Football is Back!

We officially made it through the spring and summer months, and as I woke up this past Saturday, there was an overwhelming feeling of excitement and hope in the air. While there were only nine FBS games this Saturday and just one ranked team featured, USC, there was no denying it: college football is back.

I hope you look forward to Saturdays this fall with the same enthusiasm that I do, because the season always goes by way too fast. Don't take any weekend for granted, and enjoy this glorious, chaotic sport!

PICK. SURVIVE. WIN.

Think you can survive?

This is your last week to be able to sign up for the 2026 College Football Newsletter Survivor Pool.

Every week, you pick ONE team to win. They win, you live. They lose, you're gone. And here's the twist — you can only use each team once all season, so every pick matters.

Think you've got what it takes to make it to January?

There's only one way to find out.

PICK. SURVIVE. REPEAT.

Join the 2026 College Football Newsletter Survival Pool now.

Dublin, Ireland

Just because football is back doesn't mean good football is quite back. As has become tradition over the past few years, we headed to Ireland to kick off the season.

This year featured a TCU team that is still trying to prove the 2022 season under Sonny Dykes wasn't a fluke against the dumpster fire known as North Carolina, coached by the one and only Bill Belichick.

The Horned Frogs closed as 7.5-point favorites and looked to get their season off on the right foot, similar to last year when they beat UNC 48-14 in Chapel Hill on Labor Day. After a Tar Heel field goal on their first possession, it looked like the Frogs had found their rhythm with Harvard transfer Jaden Craig as they scored 10 unanswered points and looked poised to take a 10-3 lead into the second quarter.

However, North Carolina would answer quickly and tie the game 10-10 just before the end of the quarter. Unfortunately, that's where the good football ended.

After that touchdown drive by the Tar Heels, the game consisted of four punts, an attempted punt by TCU where the long snapper snapped the ball 30 yards over the punter's head,

resulting in a safety, three turnovers on downs, a missed field goal, and three fumbles. North Carolina did add a field goal in the third quarter to make it 15-10, and that's where it would end.

Five total points in the final 46 minutes was totally what all college football fans were hoping for in the first game of the season.

Some people might see the box score and say, "Wow, maybe Bill Belichick has UNC trending in the right direction!"

No.

This was not a demonstration of how good UNC is. TCU just showed the whole world that they are not to be taken seriously this year. All offseason, we heard about Jaden Craig and how he was probably the most underrated quarterback in the portal because he was coming from Harvard. I won't completely judge him on one performance, but this wasn't it. 20/32 for 175 yards isn't going to cut it.

UNC didn't even have their defensive coordinator at the game, and you're playing in Ireland. There's no way to say the lights were too bright for this game. Keep an eye on TCU, because once Big 12 play hits, things could get way worse.

As for UNC, don't overthink it. They got an extra win they probably weren't supposed to get, and I think that's it. Don't go bet on them to win the ACC.

As for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, how many years of watching paint dry is it going to take before they cancel this thing?

This was the 12th college football game played in Ireland since 1988 and the eighth since 2012. Last year's Iowa State vs. Kansas State matchup was the only game between two ranked teams, and thanks to weather and early-season rust, the games are never that exciting. The Georgia Tech walk-off field goal against Florida State in 2024 was about as much excitement as you can get. The almost 59 minutes before that were, once again, subpar football.

With the history of teams struggling after coming back from Ireland, and now College Gameday doesn't even send their set over there, what's the point? Are there really that many college football fans in Dublin to warrant this?

Los Angeles, California

Else where around college football, USC opened up at home against San Jose State in front of what was announced as 51,144 fans, but you be the judge of it.

Doesn't seem quite like the number they reported. Glad their greed and desire for more money was what started the downfall of the original Pac-12. Maybe sell out your stadium instead of going after tv money? Just a thought.

In front of "51,144" the trojans looked the part of the 14th ranked team in the country for the first three quarters. Jayden Maiava put up 286 passing yards and two touchdowns while the Trojans got out to a 35-3 lead. They took their foot off the gas on defense in the fourth allowing the Spartans to score 23 and make it a 42-26 final score. Not ideal, but a win is a win and for three quarters, USC looked dominant.

