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)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas returns home to face No. 2 Georgia to open SEC play at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Bulldogs is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, September 19 on ABC with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) on the call. Next up Arkansas hosts Tulsa as the two opponents renew a long series in Fayetteville on September 26.
Tune In: Saturday afternoon’s matchup between Arkansas and Georgia will stream on ABC with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) on the broadcast. 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 will make his SEC head coaching debut in Saturday’s conference opener against Georgia. The Razorbacks are 13-21 in SEC openers since joining the league in 1992 and 59-49-3 in conference openers since joining the Southwest Conference in 1915.
QB KJ Jackson struggled against Utah in Arkansas’ 43-3 loss Sept. 12. The Montgomery, Ala., native has completed 38 of 69 passes, or 55.1%, for 406 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions through two games this season.
RBSutton Smith has carried the ball 22 times for 49 yards and caught five passes for 41 yards through two games. The Marietta, Ga., native will face his home-state Bulldogs on Saturday.
WRChris Marshall leads Arkansas in receiving through two games. Marshall caught seven passes for 79 yards in the Razorbacks’ season-opening win over North Alabama before adding five receptions for 63 yards against Utah. The Missouri City, Texas, native will need to make plays against Georgia for Arkansas to stay competitive.
DB Khmori House has led the Arkansas defense through the first two games of the 2026 season. House leads the Razorbacks with three tackles and two sacks. The Pasadena, Calif., native recorded sacks in back-to-back games for the first time in his career against North Alabama and Utah.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs have won consecutive SEC championships but has not won a national championship game since the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams in 2024. Georgia will look to make another run at the national title this season. Smart has led the Bulldogs to a 2-0 record to begin the season, defeating Tennessee State and Western Kentucky by a combined score of 133-23.
QB Gunner Stockton leads Georgia in his second season as the starter. Stockton has completed 28 of 32 passes for 436 yards and 8 touchdowns. In Georgia’s 70-20 win over Western Kentucky, the Tiger, Ga., native completed 13 of 16 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns.
RB Nate Frazier has emerged as Georgia’s primary ball carrier. Frazier has 10 carries for 127 yards and 4 touchdowns through two games. The Compton, Calif., native rushed six times for 55 yards and one touchdown in last week’s win over Western Kentucky.
WRSacovie White-Helton has emerged as a deep threat for Stockton and the Georgia offense. He has caught four passes for 104 yards and one touchdown through two games. The Cartersville, Ga., native caught a 70-yard touchdown pass against Western Kentucky.
LBAJ Kruah has been a key contributor for the Bulldogs’ defense. Kruah has recorded seven tackles and one forced fumble through two games. The Philadelphia, Pa. native made two tackles against Western Kentucky.
SALT LAKE CITY — After scoring a field goal on its opening drive, Arkansas gave up 43 unanswered points as Utah ran away with a 43-10 victory Saturday, Sept. 12.
Arkansas quarterbacks KJ Jackson and AJ Hill combined to complete 22 of 48 passes for 244 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jackson completed 14 of 34 passes for 139 yards and an interception, while Hill completed 8 of 14 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side, Utah quarterback Devon Dampier impressed against the Razorbacks, completing 18 of 24 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed 11 times for 50 yards and two more touchdowns.
Ute tailback Wayshawn Parker carried the ball 11 times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Noah Benee caught four passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
After Max Gilbert’s 29-yard field goal gave the Razorbacks a 3-0 lead, Utah drove 75 yards in 10 plays. Parker capped the drive with a touchdown run to give the Utes a 7-3 lead with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter.
After three drives ended in punts — two by Arkansas and one by Utah — the Utes got the ball back at their own 35-yard line. After two positive plays, Dampier threw an interception to Arkansas defensive back Christian Harrison after defensive end Quincy Rhodes Jr. created pressure.
Five plays later, Jackson returned the favor. His pass was intercepted by safety Jackson Bennee, who returned it to the Arkansas 24-yard line. Dampier finished Utah’s next drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.
The Utes went for two, and wide receiver Mana Carvalho ran it in to make the score 15-3 with 9:23 remaining in the second quarter.
The Hogs’ next drive lasted 11 plays and covered 42 yards. However, Gilbert’s 51-yard field goal attempt went wide left. The Utes closed the half with back-to-back touchdown drives, sandwiching another Arkansas punt, to take a 29-3 halftime lead.
Utah opened the second half with another Dampier touchdown, as he scored on a 1-yard run to make it 36-3 with 12:03 remaining in the third quarter. After another set of back-to-back punts, Arkansas’ final drive of the period ended on downs at the Utes’ 30-yard line when Jackson failed to complete a pass to wide receiver Chris Marshall.
Utah opened the fourth quarter with another Dampier touchdown run, this time from 2 yards out.
The Razorbacks’ only touchdown drive was led by backup quarterback AJ Hill. Hill completed multiple passes to Marshall and one to tight end Ty Lockwood, while tailbacks Braylen Russell and Cam Settles contributed carries to help set up the score.
Hill finished the drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ismael Cisse, making it 43-10, where the score remained for the rest of the game. Both Utah and Arkansas turned the ball over on downs on their final possessions.
Notes Arkansas dropped to 3-15 in white helmets since they were reintroduced in 2012. The Razorbacks are also 3-10 in games in which they wore white helmets, white jerseys and white pants.
Utah will not be the last Big 12 opponent Arkansas faces in future seasons. The Razorbacks are scheduled to play a Big 12 team in seven of the next eight seasons, with Utah returning to Fayetteville in 2029.
Arkansas will play Oklahoma State and Texas Tech three times each. The Razorbacks will host the Cowboys in 2027 and 2033 and play in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 2032. They will play Texas Tech in Las Vegas in 2030, Fayetteville in 2031 and Lubbock, Texas, in 2034.
Arkansas is 13-9 against Big 12 opponents since the conference was founded in 1996.
Next Up Arkansas (1-1) will return home to Fayetteville to open SEC play against No. 2 Georgia (2-0). The Bulldogs defeated Western Kentucky 70-20 on Saturday afternoon.
A crazy week 1 began the 2026 college football season.
On Thursday in Atlanta, Georgia Tech and Colorado both blocked field goals in the fourth quarter. With seconds remaining, Buffalo defensive back Boo Carter blocked Aidan Birr’s potential game-winning field goal.
On Friday, No. 6 Miami decimated ACC foe Stanford 45-6 behind new starting quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney. Mensah completed 27 of 30 passes for 401 yards and five touchdowns. He connected with Toney 12 times for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
On Saturday, No. 1 Ohio State, No. 3 Georgia and No. 5 Texas all handled business in blowout victories. However, No. 2 Oregon’s game against Boise State went back and forth. The Ducks held off the Broncos for a seven-point victory after a tightly contested four quarters. Boise State again has cemented itself as a favorite to represent the Group of Five in the College Football Playoff.
That night, No. 11 LSU dominated Clemson in every aspect of the game, winning 51-10 to begin the Lane Kiffin era. The Tigers established themselves on the ground after struggling to do so under former head coach Brian Kelly. Blake Baker’s defense recorded four sacks and forced Clemson to go 1 for 13 on third down.
On Sunday, No. 17 Washington dispatched Washington State 24-10 in the Apple Cup. Huskies quarterback Demond Williams led his team through the air, completing 24-of-35 passes for 268 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed seven times for 61 yards and another score.
That night in Green Bay, No. 4 Notre Dame started slowly before scoring 28 second-half points against Wisconsin. The Fighting Irish blew out the Badgers 41-13, with quarterback CJ Carr serving as the focal point after completing 19 of 29 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns.
In Nashville, the offenses for No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 24 Louisville started slowly as the defenses dominated the game. Ole Miss led 10-6 at halftime. The battle between Rebel quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and Cardinal quarterback Lincoln Kienholz was exciting to watch in the second half. Chambliss completed 21 of 36 passes for 336 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Kienholz completed 18 of 29 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 14 times for 69 yards and a touchdown. At the end of the game, the Rebels got the ball last, and Chambliss drove his team down the field to set up placekicker Lucas Carneiro’s 48-yard game-winning field goal.
To end the weekend, Florida State welcomed No. 19 SMU to Tallahassee for a critical ACC showdown. The game was delayed one hour and 45 minutes due to electricity issues at the stadium. Once the game did get started, the Seminoles and Mustangs went back-and-forth, leading to another game-winning drive. SMU got the ball last and quarterback Kevin Jennings, who threw 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the game against Florida State, led his team down the field to set up placekicker Nick Reed’s 20-yard game winner.
To end the weekend, Florida State welcomed No. 19 SMU to Tallahassee for a critical ACC showdown. The game was delayed 1 hour, 45 minutes because of electrical issues at the stadium.
Once the game began, the Seminoles and Mustangs went back and forth, leading to another game-winning drive. SMU got the ball last, and quarterback Kevin Jennings, who threw three touchdowns and two interceptions against Florida State, led his team down the field to set up placekicker Nick Reed’s 20-yard game-winning field goal.
After a crazy Week 1, it is time to turn attention to Week 2.
An old Midwest rivalry starts the weekend Friday in Lawrence, Kansas, when No. 25 Missouri faces Kansas. Arizona State will travel to Kyle Field to face No. 8 Texas A&M, while No. 11 Oklahoma will make the return trip to the Big House to face Michigan to begin Saturday’s action.
Then, the first SEC matchup of the season, another Big Ten-SEC showdown and a Group of Five battle headline the afternoon and early-evening slate. No. 12 Alabama will travel to Lexington, Kentucky, to face a new-look Kentucky team. Mississippi State travels to Minneapolis to face Minnesota. Memphis then will face Boise State on the Broncos’ blue field in a battle that could determine the Group of Five’s best program early in the season.
The prime-time slate features the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series between Iowa State and No. 21 Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, and a rematch between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 4 Texas more than a year after the Buckeyes defeated the Longhorns 14-7 to begin the 2025 season.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Ohio State 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten This Week: at No. 4 Texas (1-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC) No. 2 Georgia 1-0 (0-0) SEC This Week: Western Kentucky (0-1) (Saturday, 11:45 a.m., SECN) No. 3 Notre Dame 1-0 Independents This Week: Rice (1-0) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., NBC) No. 4 Texas 1-0 (0-0) SEC This Week: No. 1 Ohio State (1-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC) No. 5 Indiana 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten This Week: Howard (1-1) (Saturday, 11 a.m., BTN)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
Friday, Sept. 11 No. 23 Missouri (1-0) at Kansas (1-0) 7 p.m., FOX Missouri makes the return trip to Lawrence to face arch rival Kansas on Friday night in the “Border War”. The Tigers will attempt to defeat the Jayhawks for the second consecutive time with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline reporter) on the call.
Missouri opened the 2026 season with a dominant 54-14 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tiger quarterback Austin Simmons completed 17-of-19 passes for 252 yards and 4 touchdowns. Simmons found Donovan Olubade consistently, as he caught eight passes for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns. Linebacker Jeremiah Beasley recorded seven tackles for Mizzou.
Kansas blasted Long Island University 51-6 on the back of new starting quarterback Isaiah Marshall, who completed 14-of-19 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns along with a tremendous defensive performance.
Next to Marshall, running back Yasin Willis carried the ball 11 times for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns and Nik McMillan caught six passes for 130 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensive end David Santiago added four tackles and forced one fumble in the win against the Sharks.
Missouri should win this game even though it is on the road. The Tigers outscored Kansas 42-31 last season and with an even better quarterback behind center in Simmons, they should score consistently on the Jayhawks.
Featured tailback Jamal Roberts, who will hold that role until the injured Ahmad Hardy returns, only reached 47 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries. So, Eliah Drinkwitz’s offense should rely more on Roberts if they want to get down the field and score more points. Santiago and his running mate LeRoy Harris III who totaled 4 tackles and 4 tackles for loss against the Sharks, will do their best to shut down Simmons and Roberts.
If Kansas can be half as successful as they were on offense last weekend against LIU, they can avenge last season’s loss to Missouri. The Jayhawks are facing a Missouri offense with more potential to score more points, so Marshall will need to get the ball to Willis and his other receivers more than he will need to hand it off to Willis to succeed offensively. Tiger safety CJ Bass III will be vital in their secondary’s gameplay against Kansas, after he recorded 4 tackles and 1 pass defended in the season-opener.
Missouri should win another game against Kansas on the back of their offense, who will get in the end zone consistently. The Jayhawks will put up a fight in the first half but the Tigers will be too much. Drinkwitz’s team will win by two touchdowns.
Saturday, Sept. 12 Arizona State (1-0) at No. 10 Texas A&M (1-0) 11 a.m., ABC Arizona State will make the short trip to College Station, where they will face Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon. The Sun Devils will square off with the Aggies with Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call.
Arizona State signal-caller Cutter Boley shined in their season-opening victory against Morgan State. Boley completed 21-of-27 passes for 387 yards and 6 touchdowns. Boley’s favorite target was wide receiver Reed Harris, who caught six passes for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Running back Kyson Brown led the Sun Devils on the ground with 80 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Safety Ben Alefaio-Lilii recorded 5 tackles and defensive lineman Clayton Smith totaled 1 sack against the Bears.
Texas A&M signal-caller Marcel Reed completed 21-of-30 passes for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns in their victory against Missouri State. Rueben Owens carried the ball 17 times for 77 yards and Isaiah Horton caught four passes for 76 yards and 1 touchdown from Reed. Linebacker Noah Mikhail totaled 7 tackles and defensive end Ryan Henderson added 1 sack to lead the effort for the Aggies against the Bears.
Boley, who has limited SEC experience in his one season at Kentucky, will have to be ready to play in front of an intense crowd in College Station against a Texas A&M defense that features a younger front but still an overall talented unit. He will have to stay cool in the pocket, get the ball to his receivers and avoid Mikhail and linebacker Ray Coney so Arizona State can get in the end zone.
Marcel Reed must stay consistent against the Sun Devils defense if they want to avoid an upset. He has trustworthy receivers Horton, Mario Craver and Terry Bussey down the field and Owens to hand the ball to in the backfield. Smith, Alefaio-Lilii and linebacker Owen Long will lead the ASU defense against the Aggies’ offense.
In a battle of two coaches that have reached the College Football Playoff, Mike Elko and Kenny Dillingham, Texas A&M will take down Arizona State. The Aggies will take down the Sun Devils in front of their home crowd after a competitive game in the first half.
No. 11 Oklahoma (1-0) at Michigan (1-0) 11 a.m., FOX After defeating Michigan a season ago in Norman, Oklahoma will look to continue their hot start to the season with a second consecutive victory over the Wolverines. Oklahoma will face off against Michigan on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff with Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst) and (sideline reporter) on the call.
Oklahoma shut out UTEP 51-0 to open their 2026 campaign. Quarterback John Mateer completed 11-of-17 passes for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns while his favorite target Isaiah Sategna, who caught four passes for 76 yards, 1 touchdown and he returned a punt for a touchdown as well. Tailback Lloyd Avant carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and 1 touchdown.
Eight members of the feared Sooners’ defense totaled four or more tackles, headlined by defensive back Reggie Powers III and linebacker Owen Heinecke, who totaled 7 tackles each. Powers, Heinecke and defensive lineman Taylor Wein each got in the backfield and combined for three tackles for loss between them.
Michigan needed the Big Ten to add a second back on the clock to defeat Western Michigan 13-12 and avoid an upset. The Wolverines’ quarterback Bryce Underwood completed just 12-of-22 passes for 170 yards, 1 touchdown to win the game and 1 interception.
Underwood also led the Wolverines on the ground, carrying it nine times for 47 yards and another touchdown. The bright spot for the offense was wide receiver JJ Buchanan, who caught six passes for 126 yards and 1 touchdown. Linebacker Troy Bowles recorded 12 tackles and defensive end Dom Nichols added 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the victory against the Broncos.
Oklahoma will definitely not be as successful on offense as they were to open the season against the Miners against a talented Michigan defense but the Sooners should be fine if Mateer takes care of the ball and his playmakers are reliable. Sategna has been terrific in Norman since transferring from Arkansas but it will be up to fellow receiver Trell Harris and tight end Rocky Beers to be consistent throughout the season for OU to be successful.
Plus, after the Sooners failed to successfully run the football last season, Avant and Ben McCreary will have to go to the “Big House” and continue to run the ball to set up Mateer’s passing game. Bowles will be the challenge for Ben Arbuckles’ offense, especially after his terrific week 1 performance.
Underwood will have to be more consistent in the passing game this Saturday if Michigan wants to come out with a win against Oklahoma. The vaunted Sooners defense proved that they are still elite after shutting out UTEP but the Wolverines have athletes that the Miners don’t have. Underwood needs a running game outside of himself, including Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter to step up, to set up Buchanan and other receivers down the field to successfully score points against the OU defense.
If the Sooners’ defense can consistently get past the Wolverine offensive line, there is no way Michigan can establish their ground game and have success offensively. That is where Powers, Heinecke and Wein can pounce, sack Underwood and prevent the UM offense from having success.
