Week 2 Preview: Showdown on the Forty Acres

After a wild opening week of college football, Week 2 looks to deliver the same level of insanity. Several heavyweight matchups headline the slate, giving fans an early taste of potential playoff implications.

Here are the marquee matchups for the weekend:

No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas

These two blue-blood programs put on a defensive clinic last season, with Ohio State escaping Ohio Stadium with a 14-7 victory over the Longhorns. History rarely repeats itself in college football, however, and Texas has surely had this game circled on the calendar.

Given how well both programs recruit and how rarely they play, this game is essentially a coin flip. If Texas can hold its ground on the line of scrimmage and establish the run with Hollywood Smothers, it could be a long night for the Buckeyes. Furthermore, head coach Steve Sarkisian should unleash Arch Manning—letting him win the game with both his arm and his legs.

The Buckeyes enter averaging 671 yards per game. Quarterback Julian Sayin has two premier targets in Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr. These receivers are elite playmakers, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith should draw up touches for them early and often.

Ultimately, this game comes down to one question: Which team will control the line of scrimmage? Regardless, expect a classic.

No. 6 Oregon vs. Oklahoma State

The Ducks are regrouping after surviving a close call against Boise State last weekend. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns to lead a comeback victory over the Broncos.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has far more questions than answers after dropping its home opener to Tulsa, 24-10. With 91 new players on the roster, the Cowboys are searching for program continuity.

Oregon is favored by 22.5 points. Expect the Ducks to roll on Saturday.

No. 11 Oklahoma vs. Michigan

Oklahoma and Michigan have met only twice in program history, with the Sooners winning both contests. The first matchup occurred in the Jan. 1, 1976, Orange Bowl, where Oklahoma earned a 14-6 victory to secure the national championship. The second meeting came last season in Norman, with the Sooners winning 24-13.

While history has favored Oklahoma in this series, Saturday marks the Sooners’ first trip to Michigan Stadium. Ann Arbor carries some weird voodoo, and Oklahoma will need to play up to its potential—particularly on defense. If the Sooners can apply pressure on Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, they should come away with the win.

Arizona State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M

This matchup marks only the second meeting between the programs. The first occurred in 2015, when Texas A&M earned a 38-17 victory over then-No. 15 Arizona State.

Texas A&M enters as a 14.5-point home favorite. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed remains one of the top signal-callers in the nation, capable of taking over a game when necessary.

However, the Sun Devils feature notable playmakers of their own. Quarterback Cutter Boley boasts a 93.5 QBR after throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns last week. Additionally, running back Kyson Brown and wide receiver Reed Harris have combined for three touchdowns and 217 yards. Arizona State ranks among the top national offenses entering Week 2. This contest could be much closer than expected.

No. 12 Alabama vs. Kentucky

Alabama travels to Lexington for an early SEC showdown Saturday.

Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey threw for 301 yards against Youngstown State, setting a program opening-game record. Whether that momentum carries over against Alabama remains doubtful. The Crimson Tide allowed just 162 total yards—including a meager 2 total rushing yards—last week against East Carolina. Alabama has not displayed a defensive effort of that caliber since the Nick Saban era.

No. 18 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech

Tennessee makes its first trip to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field since 1986. The Volunteers feature one of the top scoring and total offenses in the nation, driven in large part by true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon. Brandon threw for 226 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions against Furman last week, demonstrating veteran composure on deep throws.

Georgia Tech looked unprepared in a Week 1 loss to Colorado, managing no offensive touchdowns and just 51 rushing yards. That performance is concerning for a program that aims to run the ball on 70% of its snaps. The offensive line—projected to be a team strength—struggled mightily. Head coach Brent Key must address these issues quickly or it’s going to be a long night in Atlanta for the Yellow Jackets.

Arizona vs. No. 15 BYU

In a rematch of last season’s Big 12 Championship Game, Arizona and BYU open conference play Saturday.

BYU enters as a 7.5-point favorite. Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier is an underrated decision-maker with excellent field vision. On the opposing side, Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita aims to conclude his senior campaign with a conference title.

Expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest. Look for BYU to rely heavily on senior running back LJ Martin, one of the premier backs in the Big 12. Arizona will need disciplined defensive play to stay in this game, but I like BYU at home.

Week 2 is officially here. Grab some wings, fire up the grill, and enjoy the games!

The Craziness That Was Week 1

The first week of the college football season has wrapped up, complete with last-second stops, game-winning field goals, power outages, and a controversial Hail Mary finish.

Here is a recap of all the chaos from Week 1:

Auburn 17, Baylor 16

This ended up being the game of the weekend, coming down to the final play. Both teams moved the ball effectively, but drives were repeatedly derailed by penalties and turnovers. Sometimes, however, all it takes is one play to change the outcome of a game.

With 3:12 left in the fourth quarter, Baylor drove down the field and scored a touchdown. Down by a point, head coach Dave Aranda elected to go for two to secure the win. Bears quarterback DJ Lagway connected with receiver Gavin Freeman near the end zone on a 5-yard pass, but Freeman was stopped at the 1-foot line by Auburn safety Eric Winters to seal the victory for the Tigers.

Up Next: Auburn hosts Florida in two weeks on the Plains.

Ole Miss 41, Louisville 38

Offenses were humming for both teams in Nashville on Sunday night. Ole Miss compiled 488 yards of total offense, while Louisville posted 469 yards in a back-and-forth contest that felt like a boxing match.

Quarterbacks Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) and Lincoln Kienholz (Louisville) both put up impressive numbers for their respective teams. However, special teams delivered the final blow as Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro drilled a 48-yard field goal as time expired.

Up Next: The Rebels host Charlotte before a highly anticipated matchup against LSU on Sept. 19.

LSU 51, Clemson 10

In a game where the hype was as thick as the Southern humidity, the LSU Tigers made a loud statement Saturday night. LSU transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt put on a clinic, throwing for 230 yards and rushing for 113.

LSU controlled the game from start to finish. The defense was dominant, holding Clemson to just 145 total yards of offense, including only 40 yards on the ground. For head coach Lane Kiffin, this performance served notice to the SEC and the rest of the college football landscape. As for Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, it feels as though the sun may be setting on his tenure—perhaps not immediately, but soon.

Alabama 48, East Carolina 10

The Keelon Russell era in Tuscaloosa got off to a fast start as Alabama rolled past East Carolina, 48-10, on Saturday. Russell accounted for 335 total yards and a touchdown, displaying his skills both through the air and on the ground.

The Crimson Tide also rushed for 227 yards as a unit, addressing a key area of emphasis from last season.

Up Next: Alabama travels to Lexington for an early SEC matchup against Kentucky.

SMU 27, Florida State 24

Kickoff was delayed nearly two hours due to a stadium power outage, but there was plenty of electricity on the field once play began. SMU star quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a standout performance, throwing for 430 yards and three touchdowns.

For Florida State, it was another disappointing outing for Mike Norvell’s squad. The Seminoles’ defense had no answers for the Mustangs’ passing attack.

Up Next: Florida State travels to Tuscaloosa next Saturday to face Alabama.

Michigan 13, Western Michigan 12

For a brief moment, it looked like Ann Arbor was about to witness a historic upset reminiscent of Appalachian State in 2007.

Trailing by five points with five seconds remaining in regulation, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood scrambled downfield attempting to locate an open receiver before launching a pass into the end zone. The ball fell incomplete, seemingly ending the game. However, a discrepancy between the stadium play clock and the television clock prompted Big Ten officials to restore 0:01 to the game clock, granting Michigan one final play.

Michigan capitalized on the second chance to avoid the upset and secure a 1-0 start to the season.

The Aftermath of the Call

Regardless of whether the outcome was viewed as a officiating mistake or a legitimate Michigan victory, the handling of the game clock drew widespread criticism. On Wednesday, the Big Ten announced it is expanding replay review access for football broadcasts to address stadium clock synchronization—a policy previously utilized only by the ACC. It is unfortunate that it took a controversial ending of this magnitude to trigger the policy update, particularly for Western Michigan.

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!

