The 2026 college football season begins this weekend with a full schedule of games, highlighted by the Indiana Hoosiers, who will start their title defense as heavy favorites. Several other top-ranked teams, including Oregon and Texas, will also make their season debuts as they look to position themselves for a College Football Playoff run.
Key Matchups for Week 1
Indiana opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 5, against an as-yet-unspecified opponent, entering the game as 40.5-point favorites. The Hoosiers, led by coach Curt Cignetti and quarterback Fernando Mendoza, are looking to replicate their successful 2025 campaign, which culminated in a championship. Last season, Indiana began its year with a 27-14 victory over Old Dominion.
Oregon, ranked No. 2 nationally and fourth in the College Football Playoff odds, faces Boise State on Saturday. Head coach Dan Lanning and quarterback Dante Moore, considered a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, will lead the Ducks against a Boise State team that heavily relies on its run game. FOX Sports betting analyst Geoff Schwartz noted that Oregon's strong defensive line could pose significant challenges.
Texas, also a championship contender and ranked third in the odds, opens its season at home against Texas State on Saturday. Quarterback Arch Manning is among the Heisman Trophy favorites. After an opening-week loss to Ohio State last season, the Longhorns are expected to easily handle an overmatched Texas State squad.
Penn State begins its 2026 campaign at home against Marshall on Saturday. Despite a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Nittany Lions lose six consecutive games and their coach, James Franklin, be fired, FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill believes Penn State is still a strong candidate for the College Football Playoff. Currently ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll, Penn State is favored to secure a dominant win against Marshall.
Sunday, Sept. 6, features a primetime matchup between Ole Miss and Louisville. Ole Miss, coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance where they lost to Miami, will start veteran quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Louisville, meanwhile, will debut Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz. FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill is backing underdog Louisville to cover the spread against Ole Miss in Nashville.