After Michigan’s dreadful start to the season, Oklahoma should handle business in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines must look better for Kyle Whittingham’s coaching staff if they want to get back in the Big Ten and national conversations but Brent Venables’ team will be too much.
Mississippi State (1-0) at Minnesota (1-0) 2:30 p.m., CBS The second of three Big Ten/SEC showdowns will be in Minneapolis between Mississippi State and Minnesota. The Bulldogs and Golden Gophers will square off with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter) on the call.
The Mississippi State offense exploded for 62 points and their defense held ULM to just 13 points to open Jeff Lebby’s third season as head coach. Lebby’s quarterback Kamario Taylor shined by completing 22-of-34 passes for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns. Taylor’s tailback, JJ Hill, who rushed seven times for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. His favorite target, Anthony Evans III, caught seven passes for 118 yards and another touchdown.
Lebby brought back former Bulldog head coach Zach Arnett to be the defensive coordinator and while their first game was against ULM, his unit succeeded in the opener. Linebacker Jalen Smith totaled 8 tackles and defensive lineman Trevion Williams added one sack to lead the MSU defense.
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey was efficient when he completed 19-of-24 passes for 264 yards and 1 touchdown when they defeated Eastern Illinois 59-7. Wide receiver Javon Tracy impressed with five catches for 98 yards while running back Darius Taylor rushed 14 times for 56 yards and 3 touchdowns. Golden Gopher linebacker Maverick Baranowski totaled 6 tackles defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. added 1 sack for the defense.
If the Mississippi State offense can go on the road and have similar success against Minnesota, they could return home to Starkville with a victory. The Golden Gophers should make it more difficult for Taylor to pass the ball down the field but his dual-threat ability will make him difficult to stop. Baranowski and Bush will be the two guys leading the Minnesota defense against him.
On the other side, Lindsey was successful against EIU a week ago but he only threw one touchdown. He will have get more passes in the end zone past the Bulldog secondary if they want to come out with the victory.
The good news is, Taylor ran for 3 touchdowns and Tracy accounted for 98 receiving yards. Mississippi State safeties Kendal Doby and Marcus Williams will be in charge of making sure Lindsey does not get passes into the end zone more than he did against the Panthers.
The battle between Mississippi State and Minnesota should be close. The Golden Gophers have the home field advantage and that should give them an edge. But if they let the Bulldogs have success on offense in the first half, it will be hard for the Minnesota defense to stop the Taylor-led offense. Mississippi State will edge the Golden Gophers, getting an important win for Lebby.
Projected Score: Mississippi State 31, Minnesota 28
No. 12 Alabama (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0) 2:30 p.m., ABC Alabama and Kentucky will play in the first SEC game of the season, with the Crimson Tide attempting to return to the College Football Playoff and the Wildcats looking for an upset to jumpstart Will Stein’s tenure. Alabama and Kentucky will square off with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call.
New starting quarterback Keelon Russell completed 18-of-30 passes for 256 yards and rushed 13 times for 86 yards and 1 touchdown after a 48-10 victory against East Carolina. Ryan Coleman-Williams exploded after making five catches for 130 yards. Running back Daniel Hill rushed nine times for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide had a balanced defensive performance against the Pirates, with defensive backs Bray Hubbard, Dijon Lee Jr., Cabin Brown and linebacker Yhonzae Pierce all had 3 tackles in the season-open victory.
In their 45-13 win against Youngstown State, Will Stein’s quarterback Kenny Minchey completed 18-of-27 passes for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns. Running back Jason Patterson carried the ball 11 times and wide receiver Kenny Darby caught three passes for 74 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensive back Jordan Castell totaled 7 tackles and defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux added 1 sack.
The Alabama passing game, led by Russell and Coleman-Williams, must get into the end zone against Kentucky if they want to defeat the Wildcats. The rushing attack was okay against ECU but the offensive line must create more holes for Hill to get down the field. Kentucky’s Castell and Breaux will be key pieces against the Crimson Tide offense.
If the Wildcat defense can shut down Russell, Coleman-Williams and Hill from having success, Minchey’s offense could be allowed success in front of their home crowd against the Crimson Tide defense. Minchey will need a more balanced attack to conquer the Alabama defense to get the win.
The game between the Crimson Tide and Wildcats should be a back-and-forth affair but Alabama should take control in the second half and move to 2-0. Kentucky is only in its second game under Stein but they should prove they are quite capable of scoring efficiently but it won’t be enough.
Memphis (2-0) at Boise State (0-1) 5 p.m., USA Network Memphis and Boise State will face off in a battle for who could be the Group of Six’s College Football Playoff representative in December. The Tigers will take on the Broncos with Nate Gatter (play-by-play), Ryan Leaf (analyst) and Lauren Green (sideline reporter) on the call.
Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes completed 12-of-15 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in their 42-24 victory against Arkansas State. Tailbacks Jaylin Carter carried the ball 19 times for 183 yards and 4 touchdowns and Manny Covey carried the ball 15 times for 103 yards.
Stokes’ top receivers Brady Kluse, who caught 1 pass for 40 yards and Jermane Hayes caught three passes for 35 yards and 1 touchdown. Cornerback Chauncey Logan Jr. totaled 10 tackles and safety Ian Fiser added 8 tackles to lead the Tiger defense against the Red Wolves.
In Boise State’s competitive 34-27 loss against No. 2 Oregon, quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 15-of-29 passes for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Rasean Jones caught four passes for 76 yards while tailback Dylan Riley carried the ball 17 times for 50 yards. Defensive back Travis Anderson’s 11 tackles and linebacker Bol Bol’s 1 sack were the standouts against the Ducks’ offense.
The Memphis defensive line has been the difference in their 2-0 start to the 2026 season. Charles Huff will need to make sure his offense, led by the quarterback Stokes and his playmakers Carter, Covey and Kluse.
Boise State linebackers Boen Phelps and Kyle Hall will be important in shutting down Carter and Covey in the backfield because if they succeed against the Broncos, it would set up more opportunities for Stokes to pass the ball down the field.
Madsen will need to be more efficient passing the football against Memphis if Boise State wants to get their first win of the season. The Tiger pass rush has been fantastic this season so the Bronco offensive line will be important in Madsen’s success in getting the ball to receivers Jones, Sire Gaines and tight end Matt Wagner. Also, the line will pave the way for Riley to run the ball down the field, defensive end Elijah Kinsler is who the BSU offensive line will have to watch out for the most.
In what should be another back-and-forth game, Boise State’s home-opener should be successful after they protect their home field against Memphis. The Tigers could lead multiple times in the game but the Broncos will overcome it and come out with a win.
Iowa State (1-0) at No. 21 Iowa (1-0) 6:30 p.m., NBC The Iowa-Corn Cy-Hawk Series will be back under the lights on Saturday. Iowa State will renew their rivalry against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium with Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Yogi Roth (sideline reporter) on the call.
Arkansas State transfer quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 8-of-16 passes for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns in Iowa State’s season-opening 38-10 win against Southeastern Missouri State. Tailback Aiden Flora carried the ball seven times for 45 yards and a touchdown and receiver Dominic Overby caught two passes for 85 yards. Linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen totaled 9 tackles and 1 sack while defensive end Isaac Terrell added 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble for the Cyclone defense.
Iowa shut out Northern Illinois 40-0 to begin the season after linebacker Cam Bluffington totaled 6 tackles and defensive end Joseph Anderson added 1.5 sacks in their terrific performance. Quarterback Hank Brown completed 12-of-20 passes for 129 yards while running back Kamari Moulton carried the ball 11 times for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns, powering the Hawkeye offense. Brown’s top target was Tony Diaz, who caught seven passes for 84 yards and 1 touchdown.
Raynor and his weapons will have to look much better against Iowa if they want to come out with a win on Saturday night in Kinnick Stadium. He will have to avoid the tremendous Hawkeye defense and get the ball to playmakers Flora, Overby and others. The challenge will be difficult with Bluffington, Anderson and others coming to create havoc and sack Raynor.
Iowa should defeat Iowa State if they get enough out of their offense and get a similar performance from their defense that they got in week 1. On offense, Brown will have to be consistent throwing the ball in the pocket to his receivers and tight ends and Moulton will need a similar performance out of the backfield if they want to give it to the Cyclones. If Schlimgen and Terrell limit the Hawkeye offense and their offense can give them some points, they will have a shot to win.
Iowa should take care of business against instate rival Iowa State at home behind a tremendous defensive performance. The Hawkeyes may not score a bunch but that will be okay after their defense limits the Cyclones to 10 points.
No. 1 Ohio State (1-0) at No. 4 Texas (1-0) 6:30 p.m., ABC Texas welcomes Ohio State to Austin after a 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes to begin last season. With ESPN’s College GameDay in town, the Longhorns will look to avenge that loss against Ohio State on Saturday night with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call.
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin was efficient against Ball State in their 56-3 victory, completing 21-of-25 passes for 325 yards and 3 touchdown. Elite wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Running backs Bo Jackson, who carried the ball nine times for 83 yards and 1 touchdown, and Ja’Kobi Jackson, who carried the ball eight times for 83 yards and 1 touchdown led the Buckeye backfield. Linebacker Riley Pettljohn recorded 6 tackles and defensive end Eli Sitanilei added 1 sack in their dominant defensive performance against the Cardinals.
Texas’ defense also impressed in their 59-7 victory against instate foe Texas State. Defensive back Jelani McDonald led the Longhorns with 8 tackles and defensive lineman Maraad Watson added 1 sack and 1 forced fumble in the win. On offense, quarterback Arch Manning began his second season as the starting quarterback by completing 20-of-27 passes for 305 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Auburn transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman caught 3 passes for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns. North Carolina State transfer Hollywood Smothers carried the ball 10 times for 70 yards while Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown carried it 11 times for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Ohio State’s offense proved that they had not lost a step lost a step last Saturday but the challenge will be more difficult against a Texas defense that has so many playmakers, including McDonald, Watson and pass-rusher Colin Simmons. That being said, the consistency of Sayin and the Buckeye passing attack with Smith, Devin McCuin, Brandon Inniss and Chris Henry Jr. could prove to be too much for the talented Longhorn secondary. The duo of Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson will be crucial in the backfield to set Sayin up in the passing game against the Texas pass rush.
Will Manning and the Texas offense be better against the Ohio State defense this season? Head coach Steve Sarkisian said they upgraded on their offensive playmakers in the transfer portal but the duo of Brown and Smothers in the backfield and Coleman on the perimeter must prove themselves against a Buckeye defense that may have lost multiple pieces to the NFL but is still full of talent. After tremendous performances, Littlejohn and Alford must lead the OSU defense as they head on the road, aiming to defeat the Longhorns.
Steve Sarkisian needs his Texas team to finally beat Ohio State after losses to Ryan Day’s program in the 2024 College Football Playoff and last season in Columbus. The Longhorns have a talented roster that should be back in the playoff at the end of the season and with their tough nine-game SEC schedule coming, they need to defeat the Buckeyes. But, OSU will go on the road and prove that they are still the better team.
SALT LAKE CITY — Arkansas heads to Salt Lake City to play No. 20 Utah for the first time in program history at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Kickoff between the Razorbacks and the Utes is set for 9:15 p.m. Saturday, September 12 on ESPN with Justin Kutcher (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst) and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) on the call. Ryan Silverfield continues his first season as Arkansas’ head coach, as his Razorbacks head to Salt Lake City this weekend. Next up Arkansas returns to Fayetteville to face Georgia on September 19 as the two programs begin SEC play.
Tune In: Saturday night’s matchup between Arkansas and Utah will stream on ESPN with Justin Kutcher (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst) and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) on the call in the broadcast booth. 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 won his first game as Arkansas’ head coach, 31-14 against North Alabama on Sept. 5. Silverfield’s record is now 6-1 in season-opening games as an FBS head coach. He became the 25th Razorback head coach of all time to secure a win in his first game as head coach.
QB KJ Jackson and the Arkansas offense started slowly against the Lions but produced two scoring drives before halftime. Jackson completed 24-of-35 passes for 267 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Montgomery, Alabama, native became the ninth Razorbacks quarterback since 1995 to throw at least three touchdown passes in a season opener.
RB Sutton Smith rushed 15 times for 136 yards (2.4 average) and added four catches for 43 yards in Arkansas’ season-opening win against North Alabama. The Marietta, Ga., native will seek his first touchdown of the season when the Razorbacks face Utah on Saturday.
WR CJ Brown caught four passes for 43 yards in Arkansas’ victory over North Alabama. The Bentonville, Arkansas, native is among the Razorbacks’ top receiving threats alongside Chris Marshall, who caught seven passes for 79 yards. Brown and Marshall could be two of Jackson’s primary downfield options against the Utes because of their talent and veteran experience.
LB Ben Bogle spent his redshirt junior season at West Virginia before transferring to Arkansas in the offseason. Bogle finished with four tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended against North Alabama. The Ponte Vedra, Fla., native and the rest of Arkansas’ linebacking corps helped limit the Lions’ offense.
Morgan Scalley will lead the Utes against Arkansas on Saturday night. Scalley is in his first season as Utah’s head coach after previously serving as Kyle Whittingham’s defensive coordinator. He took over before the Utes’ 44-22 victory over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, and Utah opened the 2026 season with a 66-14 win over Idaho.
QB Devon Dampier completed 13-of-18 passes for 176 yards, 3 touchdowns and rushed six times for 31 yards in Utah’s season-opening win over Idaho. The Phoenix native is in his third season as the Utes’ starting quarterback after choosing not to follow former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to Ann Arbor. Dampier presents a challenge for Ron Roberts’ defense as a capable passer and dangerous runner.
RB Wayshawn Parker leads Utah’s backfield alongside LaMarcus Bell. Parker rushed 12 times for 71 yards and a touchdown against Idaho. The Richmond, Calif., native spent his freshman season at Washington State, where he received limited playing time, before transferring to Utah before his sophomore season. Parker and Bell will challenge an Arkansas front that showed improvement in its season opener against North Alabama.
WR Braden Pegan led Utah against Idaho with four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. He also had one rushing attempt for 12 yards and another score. The San Juan Capistrano, California, native spent his first two college seasons at UCLA before transferring to Utah State for the 2025 season. Pegan arrived in Salt Lake City for his senior season after recording 60 receptions for 926 yards and five touchdowns for the Aggies last season.
DB Jackson Bennee led Utah with five tackles and one pass defended against Idaho. Bennee will be an important piece of the Utes’ secondary against an Arkansas passing attack seeking more consistency behind Jackson, Marshall, Brown and tight end Jaden Platt. The Holladay, Utah, native has appeared in 26 career games for Utah and is one of the Utes’ defensive leaders.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ 2027 baseball schedule includes 56 regular-season games, 10 SEC series and three games at professional ballparks during coach Dave Van Horn’s 25th season.
The Razorbacks will face 14 teams that reached the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas, which advanced to the Men’s College World Series. Arkansas finished 41-22 overall and 17-13 in SEC play in 2026, its ninth consecutive 40-win season.
Arkansas opens the season with a three-game series against Butler (Feb. 19-21) at Baum-Walker Stadium. After hosting South Dakota State (Feb. 23), the Razorbacks will travel to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, for the sixth time in seven seasons to compete in the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series (Feb. 26-28). Arkansas will face Iowa, Oregon and Oregon State during the tournament.
Arkansas will play a fourth game at Globe Life Field against Tarleton State (March 1) just like they did last season before returning to Fayetteville for a nine-game home stand. The Razorbacks will host Santa Clara (March 5-8), Oral Roberts (March 10), Sacred Heart (March 12-14) and Eastern Illinois (March 16) before SEC play begins at rival Ole Miss (March 19-21).
The Hogs’ non-conference slate also includes midweek games against Arkansas State (March 30-31), UCA (April 6), Little Rock (April 13-14), Missouri State (April 27) and Grambling (May 4). Arkansas travels to two professional baseball stadiums for midweek matchups, including facing Missouri State (March 23) at Hammons Field, home of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Double-A affiliate Springfield Cardinals, in Springfield, Mo., and Memphis (April 20) at CHI St. Vincent Field at Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Seattle Mariners’ Double-A affiliate Arkansas Travelers, in North Little Rock.
Arkansas’ home SEC series include: Alabama (March 25-27), LSU (April 9-11), Missouri (April 16-18), Auburn (April 30-May 2) and Kentucky (May 14-16) at Baum-Walker Stadium. The Razorbacks will square off with Ole Miss, Tennessee (April 2-4), Texas (April 23-25), Texas A&M (May 7-9) and Mississippi State (May 20-22) on the road.
The Hogs return to Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Ala. for the SEC Tournament. Arkansas was among a nation-leading 12 SEC teams in the NCAA Tournament to last year’s NCAA Tournament.
All games are subject to change for television, including the move of some conference series to begin on Thursdays. The full schedule of Thursday-Friday-Saturday series will be determined and announced at a later date.