Week 0 Preview: College Football Returns with a Dublin Clash

As the dog days of summer—and the sweltering heat that comes with them—begin to wind down, we look to the horizon for a new season approaching. It isn’t just the cool, crisp air that gives you goosebumps and raises the hair on your arms, but the arrival of a brand-new college football season.

A new season brings optimism, renewed energy, and hope. Every coach, player, and fan enters the year with fresh minds and hopeful hearts, praying this will finally be the year their program reaches college football’s ultimate prize: the National Championship.

Expectations are set sky-high for many programs, while others are hitting the reset button under new coaching regimes. Some are simply hoping to secure six wins and earn a bowl trip. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait much longer, as Week 0 is officially here!

Week 0 serves as the appetizer—something to keep your appetite satisfied until the main course is served (and Week 1’s menu looks delicious, if I do say so myself). Here are the matchups on tap this weekend to whet your appetite:

Week 0 Slate

12:00 PM: North Carolina vs. TCU (ESPN)
3:00 PM: San Jose State @ USC (NBC)
3:30 PM: NC State @ Virginia (ESPN)
5:30 PM: Jacksonville State @ North Dakota State (CBSSN)
7:00 PM: Hawaii @ Stanford (ACC Network)
7:00 PM: New Mexico State @ Florida State (The CW)
10:00 PM: Memphis @ UNLV (FOX)

The Main Event: Tar Heels vs. Horned Frogs Across the Pond

Potentially the most intriguing matchup of the weekend takes place across the Atlantic in Dublin, Ireland: North Carolina vs. TCU.

In last year’s meeting, UNC came out with plenty of fire, scoring on their opening possession. After that initial spark, however, TCU took complete control and never looked back. The Horned Frogs racked up 542 total yards of offense and five touchdowns, thumping the Tar Heels 48–14. Plenty of North Carolina legends and celebrities were in attendance that night—including Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, and Randy Moss—and most of them likely exited stage left before halftime. Yes, it was that ugly.

Thankfully, this year’s edition of UNC vs. TCU promises to be much more competitive. The Tar Heels feature a proven playmaker under center: graduate transfer Billy Edwards Jr. The fifth-year quarterback brings experience from Wake Forest, Maryland, and Wisconsin. While much of his early career was spent backing up Taulia Tagovailoa at Maryland, Edwards repeatedly stepped up to lead his teams to victory. Following a competitive spring and fall camp, Coach Belichick stated, “He won the job because he was the most consistent.” Joining Edwards on offense are wide receivers Jordan Shipp and Mason Humphrey—two dynamic weapons in the Tar Heel arsenal for new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to utilize.

Defense Must Step Up

On the other side of the ball, the Tar Heels desperately need defensive playmakers to rise to the occasion. Last season, UNC was among the nation’s worst at surrendering explosive plays and giving up ground on early downs. Specifically, UNC ranked 106th in first downs allowed via penalty and 83rd in opponent first downs per game (rushing, passing, or penalty).

With seven starters departing—six via graduation and one via the transfer portal—the question becomes: who steps up?

Penn State transfer Jaylen Harvey brings a big-bodied presence to the defensive line and could serve as a bell cow upfront this season. Another key portal addition, Donovan Hilette out of Richmond, provides an edge-rushing threat for a Tar Heel defense that desperately needs to get after the quarterback following last season’s struggles.

All in all, Coach Belichick and his Tar Heels must show noticeable improvement on both sides of the ball this year. Will these new additions be enough to move the needle?

We are about to find out. College football returns this Saturday at noon on ESPN!

Questions for the 2026 season

College Football 2026: The Ultimate Season Preview

The 2025 season ended in the most improbable way: the Indiana Hoosiers won the national championship. This is a school known mostly for its massive alumni base and its historic basketball program, yet head coach Curt Cignetti found a way to put the football program on the map—and promises it’s not a fluke. Coach Cignetti has vowed to make Indiana a household name and a force for years to come.

