Week 1 Predictions – 2026
Last Year: Ohio State had a great regular season going 12-0 and headed into the Big Ten Championship game as a favorite. But a loss to Indiana in the B1G Championship and another in their first game of the playoffs to Miami and what was such a fun season, ended all too quickly. Leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of Buckeye fans, we are all ready for 2026 campaign. As for our Buckeye50 staff predictions standings, Andy Steger took the crown finishing just one game ahead of Rick DeSutter and two games ahead of Vaughn Broadnax and Josh Watson. Great job Andy and the rest of the staff! You can check out the final standings for 2025 on our Predictions Home Page.
This Week’s Games: The Buckeyes open the season against Ball State. The Mason Jars should not be a challenge and the game will not be in question after the first quarter. Basically, just pick up the oversized check on your way off the field. …. Slightly more intriguing will be Clemson at LSU. Just a short time ago, these two teams where in the discussions for the national title annually, winning it on occasion. This year they are both looking to continue to rebuild respect from their fan bases. …. Wisconsin is opening this weekend against the Irish. The Badgers could use a signature win. Will playing the game in Lambeau Field make a difference? …. Louisville and Ole Miss will be squaring off in Nissan Stadium for the only ranked vs ranked game in week 1. Can the Cardinals pull off the upset knocking down a top ten SEC hopeful? …. SMU will open on the road against Florida State. Can the Mustangs live up to their pre-season hype and start with an ACC victory?
Buckeye Greats: As in the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun, and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the 12th straight year.
Let’s have some fun! Here we go with our Week 1 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
Ball State @ (1)Ohio State (-56 1/2)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): OSU 56 Ball St. 3
Andy Steger: We don’t have any stats or game film to go by at this point so a lot of this is simply projection at this point. We’ve heard a lot about the new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is going to run the football in different ways this season. According to players Julian Sayin has been going under center more this preseason which allows the offense to do more with the run game and play action pass. Despite the defense losing some generational talent, I think we will still have a very well coached defense that is able to hold their own against most teams. Ohio State 42 Ball State 6
Rick DeSutter: Ohio State
Cory Steger: With a lot of new faces on defense, a reworked offensive line, and a new offensive coordinator, there are a lot of changes with Ohio State heading into the season. Yet, the potential for greatness is there. Some of the main weaknesses last season were running the ball, and short-yardage situations. Bringing in Arthur Smith to run the offense is a clear indication that Ryan Day wants to fix these things because Smith loves to run the ball, and loves to throw to the tight ends. Defensively, the new guys bring a lot of talent, but how in the world can you replace Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Kayden McDonald, Caden Curry, and Lorenzo Styles all at once?! What a tall task that is, but Matt Patricia will have the guys ready. Ball State struggled last season under first-year head coach Mike Uremovich. The Cardinals have very few returning starters, and feature one of the smallest offensive lines Ohio State will face all season. Expect a comfortable Buckeye lead at the half, and to see some of the backups in the fourth quarter. Ohio State 52, Ball State 7
Dave Culver: Ohio State 52 Ball State 7
Gregg Watson: The last time Ohio State lost an opening game was in 1999 with a loss to Miami. But they are the only D1 team in the nation that has not lost a Week 1 game this century. And they will not break that streak in 2026. They will write their own final score, and they will clear the entire bench except anyone they don’t plan to redshirt. This is the first game ever against Ball State but it was worth the wait for the Cardinals as they will take home a door prize of $1.9 million for their troubles. Fans will stay to see TBDBITL play at halftime then slowly make their way back home starting mid-way through quarter 3. Let’s everyone give our boys a nice cheer and send off for the opening win as they begin prep for Texas next week. Ohio State 66 Ball State 6
Jason Harris: #1 Ohio State opens the 2026 season Saturday at Ohio Stadium against Ball State, with high expectations for what many believe could be another championship caliber season for the Buckeyes. With quarterback Julian Sayin returning, along with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and eight returning offensive starters, Ohio State enters the season with plenty of experience and expectations. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will also get his first chance to showcase his system and Ball State provides the perfect tune up to establish the identity of this year’s offense prior to the big one in Austin next week.