2027 Arkansas Baseball Schedule (As of Sept. 8) Feb. 19-21 Butler Feb. 23 South Dakota State Feb. 26-28 Amegy Bank College Baseball Series^ March 1 Tarleton State# March 5-8 Santa Clara March 10 Oral Roberts March 12-14 Sacred Heart March 16 Eastern Illinois March 19-21 at Ole Miss* March 23 at Missouri State March 25-27 Alabama* March 30-31 Arkansas State April 2-4 at Tennessee* April 6 Central Arkansas April 9-11 LSU* April 13-14 Little Rock April 16-18 Missouri* April 20 Memphis@ April 23-25 at Texas* April 27 Missouri State April 30-May 2 Auburn* May 4 Grambling State May 7-9 at Texas A&M* May 14-16 Kentucky* May 20-22 at Mississippi State* May 25-30 SEC Tournament (Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Ala.)
* – SEC opponent ^ – Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas) # – Game played at Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas) @ – Game at CHI St. Vincent Field at Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock, Arkansas
After its season ended with a loss to No. 15 national seed Kansas in the Lawrence Regional, Arkansas will open fall practice Tuesday as it begins preparation for the 2027 season.
Coach Dave Van Horn’s roster includes key returners, a large transfer class and 10 freshmen as the Razorbacks look to return to Omaha.
2026 Arkansas Fall Baseball Schedule The Diamond Classic features three exhibition games, a Red-White scrimmage and a home run derby presented by Wright’s Barbecue for Dave Van Horn’s team. Arkansas opens fall play with the Red-White game and the home run derby on Friday, Sept. 18 before their first exhibition game over two weeks later against instate foe Little Rock on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The Razorbacks welcome Dallas Baptist to Baum-Walker Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17 before wrapping up the Diamond Classic against Central Arkansas on Friday, Oct. 23.
Diamond Classic Schedule
Friday, Sept. 18 Red-White Game & Home Run Derby presented by Wright’s Barbecue (7 p.m.)
Returners: Redshirt Senior infielder Reese Robinett Senior infielder TJ Pompey Senior infielder Nolan Souza Junior left hand pitcher Cole Gibler Junior right hand pitcher Steele Eaves Junior right hand pitcher Jackson Kircher Redshirt Sophomore outfielder Brenton Clark Sophomore outfielder/catcher Carter Rutenbar Sophomore outfielder Christian Turner Sophomore utility player Tye Briscoe Sophomore right hand pitcher Mark Brissey Sophomore right hand pitcher Peyton Lee Sophomore right hand pitcher Jordan Martin Sophomore utility player Tye Briscoe Sophomore infielder/right hand pitcher Luke Cornelison
Returning pitchers Cole Gibler, Steele Eaves and Jackson Kircher are the base for what should be a better overall pitching staff for Arkansas in 2027 with a number of transfer additions. Sophomores Mark Brissey, Peyton Lee and Jordan Martin should step into bigger roles on the mound, helping Matt Hobbs’ staff create more depth.
Around the diamond, senior infielders TJ Pompey and Nolan Souza will lead the Razorbacks. Redshirt senior Reese Robinett also returns, adding another experienced option to Arkansas’ infield mix.
Carter Rutenbar, Christian Turner and Brenton Clark will have opportunities to take on larger roles. Rutenbar could fit in as a designated hitter while Turner and Clark will get a chance to play in an outfield expected to feature three new starters in 2027.
Transfer Additions: Senior outfielder Zeb Allen – Central Arkansas Senior infielder Dawson Bryce – Charlotte Junior catcher Nolan Traeger – TCU Junior outfielder AJ Evasco – Kansas State Junior infielder Manny Marin – Tennessee Junior infielder Johnny Gomez – Farleigh Dickinson Junior right hand pitcher Michael Malki – California Baptist Junior right hand pitcher Brayden Krenzel – Tennessee Sophomore right hand pitcher Luke Neiswonger – Central Michigan Sophomore right hand pitcher Connor Udland – Houston Sophomore left hand pitcher Ridge Harvey – Belmont
Central Arkansas transfer Zeb Allen and Kansas State transfer AJ Evasco could compete for starting role in Van Horn’s outfield after combining for 25 home runs at their previous stops during the 2026 season. Tennessee transfer Manny Marin, Charlotte transfer Dawson Bryce and Farleigh Dickinson transfer Johnny Gomez will compete for spots in the infield to form a strong group alongside Pompey and Souza.
Former TCU catcher Nolan Traeger will fill the opening at catcher left by Ryder Helfrick. Van Horn’s staff added five Division I transfer pitchers, including California Baptist starter Michael Malki, Tennessee transfer Brayden Krenzel, Belmont transfer Ridge Harvey, Central Michigan transfer Luke Neiswonger and Houston transfer Connor Udland.
JUCO: Junior left hand pitcher Micah Henson – Crowder College Sophomore right hand pitcher Lance Alexander – Johnson Community College Junior right hand pitcher Ned Frutchey – Sacramento City College Sophomore right hand pitcher Holden Herring – Weatherford College
Four junior college transfer pitchers join five Division I transfers on Arkansas’ roster. Crowder transfer Micah Henson, Johnson transfer Lance Alexander, Sacramento City transfer Ned Frutchey and Weatherford transfer Holden Herring will add to what is already a deep pitching staff under Hobbs.
High School: Freshman outfielder/right hand pitcher Lincoln Boyle Freshman infielder Spencer Browning Freshman outfielder/right hand pitcher Ty Burnham Freshman infielder Dylan Cheek Freshman right hand pitcher Brody Crane Freshman infielder/catcher Tory Fisher Freshman catcher Max Holland Freshman utility player Jorvorskie Lane Jr. Freshman left hand pitcher Trystan Newberry Freshman outfielder Judah Ota Freshman left hand pitcher/outfielder Hunter Rose
Van Horn’s freshman class is made up of 10 players, including five pitchers and five position players. Utility player Jorvorskie Lane Jr. and outfielder Judah Ota headline the class. Three pitchers, right-handers Lincoln Boyle, Ty Burnham and left-hander Hunter Rose also could play in the outfield during their time in Fayetteville.
Left hander Trystan Newberry and right hander Brody Crane join Boyle, Burnham and Rose on the mound while Max Holland provides catching depth behind Traeger. Infielders Spencer Browning, Dylan Cheek and Tory Fisher (who could also catch) round out the class.
Arkansas wide receiver Ismael Cisse (4) scores a touchdown reception, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, during the first quarter of the Razorbacks' season opener against North Alabama at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Visit wholehogsports.com/photos/galleries for more photos.
(Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — On the hottest recorded game day in Arkansas football history, the Razorbacks defeated North Alabama 31-14 despite a slow start.
In Ryan Silverfield’s debut, Arkansas struggled to move the ball down the field on a day where the temperature reached 101 degrees at kickoff. After three failed drives to start the game, the Razorbacks finally got in the end zone at the 2:25 mark in the first quarter. Quarterback KJ Jackson completed a short pass to wide receiver Ismael Cisse for a 20-yard touchdown, making it 7-0.
The Arkansas defense forced three Lion punts in the first quarter. After the Razorbacks stopped North Alabama for the first time, tailback Sutton Smith returned the punt 67 yards to the 9-yard line but it was called back due to a block in the back, causing UA to lose momentum.
After a Lion three-and-out to begin the second quarter, Arkansas went down the field, using 11 plays and driving 65 yards. After a 5-yard run by Jackson, a 7-yard pass to receiver Antonio Jordan and a 12-yard run by Smith, a sack stopped the Razorbacks at the North Alabama 41-yard line.
After Jackson’s incompletion on the next play, tailback Jasper Parker carried the ball for 11 yards to set the Hogs up with fourth and short. Arkansas went for it on fourth down and got it with a jet sweep from speedster Jelani Watkins, who gained five yards for a first down.
A holding penalty made the Razorbacks move 16 yards back. After another short run by Smith, Jackson’s attempted pass to tight end Jaden Platt resulted in a pass interference that set up another touchdown. Jackson’s pass to tight end Matt Adcock came a play after the pass interference, making the score 14-0 Arkansas.
The first half ended after six failed drives, three by both teams. North Alabama punted the ball before a Lion sack of Jackson got them the ball back when he fumbled it. A play later, Arkansas pass-rusher Charlie Collins forced Lion quarterback Destin Wade to drop the ball and get it right back to the Razorback offense after defensive lineman David Oke recovered it.
After back-to-back punts, Arkansas got one more chance to extend their lead before halftime. Jackson began the drive with a 10-yard rush and Smith got two more on the ground. Then, Jackson’s pass to receiver Chris Marshall was incomplete. On the next play, he sailed a pass in the end zone and it was intercepted by North Alabama defensive back Trevion Butler.
After a one-play drive by the Lions, the first half clock ran out. The Arkansas defense shut down their offense again, helping set up their offense with another long scoring drive. The Razorback offense went down the field again on a 12-play, 73 yard drive highlighted by Jackson’s 13-yard pass to receiver CJ Brown and running back Braylen Russell’s 11-yard carry.
Jackson finished the drive with a 10-yard pass to Platt for a touchdown. The Razorbacks went up 21-0 on North Alabama with 6:49 to go in the third quarter.
After the Lions punted again, Smith fumbled at the Arkansas 14-yard line. After North Alabama was gifted great field position, it took only four plays for them to get in the end zone. Wade rushed to the left for a 6-yard score after the Razorbacks committed personal foul and facemask penalties on back-to-back plays, making it 21-7 Arkansas as the third quarter was coming to a close.
The Razorbacks started the final quarter of action strong, going down the field on 11 plays for 75 yards. Russell finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run, making the score 28-7 with 11:58 to go in the fourth quarter.
North Alabama responded quickly, scoring against the Arkansas defense in four plays. Wade completed a 59-yard pass to Xavier Johnson before back-to-back rushes by the quarterback got them back in the end zone. The Razorbacks still led 28-14 with 10:24 to go in the game.
Arkansas’ next drive was 13 plays for 60 yards. It ended in a 33-yard field goal from placekicker Max Gilbert, making the score 31-14. After a North Alabama punt, the Razorbacks got the ball back and the game was over. Arkansas moved to 1-0 with the victory and the Lions’ record fell to 1-1.
Jackson completed 24 of 35 passes for 267 yards, 3 touchdowns and one interception. His running backs, Smith, Russell and Parker combined to rush 49 times for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Across the first half, the Razorback defense impressed, allowing only 18 yards and no points. Two penalties by the Ron Roberts’ unit led to one touchdown for North Alabama before they scored again in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Ben Bogle led the Arkansas defense with 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass defended.
Notes After losing their last 10 games of the 2025 season, Arkansas ended their losing streak with a victory over the Lions to start the 2026 season. Oklahoma State now holds the nation’s longest losing streak after they fell to Tulsa 24-10 on Saturday. Massachusetts snapped the nation’s longest losing streak when they upset Rutgers 37-21 on Thursday night.
The Razorbacks won their 22nd straight game against FCS competition on Saturday night. Arkansas began that streak with a 38-0 victory over Missouri State in 2000.
Saturday was the 34th anniversary of the Hogs’ last loss to an FCS program which was a 10-3 defeat to The Citadel to open the 1992 season.
North Alabama, a program that has competed in Division I since 2019, fell to 0-8 against FBS opponents after Saturday’s loss to Arkansas. The Lions’ 17-point loss was their’ closest to an FBS team since a 24-13 loss at Southern Miss in 2020.
Up Next Arkansas (1-0) will enter its matchup at No. 21 Utah (1-0) next Saturday with many questions about its offense. Kickoff will be at 9:15 p.m. CT on ESPN.
The Utes defeated Idaho 66-14 in new head coach Morgan Scalley’s second game as head coach last Tuesday. Scalley also coached in Utah’s 44-22 win against Nebraska in last season’s Las Vegas Bowl.
After an interesting week 0 slate that saw the ACC succeed and the Mountain West disappoint, it is time for the real action in week 1. Bill Belichick and North Carolina avenged their loss to TCU in Dublin by the score of 15-12, Virginia dominated NC State 34-8 Florida State struggled past New Mexico State 34-17 and Stanford avoided the upset against Hawai’i, 37-27.
The headliner of week 0 was Memphis’ defeat of UNLV 27-21 behind a tremendous pass-rush and new head coach Charles Huff. The Tigers could be in position to make their first ever College Football Playoff appearance but there is still a lot of season left, and the Rebels and head coach Dan Mullen must think about that as they continue their season.
As we move to week 1, the entire country begins to play games. First, on Thursday night a new-look Georgia Tech team heads to Boulder to face Deion Sanders’ Colorado team. Then on Friday night, reigning national runner-up Miami will head to Palo Alto to face Stanford. Once Saturday comes, new head coach Alex Golesh and Auburn will attempt to defeat Baylor in Atlanta while the Lane Kiffin era will begin against Clemson amid all of the craziness in Baton Rouge with NFL players allegedly returning to play for the Tigers.
On Sunday, Notre Dame faces Wisconsin in Green Bay and Ole Miss plays against Louisville in Nashville. The Fighting Irish want to bounce back after barely missing the College Football Playoff in December and they will have a chance to do that when they begin against the Badgers. Pete Golding will begin his tenure in the regular season as head coach of the Rebels against a tough Cardinal team. Finally, on Monday, SMU will open ACC play at Florida State, who must be better against the Mustangs if they want to move to 2-0.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Ohio State This week: Ball State (Sept. 5, 11:30 a.m., BTN) No. 2 Oregon This week: Boise State (Sept. 5, 2:30 p.m., BTN) No. 3 Georgia This week: Tennessee State (Sept. 5, 2 p.m., SECN+) No. 4 Notre Dame This week: Wisconsin (Green Bay; Shamrock Series) (Sept 6., 6:30 p.m., NBC) No. 5 Texas This week: Texas State (Sept. 5, 2:30 p.m., ESPN)
The Week 1 Slate:
*All game times are at central standard time*
Thursday, Sept. 3 Colorado at Georgia Tech 7 p.m., ESPN Colorado will face off versus Georgia Tech on the road in Atlanta in a big ACC/Big 12 matchup. On Thursday, the Yellow Jackets will attempt to defeat the Buffaloes for the second consecutive season at 7 p.m. on ESPN with Matt Barrie (play-by-play), Chase Daniel (analyst) and Paul Carcaterra (sideline reporter) on the call.
Colorado struggled to a 3-9 season that included only one win. To open the 2025 season, the Buffaloes lost to Georgia Tech by a touchdown and will look to avenge that loss on Thursday night. On the other hand, Georgia Tech is coming off a season where they won nine games overall and six in the ACC. The Yellow Jackets lost veteran quarterback Haynes King to the NFL and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and King’s backup Aaron Philo to Florida.
Colorado’s offense must be solved by ex-Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion, creator of the Go-Go attack, who takes over as coordinator of the unit for Sanders’ team. The Buffaloes’ Julian Lewis earned the starting job behind center and he will be throwing the ball to returners Joseph Williams, Zach Atkins, San Jose State transfer Danny Scudero, Texas transfer DeAndre Moore Jr., Miami (OH) Kam Perry and Alabama transfer Joseph Williams. There are a lot of question marks for new Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jason Semite’s secondary following the losses of their starters at corner and at safety. Transfers Jaylen Mbakwe and Jonas Duclona while returners Tae Harris and Fenix Felton will fill the safety roles and defend against Colorado’s loaded receiving core.
Damian Henderson II and Richard Young will stand by Lewis behind center and split carries. Yellow Jacket linebackers Kyle Efford, EJ Lightsey and defensive tackle Amontrae Bradford will be in charge of shutting down Henderson and Young from getting through and around their defense and down the field for touchdowns.
Georgia Tech’s new offensive coordinator is their former quarterback and veteran NFL assistant George Godsey. Replacing King at quarterback will not be easy but Indiana transfer Alberta Mendoza will get the role after spending last season backing up his brother Fernando. The focus of the unit will be more on running the football and controlling the ball with tailback Justice Haynes, who has previously spent time at Alabama and Michigan. Mendoza will likely rely on the only returning weapon on his offense, receiver Ethan Mackenny, who is back for his junior season.
Colorado’s new defensive coordinator is Chris Marve, who served in the same role at Virginia Tech, will hope his unit can shut down the new-look Yellow Jackets offense after a complete overhaul in Boulder to his unit. Tulane transfer defensive tackle Santana Hopper and Texas transfer linebacker Liona Leafu will lead the front six against the Haynes and Georgia Tech ground attack.
In the secondary, Tennessee transfer defensive back Boo Carter and Notre Dame defensive back transfer Cree Thomas will be in charge of guarding the GTU receivers and keeping Julian Lewis from having a big night in Atlanta.
After a 27-20 Georgia Tech win in Boulder to open the 2025 season, Colorado wants to avenge their loss and get a victory in Atlanta to start the 2026 campaign. With new-look staffs and rosters on both sides, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Mendoza and Lewis will battle it out but the Yellow Jackets will outscore the Buffaloes in a low-scoring game.
Projected Score: Georgia Tech 20, Colorado 17
Friday, Sept. 4 No. 7 Miami at Stanford (1-0) 8 p.m., ESPN After falling in the national championship game last January, Miami opens the season against ACC opponent Stanford on the road. The Hurricanes and Cardinal will face off at 8 p.m. on ESPN on Friday with Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst) and Dana Boyle (sideline reporter) on the call.