As we head into the 2026 season, major questions surround every corner of the college football landscape:

Quarterbacks & Offenses

Is Darian Mensah ready to lead Miami to the promised land?
Has Arch Manning matured enough to lead Texas to an SEC title and more?
Will Alabama use a two-quarterback system, or will a clear starter emerge before the season?
Can Marcel Reed elevate his game and get Texas A&M to the playoff?
Is Trinidad Chambliss ready for a Heisman Trophy run?

Contenders & Conference Powerhouses

Is Indiana for real, or are the Hoosiers a one-hit wonder?
Can the Big 12 produce additional playoff-caliber teams this season?
Can Kirby Smart keep Georgia focused down the stretch and make another deep playoff run?
Are Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks ready for a national title run?
Can the Buckeyes break their current losing streak against Michigan?
Are the Tennessee Volunteers ready to make a run at the SEC championship?
Will Notre Dame get left out of the playoff again if the Fighting Irish lose more than one game?

Coaching Hot Seats & Big Moves

Is it playoff or bust for Lane Kiffin in his first year at LSU?
Will Dabo Swinney’s roster reset get Clemson back to its winning ways?
Will this be Lincoln Riley’s last year in L.A., or will he finally get USC over the hump?
Will new Florida head coach Jon Sumrall finally bring stability to Gainesville?
Is this Mike Norvell’s final season at Florida State?
Can Coach Prime get his Colorado team back to a bowl game?
Will the Bill Belichick experiment at UNC extend beyond 2026?

Roster Turnover & Big Questions

How will the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ offense and defense adapt under two new coordinators?
How will Matt Campbell adjust to a grueling yearly Big Ten schedule at Penn State?
Which new head coaching hire will come in and make the biggest splash in Year 1?
Which transfer portal additions will make the biggest overall impact?
Which true freshmen will make an immediate contribution?
Will a Group of 5 program secure a spot in the College Football Playoff this season?

The season starts on August 29, with North Carolina taking on TCU across the pond, in Dublin, Ireland at NOON!

Can the Canes finally win the ACC and maybe something more?

2001: The Legacy and the Longing

2001. Yes, that’s the title of a movie, but it is also a year with significant meaning for Miami football. This was the last year the Miami Hurricanes achieved college football’s ultimate prize: the national championship.

That 2001 team was special. Not only did the Hurricanes go undefeated, but that roster eventually produced 38 NFL draft picks and is largely considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time.

After many years in the Big East Conference, Miami, along with Virginia Tech and Boston College, moved to the ACC in 2004 and 2005. When this move was announced, many people in the college football world (myself included) thought Miami would dominate the ACC. You have to remember: for many years, there was only one team that controlled that conference, and it was Florida State, Miami’s biggest rival.

However, what most people did not expect was that joining the ACC brought considerable parity, which, unfortunately for Miami, evened the playing field. Twenty-two years later, Miami has yet to win the ACC and has not won another national championship.

Close Calls and Near Misses

Granted, they have had their chances over the years:

2004: In their first year in the ACC, the Hurricanes faced their archrival, FSU, in the first game of the year and won in overtime. They went on to win five games in a row. Then, on October 30th during a Thursday night game in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the Hurricanes lost to the legs of UNC kicker Connor Barth. With 4 seconds left in regulation, the freshman planted a 42-yard field goal to upset the #4 Hurricanes, 31–28.
2005: The Hurricanes were one of the best teams in the nation. On November 19, ranked #3 in the land and hosting Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets’ stingy defense came into the Orange Bowl and held Miami to only ten points and 237 total offensive yards, upsetting the Hurricanes 14–10 and ending their hopes for a BCS title game appearance.
2025: After making it through three rounds of the College Football Playoff, Miami finally made it back to the title game for the first time since 2003—played right in their home stadium. Carson Beck, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher Jr. all played lights out, helping the Miami offense gain 342 total yards. Yet, with all that firepower, it was not enough to stop Fernando Mendoza and his Cinderella Indiana Hoosiers, who went on to win the 2025 National Championship.

The 2026 Season Outlook

Even though the season did not end with Mario Cristobal and his Miami Hurricanes hoisting the national championship trophy, Cristobal is ready to try again in 2026.