Fargo, North Dakota

The North Dakota State Bison hosted their first FBS game in the FargoDome as Jax State came to town. (I learned yesterday that Jacksonville State wants to be referred to as Jax State. Alright then.) In front of 18,573 fans, a full-capacity crowd, the Bison put on a clinic, dominating both sides of the ball in a 33-7 victory over the Gamecocks.

In a game that became quite lopsided after halftime, it allowed viewers to really dive into Brian Kelly's debut as a CBS analyst.

I think he did a really good job and provided lots of insight into what the coaching staffs was thinking, as well as what the interactions between coaches and players, and coaches and other coaches, were like. I'm excited to watch more games with him in the booth.

Back to the NDSU Bison, they proved that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with, even at the FBS level. The FargoDome has never been an easy place to play, and they don't plan on changing that. Watch out for the Bison as they make their way through the Mountain West Conference.

Close Calls

Both Stanford and Florida State cut it a little close with their Week 0 matchups.

New Mexico State came to Tallahassee with a history of upsetting big teams in the South when people least expect it. The Seminoles looked to have things under control early as they took a 10-0 lead, but they let the Aggies hang around, allowing them to continue to score.

The turning point came in the third quarter. While down 17-7, New Mexico State executed a perfect halfback pass that would have cut the lead to three, only to have the pass dropped in the end zone.

The ball is caught, and I think the momentum could have swung. We'd be having a much different conversation this morning. However, it wasn't, and Florida State went on to score late to put the game out of reach, finishing with a 34-17 victory. Not what 'Noles fans were hoping for, and the internet discourse surrounding Mike Norvell is already in full force this season.

Meanwhile, on the Farm, almost at the same time, Stanford was looking to get revenge for their Week 0 loss to Hawaii last season. Finding themselves up 23-7 heading into the fourth quarter, it looked like new head coach Tavita Pritchard was on the right track to turning Stanford back into what they once were.

Hawaii wasn't done yet, as they rattled off three straight touchdowns and 233 yards of offense in the fourth quarter to take a 27-23 lead.

With four minutes left, Michigan transfer Davis Warren led a 60-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a two-yard run from Micah Ford to retake the lead for the Cardinal. With 1:41 left on the clock, Hawaii had plenty of time to try to tie it up or even win the game. Their offense had found a new gear, and there were no signs of it stopping.

But on a 2nd-and-15, quarterback Micah Alejado was sacked and fumbled the ball. Stanford's Tevarua Tafiti picked it up and ran it back 31 yards, sealing the 37-27 victory over Hawaii.

Pritchard earns his first win, but I think it was a little closer than he would have liked.

Game of the Week: Memphis 27 UNLV 21

In really the only close game of the weekend, Memphis traveled to Las Vegas for a Week 0 matchup that had huge implications for the G6 spot in the playoff this year. Both UNLV and Memphis are frontrunners in their respective conferences and have hopes of making the CFP in that spot designated for the highest-ranked G6 team.

Memphis comes in almost brand new from last year's eight-win team, as coach Silverfield left for Arkansas. Charles Huff now takes over the Tigers' program after one year at Southern Miss. Before that, he led the Thundering Herd of Marshall to a 10-win season.

Meanwhile, Dan Mullen starts his second year at UNLV with newfound starting quarterback Jackson Arnold. Along with Alex Orji, the Rebels have a lot of talent and a coach who has proved in the past that he can win at big programs.

After a quarter and a half of knocking the rust off with punts, the points started flowing. UNLV found themselves up only 14-7 after squandering a forced fumble opportunity that set them up in prime position to increase their lead before half. Finding themselves with first-and-goal, the Rebels moved backwards and were forced to try a field goal as time expired, which they missed.

Memphis felt like they gained some momentum, and after driving 70 yards to open the second half, they had the game tied at 14-14. UNLV answered with a touchdown drive of their own, but once again the Tigers answered to make it 21-21. Two late field goals by the Tigers made the game 27-21, and the Rebels' offense fell dormant. Their last six possessions ended in three punts, two turnovers on downs, and the end of the game. Arnold went cold, and Mullen had no answer for the Memphis defense.

This loss for UNLV seems like it will loom large, as their margin for error is now zero. While they still play Cal, they will almost certainly need to win out and go 11-1. And even then, if they are compared against a Memphis team, they do not have the head-to-head advantage anymore.