Miami won 10 games during the regular season but a five-team tiebreaker kept them out of the ACC Championship game. The Hurricanes were able to make the College Football Playoff team as the last at-large but to really put fans on notice this season, Mario Cristobal’s team needs to win the conference and claim a top four seed in the playoff.
After defeating Hawaii in week 0, Stanford will look to continue by defeating last season’s national runner-up to begin ACC play. It will not be easy, but at least pre-season AP top 10 ranked team has lost during week 1 the last few seasons and this could be that upset.
Darian Mensah is expected to be in the Heisman race as he attempts to lead Miami back to the College Football Playoff and a national championship this time. Mensah will get to throw to his Duke teammate Cooper Barkate, the talented Malachi Toney and hand it off to running back Mark Fletcher. Toney and Fletcher return alongside left tackle Matthew McCoy and they will look to dominate Stanford in their 2026 opener. Cardinal linebackers Gabe Kaminski (1.5 sacks) and Matt Rose (nine tackles) will attempt to build on their performances in the victory over Hawaii last Saturday.
Davis Warren completed 22-of-34 passes for 310 yards and one touchdown against the Rainbow Warriors. Warren will want to get his passes into the end zone more with his favorite target in week 0, Jonanthony Hall, who caught two passes for 81 yards. The Hurricanes return both of their cornerbacks from last season, Romanas Frederique Jr. and Xavier Lucas, so it will be tough for Warren, Hall and the Stanford passing game to succeed at a high level.
On the other hand, Cardinal tailback Micah Ford carried the ball 25 times for 99 yards and three scores. If Ford wants to remain the focal point of their offense, he will have to run through returners Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott, who lead the Miami line at the tackle spots alongside former Missouri end Damon Wilson II.
Cristobal’s Miami team is known for losing games to teams that they should not lose to but they can prove that is not true with a strong performance against Stanford. If the Hurricane offensive line gives Mensah time to throw to his receivers and Fletcher to run and their defensive line can get to Warren, forcing errant throws and getting sacks, UM can prove they are a national title threat again this season in a dominant victory.
Projected Score: Miami 35, Stanford 10
Saturday, Sept. 5 Baylor vs. Auburn (Atlanta; Aflac Kickoff Game) 2:30 p.m., ABC Baylor and Auburn will meet in Atlanta for the Aflac Kickoff Game on Saturday afternoon. The Bears and Tigers will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on ABC with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) on the call.
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda begins a do-or-die season for his tenure. The pressure is on Aranda to deliver after a 5-7 season and it starts on Saturday afternoon against Auburn. The Tigers, who matched the Bears’ record at 5-7, will attempt to defeat Aranda’s team for the second consecutive season to open their 2026 slate.
Former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway will look to get a going at his father’s alma mater when he starts versus Auburn behind center. In addition, the Bears also replace their top four receivers, tight end, running back and four of five offensive linemen. Lagway will get to throw the football to receivers Louis Brown IV, Dre’lon Miller, Jadon Porter and tight end Matthew Klopfenstein. He will hand the ball to tailback Dawson Pendergrast, who missed most of last season with a foot injury.
DJ Durkin’s defense will rely on All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins to stop Lagway and the Baylor offense. Safeties Eric Winters, Sylvester Smith and AnQuon Fegans all return to the Tigers this season and they will be vital against Lagway’s passing attack. Durkin’s front, led by transfers Cody Sigler, Da’Shawn Womack and Nate Johnson will assist Atkins in shutting down Pendergrast and the BU rushing game.
Golesh’s offense is full of former South Florida Bulls, namely his quarterback Byrum Brown, center Cole Best and wide receivers Chas Nimrod, Keshaun Singleton and Jeremiah Koger. Brown will be tough to stop, especially because he has put up 3,000 passing yards in 2023 and 2025 but it will get more difficult as he enters the SEC and plays against schools like Baylor. Leading rusher Jeremiah Cobb will be the featured back next to Brown and he will be backed up by former Bear back Bryson Washington, who faces his former school in the opener.
Baylor defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman takes over play-call duties from head coach Aranda and stopping an offense with Brown behind center and Cobb alongside him will not be easy. The Bears will hope that Indiana transfer Hosea Wheeler, Marshall transfer Jamaal Whyce Jr. and returner Devonte Tezino can get to Brown and sack him. Cornerback LeVar Thornton Jr. Devin Turner and Jacob Turner will help stop pass catchers Nimrod, Singleton and Koger from catching passes down the field from Brown.
With Auburn’s and Baylor’s programs going in opposite directions, the Tigers should open the Golesh era with a win, despite a solid effort from Lagway and the Bear offense. Auburn will take care of Baylor in Atlanta by 10 points.
Projected Score: Auburn 24, Baylor 14
Clemson at No. 11 LSU 6:30 p.m., ABC Clemson will attempt to avenge their season-opening loss to LSU from last season, this time in Baton Rouge. ESPN’s College Gameday will be in town in the morning for before Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut against Dabo Swinney’s Clemson team face off. Kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m. on NBC with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call.
After returning almost everybody from an ACC Championship team a season ago, expectations were high for Dabo Swinney’s Clemson team. However, the Tigers started the season 3-5 and they limped to a 7-6 finish, Swinney’s worst record since 2010. As Clemson begins the 2026 season, they will walk into a hornet’s nest in Baton Rouge as the Kiffin era begins. After much of the news has been focused on NFL players returning to play for the Tigers, the focus must be on the field for LSU as they return to the field.
Swinney rehired Chad Morris as his offensive coordinator this off-season. His new starting quarterback will be Christopher Vizzina, who spent time as Cade Klubnik’s backup. Gideon Davidson and SMU transfer Chris Johnson Jr. step in at running back next to Vizzina. Linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive end Princewill Umanmielen, who followed Kiffin from Ole Miss, should be guys you see get in the backfield to shut down Vizzina, Davidson and Johnson.
If Vizzina can avoid Weeks and Umanmielen in the pocket, he can get the ball to returning wide receivers, Bryant Wesco Jr., TJ Moore and tight end Olsen Patt-Henry, who all returned to the Tigers for their third collegiate season. Cornerback DJ Pickett, who should be the heir apparent to Mansoor Delane, who was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the NFL Draft, will lead the secondary alongside safety Tamarcus Cooley against the Tigers’ group of offensive weapons.
Kiffin’s quarterback Sam Leavitt stepped into his and Charlie Weiss’ offense for the first time as he continues to deal with effects from getting foot surgery from an injury he suffered while he was still at Arizona State last season. Leavitt should succeed in Weiss’ scheme with Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton protecting him at left tackle and with Florida transfer wide receiver Eugene Wilson III and returning tight end Trey’Dez Green to throw to. On the other hand, the Tiger ground game must improve with returners Harlem Berry and Caden Durham splitting time at running back.
Clemson will have a difficult offense to defend against on Saturday night. Seven transfers, including former Penn State corner Elliott Washington II, former Colorado end London Merritt, former Southern Miss safety Corey Myrick and former Old Dominion safety Jerome Carter III join three returning starters. End Will Heldt, middle linebacker Sammy Brown and corner Ashton Hampton will lead the Tigers against Kiffin’s attack that will lean on their passing game, especially the Leavitt to Wilson and Green down the field. If LSU can be successful, that should open up the ground game but Tom Allen’s defense must be able to stop it because if they can’t they could drop the season opener in back-to-back seasons to the Bayou Bengals.
LSU and Clemson should go back-and-forth to begin the game in the first half, but it will be the LSU defense that shuts down Vizzina and Morris’ offense. Leavitt will lead the LSU offense to success in the second half and the Kiffin era will begin on a high note amid the NFL craziness going on in Baton Rouge.
Projected Score: LSU 27, Clemson 17
Sunday, Sept. 6 No. 6 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Green Bay; Shamrock Series) 6:30 p.m., NBC After barely missing out on the College Football Playoff in 2025, Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame will want this season to start off with a bang as they open up with Wisconsin in Green Bay. The Fighting Irish square off with the Badgers on Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. on NBC with Dan Hicks (play-by-play), Jason Garrett (analyst) and Caroline Pineda (sideline reporter) on the call.
After a 10-2 record was not enough to continue their season to the playoff, Freeman’s team must focus on starting well so they do not have a repeat of last December. The Fighting Irish have a strong roster back and it should be enough to defeat Wisconsin. The Badgers’ 4-8 overall record that only included two wins in the Big Ten must improve for Luke Fickell to continue building his program in Madison. The new-look roster for Wisconsin will have an uphill battle against Notre Dame but they must start the season strong if they want to contend in the Big Ten.
Without Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price in the backfield, all eyes will be on Heisman hopeful quarterback CJ Carr. All three of Carr’s starting receivers, Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse and Micah Gilbert were on the roster last season so the Fighting Irish’s passing offense should be even better than it was a season ago. Wisconsin senior strong safety Matthew Jung will lead the Badger secondary against Notre Dame’s strong aerial attack.
Junior Aneyas Williams and freshman Nolan James Jr. will do the impossible job of replacing Love and Price at tailback. The good news for Williams and James is that they will get to run behind an offensive line with returning starters Ashton Craig, left guard Anthonie Knapp and right tackle Guerby Lambert. Wisconsin inside linebacker duo, Cooper Cataland and Mason Posa, two sophomores, will want to shut down the Fighting Irish rushing game to prevent Williams and James from setting up the passing game for Carr.
The Notre Dame defense has eight starters returning for coordinator Chris Ash’s second season in charge. On the line, tackle end Boubacar Traore, tackle Jason Diye and inside linebacker Drayk Bowen will attempt to get in the backfield and tackle running backs Abu Sama III and Darrion Dupree.
The Fighting Irish return one of the best secondaries in the country and that is because safeties Adon Shuler, Brauntae Johnson and nickleback Christian Gray are all back for Ash’s defense for another season. Shuler, Johnson and Gray will look to shut down the Badger passing game, led by Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, who will want to get the ball to receivers Chris Brooks Jr., Jaylon Domingeaux, Tyrell Henry and tight end Emmett Bork.
Following the Notre Dame game, the schedule breaks favorably for Wisconsin. But even if the Fighting Irish don’t play their best game, the Badgers are not going to win this game, even if it is not in South Bend. Notre Dame may start slow but they will dominate Wisconsin in the second half to move to 1-0.
Projected Score: Notre Dame 35, Wisconsin 14
No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 24 Louisville (Nashville; Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff Game) 6:30 p.m., ABC Ole Miss takes on Louisville in a major ACC/SEC battle in Nashville’s inaugural Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff Game. The Rebels will take on the Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. on ABC with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call.
Ole Miss’ run to the College Football Playoff semifinals was entertaining but can they continue it under head coach Pete Golding in his first regular season game and beyond? The Rebels won a program-record 13 games in 2025 and are capable of reaching similar heights this season. Louisville went 9-4 and won four games in the ACC in 2025. The Cardinals are capable of making the playoff under head coach Jeff Brohm, who enters his fourth season as head coach.
Trinidad Chambliss has been ranked by many as the top quarterback in college football entering the season but many believe that is because he played in Charlie Weiss’ offense. Chambliss’ tailback Kewan Lacy also succeeded in Weiss’ offense a season ago and the tandem led Ole Miss to their best season in program history. In John David Baker’s offense, Chambliss, Lacy and a new group of receivers have to prove they can succeed at the same or a similar level against a Louisville defense that they cannot overlook.
All-ACC selection Clev Lubin and North Carolina transfer Tyler Thompson will be important on the edges of the Louisville defensive line against Chambliss and Lacy. Linebackers TJ Capers, Stanquan Clark and Anton Watts will assist Lubin and Thompson up front against the Rebel ground attack and help cornerback Tayon Holloway against Chambliss, who will be throwing the football to an almost all new receiving core.
Despite Kiffin’s exit, Golding was able to retain five players that started on his defense during the 2025 season. Both corners, Jaylon Braxton and Antonio Kite return. Ohio State transfer Lincoln Keinholz will start his first game for Louisville against Ole Miss. Keinholz had limited opportunities in Columbus but his athletic ability and arm should help Louisville get points, especially when he passes the ball to returners Treyshun Hurry, Lawayne McCoy and Vanderbilt transfer Tre Richardson, who shined catching passes from Diego Pavia last season.
Linebacker Suntarine Perkins, tackle Will Scholes and end Kam Franklin will lead a front that is coordinated by both Bryan Brown, Marcus Woodson with Golding’s fingerprints still all over it. Louisville running game. Cardinal running back Isaac Brown is one of the nation’s best so it will not be easy for Perkins, Scholes, Franklin and others to stop him from getting down the field.
The Ole Miss-Louisville game should go back and forth for much of the 60 minutes of regulation and maybe even go to overtime as the best matchup of week 1. The battle between the Chambliss/Lacy and Keinholz/Brown backfield should be phenomenal. But because Chambliss and Lacy have already been together for a season, the Rebels should have the edge over the Cardinals in Nashville.
Projected Score: Ole Miss 34, Louisville 27
Monday, Sept. 6 No. 19 SMU at Florida State (1-0) 6:30 p.m., ESPN An important ACC battle between nationally ranked SMU and Florida State will conclude week 1 of college football on Labor Day. The Mustangs collide with the Seminoles at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) on the call .
SMU had a strong 2025 season that included nine wins overall and six in the ACC. The Mustangs will have to play Florida State on the road but their roster, led by six returning starters, should be capable of going into Doak S. Campbell Stadium and getting a victory. Florida State, who opened the 2026 season last Saturday by defeating New Mexico State, must start ACC play on a high note with a win against SMU if they want their head coach, Mike Norvell, to remain in Tallahassee beyond this fall.
SMU returns Kevin Jennings at quarterback but not much else on its offense. Left tackle PJ Williams and right guard Addison Nichols are the only players that returns as starters next to Jennings so the new additions that will be playmakers for the Mustangs will have to step up, especially with expectations that they could make it to the ACC Championship game. Jennings options at receiver will be Jalen Cooper, Yamir Knight, who both step into a starting roles, and transfer Jalen Hale. Florida State linebacker Mike Gbayor, who led the Seminoles with one sack against New Mexico State last weekend, will hope for a similar performance against the Mustangs.
California transfer Kendrick Raphael and returner Dramekco Green form a solid duo at tailback for SMU behind an offensive line full of veterans. FSU defensive back Ashlynd Barker led his team in tackles against the Aggies with eight. If he can get similar production against Raphael and Green when they make plays and stop Jennings from getting the ball down the field to his receivers, the Seminoles can upset the Mustangs.
The SMU defense needs to be better after up and down play last season cost them a shot at the ACC Championship game and another College Football Playoff appearance. The strength of the unit should be returning linebackers Alexander Kilgore, Brandon Booker and Brandon Miyazono. If someone can step up on the pass rush, the Mustang front should be able to get to Florida State signal-caller Ashton Daniels, who went 17-for-27, threw one touchdown and one interception in the Seminoles’ victory against New Mexico State.
While the SMU front attempts to stop Seminole running back Ousmane Kromah from another fantastic performance, after carrying it 14 times for 115 yards and a score against the Aggies last Saturday, the Mustang defensive backs, led by returning corners William Nettles and Marcellus Barnes Jr., will look to stop Daniels from moving the ball down the field. A wide receiver has not emerged for the Seminoles yet this season and the Mustangs will look to keep it that way.
Tallahassee should be buzzing for a big Labor Day showdown for Florida State to open ACC play against nationally ranked SMU. If the Seminoles show up like they did last Saturday against New Mexico State, the Mustangs may make the necessary plays to easily move past them. Norvell has to have his team ready against SMU if they want to win this game. The Seminoles may start out the game well but the Mustangs will outlast the Seminoles and start 1-0.
University of Arkansas red-white spring scrimmage. Game was played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville Arkansas. April 25, 2026 .Ted McClenning photographer.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas faces North Alabama for the first time in program history at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to begin the Ryan Silverfield era.
Kickoff between the Razorbacks and the Lions is set for 3:15 p.m. Saturday, September 5 on the SEC Network with Dave Neal (play-by-play), Cole Cubelic (analyst) and Tori Petry (sideline reporter) on the call. As Arkansas begins its 133rd football season, Ryan Silverfield begins his tenure in Fayetteville as the Razorbacks’ 34th head coach in program history. Next up is a trip to Salt Lake City for their first ever matchup against Utah on September 13.
Schedule: North Alabama at Arkansas – 3:15 p.m. – SEC Network
Tune In: Saturday afternoon’s matchup between Arkansas and North Alabama will stream on SEC Network with Dave Neal (play-by-play), Cole Cubelic (analyst) and Tori Petry (sideline reporter) in the broadcast booth. 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, one of the nation’s winningest coaches over the last three seasons, was named the 35th head coach of the Razorbacks on Nov. 30, 2025. Silverfield arrives in Fayetteville after spending a decade at Memphis, where he led the Tigers to a 50-25 overall record as head coach from 2020-2025. In 2023 and 2024, his team won double-digit games and they reached bowl games in all six seasons as head coach.