For the third straight year, Miami is going with a transfer under center:

2024: Cam Ward (Washington State)
2025: Carson Beck (Georgia)
2026: Darian Mensah (Duke)

Mensah, a junior transfer from Duke, is a dual-threat athlete with a huge arm and great speed. Last year at Duke, he threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions while leading the Blue Devils to their first ACC championship and a Sun Bowl victory over Arizona State.

Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shannon Dawson is itching to get Mensah on the field:

“He’s got an understanding of the game, he really does. His demeanor is very even-keel, which is important—especially at that position—because bad things are going to happen, and it’s not even your fault. I think the number one character trait of really good quarterbacks is being able to move on.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hurricanes are coached by Corey Hetherman, whose defense held opponents to only 14.8 points per game and ranked fifth in total defense nationwide last season. Returning to lead the unit once again are defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr., linebacker Mohamed Toure, and defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 schedule is not incredibly daunting, but the November 7th game in South Bend against Notre Dame could be one for the ages—especially if both teams enter the matchup unbeaten, which is a strong possibility.

Coach Cristobal has closed the chapter on last season, and the look on his face after the championship loss was that of a man who is hungry. His Hurricanes are ready to seal the deal, and if they can get past Notre Dame on November 7th, their path to the playoff will be set.

The Maverick in Baton Rouge: What Lane Kiffin Brings to LSU

There are a lot of coaches in college football who try to say the right things and do the proper things. They tend to fit into the crowd and follow protocol.

And then there’s the maverick—the nonconformist who carves out his own path and beats to his own drum. His playbook is a selection of secrets stored in a safe to which only he has the key. And whatever your opinion of him is—whether good, bad, or ugly—he couldn’t care less.

That is Lane Kiffin.

As an assistant, coordinator, and head coach, Kiffin has made a massive name for himself in the football world. From his humble beginnings at Fresno State—where he learned the ropes from his father, Monte—to his rise as the tight ends and wide receivers coach at USC, to his initial high-profile stumbles with the Oakland Raiders and USC (both as head coach), Lane Kiffin has seen extreme highs and lows throughout his career.

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Bumps on the Road to Redemption

What stands out more than anything on Kiffin’s diverse resume is that he never wavered from his ultimate goal: being an elite head coach.

There have certainly been a few notorious bumps along the way:

Tennessee: Leaving in the middle of the night after just one season in Knoxville.
USC: Getting infamously fired on an airport tarmac (a humbling moment, to say the least).
Alabama: Finding his mojo in Tuscaloosa while learning under the GOAT, Nick Saban.

When Kiffin arrived in Tuscaloosa, he came to Saban broken, depressed, and defeated. But Coach Saban saw something special in him: a high-tempo spread offense in real time—something his Alabama program desperately needed. On the flip side, Lane saw a chance to get back on his feet and learn from the best. In a way, Saban and Kiffin needed each other.

Kiffin’s path of redemption and escape from “coaching purgatory” is nothing short of incredible. He could have thrown in the towel, but he stayed the course.

Since leaving the Nick Saban school of coaching, Kiffin has served as head coach at two major stops: Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. Along the way, he racked up 81 wins against just 32 losses and left Oxford as the third-winningest coach in Ole Miss history.

The Next Chapter: LSU in 2026

Fast forward to 2026: Lane Kiffin is now the head coach of the LSU Tigers.

This is his third head-coaching job in the SEC, and let’s be real—it will be the toughest, most high-pressure undertaking of his career. Fortunately for LSU, Kiffin’s skillset fits the Tigers perfectly.

Offensive Breakdown

Quarterbacks: Coach Kiffin could potentially deploy a two-quarterback system this season. Sam Leavitt (a transfer from Arizona State) showed over the past two seasons that he is both a dangerous passer and a threat with his legs. In just seven games last year before injury, he completed 145 passes for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for another 300 yards. Behind him is Husan Longstreet (a transfer from USC)—a bit greener, but undoubtedly the dynamic athlete Kiffin loves to recruit.
Running Backs: Harlem Berry and Caden Durham return to Baton Rouge, giving Kiffin a formidable two-back rotation.
Tight Ends: Trey’Dez Green returns after posting 33 catches, 433 yards, and 7 touchdowns last season. He was clutch in several big moments, and Kiffin will lean heavily on his veteran leadership.
Wide Receivers: The biggest mystery lies on the outside, as the majority of last year’s receiving corps either graduated or transferred out. Thankfully, Kiffin dove deep into the portal and landed nine wideouts to fill the void—headlined by Winston Watkins (who followed Kiffin from Ole Miss) and Jayce Brown (via Kansas State).

