Thursday, September 3
3:00 PM — BTN
UMass (0–0) at Rutgers (0–0)
Location: SHI Stadium — Piscataway, New Jersey
Prediction: Rutgers 38–10
4:00 PM — ACC Network
Akron (0–0) at Wake Forest (0–0)
Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium — Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Prediction: Wake Forest 42–10
4:00 PM — ESPN+
UAlbany at Buffalo (0–0)
Location: Broadview Stadium — Amherst, New York
Prediction: Buffalo 31–14
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Merrimack at Delaware (0–0)
Location: Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium — Newark, Delaware
Prediction: Delaware 42–17
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Bethune-Cookman at UCF (0–0)
Location: Acrisure Bounce House — Orlando, Florida
Prediction: UCF 42–3
4:00 PM — ESPN+
West Georgia at Kennesaw State (0–0)
Location: Fifth Third Stadium — Kennesaw, Georgia
Prediction: Kennesaw State 35–17
5:00 PM — Peacock
Eastern Illinois at Minnesota (0–0)
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium — Minneapolis, Minnesota
Prediction: Minnesota 49–10
5:00 PM — ESPN
Colorado (0–0) at Georgia Tech (0–0)
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field — Atlanta, Georgia
Prediction: Georgia Tech 31–21
Georgia Tech is going to win this game in large part because of its running game. With a new quarterback who has limited starting experience, expect the Yellow Jackets to hand the ball to their running backs early and often. There are plenty of questions surrounding the Buffaloes’ defense, especially with all 11 projected defensive starters coming from the transfer portal. I have doubts about the continuity of this defense, particularly with so many new players being asked to come together right away. Georgia Tech will get up early and not look back as the Yellow Jackets cruise to a 10-point victory at home.
5:00 PM — SEC Network
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at #25 Missouri (0–0)
Location: Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field — Columbia, Missouri
Prediction: Missouri 45–9
6:00 PM — BTN
UAB (0–0) at Illinois (0–0)
Location: Memorial Stadium — Champaign, Illinois
Prediction: Illinois 35–10
6:00 PM — ESPNU
Idaho at #21 Utah (0–0)
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium — Salt Lake City, Utah
Prediction: Utah 42–7
Friday, September 4
3:30 PM — ESPN+
San Jose State (0–1) at Eastern Michigan (1–0)
Location: Rynearson Stadium — Ypsilanti, Michigan
Prediction: San Jose State 38–31
4:00 PM — BTN
Indiana State at Purdue (0–0)
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium — West Lafayette, Indiana
Prediction: Purdue 28–3
4:00 PM — ESPN+
North Carolina A&T at Georgia State (0–0)
Location: Center Parc Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
Prediction: Georgia State 33–10
5:00 PM — FS1
Toledo (0–0) at Michigan State (0–0)
Location: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, Michigan
Prediction: Michigan State 38–25
5:00 PM — ESPNU
LIU at Kansas (0–0)
Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium — Lawrence, Kansas
Prediction: Kansas 42–10
5:00 PM — SEC Network+
UTEP (0–0) at #10 Oklahoma (0–0)
Location: Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — Norman, Oklahoma
Prediction: Oklahoma 52–7
6:00 PM — FOX
Fresno State (0–0) at #14 USC (1–0)
Location: United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — Los Angeles, California
Prediction: USC 49–14
6:00 PM — ESPN
#7 Miami (0–0) at Stanford (1–0)
Location: Stanford Stadium — Stanford, California
Prediction: Miami 42–17
Saturday, September 5 — Morning Slate
9:00 AM — FOX
North Texas (0–0) at #6 Indiana (0–0)
Location: Memorial Stadium — Bloomington, Indiana
Prediction: Indiana 49–14
9:00 AM — ABC
East Carolina (0–0) at #13 Alabama (0–0)
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Prediction: Alabama 42–3
9:00 AM — ESPN