QB KJ Jackson will lead the Arkansas offense into the 2026 season after winning the starting quarterback job in fall camp. The Montgomery, Ala., native appeared in five games last year and completed 33-of-54 passes (61.1%) for 441 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions). Jackson made the first start of his collegiate career in last season’s finale against Missouri where he completed 11-of-17 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also saw action against Alabama A&M, Arkansas State, Texas A&M and Texas. He will become the first left-handed Razorback quarterback to start a season opener since Barry Lunney Jr. in 1995.
RB Sutton Smith, a transfer that followed Silverfield from Memphis, is expected to pace the Razorbacks’ rushing attack alongside Braylen Russell. The Marietta, Ga. native will attempt to build upon his breakout 2025 campaign, in which he carried the ball 102 times for 669 yards and seven touchdowns with the Tigers.
WR Chris Marshall, a Boise State Transfer, is expected to have a great season in the receiving game. The Missouri City, Texas, native is expected to be the Razorbacks’ top pass catcher after he had 30 receptions for 574 yards and two scores with the Broncos last year.
DL Quincy Rhodes Jr. enters the 2026 seasons on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award after leading Arkansas in both tackles for loss and (15.5) and sacks (8.0) last season. The North Little Rock native’s 15.5 tackles for loss, which was the third most among SEC defenders last year, were the most by an Arkansas defender in a season since DL Trey Flowers (15.5) in 2015.
Brent Dearmon, the North Alabama head coach, will lead the Lions into Fayetteville on Saturday afternoon. Dearmon’s career record as a head coach is 19-28 in five seasons and 9-27 as the head coach at UNA over four seasons. Dearmon’s team defeated Samford to open the season, 22-10, helping North Alabama to a 1-0 record entering their week 1 matchup against Arkansas.
QB Destin Wade, the signal-caller for North Alabama, played previously at two Power 4 institutions, first at Kentucky in 2023 and at Colorado in 2024. Wade redshirted for the Wildcats and led the practice squad. Then, the Spring Hill, Tenn. native saw action in one game for the Buffaloes against Arizona. Wade completed 13-of-19 passes of 229 yards and a touchdown in the Lions’ victory against Samford last Saturday.
RB Jalen Fletcher is the top running back for North Alabama. After winning UAC Freshman of the Week three times, playing in all 12 games and starting one against Central Arkansas in 2024, Fletcher redshirted in sophomore season in 2025. Before deciding to redshirt, the Trinity, Ala. native rushed 20 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.8 yards a carry. He also had one reception for three yards. Fletcher carried the ball 11 times for 79 yards against Samford to open the 2026 season.
WR Xavier Johnson leads the Lions at wide receiver. Johnson began his career for Memphis, redshirting for Ryan Silverfield’s team a season ago before deciding to transfer to North Alabama. The Fort Worth, Texas native was a consensus three-star recruit who caught 58 passes for 1,349 yards and 15 touchdowns during his senior season at Richland High School. Johnson caught five passes for 129 yards and a score against Samford last weekend.
DL Cayden Adkins is a big part of the North Alabama defense on the line. Adkins began his college career at Georgia State in 2025 where he saw action in 11 games. The Elba, Ala. native recorded five tackles with one tackle for loss for Panthers. He transferred to North Alabama in the off-season. Adkins got five tackles and two sacks to lead the Lions defense against Samford.
The 2026 college football season is here with an interesting Week 0 slate that includes two Power 4 games, one in Dublin between North Carolina and TCU and another all ACC matchup between North Carolina State and Virginia in Charlottesville.
In addition, San José State goes to Memorial Coliseum to face USC, North Dakota State and Sacramento State make their FBS debuts against Jacksonville State and Eastern Michigan respectively and Hawai’i travels to Stanford to open the 2026 season how they did a year ago in 2025.
Florida State opens an important season against New Mexico State while Memphis will face off against UNLV in a game with huge College Football Playoff implications for non-automatic qualifier schools.
AP Top 5 No. 1 Ohio State 0-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Off No. 2 Oregon 0-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Off No. 3 Georgia 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Off No. 4 Notre Dame 0-0 Independents This week: Off No. 5 Texas 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Off
The Week 0 Slate:
*All game times are at central standard time*
Saturday, Aug. 29 North Carolina vs. TCU (Dublin; Aer Lingus College Football Classic) 11 a.m., ABC North Carolina meets TCU overseas in Dublin to kick off the 2026 college football season at 11 a.m. on ABC with Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Jordan Rogers (analyst) and Dana Boyle (sideline reporter) on the call.
The Tar Heels are attempting to bounce back from a 4-8 season where they won only 2 ACC games in Bill Belichick’s first season at the helm. After a crazy-offseason that included the hiring of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and the paid leave of general manager Michael Lombardi. The Horned Frogs enjoyed a much better 2025 season, going 9-4 and finishing their season with an exciting 30-27 victory over USC.
The success of the UNC offense will depend on Wisconsin transfer quarterback Billy Edwards and their rebuilt offensive line. Edwards will have to rely on the team’s returning running back Demon June and wide receiver Jordan Shipp to get the ball down the field and score points against the TCU defense. After losing All-Big 12 safety Bud Clark and linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr, their defensive line will be important against opposing offenses in 2026. Stud Zach Chapman, tackle Ansel Din-Mbuh and Markis Deal all return to lead the Horned Frog defense this season, starting against the Tar Heels.
Coordinator Steve Belichick’s defense is led by end Melkart About Jaoud, tackle Leroy Jackson and nickleback Kaleb Cost for North Carolina. They will face a brand new TCU offense, led by coordinator Gordon Sammis and Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig. Craig has come into replace Josh Hoover, and he will look to get the ball to receivers Jordan Dwyer, Terry Shelton, Ed Small and tight end Ka’Morreun Pimton against Cost and the Tar Heel secondary. About Joud, Jackson and the UNC front will be in charge of shutting down tailback Jeremy Payne.
Despite the newness of the TCU offense, North Carolina will not be able to overcome the Horned Frogs again in 2026. The Tar Heels will keep it closer than last fall’s matchup but it will not be enough. TCU will start the season 1-0 again.
Projected Score: TCU 35, North Carolina 17
San José State at No. 14 USC 2 p.m., NBC Nationally ranked USC welcomes instate foe San José State ahead of what should be an exciting season under head coach Lincoln Riley. Kickoff will be at 2 p.m. on NBC with Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter) on the call.
After three consecutive bowl wins, the Spartans won only three games in 2025. If things don’t get better in year three under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, it may not be good. Similarly, 2026 will be an important season for the Trojans and Riley. USC won nine games last fall but anything without a run to the College Football Playoff could mean that he will be fired at the end of the season.
There will be a relatively new look offense for San Jose State this season. Freshman quarterback Robert McDaniel steps in next to senior running back Jabari Bates. Four new starting receivers will catch passes from McDaniel including Malachi Riley, Tama Amisone and transfers Anthony Ivey and Jerry McClure. Former Horned Frog head coach Gary Patterson takes over as the Trojans’ defensive coordinator. Tackle Jide Abasiri and end Karmeryn Crawford are the two key cogs in a line room full of depth to stop the Spartans’ ground attack, led by Bates. Corner Marcelles Williams and safety Christian Pierce will be important in shutting down the passing game, where the Spartans’ four wide receiver look could be interest.
It will be tough for a San José State defense with many new starters to handle the USC offense returns eight starters, including its entire backfield, quarterback Jayden Maiava and tailback Waymond Jordan. In addition, Maiava gets to throw to Tanook Hines and he will get to play behind all five offensive linemen that return for 2026. End Justin Stearns will lead the Spartans defense against the high-scoring Trojan offense.
USC’s electric offense and rebuilt defense will be too much for San José State to handle. Maiava will lead the Trojan offense down the field for multiple scoring drives and Patterson’s defense will make enough stops to help them finish the Spartans off and start the season out with a victory.
Projected Score: USC 42, San José State 13
NC State at Virginia 2:30 p.m., ABC NC State will be in Charlottesville to face Virginia in a big-time ACC duel to begin the season. The Wolfpack and Cavaliers will begin at 2:30 p.m. on ABC with Wes Durham (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Madison Fitzpatrick (sideline reporter) on the call.
NC State has yet to make it out of the pack in the ACC, winning eight games overall and four in the ACC during Dave Doeren’s 13th season at the helm. The Wolfpack want 10-wins, an ACC championship and a College Football Playoff appearance and starting the season with a win against last season’s runner-up would be perfect way to start. The team that made the ACC Championship game last season, Virginia lost to Duke in that game but still won 11 games in 2025. It will be important for Tony Elliott’s team to continue to build off that foundation in his fifth season as head coach.
Former Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula is a capable runner but he must improve as a passer if Virginia wants to return to the ACC Championship game in 2026. Pribula’s backfield is loaded with Tennessee transfer Peyton Lewis and Jekail Middlebrook headlining the group. Sophomore nose tackle Josiah Victor, linebackers Popo Aguirre and Da’Karri Nelson will be in charge of shutting the Cavalier running game. Nickleback Jackson Vick and strong safety Asaad Brown Jr. will lead the secondary against the receiving group of Rico Flores Jr., Dillon Newton-Short, Kameron Courtney and Dakota Twitty.
NC State quarterback CJ Bailey will rely on transfer wide receivers Davion Dozier and Joshisa Trader after losing all five contributors at the position last year. Returning cornerback Donavon Platt and safety Ethan Minter will attempt to shut down the Wolfpack passing game. Josh Scott will be the running back after replacing Hollywood Smothers, who transferred from the program in the off-season. Linebacker Kam Robinson is the leader of the Cavalier defense and with the help of tackles Jason Hammond and Anthony Britton, they will look to shut down Scott.
In what could be the best game of the day in week 0, NC State and Virginia will go back-and-forth for all 60 minutes, and a winner will not be decided until the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers will protect home field against the Wolfpack and begin the season on a high note.
Projected Score: Virginia 24, NC State 21
Jacksonville State at North Dakota State 4:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network Jacksonville State has traveled to face longtime FCS power North Dakota State for their FBS debut. The Gamecocks and Bison will face off at 4:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network with Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Adam Breneman (analyst), Brian Kelly (analyst) and Jordan Giorgio (sideline reporter) on the call.
Jacksonville State fell in the Conference USA Championship game last season before defeating Troy in the Salute to Veteran’s Bowl. Second year head coach Charles Kelly and the Gamecocks are primed for another solid season and they will look to start it out with a victory over North Dakota State. The Bison went 12-1 in their final season in the FCS before losing to Illinois State in the second round of the playoff. Tim Polasek’s team has a chance to compete to win the Mountain West and they can start it off with a win over a quality Conference USA program, Jacksonville State.
The Gamecocks’ defense will have to shut down the new-look North Dakota State offense. Senior linebacker Walker O’Steen, junior defensive tackle Jawaun Campbell and sophomore linebacker Mac Sanders will look to stop the Bison ground game, headed by tailbacks DJ Scott and Myles Mitchell. Senior safety Caleb Nix will have the job of leading the young JSU secondary against new NDSU quarterback Nathan Hayes, who was the backup on last season’s team. Hayes will look to get the ball down the field to tight end Reis Kessel, after averaging 22.3 yards per catch last season and a new starting group of wide receivers.
On the other side, North Dakota State lost the leader of their defense, Nathaniel Staehling on the final day of the portal period to Michigan, weakening a strong group that still has juniors Donovan Woolen and Keith Williams. Woolen and Williams will get to deal with Jacksonville State’s dual-threat quarterback Caden Creel. Creel won’t have last season’s Conference USA MVP Cam Cook at running back anymore but that room has plenty of depth. Creel’s leading receiver from last season, Deondre Johnson will likely be his top option down the field in Saturday’s game.
North Dakota State will want to defend Fargo as they open their time as an FBS program but Jacksonville State will come in and make sure that does not happen. The Gamecocks will edge the Bison out in the fourth quarter with a successful two minute drill.
Projected Score: Jacksonville State 27, North Dakota State 24
Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan 5:30 p.m., ESPN+ Sacramento State will begin their time in FBS football in their MAC debut at Eastern Michigan. The Hornets and Eagles will match up at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN+ with Mick Tedrow (play-by-play) and Je’rod Cherry (analyst) on the call.
Sacramento State went 7-5 in their final season of FCS football, meaning that they failed to make the playoffs. The Hornets will have an uphill battle as they begin their stay in the MAC. Eastern Michigan will welcome SSU to the conference after a 4-8 2025 campaign. If the Eagles want to make the postseason, they have to start the season with a win and then move onto the rest of their schedule.
Sacramento State quarterback Carson Conklin is back after a season at Fresno State, where he is joined by running back Jamar Curtis. Eastern Michigan defensive end Carter Evans and linebacker Barry Manning will look to shut down the Hornet’s running game. The lone returning starting on the Hornet offense is Jordan Williams, who will likely be in direct contact of Eagle safety Bryce Llewellyn, the leader of the secondary.
The linebacking core is the strength of the Sacramento State defense and Derek Houston and Alex Rocha want to prove that against Eastern Michigan. Houston and Rocha want to make sure the Eagle ground game does not get going with transfers Braydon Bennett and Malachi James taking carries from returning signal-caller Noah Kim. The lone returning starter for the Hornet defense, however, is defensive tackle Xavier Williams, who will want to help Houston and Rocha shut down both the ground and passing attack from Kim to Nick Devereaux, Benson Prosper and Antonio Floyd, all of whom also return for another season.
Eastern Michigan and Sacramento State should play a close game for a half or three quarters but the Eagles should overwhelm the Hornets in the second half, who have first time head coach and have a roster built to be an FCS Independent at best.
Projected Score: Eastern Michigan 28, Sacramento State 10
Hawai’i at Stanford 6 p.m., ACC Network Week 0 usual Hawai’i will be in northern California for a showdown with Stanford on Saturday night. The Rainbow Warriors will face the Cardinals at 6 p.m. on the ACC Network with Jorge Sedano (play-by-play), Rodney McLeod (analyst) and Kendra Douglas (sideline reporter) on the call.
Hawai’i has a chance to defeat Stanford for a second consecutive season after doing the same a season ago. The Rainbow Warriors’ win against the Cardinal was the first of nine, including a Hawai’i Bowl victory over California on Christmas Eve. On the other hand, Stanford wants to avoid another sluggish season, especially after winning only four contests in 2025. The Cardinal will have a tough game in week 1 against Miami but they will have to focus on Hawai’i if they want to open the season with a win.
Reigning Mountain West Freshman of Year Micah Alejado, who returns after he averaged 282.4 passing yards per game and completed 66% of his passes in head coach Timmy Chang’s four-wide, spread offense. His quick decision-making is vital in a unit that includes two slot receivers, Pofele Ashlock and Washington transfer Audric Harris. Alejado’s new tailback is Cam Barfield after serving as the backup in 2025 behind an offensive line with two returning starters.
Stanford middle linebacker Matt Rose is the leader of the Cardinal defense so he will be the man in charge of shutting down the Alejado-led offense. Alongside Rose, the safety room is also strong with Jay Green, Scotty Edwards, Charlie Eckhardt and Darrius Davis. Green, Edwards, Eckhard and Davis will be in charge of shutting down the Alejado to Ashlock and Harris passes down the field.
The Rainbow Warrior defense only has three starters back from a unit that ranked sixth in the conference in total defense last season. They lost two All-league players on the defensive line. With little talent left on the line, the Cardinal offense will want to rely heavily on running back Michael Ford.
If Ford can get the ground game going, he will make it easier for quarterback Davis Warren to get the ball to his favorite targets, wide receiver Caden High and tight end Benji Blackburn. Honorable mention All-MWC nickleback Elijah Palmer will lead the Hawai’i secondary against the Stanford passing attack.
Similar to last season’s Rainbow Warrior win to begin the season, this game should be back-and-forth until the final whistle. The Hawai’i offense will be hard to stop with Alejado leading the way, but the Cardinal offense will have a chance to succeed against a new-look defense on the other side. However, Hawai’i has a chance to win the Mountain West this season while Stanford is trying to build on a 4-8 record from last fall. The Rainbow Warriors will edge the Cardinal again to open the 2026 season.
Projected Score: Hawai’i 24, Stanford 21
New Mexico State at Florida State 6 p.m., The CW Florida State will host New Mexico State on Saturday night as they begin a crucial season in 2026. The Seminoles will square off with the Aggies at 6 p.m. on The CW with Thom Brennaman (play-by-play), Jason Cabinda (analyst) and Wes Bryant (sideline reporter) on the call.
New Mexico State went 4-8 in 2025 but will hope to return to a bowl game in 2026 with a lot of new faces via the transfer portal. The Aggies will have to walk in to Doak Campbell Stadium, a tough environment, but Florida State has not been safe from upsets in the past. The Seminoles must start out the season with a win if head coach Mike Norvell wants to keep his job beyond this fall. FSU won only five games in 2025 and if they lose a game to New Mexico State would put Norvell in an even worse position than he is already in.