Kiffin’s offensive scheme relies heavily on RPOs (run-pass options), pre-snap motion, and misdirection to get his high-caliber playmakers into open space and generate explosive plays. Make no mistake: Kiffin knows how to extract every ounce of potential from his roster. Even with so many new faces, he knows exactly where to place them to succeed.

The 2026 Slate

Just like last season, the Tigers open up with a tough non-conference test against Clemson. You can bet Dabo Swinney will be thirsty for revenge during Lane’s nationally televised home debut.

The game I have circled on the calendar, however, is September 19th, when LSU travels to Oxford to take on Kiffin’s former team, Ole Miss. The drama surrounding both programs over the past year would make a great daytime soap opera. It’s a prime-time matchup, and emotions will be off the charts.

LSU enters the 2026 season facing the 11th-toughest strength of schedule in the country (according to Phil Steele). With road trips to Ole Miss, Auburn, and Tennessee—plus classic rivalry clashes against Alabama and Arkansas—this will be a grueling inaugural season in Baton Rouge.

But this is precisely why Lane Kiffin came to LSU: to coach in games like these and chase the biggest prize in college football—a National Championship.

Lane Kiffin knows the standard at LSU, and he expects to win right now.

The only question left is: is the SEC ready?

Can Lincoln Riley Return USC Football to Glory?

From 2002 to 2006, there was not a hotter team in the country than USC. Legendary names instantly come to mind: Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White, Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, and Matt Cassel—along with legendary head coach Pete Carroll.

Since Carroll’s departure in 2009, however, the Trojans have lost their way. They have cycled through multiple head coaches (one infamously fired on an airport tarmac) and haven’t churned out elite talent at their historic rate. They’ve missed out on playoff appearances and suffered through uncommon recruiting lulls.

And today, if certain critical areas don’t improve quickly, there’s a real fear the Trojans will end up right back at square one.

The Lincoln Riley Era So Far

Lincoln Riley was hired away from Oklahoma back in 2021. At the time, many speculated his move to Los Angeles was driven by Oklahoma’s impending leap to the SEC—a stark contrast to the former Pac-12. Knowing the path to victory was easier in California—and with top-notch Southern California weather—why turn that opportunity down?

As obvious as the choice seemed for Coach Riley, he has yet to make the massive splash Trojan fans were hoping for. Still, even under high expectations, he knew what he was signing up for.

Don’t throw in the towel just yet, Trojan fans. Riley still has a plan. Coming from the Mike Leach coaching tree and serving as a key assistant under Bob Stoops, the man unquestionably knows his X’s and O’s.

3 Critical Key Areas for Improvement

If this season is going to be different for Lincoln Riley and USC, these key areas must improve:

Winning on the Road: Three of the Trojans’ four road games last season ended in defeat, ultimately costing them a playoff berth. On Saturday, October 10th, the Trojans head to Happy Valley to face a Penn State squad led by head coach Matt Campbell. Penn State would love nothing more than to play spoiler against a playoff-caliber team like USC.
Defense: Gary Patterson—yes, the very same Gary Patterson who coached TCU for what felt like an eternity—is USC’s defensive coordinator. His experience will be vital for a unit that allowed over 30 points per game in their four losses last season. Patterson’s signature 4-2-5 scheme relies on a four-man rush and drops seven defenders into coverage. This split-field system should bring much-needed stability to that side of the ball.
Recruiting: The 2026 class is without a doubt Riley’s strongest group yet at USC. The class is headlined by five-star prospect Elbert Hill, rated the top cornerback in the country. The 5’11” defensive back hits hard and boasts NFL-caliber speed, making him an immediate impact addition for Gary Patterson’s secondary.