Oregon State (0–0) at #23 Houston (0–0)
Location: TDECU Stadium — Houston, Texas
Prediction: Houston 38–10
9:00 AM — TNT
Coastal Carolina (0–0) at West Virginia (0–0)
Location: Milan Puskar Stadium — Morgantown, West Virginia
Prediction: West Virginia 35–17
9:00 AM — ACC Network
New Hampshire at Syracuse (0–0)
Location: JMA Wireless Dome — Syracuse, New York
Prediction: Syracuse 45–10
9:00 AM — FS1
Ohio (0–0) at Nebraska (0–0)
Location: Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium — Lincoln, Nebraska
Prediction: Nebraska 27–3
9:00 AM — ESPN+
Lafayette at UConn (0–0)
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — East Hartford, Connecticut
Prediction: UConn 28–10
9:00 AM — CBS Sports Network
Bryant at Army (0–0)
Location: Blaik Field at Michie Stadium — West Point, New York
Prediction: Army 31–7
9:00 AM — ESPN+
Tarleton State at Bowling Green (0–0)
Location: Doyt L. Perry Stadium — Bowling Green, Ohio
Prediction: Bowling Green 24–17
9:00 AM — ESPNU
Liberty (0–0) at James Madison (0–0)
Location: Showker Field at Bridgeforth Stadium — Harrisonburg, Virginia
Prediction: James Madison 27–17
9:30 AM — BTN
Ball State (0–0) at #1 Ohio State (0–0)
Location: Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
Prediction: Ohio State 63–7
9:30 AM — The CW
Miami (OH) (0–0) at Pittsburgh (0–0)
Location: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Prediction: Pittsburgh 33–14
9:45 AM — SEC Network
Kent State (0–0) at South Carolina (0–0)
Location: Williams-Brice Stadium — Columbia, South Carolina
Prediction: South Carolina 45–10
10:00 AM — ESPN+
Southeast Missouri State at Iowa State (0–0)
Location: Jack Trice Stadium — Ames, Iowa
Prediction: Iowa State 33–10
10:00 AM — MW
Duquesne at Air Force (0–0)
Location: Falcon Stadium — Colorado Springs, Colorado
Prediction: Air Force 31–10
10:00 AM — SEC Network+
Youngstown State at Kentucky (0–0)
Location: Kroger Field — Lexington, Kentucky
Prediction: Kentucky 42–3
11:00 AM — ESPN+
Rhode Island at Temple (0–0)
Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Prediction: Temple 30–14
Saturday, September 5 — Afternoon Slate
12:00 PM — SEC Network+
Tennessee State at #3 Georgia (0–0)
Location: Sanford Stadium — Athens, Georgia
Prediction: Georgia 49–0
12:30 PM — ESPN
Texas State (0–0) at #5 Texas (0–0)
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium — Austin, Texas
Prediction: Texas 42–10
12:30 PM — SEC Network+
Furman at #20 Tennessee (0–0)
Location: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee
Prediction: Tennessee 45–10
12:30 PM — ABC
Baylor (0–0) vs. Auburn (0–0)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
Prediction: Auburn 27–24
This should be one of the weekend’s most hotly contested matchups. Additionally, both teams want to set the tone and show their early season value. With new head coach Alex Golesh and quarterback Byrum Brown, Auburn aims to prove SEC effectiveness. However, Baylor must answer questions on defense, potentially making this game higher scoring than expected. GameDay Picks notes DJ Lagway could be the X factor for Baylor and the game’s swing. If he does, he will prove me wrong with this pick.
12:30 PM — CBS
Boise State (0–0) at #2 Oregon (0–0)
Location: Autzen Stadium — Eugene, Oregon
Prediction: Oregon 49–14
The Ducks will be a force to be reckoned with all season long. They will establish a strong and balanced attack that will cause problems at all levels for the Broncos’ defense. The last time a Boise State team played at Autzen Stadium, the Broncos almost came away with a win behind Ashton Jeanty, who ran absolutely wild against the Ducks. Unfortunately for Bronco fans, they no longer have Jeanty to keep them in this game. Aside from struggling to contain the Ducks’ offense, Boise State will not be able to consistently score against this Oregon defense. The Ducks will walk away with a convincing win to start the 2026 season.