New Mexico State will struggle to succeed offensively if they can’t be better than 113th nationally in yards per game, which is where they finished last season. The Aggies will rely on many transfers, including signal-caller Trey Hedden, running back James Jones. They return only two starters on the unit, including wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson and tight end Jeron Akrien.
The revamped Florida State defense will rely on Southern transfer Chris Jones to head the defense as the middle linebacker after finishing the 2025 season as a top-10 tackler in the FBS. The NMSU offense will want to run the ball with Jones because the Seminoles have questions in the trenches with only one returning starter back, nose tackle Daniel Lyons.
New Mexico State linebacker Jared Lloyd, edge rushers Kellen Lindstrom and Caden Wiest will play a huge factor in stopping the Florida State offense. Former Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels will be the third new starting quarterback for Florida State in a row. His inconsistent career could be good for the Aggies’ defense in the season-opener.
Daniels will get to throw to Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy, both of whom are retiring starters. Texas transfer Quintrevion Wisner, Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. will form one of the top tailback trios in the country. If FSU’s offense can have success early and often in this game, NMSU will not be able to have the success they want to.
Florida State should win this game fairly easily against New Mexico State. The Seminoles need to take care of business against the Aggies if Mike Norvell wants to keep his job as head coach beyond his seventh season. Things may start slowly for FSU, but they will beat NMSU and move to 1-0 to start the 2026 season.
Projected Score: Florida State 34, New Mexico State 14
Memphis at UNLV 9 p.m., FOX Memphis will be in Las Vegas for a huge Group of Six battle against UNLV with College Football Playoff implications to end Week 0. The Tigers will meet with the Rebels at 9 p.m. on FOX with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline reporter) on the call.
With Charles Huff taking over for Ryan Silverfield as head coach, there is hope Memphis can make a run to the American Championship game and the College Football Playoff. Tigers’ fans think Huff can turn eight wins into 10 or more. Last season, UNLV reached that 10 win mark but they failed to win the Mountain West championship game against Boise State and the Frisco Bowl against Ohio. With the Broncos in the new Pac-12, the Rebels can win the conference and make a run similar to the Tigers, especially if they start out with a win on Saturday night.
New Memphis offensive coordinator Kevin Decker will lead his unit with a fast, spread-style attack that succeeded at his previous stop, Old Dominion. West Florida transfer quarterback Marcus Stokes should succeed in Decker’s offense after beating out South Carolina transfer Air Noland for the job. Stokes will attempt to get the ball to speedsters Alante Brown and Tychaun Chapman. UNLV safety Jake Pope will lead his secondary against Stokes’ passing game.
Southern Miss transfer tailback Jaylin Carter followed Huff to his new job and he will lead a room that features two other backs, Manny Covey and Dallan Hayden. Rebel defensive tackle Lucas Conti and linebacker Belsyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu are the only two returning starters in the front six for their defense, so they will have to stop Carter, Covey and Hayden throughout Saturday night’s battle against the Tigers if they want to come out with a victory.
Auburn transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold will look to get his career on the right track as the new quarterback for UNLV. His main challenge on Saturday night will be getting the ball past linebacker Mike Montgomery and safety Ian Foster, both of whom followed Huff from USM. Foster will play a big part in stopping wide Rebel receivers Kayden McGee, Taeshaun Lyons, DeAngelo Irvin Jr. and tight end Keyan Burnett. Montgomery will lead the Memphis front against Arnold’s running back, Jai’den Thomas, who returned to Las Vegas for his senior season.
In another game that could be considered the best of Week 0, Memphis and UNLV will go back-and-forth. In a game that could potentially eliminate either team from the College Football Playoff in December, the Tigers will edge the Rebels for the victory on the road.
After years of awful football in Bloomington, former Alabama assistant Curt Cignetti brought Indiana on an impressive two-year run that will continue into the 2026 season, making the College Football Playoff in 2024 before winning the national championship a year later behind quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a group of impressive veteran transfers.
Over the last two decades, college football was ruled by Southeastern Conference powers Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Florida and Georgia. However, the Hoosiers winning it all proves just about anything can happen in college football, as the age of name, image, and likeness and the transfer portal lives on.
Now, the SEC has not won a national championship since the 2022 season and the Big Ten has won three in a row, including IU’s dominant run last fall. The power struggle will continue on the field now between the sport’s top two conferences after months of discussions in board rooms arguing about College Football Playoff formats.
The Atlantic Coast Conference got a team in the national championship game with Miami finally breaking through in January. The ACC and Big 12 must hope that their teams can get to the Playoff and succeed to remain at the top of the sport.
Two Group of Six teams made the Playoff in 2025, with Tulane and James Madison representing the American and Sun Belt conferences. Both schools bowed out after the opening round and with both of their head coaches, Jon Sumrall (Florida) and Bob Chesney (UCLA), at new institutions, D1 FBS football’s lower-level will look for new representatives for the Group of Six to make the Playoff for the second consecutive season.
College football will return next Saturday with Week 0 to begin the 2026 season before a full 13-week season to follow with complete slates every Saturday in the fall. Enjoy it because it won’t last forever.
Below, are my projected conference standings, top games in each conference, awards, who is winning each conference championship game, my College Football Playoff projections and who is winning the national championship game.
Projected Order of Finish Miami 11-1 (8-0) SMU 10-2 (8-1) Louisville 9-3 (7-2) Virginia 10-2 (6-2) Pittsburgh 9-3 (6-3) North Carolina State 8-4 (5-3) Clemson 7-5 (5-3) Virginia Tech 8-4 (5-4) California 8-4 (4-4) Georgia Tech 6-6 (4-4) Duke 5-7 (3-6) Syracuse 5-7 (3-6) Florida State 4-8 (2-7) Wake Forest 4-8 (1-8) North Carolina 3-9 (1-8) Stanford 3-9 (1-8) Boston College 2-10 (0-8)
Last season, a 9-5 Duke team won the ACC after a six-way tie for second place helped them appear in the conference’s championship game against Virginia. On the arm of quarterback Darian Mensah, the Blue Devils defeated the Cavaliers 27-20 in overtime.
After a crazy 42-39 victory over Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl where Mensah threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, he earned MVP honors. Following their victory over the Sun Devils, Durham awaited head coach Manny Diaz’s fourth season as head coach with excitement.
A two-loss Miami team, despite being on the wrong end of the tiebreaker in the ACC, made their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. Quarterback Carson Beck, wide receiver Malachi Toney and pass-rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor led the way as they made it all the way to the national championship game.
The Hurricanes defeated Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss on their way to the national championship game where they lost to Miami native Fernando Mendoza and Indiana, 27-21 in their home stadium.
Now, as the 2026 season begins, Mario Cristobal’s team is the favorite to win the ACC and make another playoff run. They gave Duke quarterback Darian Mensah a handsome paycheck, in addition to his Blue Devil receiver Cooper Barkate, who caught 72 passes for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns from Mensah to get both players to leave Durham and come play for the Hurricanes.
With the additions of Mensah and Barkate, the Miami offense is in position for another big season, especially with talented wideout Malachi Toney and tailback Mark Fletcher Jr. Senior left tackle Matthew McCoy is the only one of five offensive linemen returning so that question must be answered if this team wants to make a similar run to the one they made in January.
The losses of Bain and Mesidor will sting, Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II joins returners Ahmad Moten Sr., Justin Scott and Marquise Lightfoot on what should be another defensive line that should make a lot of plays. Behind them, inside linebacker Mohamed Toure, cornerbacks Romanas Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas and safety Zechariah Poyser return as leaders of the unit.
After making the College Football Playoff in their first season in the ACC back in 2024, SMU followed it up with another solid season, going 9-4 and 6-2 in conference play. The same quarterback that led them to the playoff, Kevin Jennings, has reached his senior year and can lead his team there again with three other returning starters, left tackle PJ Williams, center Joshua Bates and right guard Addison Nichols. Jennings’ offensive weapons are all new, including California transfer tailback Jaden Raphael, Alabama transfer receiver Jalen Hale and Texas A&M transfer tight end Theo Melin Ohrstrom.
Four returning starters including linebackers Alexander Kilgore, Brandon Booker and cornerback William Nettles and Marcellus Barnes Jr. Eight transfers join them, headlined by three defensive linemen, Christian Davis, Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder and Tavion Atkinson, that will look to get a pass rush going for Rhett Lashlee’s team.
Led by alumnus Jeff Brohm, Louisville has succeeded, winning nine games last season. Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz is the next quarterback to play for Brohm after leaving another school. Kienholz’s running ability will complement All-ACC tailback Isaac Brown. Returning wide receivers Treyshaun Hurry and Lawayne McCoy joins transfers Tre Richardson and Brody Foley as weapons for Kienholz down the field.
The Cardinals return three linebackers including seniors Stanquan Clark, Antonio Watts and junior TJ Capers. Tackles Demeco Kennedy and Joshua Donald join the UL defensive line alongside ends returning starter Clev Lubins and AJ Green, who will start for the first time this season. Cornerback Tayon Holloway leads the secondary that also includes three transfers, DJ Waller Jr. next to Holloway next to Waller, safeties Koen Entringer and Kaleb Beasley.
After appearing in the ACC Championship game back in December, Virginia will look to do the same thing this season. Former Clemson assistant Tony Elliott has only gone 22-26 over four seasons but he has gotten the Cavaliers on the right track. Their main focus in the off-season was retaining their veteran offensive line, that includes left tackle McKale Boley, Noah Josey and center Drake Metcalf. Missouri transfer Beau Pribula will step in behind center, after a solid season in Columbia. Elliott has to replace All-ACC running back J’Mari Taylor but they have five options that make sense, including projected starter Peyton Lewis.
Linebacker Kam Robinson and tackle Jason Hammond lead the UVA defense up the middle. End Fisher Camac and safety Ethan Minter join Robinson and Hammond as returners. Matthew Fobbs-White will play on the other end of the line from Camac and Brandyn Hillman will play across from Minter at safety. Transfer Jacobie Henderson joins Maddox Marcellus and Corey Costner, who will step into linebacker roles.
Pittsburgh started 2-2 in 2025 but thanks to quarterback Mason Heintschel, who came in off the bench and led the Panthers to 6-3 finish (8-5 record)and six wins in the ACC. Three of five starting offensive linemen return, including right tackle BJ Williams, right guard BJ Williams and center Ryan Carretta. Cataurus Hicks and Bryce Yates return at receiver while tight end Carson Kent will step in as the starter.
Senior Braylan Lovelace has a chance to be Pittsburgh’s next great linebacker. After an 80-tackle season in 2025, he will pair with Cameron Lindsey at the position. Returners Isaiah Neal, Nick James, Sean FitzSimmons and Jimmy Scott headline the line while free safety Cruce Brookins will lead a secondary with new starters Josh Guerrier, Shawn Lee Jr. and Shedarian Harrison.
North Carolina State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, California and Georgia Tech are all teams that can contend in an ACC without a true favorite except for Miami. Duke, Syracuse, Florida State and Wake Forest are in the next tier, with the potential to get into the above tier but an upset of a team above them is more likely.
North Carolina, Stanford and Boston College will make up the bottom of the ACC.
Top Non-Conference Games: No. 1 Miami at Notre Dame (Nov. 7) No. 2 Ole Miss vs. Louisville (Sept. 12; Nashville) No. 3 Clemson at LSU (Sept. 5) No. 4 Florida State at Alabama (Sept. 19) No. 5 SMU at Notre Dame (Nov. 21)
Top Conference Games: No. 1 SMU at Louisville (Sept. 19) No. 2 Miami at Clemson (Oct. 3) No. 3 Virginia at Virginia Tech (Nov. 28) No. 4 Virginia Tech at Miami (Nov. 20) No. 5 Duke at Miami (Nov. 14)
Conference Awards: Offensive Player of the Year: Malachi Toney, Wide Receiver, Miami 2025 Statistics: 109 receptions, 1,211 yards, 23 rushes, 113 yards, 1 touchdown Defensive Player of the Year: Sammy Brown, Linebacker, Clemson 2025 Statistics: 51 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble Special Teams Player of the Year: Aidan Birr, Kicker, Georgia Tech 2025 Statistics: 45-45 on extra points, 25-29 on field goals, 120 points Freshman of the Year: Jackson Cantwell, Right Tackle, Miami 2025 Statistics: N/A (Freshman) Newcomer of the Year: Damon Wilson, Defensive Lineman, Miami 2025 Statistics: 9 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery (at Missouri) Coach of the Year: Rhett Lashley, SMU
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 5 in Charlotte): Miami (12-1) over SMU (10-3)
Texas Tech won the Big 12 after an undefeated regular season, dominating BYU 34-7. Butkus Award winner Jacob Rodriguez and the Red Raider defense helped TTU win the conference title and make the College Football Playoff for the first time.
Texas Tech fell to Oregon in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl after their successful regular season. To build on their success, Joey McGuire and his staff added Cincinnati transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
After he moved on from the Red Raiders following speaking up about his betting addiction, they will have to refocus on having another successful season, leaving the Sorsby situation in the past. Thus, there is some uncertainty at quarterback. After last year’s backup Will Hammond tore his ACL last season, Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis has emerged as the favorite for the job. Six returning starters join Francis on the offense, including tailback Cameron Dickey, wide receiver Coy Eakin, tight end Terrance Carter Jr., left tackle Howard Sampson and right tackle Jacob Ponton.
Replacing several NFL Draft picks, including, pass-rusher David Bailey, will be difficult for the Texas Tech defense in 2026. Transfers Trey White, who totaled 19.5 sacks in his last two seasons at San Diego State and Adam Trick, who had 12.5 sacks last season at Miami (Ohio), will attempt to replace the production of Bailey. Kansas State transfer Austin Romain will pair up next to Big 12 Championship Game Most Outstanding Player Ben Roberts at inside linebacker. All-Big 12 cornerback Ben Pollack, who collected five interceptions last season, returns to lead the secondary.
Bear Bachmeier returns at quarterback and LJ Martin returns next to him at running back, forming a great duo that could potentially lead BYU back to the Big 12 Championship game and the College Football Playoff for the first time. Returners Jojo Phillips, Cody Hagen join transfers Kyler Kasper and Walker Lyons as pass catchers. Center Bruce Mitchell and right tackle Andrew Gentry will lead the offensive line to get their offense down the field.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham’s departure to Michigan caused a problem for Cougars’ defensive. Coordinator Jay Hill has joined his former coach in Ann Arbor so to replace him, head coach Kalani Sitake put special teams coordinator Kelly Poppinga in the role. Utah transfer Keanu Tanuvasa and former Cal linebacker Cade Uluave will head the front seven while safety Faletau Satuala will help the new secondary coaches get settled in.
Utah’s Whittingham’s retirement and then exit to Michigan caused uproar in Salt Lake City, and as a result, veteran defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley has taken over the program as the new head coach. Also, the offense is changing as a result of coordinator’s Jason Beck’s departure to follow his boss to Ann Arbor.
Utah State’s Kevin McGiven arrives to replace Beck as offensive coordinator, where they will look to establish a quality passing game while continuing with a strong running game. Dynamic quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin play an impressive two quarterback system next to returning tailback Wayshawn Parker. No other starters return for the Utes’ following Whittingham/s departure.
Arizona returns reigning first team All-Big 12 quarterback Noah Fifita, who needs 829 yards to pass Nick Foles for the most passing yards in program history. Seth Doege is the first offensive coordinator to return for a second season next to Fifita, who also gets wide receiver Tre Spivey, right guard Alexander Doost and right tackle Tristan Bounds. Senior running backs Kedrick Reescano and Quincy Craig will form a duo together while receivers Chris Hunter and Giovanni Richardson will step into starting roles next to transfer tight end Cole Rusk.
Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales signed a contract extension this off-season after he was named a Broyles Award semifinalist. The success of the Wildcat defense will be reliant on four returning starters, including end Tre Smith, tackle Leroy Palu and linebackers Chase Kennedy and Taye Brown. Incoming transfers fill the secondary after the departures of Treydan Stukes, Gensis Smith and Dalton Johnson.
Former Texas A&M quarterback Connor Weigman is coming off a career-best season where he threw for 2,705 yards, 25 touchdowns and rushed for 700 yards and 11 touchdowns for Houston. All-Big 12 receiver Amare Thomas, who had 12 touchdowns and nearly missed 1,000 yards last season, running back Makhi Hughes, who rushed for almost 3,000 yards at Tulane and UTSA transfer tight end Tanner Koziol are the weapons that returned for Weigman. Right guard McKenzie Agnello is the only one of five offensive linemen that returns, this time for his senior season.
Second-year defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong lost most of his talent to graduation after last season. The strength of the unit is the secondary with All-Big 12 cornerback Will James, free safety Kentrell Webb and strong safety Jordan Allen all returning after starting 13 games last season. The Cougars’ top tackler last season, Carlos Allen, must be replaced up front with returners Khalil Laufau, Brandon Mack II and transfers Ashton Porter and De’Marion Thomas set to play on the line. Sione Fotu is back at middle linebacker after starting 12 games at the position last season next to weakside backer Carmycah Glass.