This highlight video showcases 5-star corner Elbert Hill’s playmaking skills, providing a great visual for the recruiting section of your article.

The Path Forward in 2026

The first four weeks of the schedule look manageable, but once Oregon comes to town on September 26th, the gauntlet truly begins.

Coach Riley will need veteran quarterback Jayden Maiava on his A-game. The junior threw for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns while posting an impressive 89.9 QBR last season. Maiava was easily one of the most underrated signal-callers in the country, but he has grown into a fine quarterback. If he can sharpen his in-game decision-making, he has all the tools to lead this team to the promised land.

USC is a program built on winning tradition—boasting 11 National Championships and 8 Heisman Trophy winners. If Lincoln Riley wants to join that legendary club, this is the year he must establish that legacy. He has the talent, the assistant coaches, and a passionate fan base. What he lacks is a championship ring in Los Angeles—and if he wants one, it’s now or never.

Is the Big Ten Ready to Dethrone the SEC?

Since 2003, the SEC has won 14 National Championships—eight during the BCS era and six under the College Football Playoff format. While Nick Saban had a massive hand in that run, you cannot deny the consistent dominance this conference has displayed over the last two decades.

It seems, though, that the sun might finally be setting on one era and rising on another.

Allow me to explain:

2023: Michigan won its first National Championship since 1997.
2024: Ohio State won its third National Championship since 2002.
2025: The Indiana Hoosiers—yes, you read that right—won their first-ever national championship in program history.

What does this mean? It suggests that another conference may be ready to take over the reins of college football supremacy.

The Big Ten has always maintained a strong foothold in the sport. You need only look at its blue bloods—Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State—to know this conference is no stranger to greatness. But now that the Big Ten has expanded and added even more powerhouses, it is primed to go toe-to-toe with the SEC—and perhaps even surpass it.

Dan Lanning and the Rise of Oregon

With the last three national champions originating from the Big Ten, the conference is eyeing four in a row. I think I know the school that can deliver it: Oregon.

Was that a laugh or a quack? If you’re a Ducks fan, it can be both.

Head Coach Dan Lanning arrived in Eugene in 2022 backed by immense praise from his former boss, Kirby Smart. Lanning served on Smart’s staff at Georgia from 2018 to 2021, starting as outside linebackers coach before being quickly promoted to defensive coordinator—a role that helped the Bulldogs win their first national championship since 1980.

So far, Lanning’s record in Eugene stands at 48–8, featuring three bowl victories and a Big Ten conference championship in 2024.

That is a staggering set of accomplishments for just four seasons. However, the recurring obstacle in Eugene has been the “trap game”—that one stumble taking the Ducks out of national title contention.

A Recap of the Past Four Seasons:

2022: Getting his feet wet in his first year as a head coach, Lanning suffered a 49–3 reality check against his former team, Georgia, in Week 1. The Ducks bounced back admirably to finish 10–3 with a Holiday Bowl win over North Carolina.
2023: Oregon came out firing, winning five straight before losing a nail-biter to rival Washington. After rebounding, the Ducks faced Washington again in the Pac-12 Championship, dropping another close contest before capping the year with a Fiesta Bowl win over Liberty.
2024: By his third season, Lanning had his team firing on all cylinders—going undefeated in the regular season and defeating Penn State for the Big Ten title. Though they earned a top spot in the 12-team playoff, they fell to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
2025: Once again looking like a top contender, Oregon won five straight before being tripped up midway through the year by Indiana. The Ducks bounced back to make the playoff field, but ultimately fell to those same Cinderella Hoosiers in the semifinals.

Lanning’s teams are disciplined, well-coached, explosive, and packed with talent. The issue over the last few years hasn’t been a lack of quality; it’s simply that there was one team on the schedule that proved just a little bit better on game day.

The 2026 Outlook

Looking strictly at recent power rankings, Oregon’s 2026 slate might not look daunting at first glance. Only one opponent on this year’s schedule made the playoff last season (Ohio State). However, nobody should be shocked if Boise State, USC, Michigan, or Washington make serious playoff runs of their own. If those programs step up and Oregon takes care of business, it will heavily boost the Ducks’ resume come December.

