The opening weekend of the 2026 college football season on Saturday, September 5, featured several high-profile matchups and notable performances, including dominant victories by top-ranked teams and a dramatic finish for No. 16 Michigan.
No. 1 Ohio State secured a decisive 56-3 win over Ball State. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two scores. In Austin, No. 5 Texas delivered a 59-7 rout against Texas State. Quarterback Arch Manning contributed 305 passing yards and four touchdowns, with Cam Coleman recording three receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns, and Hollywood Smothers adding 98 total yards and a touchdown. Both Ohio State and Texas are now set to face each other in a highly anticipated game next weekend in Austin.
Elsewhere, No. 3 Georgia defeated Tennessee State 63-3, and No. 13 Alabama overcame East Carolina 48-14 after shaking off an early rust. No. 2 Oregon had a slow start but ultimately secured a 34-27 comeback victory against Boise State. A controversial finish marked the game between No. 16 Michigan and Western Michigan, where Michigan won 13-12 on a 47-yard Hail Mary pass from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan on the game’s final play. Officials added one second back to the clock after an initial review, allowing for the game-winning throw.
Other significant results from Week 1 included No. 6 Indiana defeating North Texas 52-16, No. 18 Penn State shutting out Marshall 45-0, No. 20 Tennessee beating Furman 56-9, No. 8 Texas A&M with a 50-0 victory over Missouri State, and No. 12 Texas Tech winning 33-10 against Abilene Christian. No. 11 LSU also had a strong showing, defeating Clemson 51-10.
While Aiken does not host a Division I football program, local college sports enthusiasts often follow major national teams. The University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers compete in NCAA Division II, offering a different level of collegiate athletics for local fans.
