College football picks: Predictions, odds for key top 25 games in Week 1
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 college football season kicks off with a marquee matchup between No. 11 LSU and Clemson, highlighting a clash between traditional coaching approaches and the transfer portal-driven strategy.
- LSU, led by Lane Kiffin and boasting the top transfer class, faces Clemson under Dabo Swinney, who prefers stability over transfers, setting the stage for a highly anticipated "Battle of Tigers."
- Several top-25 teams open their seasons in challenging conditions, including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio State, with multiple games spread over five days to start the season.
- Expert picks favor Oregon over Boise State in a defensive battle, Ole Miss over Louisville thanks to experienced key players, and Notre Dame over Wisconsin with a strong offensive line and defense.
- SMU is predicted to upset Florida State on Monday, leveraging a strong defense and offensive containment to stay competitive in the ACC title race.
