College football Week 1 preview: 34 games to watch to kick off season
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Week 1 of the 2026 college football season features limited marquee matchups but offers a broad slate of games ideal for multiview viewing, with only one ranked-versus-ranked game on Sunday night (Louisville vs. Ole Miss).
- Friday night highlights include No. 7 Miami at Stanford, No. 14 USC vs. Fresno State, and No. 10 Oklahoma hosting UTEP, showcasing early tests for several top teams with new players and coaching changes.
- Saturday's schedule features top-ranked teams like No. 1 Ohio State against Ball State, No. 2 Oregon hosting Boise State, and the notable Clemson at No. 11 LSU showdown, reflecting ongoing program rebuilds and coaching transitions.
- Sunday features the biggest ranked matchup of the weekend with No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss, plus key games like Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Notre Dame and the Apple Cup rivalry between Washington State and No. 17 Washington.
- Additional highlights include a strong focus on FCS and HBCU games, promising Division III top-five battles, and a Monday night ACC clash between No. 19 SMU and Florida State, emphasizing the depth and diversity of college football's opening weekend.
