Week 1 Preview

In South Bend, Indiana, they say “Wake up the echoes,” summoning a rich, historic past and a legendary spirit to inspire a team and its fan base. The University of Notre Dame sings these lyrics in their fight song, but I believe the sentiment is engraved in the heart of every fan base across the country that has waited patiently all summer—not just for the temperature to drop, but for the greatest sport on the planet to kick into high gear!

Yes, the 2026 college football season is upon us, bringing another year of goals to accomplish and dreams to achieve.

I hope you have your recliner and remote ready, because we have an entire slate of great games on tap this weekend.

Let’s dive in and discuss what look to be the best games of the weekend:

Clemson vs. LSU — Saturday, 7:30 PM (ESPN) Which Death Valley is the “real” Death Valley? That depends on whether you’re in Clemson, South Carolina, or Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Regardless of who is right, the real question is: Who is going to win this Saturday night at Tiger Stadium? Head Coach Lane Kiffin has brought a lot of hype (and needless drama) to a program that has always carried high expectations. LSU will now be in the spotlight, not just on Saturday night, but for the foreseeable future.

On the other side of the field sits veteran coach Dabo Swinney. For the most part, Swinney has achieved incredible success at a prominent program in Clemson, but the team has lost its swagger due to coaching staff turnover and his reluctance to adapt to the new era of college football. However, Swinney doesn’t care; he will die on that hill and is perfectly fine with it.

The line currently sits at LSU -10.5. Kiffin will roll out Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt at quarterback on Saturday night. Leavitt totaled 4,513 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions over 20 games (two seasons). He is a great passer with a quick release and strong mobility.

Suiting up at quarterback for Clemson is Christopher Vizzina. After backing up Cade Klubnik for the past two seasons, Vizzina looks to take the reins and forge his own path. He is more of a pro-style passer who sits in the pocket and patiently waits for his target; he has a smooth release and a great deep ball. Clemson will need Vizzina to be an effective game manager Saturday night, as LSU will show different defensive looks all evening.

Louisville vs. Ole Miss — Sunday, 7:30 PM (ESPN) Trinidad Chambliss, the star quarterback for Ole Miss, looks to launch his Heisman campaign Sunday night as the Rebels take on a well-coached Louisville squad. Ole Miss averaged 489.7 yards per game last season, including 313 passing yards and 186 rushing yards. Star running back Kewan Lacy also returns to lead the Rebels’ offensive attack. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have a plan of their own, as head coach Jeff Brohm and his pass-heavy offense aim to challenge the Rebels through the air. This might be the game of the weekend that no one is talking about. Ole Miss is officially on upset watch!

Miami vs. Stanford — Friday, 9:00 PM (ESPN) The Hurricanes fell just short of their first national championship in 25 years last season. This year, they look to reload and continue their pursuit of glory. The Cardinal, meanwhile, hope to play spoiler.

Baylor vs. Auburn — Saturday, 3:30 PM (ABC) The Alex Golesh era begins this weekend as the Auburn Tigers take on the Baylor Bears in Atlanta, Georgia. Golesh brings his high-tempo offense from USF to the Plains, hoping to return Auburn to its winning ways. Meanwhile, the Bears look to spoil the debut, led by Florida Gator transfer DJ Lagway. Lagway is a true dual-threat quarterback who plans to keep the Tiger defense on its toes.

Boise State vs. Oregon — Saturday, 3:30 PM (CBS) The number two team in the nation, the Oregon Ducks, enter as 24.5-point favorites. While Boise State leads the all-time series 3-1, the Ducks are eyeing a title run and want to make a statement in this matchup.

Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame — Sunday, 7:30 PM (NBC) Anytime a college football game is played at Lambeau Field, it’s a special occasion. This Sunday, the occasion features Wisconsin taking on Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish enter as 20.5-point favorites, and head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad aims to make an example of the Badgers. In their last meeting in 2021, the Irish defeated the Badgers 41-13. Side note: The Irish will be without eight starters for this game, so keep that in mind.

SMU vs. Florida State — Labor Day Monday, 7:30 PM (ESPN) The Pony Express rolls into Tallahassee, Florida, on Monday night. SMU is a -2.5 favorite, but don’t spend too much time trying to figure out who has the upper hand. The Seminoles struggled last week to put away an inferior New Mexico State team. The Mustangs feature a high-powered offense led by signal-caller Kevin Jennings, setting the stage for a high-scoring affair on Labor Day night.

East Carolina vs. Alabama — Saturday, 12:00 PM (ABC) Coach DeBoer breaks in a new starting quarterback this season as Keelon Russell makes his debut against the East Carolina Pirates. The Crimson Tide enter as 27.5-point favorites. The only other meeting between these two teams occurred in 1998, when the Tide narrowly escaped with a 23-22 victory at Legion Field.

Tulane vs. Duke — Saturday, 3:30 PM (ACCN) The Blue Devils host the Green Wave in Durham on Saturday. Duke is a 7.5-point favorite and looks to avenge its loss from last season.

Washington State vs. Washington — Sunday, 4:00 PM (NBC) This is the 118th Apple Cup, marking one of the oldest rivalries in college football. While this game is traditionally played after Thanksgiving, Washington’s move to the Big Ten shifted the matchup earlier in the calendar. The Huskies are 23.5-point favorites on their home field, but in a rivalry game like this, keep your money close to your chest.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! College football is back!