Memphis can ride this win as a great start to their season. They can now set their sights on their trip to Boise to take on the Broncos on September 12th as yet another must-win game for their G6 playoff hopes. Win that game, and they are by far the frontrunner for the best non-power conference team in college football.

Memphis must ride the wave of quarterback Marcus Stokes, who took the country by storm Saturday night with his play during the second half. Keep it up, and he could become a household name. Transferring in from West Florida, this was Stokes first DI game he has played. 223 passing yards and two touchdowns was a nice start to the season, but he can't get complacent. He could be one of the great transfer stories of the 2026 season, similar to Trinidad Chambliss last year.

Player of the Week

Beau Pribula (Virginia): 9/11, 155 YDS, 2 TD passing; 15 CAR, 110 YDS rushing

In his debut for the Virginia Cavaliers, Pribula put on a show. The much-anticipated season opener against NC State in Charlottesville not only allowed two middle-of-the-pack ACC teams to duke it out, but also gave two questioned quarterbacks a chance to show what their offseasons were about. Pribula, coming over from Missouri, and NC State's CJ Bailey, looking to take the next step, were two of the biggest storylines heading into the game. Pribula dominated the game, dazzling with beautiful deep balls and countless correct reads in tough situations.

Virginia dominated NC State, winning 34-8, and it was all in part because of Pribula's outstanding play. He put the conference on notice. Anyone who watched this weekend now knows that Virginia isn't going to be an easy out. If they keep putting up numbers like they did this past weekend, the Hoos will insert themselves into the ACC title race once again.

Lower Level College Football

While FBS football started this past Saturday, and frankly, the games weren't the best watches, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that FCS, DII, DIII, and NAIA all started the past Thursday, and there were fireworks.

Division II Ohio Dominican defeated Morehead State in 3OT thanks to a fourth-and-13 conversion in the second overtime.

Concord, also a Division II team, defeated Davidson College 41-35 thanks to a fourth-down stop late in the game.

NAIA Louisiana Christian defeated Northwestern State, becoming only the second NAIA school in history to beat a Division I team.

Division II North Dakota School of Mines knocked off Drake 38-35.

William & Mary scored 13 points in the final minute to beat Villanova 35-32.

Weber State blocked Northern Colorado's extra point with no time left on the clock to win 30-29.

2025 HBCU Champion South Carolina State beat Savannah State 87-0.

Don't sleep on the lower divisions. Football is football, and sometimes the best games and stories aren't always the ones seen by everyone.

Playoff Prediction

Feast your eyes upon my predictions. I would not recommend taking them to the bank, but you can rely on me to stand by every one of them.

Let me walk you through why I have each team where I do.

1. Miami — If you remember, I predicted the Hurricanes to finish 12-0, including a regular-season win over Notre Dame. I think they work their way through the ACC with ease and win the conference title, entering the playoff at 13-0 as the No. 1 overall seed.

2. Notre Dame — The Irish will go 11-1, with their only loss coming to Miami, earning them the No. 2 overall seed.

3. Ohio State — Now, some might say, "You had Ohio State at 10-2, losing to Texas and Indiana." That is all true. However, I think the Buckeyes get their revenge and beat Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, earning themselves the No. 3 overall seed.

4. Indiana — I predicted the Hoosiers would go 12-0, but I think they lose to Ohio State in Indianapolis. They will enter the playoff at 12-1, but coming off a loss in the conference championship game, I have them falling from the No. 1 overall seed all the way to fourth.

5. Texas — I think the Longhorns win the SEC Championship over Georgia, giving them the edge over the Bulldogs. However, I don't think it will be enough to jump Indiana because of the incredible season the Hoosiers had.

6. Georgia — After a great regular season, I think the Bulldogs lose to Texas in the SEC Championship and fall to the No. 6 overall seed, forcing them to host a playoff game.

7. Oregon — After another great regular season, I think the Ducks are primed to earn the No. 7 overall seed and host Alabama in the first round.

8. Oklahoma — With John Mateer and that defense, I think the Sooners find themselves hosting the 8/9 matchup in the playoff for the second straight year.

9. LSU — The Tigers will make the playoff as an at-large team, requiring them to go on the road to take on the Sooners. LSU and Oklahoma don't play during the regular season, so this should make for a great matchup.

