On paper, Week 1 of the college football season did not look all too exciting. Thankfully, the slate delivered, and plenty of great games played out. Some near upsets took place, while others found a way to make big-time statements.
Now that some data is under our belts, a brand new Coaches Poll has been released. On Tuesday, the top 25 was released by USA TODAY. Some shakeup definitely comes throughout the top 25, making for some interesting debate.
[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]
Looking ahead, two top-five teams going head-to-head are going to headline the Week 2 slate. But for now, let’s check out what the Coaches Poll produced following Week 1. To no surprise, there are no changes at the top.
Ohio State was not expected to have any problems with Ball State in the season opener. This came to fruition, as the Buckeyes dominated from start to finish. Exactly what you expect from a No. 1 team in the country.
Now, the real journey begins for Ohio State. A trip to Austin is next on the schedule for the first time since 2006. The stakes will be just as high two decades later, setting up what should be a thrilling game on Saturday night.
The heat in Athens may have been the biggest storyline from Sanford Stadium. Because Georgia had zero problem with their FCS opponent, Tennessee State. Gunner Stockton and a lot of starters were pulled quite quickly.
Georgia should have a similar week coming up with Western Kentucky on the schedule. From there, it’s 10 straight power conference opponents — nine from the SEC and then the rivalry game vs. Georgia Tech.
Steve Sarkisian put a ton of effort and resources into the NCAA transfer portal this offseason. Multiple projected stars came from outside the program, needing to be key figures throughout the year. On Saturday, some early returns came from those guys.
Cam Coleman had two receiving touchdowns from Arch Manning. Hollywood Smothers made some noise on the ground. Defensively, Rasheem Biles forced a turnover. A great sign after one game in Austin.
Notre Dame needed some time before getting going vs. Wisconsin. Lambeau Field was rocking with a split crowd, and eventually, the Irish fans in the stands emerged as the happier bunch. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday night.
This was the first time we have seen Notre Dame play since the ’25 regular season finale. National championship expectations remain intact, with some flashes of why they exist popping up.
For the reigning national champions, Indiana had a quiet weekend. Nothing too huge from Bloomington, as the nonconference schedule does not pop too many eyes. North Texas was the Week 1 opponent, eventually turning into a comfortable win.
Similar to Georgia, another couple of weeks will be needed before the lights actually turn on. Indiana’s lone games vs. power conference opponents all come during the nine-game Big Ten schedule.
For a few moments there, Oregon looked like they would be on the wrong end of a major upset. Boise State came to Autzen Stadium and took control of the game early on. At halftime, the score read 17-14 in favor of the Broncos.
Thankfully for the Ducks, the second half went their way. Twenty points in the final 30 minutes meant Oregon starts the year with a 1-0 record. A tricky test passed, meaning there is work to do moving forward.
Not many ACC teams would be too thrilled about heading West to open a season. Miami was given the task against Stanford, who also played during Week 0. Potentially a dangerous spot, the Hurricanes handled the test with ease.
If he was not already there, Malachi Toney is turning into one of college football’s brightest stars. Over 200 yards for the second-year wide receiver, proving his connection with Darian Mensah to be a dangerous one.
No team made a bigger statement in Week 1 than the LSU Tigers. So much hype walked into Tiger Stadium with Lane Kiffin. Discussion around the program was constant from the middle of December, finally getting to an actual game.
Well, LSU delivered and then some. Clemson got blown out from nearly the opening kickoff — at least after an early interception. From start to finish, Kiffin’s bunch certainly looked like a national championship contender.
Mike Elko, who is a defensive-minded head coach, has to be thrilled with a shutout against Missouri State. Yes, the level of competition is not where it will be next Saturday vs. Arizona State. Still, a shutout is a shutout.
The fans in College Station got a look at some of the depth pieces as well. Success for almost every Aggie who stepped onto the field. Possibly a good sign in case somebody is called upon at one point.
Oklahoma served as a rare Friday night game for an SEC team. Norman got a chance to host UTEP, as the Sooners put in exactly the type of performance you would expect them to — a dominant one.
Attention will quickly shift to Saturday’s game vs. Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET, as FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will have the broadcast. Once again, another huge matchup for Brent Venables.
Coaches Poll after Week 1 of 2026 season: No. 11-25
11. Ole Miss Rebels (-1)
12. Alabama Crimson Tide (-1)
13. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-1)
14. USC Trojans
15. BYU Cougars
16. Penn State Nittany Lions (+1)
17. SMU Mustangs (+3)
18. Tennessee Volunteers
19. Washington Huskies
20. Utah Utes (+1)
21. Iowa Hawkeyes (+1)
22. Houston Cougars (+2)
23. Missouri Tigers (+2)
24. Michigan Wolverines (-8)
T25. Virginia Cavaliers (NR)
T25. Florida Gators (NR)
Dropped out of Coaches Poll: No. 23 Clemson
Others receiving votes in Coaches Poll: Louisville 125; Illinois 45; Boise State 43; Arizona 42; South Carolina 36; Memphis 24; Auburn 19; Vanderbilt 17; Pittsburgh 14; Virginia Tech 11; Nebraska 11; Arizona State 11; Minnesota 9; Western Michigan 7; New Mexico 7; North Dakota State 6; Kansas State 6; Navy 5; UCLA 4; Duke 4; UNLV 3; Clemson 3; San Diego State 2; North Carolina 2; Colorado 1
Leave a Reply