12:30 PM — ESPN+
Maine at Appalachian State (0–0)
Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium — Boone, North Carolina
Prediction: Appalachian State 42–10
12:30 PM — FOX
Boston College (0–0) at Cincinnati (0–0)
Location: Nippert Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
Prediction: Boston College 24–21
12:30 PM — FS1
Marshall (0–0) at #18 Penn State (0–0)
Location: Beaver Stadium — University Park, Pennsylvania
Prediction: Penn State 38–14
12:30 PM — ACC Network
Tulane (0–0) at Duke (0–0)
Location: Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium — Durham, North Carolina
Prediction: Duke 30–20
12:30 PM — ESPN+
The Citadel at Charlotte (0–0)
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
Prediction: Charlotte 28–10
12:30 PM — CBS Sports Network
Towson at Navy (0–0)
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium — Annapolis, Maryland
Prediction: Navy 42–7
12:30 PM — ESPN+
UT Rio Grande Valley at UTSA (0–0)
Location: Alamodome — San Antonio, Texas
Prediction: UTSA 38–7
12:30 PM — ESPN+
Murray State at Middle Tennessee (0–0)
Location: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium — Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Prediction: Middle Tennessee 28–14
12:45 PM — ESPNU
Oklahoma State (0–0) at Tulsa (0–0)
Location: H.A. Chapman Stadium — Tulsa, Oklahoma
Prediction: Oklahoma State 45–14
1:15 PM — BTN
Northern Illinois (0–0) at #22 Iowa (0–0)
Location: Kinnick Stadium — Iowa City, Iowa
Prediction: Iowa 31–3
1:15 PM — SEC Network
North Alabama at Arkansas (0–0)
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium — Fayetteville, Arkansas
Prediction: Arkansas 34–6
2:00 PM — ESPN+
Alcorn State at Southern Miss (0–0)
Location: M.M. Roberts Stadium — Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Prediction: Southern Miss 30–7
3:00 PM — ESPN+
Norfolk State at Old Dominion (0–0)
Location: S.B. Ballard Stadium — Norfolk, Virginia
Prediction: Old Dominion 31–7
3:00 PM — USA Network
Wyoming (0–0) at Colorado State (0–0)
Location: Canvas Stadium — Fort Collins, Colorado
Prediction: Colorado State 24–17
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Arkansas State (0–0) at Memphis (0–0)
Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium — Memphis, Tennessee
Prediction: Memphis 42–10
4:00 PM — FS1
Abilene Christian at #12 Texas Tech (0–0)
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium — Lubbock, Texas
Prediction: Texas Tech 52–7
4:00 PM — ESPN
Missouri State at #8 Texas A&M (0–0)
Location: Kyle Field — College Station, Texas
Prediction: Texas A&M 49–3
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Nicholls at Kansas State (0–0)
Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium — Manhattan, Kansas
Prediction: Kansas State 45–10
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Houston Christian at Rice (0–0)
Location: Rice Stadium — Houston, Texas
Prediction: Rice 38–7
4:00 PM — CBS Sports Network
Idaho State at Utah State (0–0)
Location: Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium — Logan, Utah
Prediction: Utah State 24–17
4:00 PM — SEC Network+
Austin Peay at Vanderbilt (0–0)
Location: FirstBank Stadium — Nashville, Tennessee
Prediction: Vanderbilt 35–14
4:00 PM — ESPN+
FIU (0–0) at South Florida (0–0)
Location: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, Florida
Prediction: USF 35–24
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville State (0–1)
Location: AmFirst Stadium — Jacksonville, Alabama
Prediction: Jacksonville State 28–17
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Charleston Southern at Georgia Southern (0–0)
Location: Allen E. Paulson Stadium — Statesboro, Georgia
Prediction: Georgia Southern 27–10
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Southeastern Louisiana at South Alabama (0–0)
Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium — Mobile, Alabama
Prediction: South Alabama 31–17
4:00 PM — ESPN+
Sam Houston (0–0) at Troy (0–0)
Location: Veterans Memorial Stadium — Troy, Alabama
Prediction: Troy 35–21
Saturday, September 5 — Evening Slate
4:30 PM — ABC
Clemson (0–0) at #11 LSU (0–0)
Location: Tiger Stadium — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Prediction: LSU 38–24
In this matchup between Clemson and LSU, there are numerous storylines that can draw anyone in. Whether it be the battle of elite coaches, the implications for the season, or the talent-laden rosters, this game has everything a fan can enjoy. Clemson will have to worry about traveling to an intense environment with a quarterback who has limited experience as a starter. This could lead to struggles early, benefiting LSU. The LSU Tigers have one of the most talented rosters in the country and should expect to improve this year. Sam Leavitt will put up huge numbers this season, and this game is no different. His efforts on offense and the tough-nosed defense by LSU will give them the edge in this one.
