The 2026 college football season is set to begin with a slate of games, including a highly anticipated matchup between USC and Fresno State.
USC vs. Fresno State
USC, ranked No. 14 nationally, opens its season against Fresno State on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. PT from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans are coming off a 42-26 victory against San Jose State in their season opener. USC enters the game as a 21.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 51.5 points.
Quarterback Maiava has been a key figure for USC's offense, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener, adding a rushing score. The Trojans' offense currently ranks first in the nation in third-down conversion rate and total yards per game. Wide receiver Mosley led the team with 118 receiving yards and a touchdown in the opener, also contributing 56 punt return yards for a total of 174 all-purpose yards. Fresno State's defense, which was a strong unit in their nine-win season last year, will face a challenging task against USC's dynamic offense. The Bulldogs' quarterback situation is still being resolved, with Martin as one of two candidates, alongside Jayden Mandal. Fresno State's defense will be crucial in controlling the tempo against USC.
Michigan State vs. Toledo
Michigan State will host Toledo on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Spartan Stadium. Both teams begin their 2026 campaigns at 0-0. Toledo averaged 30.8 points per game in 2025, while Michigan State averaged 24.6 points per game. The Spartans are favored by 9.5 points, with the total points set at 47.5.
For Toledo, transfer defensive player Zock arrives with a strong track record, earning Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors with 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks last season. Michigan State's offense will rely on running back Edwards, who gained 1,240 yards at UConn last year and has accumulated 2,690 career rushing yards. Quarterback Milivojevic returns for Michigan State, having thrown 10 touchdowns against just three interceptions last season. His continuity is seen as a stabilizing factor for the Spartans as they integrate new transfer players, especially against a Toledo defense also bolstered by transfers.
Purdue vs. Indiana State
Purdue will face FCS opponent Indiana State on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Ross-Ade Stadium. Indiana State enters the game with a 0-1 record after a Week 0 loss, while Purdue is playing its season opener. The Boilermakers won their last two matchups against the Sycamores by a combined score of 105-0, including a 49-0 victory in 2024. Purdue is a significant 36.5-point favorite, with the game's total set at 56.5 points.
Indiana State quarterback Owens threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his team's opener, showcasing potential for the Sycamores' offense. Wide receiver Wuest contributed with 67 receiving yards and 36 kick return yards in the opener, totaling 103 all-purpose yards. Purdue, aiming to improve after a 2-10 season, is building around quarterback Browne. Browne has demonstrated the ability to pass for over 300 yards multiple times in the past season. The Boilermakers have not defeated a Big Ten opponent since November 2023.