2026 College Football Watch Guide – Week 1
New coaches and new hopes abound in week 1 of the new college football season.
Week 1 of college football is here, and there's plenty of action to keep fans on the edge of their seats. In Dublin, Ireland, North Carolina's Bill Belichick led the Tar Heels to a surprising win over TCU, making it an upset despite the team's expectations. North Dakota State started strong in their FBS debut against Jacksonville State, maintaining their dominance from the FCS.
Florida State managed to overcome New Mexico State in a close game, but fans in Tallahassee remain hopeful that new coach Mike Norvell can revive the program after years of struggle. Week 0 provided a meager offering, but Week 1 is packed with games to enjoy.
Thursday and Friday feature games against outmatched competition, including Utah, Miami, Toledo, and Michigan State. Toledo's game against Michigan State is of particular interest as it marks Pat Fitzgerald's debut as the Rockets' head coach. Meanwhile, Colorado and Georgia Tech face off, with the Yellow Jackets hoping to bounce back without their star QB Haynes King, who transferred to Michigan.
Saturday's lineup includes promising new coaches like Jimmy Rodgers in Iowa State and Lane Kiffin in LSU. Boise State will take on #2 Oregon, hoping to make a statement in their new Pac-12 home. Northern Illinois takes on #23 Iowa, where the Hawkeyes will need to find answers for their quarterback situation. Clemson faces LSU in a highly anticipated matchup, with Kiffin seeking redemption after his fallout from Ole Miss last year.
Sunday and Monday see a continuation of the Pac-12 resurgence with Washington State taking on #17 Washington in the Apple Cup. The rivalry game is always a spectacle, and Washington State will be looking to spoil Oregon's dreams. Meanwhile, Louisville and Ole Miss face off in Nashville, with the Cardinals seeking to rebound from a turbulent offseason.
Wisconsin hosts Notre Dame in a home game, with Irish fans eager to see the Badgers begin their CFP payback campaign. Finally, SMU takes on #12 Texas Tech, with the Red Raiders expected to dominate but facing intense scrutiny following their controversy with Brendan Sorsby.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
