The 2026 college football season kicks off on Saturday, September 5, with two marquee matchups, while Major League Baseball also features key games on the same day.
College Football
Penn State will host the Marshall Thundering Herd at 3:30 p.m. ET at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. This game marks the debut for Penn State's new head coach, Matt Campbell. Last season, Penn State's defense led the nation with 8 sacks in the red zone, while Marshall forced 10 fumbles in the second half, the second-most nationally. Penn State enters the game as a 24.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 52.5.
Key players to watch for Penn State include quarterback Del Rio-Wilson, who threw for 2,043 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, and a receiver corps that will be tested against Penn State's strong pass rush. Marshall's ability to protect the ball early could be crucial in this contest.
In another early-season clash, the Clemson Tigers will visit the LSU Tigers at 7:30 p.m. ET at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. LSU is a 10-point favorite, with a total of 50.5. Last season, LSU recorded 5 sacks when leading inside four minutes and forced 5 fumbles in the red zone, both second-most in the NCAA.
LSU's offense will be led by transfer quarterback Leavitt, who arrived from Arizona State and aims to prove Kiffin's roster overhaul can compete immediately in the SEC. Clemson's quarterback, Vizzina, steps into a challenging road opener with one career start. Tigers' tight end Green, who led the country in touchdowns for his position last year, and receiver Moore, who led Clemson in receiving last season, will be key offensive targets.
Major League Baseball
On the baseball diamond, Saturday, September 5, 2026, features interleague play. The Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Houston Astros at 7:15 p.m. ET at Daikin Park.
The Astros, holding a 73-69 record, will start pitcher Ethan Pecko (1-0, 6.23 ERA). The Diamondbacks, at 74-68, will counter with Brandon Pfaadt (7-2, 3.49 ERA). Houston's lineup is powered by Yordan Alvarez, who leads the team with 37 home runs, a .317 batting average, and 94 RBI. For Arizona, catcher Gabriel Moreno is a key offensive threat, leading the team with a .299 batting average and tied for the lead with 68 RBI. Corbin Carroll adds speed, with 19 home runs, 61 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.
Elsewhere in MLB, the New York Yankees face the San Diego Padres at 4:15 p.m. PT at Petco Park. The Yankees, with an 80-61 record and the MLB's lowest team ERA at 3.23, are set to have Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.20 ERA) on the mound. The Padres, at 74-67, will start Robbie Ray (11-7, 3.14 ERA). Fernando Tatis Jr. is a player to watch for the Padres, boasting a .282 average and 31 steals, with recent strong offensive numbers. The Yankees' offense will look to Aaron Rice, who leads the team with 36 home runs and 88 RBI.