4:30 PM — NBC
Western Michigan (0–0) at #16 Michigan (0–0)
Location: Michigan Stadium — Ann Arbor, Michigan
Prediction: Michigan 42–10
4:30 PM — ACC Network
VMI at Virginia Tech (0–0)
Location: Lane Stadium/Worsham Field — Blacksburg, Virginia
Prediction: Virginia Tech 38–7
4:30 PM — ESPNU
UL Monroe (0–0) at Mississippi State (0–0)
Location: Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field — Starkville, Mississippi
Prediction: Mississippi State 35–7
4:30 PM — ESPN+
Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech (0–0)
Location: Joe Aillet Stadium — Ruston, Louisiana
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 28–7
4:45 PM — SEC Network
Florida Atlantic (0–0) at Florida (0–0)
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — Gainesville, Florida
Prediction: Florida 42–10
5:00 PM — BTN
Hampton at Maryland (0–0)
Location: SECU Stadium — College Park, Maryland
Prediction: Maryland 42–14
5:00 PM — ESPN+
Utah Tech at #14 BYU (0–0)
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium — Provo, Utah
Prediction: BYU 49–7
5:00 PM — BTN
South Dakota State at Northwestern (0–0)
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium — Evanston, Illinois
Prediction: Northwestern 31–17
5:00 PM — ESPN+
Lamar at Louisiana (0–0)
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium — Lafayette, Louisiana
Prediction: Louisiana 21–7
6:00 PM — ESPN+
Mercyhurst at New Mexico State (0–1)
Location: Aggie Memorial Stadium — Las Cruces, New Mexico
Prediction: New Mexico State 30–7
6:30 PM — USA Network
Portland State at San Diego State (0–0)
Location: Snapdragon Stadium — San Diego, California
Prediction: San Diego State 45–17
6:30 PM — ESPN+
Northern Arizona at Arizona (0–0)
Location: Arizona Stadium — Tucson, Arizona
Prediction: Arizona 42–7
Saturday, September 5 — Night Slate
7:00 PM — ESPN+
Morgan State at Arizona State (0–0)
Location: Mountain America Stadium — Tempe, Arizona
Prediction: Arizona State 38–7
7:00 PM — ESPN+
Mississippi Valley State at Sacramento State (0–1)
Location: Hornet Stadium — Sacramento, California
Prediction: Sacramento State 31–14
7:00 PM — The CW
UNLV (0–1) at Hawaiʻi (0–1)
Location: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex — Honolulu, Hawaii
Prediction: UNLV 42–38
7:00 PM — FS1
Central Michigan (0–0) at New Mexico (0–0)
Location: University Stadium — Albuquerque, New Mexico
Prediction: New Mexico 27–20
7:30 PM — ESPN
UCLA (0–0) at California (0–0)
Location: California Memorial Stadium — Berkeley, California
Prediction: Cal 34–30
In a minor throwback from a few years ago when both teams were in the PAC-12, I expect the Cal Bears to get the job done in a high-scoring Wild West shootout. This game is truly exciting because of the similarities. They both have new coaches, have an electric Hawaiian quarterback, and will rely on new additions to make an impact this season. Whichever team can assert themselves in the trenches and whichever quarterback plays better will win this game. I believe the Bears will get the best of the Bruins in these areas and beat their in-state rival at home.
7:30 PM — CBS Sports Network
Western Kentucky (0–0) at Nevada (0–0)
Location: Mackay Stadium — Reno, Nevada
Prediction: Nevada 27–21
Sunday, September 6
1:00 PM — NBC/Peacock
Washington State (0–0) at #17 Washington (0–0)
Location: Husky Stadium — Seattle, Washington
Prediction: Washington State 31–24
In a shocking upset, the Cougars go into Seattle and steal a victory from their archrival. The Huskies have a great team, but no one knows what can happen in a rivalry game. Recently, Washington State has been successful in winning three of the last four Apple Cup games in Seattle. The new coaching staff, the new schemes, and a slew of new players will cause problems for Washington to plan around effectively. I expect these two teams to battle on each and every play because nothing is sweeter than beating your rival, something the Cougars will enjoy in their first-ever Week 1 matchup against the Huskies.
4:30 PM — ABC
#24 Louisville (0–0) vs. #9 Ole Miss (0–0)
Location: Nissan Stadium — Nashville, Tennessee
Prediction: Ole Miss 31–28
The Ole Miss Rebels are under a new regime with Pete Golding taking the helm full time after a great postseason run. The Rebels return Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, which gives them two focal points to focus on all night. If their tough defense can get after Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, the Ohio State transfer, the Cardinals will struggle. They have Isaac Brown, who is an elite running back that must have a big game if Louisville wants to stand a chance. I believe Ole Miss has too much experience and hangs on late in a close Sunday night matchup.
4:30 PM — NBC/Peacock
Wisconsin (0–0) vs. #4 Notre Dame (0–0)
Location: Lambeau Field — Green Bay, Wisconsin
Prediction: Notre Dame 45–14
Monday, September 7
4:30 PM — ESPN
#19 SMU (0–0) at Florida State (1–0)
Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium — Tallahassee, Florida
Prediction: SMU 38–17
SMU is coming in with a ton of expectations and is looking to make noise early. They go on the road to play a Seminole team that looked a bit underwhelming in Week 0. Florida State was effective running the ball last week but struggled with its passing game and to score the ball until the fourth quarter. This does not bode well for them, as the Mustangs have one of the best quarterbacks in the conference and a great support system around him. I expect SMU to stroll into Doak Campbell Stadium and win this game easily, securing the first conference win.