Experienced quarterback Avery Johnson is back for his senior season at Kansas State. He is the single-season leader and career co-leader for touchdown passes in program history. His tailback Joe Jackson, wide receiver Jaron Tibbs, tight end Garrett Oakley and left tackle John Pastore are back alongside two transfers on the offensive line, two transfers at receiver and a right tackle expected to step in as a starter.
After losing almost all of their defensive starters from 2025, the Wildcats relied on the transfer portal to fill the depth chart. The defensive end needed the most attention, with end Wendell Gregory coming over from Oklahoma State. Jordan Allen and Elijah Hill will compete to play at the other end. Returning cornerbacks Zashon Rich and Donovan McIntosh are the only two players back for the Kansas State defense so they will be trusted as leaders next to a transfer nickleback and safety.
West Virginia, Arizona State, Oklahoma State are all capable of getting to the top of the Big 12 but are in the second tier of the conference in 2026. The Mountaineers begin the second season of Rich Rodriguez’s tenure, the Sun Devils attempt to return to the Big 12 Championship game and the College Football Playoff with a new-look roster under head coach Kenny Dillingham and the Cowboys begin a new era under former North Texas head coach Eric Morris and his quarterback Drew Mestemaker.
TCU, Baylor, Cincinnati are next up in the Big 12. Sonny Dykes’ Horned Frogs won nine games last season so a run to the Big 12 Championship is not out of the question, especially with returning new starters. Baylor must start the season fast if head coach Dave Aranda wants to remain on staff beyond 2026. It will be interesting to see if Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway can have a positive impact on the Bears’ season this fall. Cincinnati, after losing Sorsby, and all of their offensive weapons from last season, Scott Satterfield will hope his team can give him similar results to what he got last season or better.
Kansas, Colorado, UCF and Iowa State represent the bottom of the Big 12. The Jayhawks look to return back to a bowl game after a 5-7 mark in 2025 while Deion Sanders hopes his Buffaloes back to where his son Shedeur and teammate Travis Hunter had them a few years ago. The Knights’ fans must hope that the second tenure of head coach Scott Frost must turn around for them to have success. Iowa State is entrusting former Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers to replace Matt Campbell in the same role after he left for Penn State and took most of his starting roster with him.
Top Non-Conference Games: No. 1 Notre Dame at BYU (Oct. 17) No. 2 Arizona State at Texas A&M (Sept. 12) No. 3 Oregon at Oklahoma State (Sept. 12) No. 4 Missouri at Kansas (Sept. 11) No. 5 Baylor vs. Auburn (Sept. 5; Atlanta)
Top Conference Games: No. 1 BYU at Utah (Nov. 7) No. 2 Houston at Texas Tech (Sept. 25) No. 3 Houston at Kansas State (Oct. 10) No. 4 Arizona State at Texas Tech (Oct. 17) No. 5 Arizona State at Arizona (Nov. 28)
Conference Awards: Offensive Player of the Year: LJ Martin, Running Back, BYU 2025 Statistics: 236 rushes, 1,305 yards, 12 touchdowns, 36 receptions, 255 yards Defensive Player of the Year: AJ Holmes, Defensive Lineman, Texas Tech 2025 Statistics: 19 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 4 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery Special Teams Player of the Year: Stone Harrington, Kicker, Texas Tech 2025 Statistics: 41-42 on extra points, 22-28 on field goals, 107 points Freshman of the Year: Kelvin Obot, Offensive Tackle, Utah 2025 Statistics: N/A (Freshman) Newcomer of the Year: Drew Mestemaker, Quarterback, Oklahoma State 2025 Statistics: 319-463, 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 57 rushes, 89 yards, 5 touchdowns (at North Texas) Coach of the Year: Kalani Sitake, BYU
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 4 in Arlington): Texas Tech (12-1) over BYU (10-3)
Indiana continued the Big Ten’s streak of three consecutive College Football Playoff National Championships after defeating Miami at Hard Rock Stadium back in January. The Hoosiers continued the conference’s streak after Michigan (2023) and Ohio State (2024) won it all the previous two seasons.
Now, as a new season is about to begin, the Hoosiers, Buckeyes and Oregon are three of the favorites to win it this season. All Midwesterners want the Big Ten’s dominance to continue on the gridiron, especially over the SEC but I worry the conference’s depth is not up to par if the league’s three best teams, at least on paper, don’t match their pre-season projection.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin can be a Heisman contender again this season, especially with one of the nation’s top receivers, Jeremiah Smith returning. Receiver Brandon Innis and running back Bo Jackson should also make a great impact this season. Sayin will also get the help of playing behind four returning offensive line, meaning he should have a lot of time in the pocket to get the ball down the field this season.
The Buckeyes’ lost three important contributors from the nation’s top defense in 2025, pass-rusher Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs. Larry Johnson, James Laurinaitis and Tim Walton are all elite and should develop to replace their production sometime this season. The line will feature Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Alabama transfer James Smith while the linebacking core will need to learn on the fly. Jermaine Matthews Jr. steps into the top corner role where he will play alongside Terry Moore, who will play at free safety.
Indiana will rely on former TCU signal-caller Josh Hoover to replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza behind center. Sophomore Khobie Martin will step in at running back alongside returners Charlie Becker, Tyler Morris and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh at wide receiver. Hoover should be set up to succeed in this offense after his time in Fort Worth.
The Hoosier defense returns six starters in addition to two top transfer adds, defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi and cornerback AJ Harris. Of the six returners, tackles Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino and linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones should make the most impact. As such, defensive coordinator Bryant Haines should be able to create similar havoc that he did a year ago.
It is now or never for Oregon. Dan Lanning and the Ducks can win a national championship this season. Dante Moore is one of the nation’s top returning quarterbacks alongside a duo of tailbacks Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., who both served as backups last season. Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan return at wide receiver for their second seasons in Eugene alongside UAB transfer Iverson Hooks. Jamari Johnson returns at tight end and he should be an impactful piece for Moore as well.
Oregon’s entire defensive front from 2025 is back for another season, including end Mateo Uiagalelei, tackle Bear Alexander, tackle A’Mauri Washington and Teitum Tuioti. Veterans Jerry Mixon and Devon Jackson are the inside linebackers for Chris Hampton’s defense while both Brandon Finney Jr. and Ify Obidegwu both return as starters at the corner positions. Aaron Flowers leads the safety group, where he will play alongside Minnesota transfer Koi Perich.
If new starting quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski pans out and defensive coordinator Phil Parker continues to succeed at Iowa, the Hawkeyes could be in for a good season. Bret Bielema’s Illinois team is always one step away from making the College Football Playoff, with a program record 19 wins over the last two seasons. If that continues in 2026, watch out for the Fighting Illini.
Can quarterback Bryce Underwood take the next step under new head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck? Michigan went 9-4 in 2025 with an easy schedule but a much more difficult grind awaits the new coaching staff but familiar roster in 2026. Penn State was lucky Matt Campbell was available in December and left Iowa State. With 24 of the 40 incoming transfers for the Nittany Lions coming from the Cyclones, the success of PSU will rely heavily on them
Much of the media in the pre-season are picking USC to make a run to the College Football Playoff this season thanks to returning quarterback Jayden Maiava and the hiring of new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. Head coach Lincoln Riley enters his fourth season in Los Angeles and if they don’t meet the pre-season expectations, things might go south. Similarly, Nebraska’s Matt Rhule must have a successful season after back-to-back bowl appearances. An eight or nine win season is what the fans in Lincoln should expect.
Washington needs quarterback Demond Williams to take the next step if they want a quality season in 2026. This is especially true with road trips to USC, Nebraska and Oregon coming this season. Similarly for Minnesota, the Golden Gophers need their signal-caller, Drake Lindsey to take a leap to be successful. If that happens, Minnesota can continue to be a top half team in the Big Ten, despite not having as much NIL money as other programs in the conference.
UCLA should begin to have success from former James Madison head coach Bob Chesney. The Bruins looked to what Indiana did, going to the Dukes’ program and hiring Curt Cignetti and two years later, they have won a national championship. It may take longer than it did in Bloomington, but it is coming for UCLA, who will be led again by former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Wisconsin is not far from the bottom of the Big Ten but the way the schedule breaks up for them, they should have success. Head coach Luke Fickell is only 17-21 in three seasons in Madison so a better season should be required for him if he wants to remain as the Badgers’ head coach.
Beyond Wisconsin, there are five teams in the Big Ten that should finish near the bottom of the standings. Northwestern, Maryland, Michigan State, Rutgers, Purdue are all teams that don’t have the monetary resources to keep their programs atop of the league.
Top Non-Conference Games: No. 1 Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12) No. 2 Oklahoma at Michigan (Sept. 12) No. 3 Oregon at Oklahoma State (Sept. 12) No. 4 Iowa at Iowa State (Sept. 12; Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series) No. 5 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Sept. 6; Green Bay; Shamrock Series)
Top Conference Games: No. 1 Ohio State at Indiana (Oct. 17) No. 2 Michigan at Ohio State (Nov. 28) No. 3 Oregon at Ohio State (Nov. 7) No. 4 Oregon at USC (Sept. 26) No. 5 Indiana at Michigan (Oct. 24)
Conference Awards: Offensive Player of the Year: Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State 2025 Statistics: 87 receptions, 1,243 yards, 12 touchdowns, 3 rushes, 21 yards, 1 touchdowns Defensive Player of the Year: Rolijah Hardy, Linebacker, Indiana 2025 Statistics: 48 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 5 passes defended Special Teams Player of the Year: Nico Raidcic, Kicker, Indiana 2025 Statistics: 87-87 on extra points, 18-19 on field goals, 141 total points Freshman of the Year: Luke Wafle, Edge, USC 2025 Statistics: N/A (Freshman) Newcomer of the Year: Josh Hoover, Quarterback, Indiana 2025 Statistics: 272-413, 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 55 rushes, 4 yards, 2 touchdowns Coach of the Year: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 5 in Indianapolis): Ohio State (12-1) over Indiana (11-2)
Top Games: No. 1 Miami at Notre Dame (Nov. 7) No. 2 Notre Dame at BYU (Oct. 17) No. 3 SMU at Notre Dame (Nov. 21) No. 4 Navy at Notre Dame (Oct. 24) No. 5 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Sept. 6; Green Bay; Shamrock Series)
Notre Dame missed the College Football Playoff in 2025 despite a 10-2 record. Back-to-back losses to open the season against Miami and Texas A&M, two teams that made the playoff, ended up being the crucial blows that kept them out of the event.
Following the Fighting Irish’s exclusion from the playoff, they will now be assured of making the event if it is ranked in the top 12, starting this season, athletics director Pete Bevacqua said to multiple sources. That more than upset fanbases around the country, and it will continue to happen because Notre Dame’s only tough games should be against BYU (Oct. 17), Miami (Nov. 7) and SMU (Nov. 21).
Returning quarterback CJ Carr will be the focus of the Fighting Irish offense that lost running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who were both selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Carr threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns to only six interceptions.
Carr will throw to returners Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse in addition to first time starter Micah Gilbert on the outside at receiver. Tight ends Cooper Flanagan and Ty Washington form a solid duo at tight end. Tailbacks Aneyas Williams and Nolan James Jr. don’t have the same explosiveness as Love or Price but both can break tackles at an impressive level.
Notre Dame returns seven starters on defense for second year coordinator Chris Ashby. Linebackers Drayk Bown, Kingston Viliamu-Asa, cornerback Leonard Moore and safeties Adon Shuleer and Brauntae Johnson helped the Irish to the nation’s No. 10 scoring defense (17.6 points per game) in 2025.
Pittsburgh transfer Francis Brewu and Oregon transfer Tionne Gray join returners Jason Onye and Elijah Hughes along the line at tackle. Boubacar Traore will be a guy to watch nationally as a pass-rusher, while Bryce Young should be ready to start as a junior. Former Purdue standout Spencer Porath will look to stabilize the Notre Dame special teams unit after converting 15-of-17 field goals in 2025.
Jim Mora’s final season as head coach at UConn in 2025 ended in a 9-4 season. It was a historic year for the Husky offense, a 3,000-yard passer Joe Fagnano, a 1,000-yard receiver Skyler Bell and a 1,00-yard rusher Cam Edwards. Mora’s team won their last four games of the regular season before a blowout loss to Army in the Fenway Bowl.
Now, former Toledo head coach Jason Candle takes over the same position in Storrs with only one returning starter on the roster. Quarterback Kalieb Osborne and running back Kenji Christian, two former Rockets, followed their head coach but the expectation is that Jake Merklinger and Trey Cornist will start at those positions, respectively.
Youngstown State transfer Ky Wilson and Toledo transfers Jediyah Willoughby and Ryder Treadway will be options down the field at receiver for Merklinger or Osborne while Matt Ragan and Alex Godavitarne will compete for snaps at tight end. Right guard Ty Chan is the only returning starter on the offensive line, next to four incoming transfers expected to start alongside him.
Under new defensive coordinator Ryan Manalac, the strength of the unit should be at linebacker with Toledo transfer K’Von Sherman, Penn transfer John List and Coast Carolina transfer Luke Murphy. Esean Carter, another former Rocket, headlines the defensive line next to fellow tackle Tahjae Mullix and ends Avery Dunn and Anas Luqman.
The defensive backfield is less experienced with multiple players competing for their first starting roles as college football players. Jayden Davis and Tyler McKinstry form a duo at cornerback while Braedyn Moore and Jayden Price do the same at safety.
Notre Dame should be a national championship contender with a top five roster in the sport based on their talent. If the Fighting Irish don’t get there, questions need to be asked about head coach Marcus Freeman, who is labeled as one of the top coaches in the sport.
UConn may not win nine games for the third consecutive season but under Candle, they are in position to remain competitive with the foundation he has in place. It may take a season, but he should have the Huskies ready to compete nationally if he can get the same affect he had at Toledo.
A team from the SEC has not won a College Football Playoff National Championship since 2022, when Georgia won back-to-back titles. Five teams from the league made the playoff in 2025, including Georgia, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Alabama and Texas A&M.
Despite Lane Kiffin’s exit from the Rebels, Ole Miss made it the farthest of any SEC school in the playoff, defeating the back-to-back conference champion Bulldogs 39-34 in an exhilarating College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. The Rebels bowed out a round later to eventual national-runner up Miami in the semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl.
The Aggies lost their opening round game against Miami, 10-3 at home. Alabama won a rematch versus Oklahoma in the opening round of the playoff before Indiana dominated the Crimson Tide in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl.
Now, the SEC focuses on regaining its dominance on the sport it held from the 2000s with Georgia and Texas as the betting favorites. Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M all are competing to prove they can reach that level and return to the playoff as well.
After winning back-to-back SEC titles, more will be expected of Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs in the playoff. Despite their success in the SEC, they have lost in the quarterfinal round of the 12-team playoff in back-to-back seasons. Veteran quarterback Gunnar Stockton is back behind center next to All-SEC tailback Nate Frazier and his backup, All-SEC freshman teamer Chauncey Bowens.
The question for the Bulldog offense is their wide receivers. Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Cannon headlines the room next to returners London Humphreys and Sacovie White. Three of five offensive lineman starters return for Mike Bobo’s unit as well. Safety KJ Bolden and linebacker Raylen Wilson lead a group of six returning starters for a Georgia defense Kirby Smart is confident has depth.
If Texas does not return to the College Football Playoff in 2026, questions will be asked about head coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian’s team dropped many players to the transfer portal to upgrade their roster around quarterback Arch Manning, pass-rusher Colin Simmons and safety Jelani McDonald. Headlining the group of transfers on offense is former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman, former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers and former Arizona State running back Raleek Brown.
Pitt linebacker transfer Rasheem Biles and Rutgers cornerback transfer Bo Mascoe will play for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who returns to Austin to replace Pete Kwiatowski and fill the same role he had under Mack Brown in the late 2000s. Hero Kanu and Alex January return along the defensive line next to Simmons. Graceson Littleton will start next to McDonald after doing the same in 2025.
After an early playoff exit, Oklahoma has a better offensive roster and a defense that still may be one of college football’s top units in 2026. Brent Venables’ team won 10 games last season, only six in 2024, and 10 again in 2023. Consistency is going to be big for him and his Sooners’ program as they enter a critical season.
After dealing with injuries last season, John Mateer comes off of a season where he threw only 14 touchdowns compare to 11 interceptions. Assuming Mateer is fully healthy for most of if not all of the season, he has more weapons to throw to, including returning All-SEC receiver Isaiah Sategna, Texas transfer Parker Livingstone, and Virginia transfer Trell Harris and Florida transfer Hayden Hansen.
Even after losing multiple pieces to the NFL, the Oklahoma defense returns five starters, including its leader, mike linebacker Kip Lewis. Lewis joins end Taylor Wein, All-SEC freshman team cornerback Courtland Guillory, cornerback Eli Bowen and safety Peyton Bowen to form one of the top defenses in the country. Venables and coordinator Todd Bates added only three transfers to their unit but they will only serve as depth pieces.
