 5 touchdowns, Eugene Wilson III, who has caught 10 passes for 128 yards, and Jackson Harris, who has caught 4 passes for 112 yards. Tailback Dillon Jones has recorded 41 carries for 179 yards and 2 touchdown.
The linebacker trio of Luke Ferrell, Tah’j Butler and Keaton Thomas have combined for 36 tackles. Golding knows his former boss and former coworker, LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss well and he will use Ferrell, Butler and Thomas to keep the LSU offense from having success.
Kiffin’s former quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has completed 44-of-62 passes for 561 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. Kewan Lacy stands next to Chambliss as the running back, after recording 30 carries for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns. Deuce Alexander and Horatio Fields have emerged as Chambliss’ top receivers with Alexander recording 13 catches for 25 yards and 2 touchdowns and Fields recording nine catches for 113 yards and 1 touchdown.
LSU’s defense is led by linebackers T.J. Dottery and Whit Weeks, who have combined for 26 tackles through the first two games of the season. Former Ole Miss defensive end Princely Umanmielen has added another disruptive presence up front, recording 11 tackles and five sacks while helping support the Tigers’ linebacker corps.
The Tigers opened the season with a dominant 51-10 victory over Clemson before facing a tougher challenge in a 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech. LSU will need a sharper start in Oxford, where quarterback Sam Leavitt must continue to lead an efficient offense and Weeks will be tasked with setting the tone defensively against Lane Kiffin’s high-powered attack.
For Ole Miss, an early offensive surge will be critical. The Rebels cannot afford to repeatedly put their defense in difficult situations against an LSU offense directed by Kiffin and offensive coordinator Joe Weiss. Quarterback Austin Chambliss and receiver De’Zhaun Lacy will also have an added incentive as they face their former coach, but they will need standout performances to give Ole Miss a chance at the upset.
This matchup has the ingredients for a four-quarter battle in front of an electric crowd in Oxford. LSU has enough experience and defensive playmakers to leave with a road victory, but the renewed rivalry between Kiffin and Golding should make this only the first of several memorable meetings between the Tigers and Rebels.
In addition to five previously announced nationally televised games, the Razorbacks’ early slate includes two home exhibition games, eight games at Bud Walton Arena and the program’s annual trip to North Little Rock.
Fans will get their first look at the Razorbacks on Oct. 2, when the second annual Primetime at the Palace returns to Bud Walton Arena.
Arkansas will host Gonzaga on Oct. 24 and Memphis on Oct. 28 in home exhibition contests to open the season. The 104th season of Razorback basketball begins Nov. 2 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, marking the program’s first meeting with the Golden Lions.
Arkansas will travel to Washington, D.C., to face Virginia in the Capital Showcase on Nov. 8 before returning home to play Robert Morris on Nov. 10. The homestand continues against Central Arkansas on Nov. 13 before John Calipari’s team returns to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2024 to face Indiana on Nov. 17.
The Razorbacks will host Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 20 before returning to Michigan for a second consecutive season to face Michigan State on Nov. 26. Arkansas will play the Spartans on Thanksgiving Day, marking their third game in as many years on the day.
The Hogs open December in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, against North Carolina on Dec. 1 in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Arkansas then makes its annual trip to North Little Rock to face Oral Roberts on Dec. 5 before returning to Fayetteville for consecutive games.
Arkansas will host Oakland on Dec. 8 and UT Arlington on Dec. 13 before traveling to Phoenix for another neutral-site game against Arizona in the Hall of Fame Series on Dec. 19.
The Razorbacks will conclude nonconference play with home games against Central Michigan on Dec. 22 and Texas Rio Grande Valley on Dec. 29.
Arkansas opens SEC play Jan. 2 against Missouri.
2026-2027 Schedule (As of September 17, 2026) Oct. 24 Gonzaga (Exhibition) Oct. 28 Memphis (Exhibition) Nov. 2 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Nov. 8 Virginia (Washington DC; Capital Showcase) Nov. 10 Robert Morris Nov. 13 Central Arkansas Nov. 17 Indiana (New York City; Bad Boy Mowers Series – New York) Nov. 20 Mississippi Valley State Nov. 26 Michigan State (Detroit; CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic) Dec. 1 at North Carolina (ACC/SEC Challenge) Dec. 5 Oral Roberts (North Little Rock) Dec. 8 Oakland Dec. 13 UT Arlington Dec. 19 Arizona (Phoenix; Hall of Fame Series) Dec. 22 Central Michigan Dec. 29 Texas-Rio Grande Valley Jan. 2 Missouri Jan. 5/6 at South Carolina Jan. 9 Alabama Jan. 12/13 at Texas A&M Jan. 16 at Tennessee Jan. 19/20 Georgia Jan. 23 at Texas Jan. 26/27 LSU Jan. 30 Mississippi State Feb. 2/3 BYE Feb. 6 at Vanderbilt Feb. 9/10 Ole Miss Feb. 13 at Alabama Feb. 16/17 Auburn Feb. 20 at Kentucky Feb. 23 at Missouri Feb. 27 Florida March 2/3 at LSU March 6 Oklahoma March 10-14 SEC Tournament (Nashville)
