After an extended offseason, college football is lastly again on our screens. While an extended season is forward, groups have tremendously vital probabilities to make robust first impressions as Week 1 comes across the nook.
While the game has moved away from tremendous marquee Week 1 video games in alternate for bangers in Week 2 or 3, there are nonetheless quite a few contests that might show related to the postseason image. Lane Kiffin’s former and present applications each play high-profile ACC opponents and upset spots. Of course, there’s additionally high-powered Group of Six groups hoping to crash the celebration.
Playoff instances aren’t made in Week 1, however they are often misplaced. And extra importantly, narratives are set that may be arduous to shake. With that in thoughts, listed below are 5 (properly, technically seven) video games that might impact the upcoming postseason race.
No. 11 LSU vs. Clemson
All eyes will probably be on Baton Rouge as Lane Kiffin makes his LSU debut. The Tigers haven’t made the CFP since Joe Burrow’s magical season in 2019, and LSU has invested an otherworldly sum of money into this roster. Expectations are rivalry or bust, and faceplanting within the opener would expediently finish the honeymoon.
The Tigers had a disappointing 2025, however Clemson lastly dipped into the switch portal to construct some rapid defensive position depth. A win for Clemson can be a large assertion for this system and set the ACC as much as get a number of groups within the CFP.
No. 9 Ole Miss at No. 24 Louisville
There is a pattern on this record: opponents can profit significantly from taking part in high-profile SEC opponents. In this case, Louisville will attempt to stun Ole Miss in Pete Golding’s first actual sport as head coach. Golding was promoted to the full-time function forward of the CFP, however this was his first offseason main the staff after Kiffin’s departure.
Louisville had a barely underwhelming nine-win season final yr, together with a three-game shedding streak in November. However, retaining star operating again Isaac Brown and including Ohio State switch Lincoln Kienholz at quarterback brings some intrigue. Ole Miss hopes to arrange a nationwide championship run, however the Cardinals are a significant issue.
Auburn vs. Baylor
Neither Auburn nor Baylor will play within the CFP this yr, however downballot implications nonetheless stay. The Big 12 solely has a handful of alternatives towards uber-talented SEC opponents, and the Bears symbolize top-of-the-line pictures for an upset.
Auburn has endured 5 straight shedding seasons, the worst run since 1950, however first-year coach Alex Golesh has excessive expectations. The Tigers introduced in a prime 10 switch class with 40 members, together with 13 from Golesh’s South Florida squad. A fast begin might assist get Auburn again on observe and assist construct some further credibility for the SEC’s center class.
No. 19 SMU at Florida State
SMU’s triumphant entrance to the ACC began with a 42-16 demolition of Florida State in 2024, a significant lowlight in a 2-10 season for the Seminoles. Now, FSU’s expectations are increased than they have been in a couple of seasons, led by rising vast receiver Duce Robinson and operating again Ousmane Kromah.
But nonetheless, SMU is aware of its alternative. The Mustangs enter as maybe the highest contender to Miami within the ACC, and quarterback Kevin Jennings is about to debut a significant Heisman Trophy marketing campaign. SMU obtained out to a sluggish begin final yr following a lower-body damage to Jennings. With a robust efficiency, the Mustangs might simply launch into the highest 15.
Group of Five longshots
No. 2 Oregon vs. Boise State
No. 5 Texas vs.Texas State
No. 14 USC vs. Fresno State
Two years in the past, Boise State went on the highway towards a stacked Oregon squad and held their very own in a 37-34 victory. It was a coming-out celebration of types for Ashton Jeanty, who later turned a Heisman Trophy finalist. In Week 1, there are three such video games involving groups that might simply discover themselves within the Group of Six race.
Boise State once more performs towards Oregon, although the Broncos mission worse, and Oregon might be even higher. Texas hosts Texas State, which sits solely about half-hour down I-35. The Bobcats return sensational expertise on offense, together with quarterback Brad Jackson and receiver Beau Sparks, each of whom might have garnered huge switch presents. Fresno State might additionally take a step underneath second-year coach Matt Entz, particularly after beautiful Boise State 30-7 final November.
Of course, all three non-power groups are underdogs by a number of scores. The possibilities of any pulling off an upset are slim. Still, a robust efficiency or shut name might assist give a leg up within the playoff race. If they get demolished, their probabilities screech to a halt.
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