Lanning returns 14 starters in 2026, headlined by quarterback Dante Moore, who returns to guide this high-powered offense. The sophomore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 71.8% completion rate last season. Wideout Evan Stewart also returns after missing last season due to a knee injury, providing Moore with a elite downfield threat. Furthermore, Oregon returns its entire defensive line, which should keep constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

All that to say: Oregon’s time is now.

They have been sitting on the cusp of ultimate greatness for years. With this roster and coaching staff, the rest of the Big Ten—and the SEC—better watch out.

Can Bill Belichick Fix College Football’s “Hot Mess” at UNC?

The path for a college head coach jumping to the pros has never been a straight line. Many have tried; few have succeeded.

Coaches like Bill Walsh, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Tom Coughlin, and Bobby Ross are the rare exceptions—each reaching or winning a Super Bowl during their NFL tenures.

But what about making the leap from the pros down to college? Statistics show it is often a much more seamless transition with a significantly higher success rate. Greats like Pete Carroll, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O’Brien, Dennis Erickson, Nick Saban, and Lou Holtz all had tastes of the NFL, but ultimately found their true mojo back in the collegiate game.

Fast forward to December 11, 2024—the day the University of North Carolina hired arguably the greatest NFL head coach of all time: Bill Belichick.

Why Chapel Hill?

Belichick’s resume speaks for itself:

6 Super Bowl Championships as head coach of the New England Patriots.
302 NFL regular-season victories (and 333 total wins counting playoffs).
Hall-of-Fame icons coached, including Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss, and Corey Dillon.

It is easy to see why UNC came calling. But what appealed to a 74-year-old, future First-Ballot Hall-of-Famer about stepping down to the college ranks?

He’s a competitor.

Coaches like Bill Belichick simply cannot stay away from the game. Coaching is in his DNA, and he wants to go out on his own terms as a winner. Given that the Tar Heels have not won an outright ACC title since 1980, this massive rebuilding project was an irresistible challenge. He wants to build a program in Chapel Hill much like he built dynasties in Cleveland and New England.

Pro-Style vs. The College Reality

The NFL is a business run like a finely oiled machine; College Football, in its current state, is a chaotic landscape.

To succeed in college today, a coach must navigate endless hurdles:

Recruit high school players and hope they stick to their commitments.
Mine the transfer portal and instantly plug new arrivals into the system.
Cultivate relationships with boosters, alumni, and donors to raise funds.
Manage complex NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals for roster retention.
Walk a tightrope through strict, constantly shifting NCAA regulations.

There is endless red tape in college football, and it can turn sticky quickly if a program isn’t careful.

Year 1 Growing Pains & The Road Ahead

The Belichick era in Chapel Hill did not launch smoothly in 2025. On opening night in front of a national television audience, the Tar Heels were thumped 48–14 at home by TCU. Early struggles against power opponents like UCF, Clemson, Cal, and Virginia quickly set the tone. By November, UNC finished a disappointing 4–8 (13th in the ACC), prompting many fans to shift their focus early to basketball season.

However, anyone expecting Coach Belichick to wave a magic wand and flip a 4–8 roster overnight was living in a fantasy land. This was the hand he was dealt, and building a sustainable program is a long-term operation.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Quarterback Development: Rising sophomore Gio Lopez showed flashes of real potential last season. While he threw just 10 touchdowns, he completed 65% of his passes with only 5 interceptions. That dual-threat versatility gives Belichick a moldable signal-caller to build around.
Portal & Recruiting: Success moving forward will require Belichick and his staff to win major battles in both high school recruiting and the transfer portal.
Home Slate: Fortunately for UNC, their biggest tests in 2026—Notre Dame, Miami, and Louisville—will all be played at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

This is a massive opportunity for Belichick to show the world that he isn’t just an NFL mastermind or a “quarterback whisperer,” but a generational football mind who knows X’s and O’s better than anyone on the planet. Chapel Hill has long been known as a basketball school, but Belichick wants to turn it into a football powerhouse—and he has the drive to do it.