Excitement is all around Oxford as the first full season of Pete Golding’s tenure begins following Kiffin’s loud exit. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and tailback Kewan Lacy are the two most important pieces to Ole Miss’ success in 2026 after they helped lead the Rebels to the national semifinals in January. Deuce Alexander is the lone receiver that started last season for Chambliss alongside two Syracuse transfers, Johntay Cook and Darrell Gill and returning backup Luke Hasz slated to start for new offensive coordinator John David Baker after an injury riddled 2025 following his transfer from SEC rival Arkansas. Three of five starters are back for the Ole Miss offensive line, with Terez Davis stepping up at left tackle after spending time on the bench in 2025 and former Miami Hurricane Tommy Kinsler stepping in at right tackle.
In Golding’s first season as head coach, Bryan Brown and Marcus Woodson will coordinate the defense he spent years doing the same under Kiffin. The Rebel defense will rely on 11 transfers, with six expected to start. Five returning starters join the 11 incoming transfers, including Kam Franklin, Will Echoles and Suntarine Perkins along the defensive front while Jaylon Braxton and Antonio Kite return to form a solid cornerback duo.
Kiffin became LSU’s third head coach of the 2020s, looking to lead the Tigers to the College Football Playoff and actually coach in the event for the first time during his first season coaching at Tiger Stadium. His roster is full of transfers, including former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, who will be expected to exceed in Charlie Weiss’ offense after dealing with injuries last fall in Tempe, behind Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton, who is slated to start at left guard. Returner Trey’Dez Green should emerge as one of the top tight ends in the country and one of Leavitt’s favorite targets in Weiss’ offense. Three transfer wideouts will join Green as options for Leavitt down the field alongside returning running back Caden Durham.
Five of the seven defensive transfers are slated to start for Blake Baker’s defense in 2026, who was retained following Kiffin’s hiring last December. Former Ole Miss end Princewill Unmanmielen highlights the group of starters that joined Kiffin, including Jordan Ross and Malik Blocton on the line, TJ Dottery at weakside linebacker and Ty Benefield at safety. Middle linebacker Whit Weeks and safety Tamarcus Cooley return as starters to form one of the better defenses in the SEC this fall.
After an 8-5 season in 2025, Josh Heupel must hope the changes he made to his staff can get them back to the College Football Playoff in 2026. Heupel hired Jim Knowles to be his new defensive coordinator after stops at Oklahoma State, Ohio State and Penn State and Derek Owings to be his new strength and conditioning coach after helping Indiana win the national championship game in January.
DeSean Bishop is one of the SEC’s top tailbacks and he will continue to have success behind an offensive line that returns four of its five starters. LSU transfer Ory Williams will step in at right tackle, the only spot that is not filled by a returner for Tennessee. SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley, Mike Matthews, Radarious Jackson and Ethan Davis will catch passes from the winner of the quarterback competition, between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre.
Nine transfers and four returning starters headline Knowles’ defense in the first season of his tenure. Weakside linebacker Arion Carter, middle linebacker Jeremiah Telander, cornerback Ty Redmond and safety Edges Farooq are the returning starters from last season. The two Nittany Lions that are joining Knowles in Knoxville are nose tackle Xavier Gilliam and middle linebacker Amare Campbell.In the secondary Kayin Lee and nickelback Qua Moss came over via the transfer portal and are also slated to start.
Alabama must now get used to not being the favorite anymore on the football field after seasons of dominance under Nick Saban. Now, under Kalen DeBoer the Crimson Tide have not advanced past the quarterfinals in the College Football Playoff since Saban exited Tuscaloosa. Ryan Coleman-Williams headlines the UA offense entering his junior season, two years removed from being called the best 17-year-old receiver in the country following his reclassification to enroll in college a year early. Coleman-Williams and new starters Rico Scott and Lotzeir Brooks will catch passes from the winner of the quarterback competition, Keelon Russell or Austin Mack.
The Crimson Tide defense lost multiple pieces to the NFL, so a lot will be put on the four returning starters. Yhonzae Pierce will fill the WOLF position while Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb form a great defensive backfield. The questions are for the defensive front, which will have three transfers expected to start. Assuming those three work out, the other two players that have been in the program, London Simmons and QB Pierce must step up as well.
Texas A&M made its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history under head coach Mike Elko in 2025, only to have a short run, falling at Kyle Field in the first round. With Collin Klein back at Kansas State, Elko promoted wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins to be the Aggies’ next offensive coordinator, and the hire did not meet a great applause. The good news is that quarterback Marcel Reed and wide receiver Mario Craver are back in the fold to lead the A&M offense that also has Ashton Bethel-Roman and Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton in the receiving room. Reed does not have the comfort of all of the options at running back but Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow will be solid options.
Only four defensive starters return for Texas A&M, including weakside linebacker Daymion Sanford, cornerback Dezz Ricks, safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe. Six transfers join the Aggie defense, with four slated to be starters including end Anto Sacka, tackle CJ Mims, mike linebacker Ray Coney and cornerback Rickey Gibson. The defense will have to be as good if not better than their defense a year ago if they want to return to the playoff.
After tremendous success in stints at Troy and Tulane, including a College Football Playoff appearance last fall in New Orleans, Jon Sumrall takes over at Florida. The Kentucky alumnus and former Wildcat defensive coordinator brings in a quality staff with SEC experience, including offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and defensive coordinator Brad White. The roster is headlined by tailback Jadan Baugh, who ran for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns, and leads a group of six other returners from Billy Napier’s last team in Gainesville.
Three of the ten transfers being added to the Gator offense are coming over from Georgia Tech with Faulkner, who experienced a great deal of success under head coach Brent Key. Quarterback Aaron Philo , tight end Luke Harping and center Harrison Moore are all expected to start for Faulkner’s offense. Along with returning starters Baugh, wide receiver Vernell Brown, and left guard Knijeah Harris, highly touted redshirt freshman Dallas Wilson and Auburn transfer Eric Singleton could form one of the best receiving groups in the SEC.
White’s unit is made up of three returning starters and three incoming transfers. Linebackers Myles Graham and Jaden Robinson both started every game for Florida while cornerback Cormani McClain made an interception and defended two passes and safety Bryce Thornton defended seven passes last season. Enter Baylor transfer DJ Coleman to play next to Thornton at safety and Jacksonville State transfer Emmanuel Oyebadejo at backup defensive end and TJ Bullard at backup strong side linebacker for a d defense that will expect a lot of pieces that have been with the program to step up into starting roles.
Shane Beamer is on the hot seat after South Carolina won only four games last season. A year after going 9-4 and barely missing the College Football Playoff in 2024, the offensive line struggled to protect dynamic quarterback LaNorris Sellers and the front seven failed to get to the quarterback consistently, and as a result they were only able to beat Kentucky in conference play last season. Now, enter offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, and expectations for the Gamecock offense should be higher than they were at any point last season.
Briles’ who had a good amount of success with Arkansas’ offense led by quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders, should experience a similar amount with Sellers behind center, especially if the pass protection and run game improve. Seven transfers came over to improve the South Carolina offensive line, and Beamer should hope that injuries don’t implode his offense again. Sophomores Matt Fuller and Texas transfer Christian Clark will spend time alongside Sellers at tailback. Sellers’ brother Jayden, returning starters Nyck Harbor and Brady Hunt, and Purdue transfer Nitro Truggle will be trusted upon to get down the field and make the offense more dynamic in Briles’ first season on campus.
Returning defensive end Dylan Stewart is the Gamecocks’ top defensive piece with Tennessee transfer Caleb Herring rushing the passer on the other side. Linebackers Fred Johnson, Justin Okonkwo, cornerback Judge Collier and safety Peyton Williams join Stewart as the returners. Three of four transfers coming over on defense are expected to start while three defenders that have been in Beamer’s program will be expected to step up and start. Tackle Tamiwa Durajaiye joins Herring on the line while Quay’sheed Scott will be expected to start at nickel and Kelby Collins will back up one of the tackles.
Jeff Lebby’s tenure at Mississippi State has not gone well, with the Bulldogs’ only SEC wins in the last four seasons coming against Arkansas. There is hope that MSU could be better this season, especially with the electric Kamario Taylor stepping in at quarterback, who threw for 629 yards and five scores in limited action. Slot receiver Anthony Evans and center Canon Boone are the only two starters returning for Taylor, so the ten incoming transfers will make a big impact on the Bulldog offense that will also feature some players that have been with the program to step up.
Five starters return for Mississippi State’s defense under new coordinator Zach Arnett, who was previously the Bulldogs’ head coach following the passing of Mike Leach. With Arnett calling the defense under Lebby, the defense should be better. End Trevion Williams, tackle Kalvin Dinkins, mike linebacker Zakari Tillman, cornerback Kelley Jones and nickel Isaac Smith return for Arnett while seven transfers come over to Starkville to play for him. Dealyn Evans and Amare Williams will play along the front, Quentin Taylor and Kaylib Singleton will play at corner, while Marcus Gilbert and Jardin Gilbert are both expected to start at safety.
Eliah Drinkwitz’s tenure at Missouri started slow before multiple seasons of 8 or more wins in a row. After defeating Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl in 2023, the Tigers have failed to win more than 10 games in a season. With star running back Ahmad Hardy healing from a gun shot wound, Jamal Roberts will be expected to step up and be the lead back, something he is definitely capable of. Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons needs to be the guy that can get the ball to receivers deep down the field after Beau Pribula, who has transferred out, failed to do a season ago.
Simmons’ former teammate in Oxford, receiver Cayden Lee, former Cincinnati target Caleb Goodie and former Mississippi State left guard Zach Owens are all expected to start for Chip Lindsey, who comes over to coordinate the Missouri offense after some time at Missouri.
Ten incoming transfers will impact the Missouri defense in 2026, including former Auburn weakside linebacker Robert Woodyard, former Ole Miss cornerback Chirs Graves and former Michigan nickel Elijah Dotson. Five players will have to emerge along the defensive front, a front known for its success under former coordinator Blake Baker and Corey Batoon.
Alex Golesh takes over the Auburn job after years of struggling under Hugh Freeze, who previously had success in the same role at Ole Miss. Tiger fans thought Freeze’s offenses would be the high-scoring units they would watch over his tenure however, due to their lack of success, Auburn has not had a winning record since the 2019 season, Gus Malzahn’s final season as head coach.
After a successful run at South Florida, Golesh brought many players over to Auburn, including quarterback Byrum Brown, who accounted for 4,101 yards and 37 touchdowns during his years in Tampa Bay. All three receivers join Golesh and Brown, including Jeremiah Koger, Keshaun Singleton and Chas Nimrod. Veteran tight end Jake Johnson left UNC, joining an offensive line that is full of transfers as well. Golesh retained DJ Durkin as defensive coordinator, and Tiger fans should be happy about that, because the unit was the bright spot in 2025. All-SEC First Team linebacker Xavier Adkins returns alongside two players in the secondary, nickel Sylvester Smith at nickel and Kaleb Harris at safety. Ole Miss transfer Da’Shawn Womack and Arkansas State transfer Cody Sigler fill roles on the line along with six others that have been with the program expected to step up along the rest of the defense.
Kentucky fans believe Will Stein’s offensive acumen will change their football program for the better. After Stein’s impressive SEC Media Day debut over a month ago, that belief only improved for Wildcat fans who will will get to watch a different program than the one they have watched the many years before with Mark Stoops now gone. Notre Dame backup quarterback Kenny Minchey is slated to come in and start behind center for UK next to Texas transfer tailback CJ Baxter. Former LSU receiver Nic Anderson, South Utah receiver Shane Carr and returners DJ Miller and Malachi Wood will catch passes from Minchey.
With former Oregon offensive coordinator Stein as head coach, Jay Bateman will be trusted to lead his unit as defensive coordinator made up of nine transfers, with five slated to start. Purdue transfer defensive tackle Jamarion Harkless, Texas transfer weakside linebacker Elijah Barnes, Florida transfer star Aaron Gates, Western Carolina cornerback Hasaan Sykes and Florida transfer safety Jordan Castell are all expected to start. Ends Mi’Quise Humphrey-Gray, Sam Greene, cornerback Terhyon Nichols and safety Ty Bryant are returning starters that will be crucial for Bateman’s unit.
After five and a half seasons of Sam Pittman as head coach, Arkansas moved on with Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield, who led Memphis to many successful seasons as head coach but was unable to reach the American Conference championship game. That is probably why most of the media thinks Silverfield will pan out the worst of the three coaches coming over from the conference (Sumrall and Golesh) to the SEC. The quarterback competition between returner KJ Jackson and Memphis transfer AJ Hill has made the most headlines this off-season.
Questions about whether either of the quarterbacks can consistently pass the ball down the field after years of stability at the position under Pittman. Whoever the competition, Jackson or Brown, will pass the ball to returning tight end Jaden Platt, receivers CJ Brown, Ismael Cisse and Boise State Chris Marshall. Memphis transfer Sutton Smith, who helped the Tigers upset the Razorbacks last season, and Braylen Russell will split carries for Tim Cramsey’s offense behind what should be a solid offensive line, led by center Caden Kitler and right guard Kobe Branham. Last season, Arkansas’ defense was one of the worst in the country and as such only returns two starters, star end Quincy Rhodes and linebacker Bradley Shaw. Kentucky transfer JACK Steven Soles and Tulane transfer cornerback Jahiem Johnson are two new players for veteran defensive coordinator Ron Roberts that can make an impact on a Razorback defense that needs to be better.
Clark Lea’s tenure at his alma mater, Vanderbilt, started out slow before leading the Commodores to 17 wins over the last two seasons combined and the program’s first 10-win season in 2025. Quarterback Diego Pavia and tight end Eli Stowers are off to the pros but the offensive staff, led by Tim Beck, is still in Nashville ready to prove they won’t take as big of a step back they could take in 2026.
Without Pavia, it will be either senior Blaze Berlowitz or five-star freshman Jared Curtis, who Lea flipped from Georgia, starting behind center. Receiver Junior Sherrill, right guard Cade McConnell, tight end Cole Spence and tailback Sedrick Alexander return as starters. With the limited production returning for the Commodores on the offense, it will be up to the veterans returning on their defense, tackle Glenn Seabrooks II, end Miles Capers, inside linebacker Bryan Longwell and Martel Hight to lead the unit positively into 2026.
Top Non-Conference games: 1.Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12) 2.Oklahoma at Michigan (Sept. 12) 3.Ole Miss vs. Louisville (Sept. 6; Nashville) 4.Clemson at LSU (Sept. 6) 5.Florida State at Alabama (Sept. 19)
Top Conference Games: 1.LSU at Ole Miss (Sept. 19) 2.Georgia at Alabama (Oct. 10) 3.Georgia at Ole Miss (Nov. 7) 4.Texas vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 10; Dallas) 5.Texas at LSU (Nov. 14)
Conference Awards: Offensive Player of the Year: Trinidad Chambliss, Quarterback, Ole Miss 2025 Statistics: 294-445, 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 133 rushes, 527 yards, 8 touchdowns Defensive Player of the Year: Colin Simmons, Defensive Lineman, Texas 2025 Statistics: 23 tackles, 2 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovered Special Teams Player of the Year: Tate Sandel, Kicker, Oklahoma 2025 Statistics: 35-35 on extra points, 24-27 on field goals, 107 points Freshman of the Year: Lamar Brown, Defensive Lineman, LSU 2025 Statistics: N/A (Freshman) Newcomer of the Year: Byrum Brown, Quarterback, Auburn 2025 Statistics: 226-341, 3,158 yards, 28 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 175 rushes, 1,008 yards, 14 touchdowns (at South Florida) Coach of the Year: John Sumrall, Florida
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 5 in Atlanta): Georgia (12-1) over Texas (11-2)
Group of Six Projections:
American
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 5 on campus): Navy (11-2) over UTSA (9-4)
Conference USA
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 4 on campus): Western Kentucky (10-3) over Liberty (9-4)
Mid-American
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 5 in Detroit): Western Michigan (10-3) over Miami (Ohio) (9-4)
Mountain West
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 4 on campus): UNLV (11-2) over New Mexico (10-3)
Pac-12
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 4 on campus): Boise State (10-3) over San Diego State (9-4)
Sun Belt
Conference Championship Game (Dec. 4 on campus) James Madison (10-3) over Arkansas State (8-5)
2026-2027 College Football Playoff Top 12 Projection: 1.Georgia (12-1) 2.Ohio State (12-1) 3.Notre Dame (12-0) 4.Miami (12-1) 5.Texas Tech (12-1) 6.Oregon (11-1) 7.Indiana (11-2) 8.Texas (11-2) 9.BYU (10-3) 10.Oklahoma (9-3) 11.Ole Miss (9-3) 12.Navy (11-2)
First Round (Dec. 18-19)
Lubbock 5.Texas Tech 12.Navy
Austin 8.Texas 9.BYU
Eugene 6.Oregon 11.Ole Miss
Bloomington 7.Indiana 10.Oklahoma
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1)
Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans) 4.Miami 5.Texas Tech
Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens) 1.Georgia 8.Texas
Rose Bowl presented by Prudential (Pasadena) 2.Ohio State 7.Indiana