10. Alabama — I am not entirely sure the Crimson Tide deserve to be in this spot, but I think their schedule gives them enough wiggle room to make the playoff without too much trouble.

11. Texas Tech — I think the Red Raiders easily win the Big 12 Championship and once again punch their ticket to the playoff. Their poor showing last season will still weigh heavily on the committee's mind, though, as I think they'll ultimately be slotted in as the No. 11 seed.

12. Boise State — Now, some people might once again say, "You had Washington State over them in your projections." I did, but I think Boise State wins the Pac-12 and finishes ranked higher than WSU. You'll remember that, with the new changes to the playoff selection rules, you no longer need to be a G5 conference champion to make the playoff. You simply need to be the highest-ranked G5 team, and I think that team will be Boise State.

Heisman Prediction

Last year, I predicted that South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers would win the Heisman. He ended up finishing the season 4-8 and was nowhere near the Heisman conversation, so take these next few words with a grain of salt.

This year, I am going to give you my prediction for all five Heisman finalists. Going from five to one, I hope to outline who I think will be the most impactful players in college football this season.

5. Jeremiah Smith

Coming off a year where he caught 87 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, Smith is the key to Ohio State's offense, and he will take the Buckeyes as far as they can go. Look for Smith to have a huge year and find his way to New York as he tries to become the first primary wide receiver to win the Heisman since DeVonta Smith in 2020.

4. Dante Moore

In what will be Moore's second season as the starter for the Ducks, he's coming off a great 2025 season, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. Look for Moore to have another great year as the Ducks look to make the playoff for the third straight season and make a good run at the title.

3. Arch Manning

Most people were super high on Manning last season. I wasn't one of them. However, his slow start last season began to turn around toward the end of the year, and the player we saw in November and during their bowl game was what people had expected all along.

I think Manning continues that great play and solidifies himself as one of the great quarterbacks in Texas history.

2. Darian Mensah

Now on his third school, Mensah is coming off an ACC title season where he threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. Now at Miami, with weapons like Toney and Barkate around him, look out for Mensah to put up monster numbers this year.

1. John Mateer

Last year, Mateer only threw for 2,885 yards and 16 touchdowns, but look at the last full, healthy season he had with Washington State: 3,139 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, along with 889 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

If—and that's a big if—Mateer stays healthy, those types of numbers in the SEC could win the Heisman running away.

I think Oklahoma's defense will put Mateer in great situations throughout the season, and I think he does it. I think John Mateer wins the Heisman.

Currently on FanDuel (no free ads), John Mateer is +2500 to win the Heisman. Smith is +1500, Moore is +1100, Mensah is +950, and Manning has the second-best odds at +850.

If you feel inclined to make a financial investment in any of these futures, I would suggest looking at these five players.

My pick? John Mateer.

Games to Watch Week 1

• Baylor vs. Auburn – Sept 5, 3:30 PM ET (ABC) - Big 12 versus SEC, two teams that aren't expected to compete in their respected conferences can prove a lot early on.
• Boise State @ 2. Oregon – Sept 5, 3:30 PM ET (CBS) - The favorite to win the G6 playoff spot travels to one of the favorites to win this years National Championship. The last time Boise State was in Eugene, it was a lot closer than people thought.
• Clemson @ 11. LSU – Sept 5, 7:30 PM ET (ABC) - Lane Kiffin's first game coaching for the Tigers, they take on another Tigers' team that have been searching for a program changing win for three years now.
• Washington State @ 17. Washington – Sept 6, 4:00 PM ET (NBC) - The Huskies left the Cougars for dead. Since? WSU and UW have split the series. This year, the earliest the matchup has ever been played, who comes out on top?
• 24. Louisville vs. 9. Ole Miss – Sept 6, 7:30 PM ET (ABC) - The Rebels start their post Kiffin journey, while the Cardinals look to shock people and prove themselves a contender in the ACC.

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE

Think you can survive?

The 2026 College Football Newsletter Survival Pool is here.

Every week, you pick ONE team to win. They win, you live. They lose, you're gone. And here's the twist — you can only use each team once all season, so every pick matters.

This is your last week to sign up and win. Entries close September 5th and 12:00 PM ET. DON'T FORGET TO MAKE YOUR PICKS!

PICK. SURVIVE. REPEAT.

Join the 2026 College Football Newsletter Survival Pool now.