While the offense gets most of the attention, the biggest question may come on the other side of the ball. Only three defensive starters return, meaning several young players will be asked to step into significant roles. Still, with Matt Patricia back coordinating a defense that allowed just 9.3 points per game last season along with several key portal additions, there is plenty of reason to believe the Buckeyes will remain one of the nation’s best defenses. Ball State will likely have difficulty consistently moving the football, and Ohio State should be able to create turnovers and short fields all day. This should be a game that gives Ryan Day the opportunity to get plenty of younger players valuable experience in the second half.
Ultimately, this game should be about Ohio State establishing its identity rather than simply winning. The Buckeyes have too much talent and depth for Ball State to remain competitive for four quarters, and once Ohio State settles into a rhythm, the game should quickly get out of hand. Don’t expect Day to run up the score but the Buckeyes should still jump out early and cruise to a comfortable win to begin the season 1-0. Ohio State 52, Ball State 7
Joe Hylton: OSU
John Seibert: This feels like an Ohio State scores as may points as it wants type of game, even with it being week one. If the Bucks ends a drive form the starters with a punt more than twice, I’ll be stunned. Expect the normal game one flubs – false starts, sub infractions, etc, but OSU should cover. Ohio State 63 Ball State 6
Josh Watson: The Buckeyes enter the opener with an opportunity to establish what this offense will look like under Arthur Smith. Ryan Day has emphasized improving the running game, with Bo Jackson returning behind a more experienced offensive line. Jeremiah Smith remains the centerpiece of a receiving group that should give Ball State more problems than it can realistically solve. For Ohio State, the most revealing possessions may be the ordinary ones: converting short yardage, finishing drives with touchdowns, and avoiding penalties that interrupt the offense’s rhythm. I expect the Buckeyes to establish the run early, create opportunities downfield, and take control well before halftime. Ball State’s best chance to slow the game is to protect the football and force Ohio State to sustain drives. The spread is where this gets tricky. Covering 56.5 requires the scoring to continue after the outcome is settled. With Texas coming next, I expect Ohio State to rotate personnel heavily and prioritize productive snaps for its reserves. The Buckeyes can deliver a convincing opener and still fall short of that enormous number. Ohio State 56 – Ball State 3
Steven Smith: I always approach a new season with a bit of trepidation. This season stands out due to the stratospheric expectations for the team juxtaposed with the huge amount of talent we have lost on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, this game will serve to answer little of the lingering questions. Even next week’s game at Texas, while a good measuring stick, will not fully reveal the fate of this year’s Buckeyes. I have long been a fan of rewatching old Buckeye games, and it has become clear to me that the growth of a team over a season’s worth of games is lost to time. We always remember the end results, whether good or bad, but we rarely appreciate a team’s growth throughout the season. The 2014 season is a great example. Looking at the first couple of games in the 2014 season, Zeke was truly not the Zeke we remember from the Alabama and Oregon games because the line was not yet a cohesive unit. Much the same growth will have to happen this year. The outcome really is not in question this week. Let’s just see how this game can set the stage for next week. The Bucks win it in the first quarter and let the kids take over by the second half. OSU 52-7.
Stefan Armintrout: This is pretty much a tune-up game for Texas next week. Ohio State should have this game won early. I expect that we’ll see the second and third string in this game in the second half. The Buckeyes win big and begin their prep for the Longhorns. (Ohio State, 56-10)
Final Score: Ohio State 56 Ball State 3
Clemson @ (11)LSU (-9 1/2)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): LSU 27 Clemson 24
Andy: I actually don’t know who to pick in this game because we will see first year coach Lane Kiffin at LSU have his team play Clemson. I believe Clemson has been on a slow decline as a program the past 4 or 5 years leaving them less talented than they were in the 2010’s when they won 2 championships. Clemson did make what should be a positive hire at offensive coordinator bringing in Chad Morris who previously had success in the same position from 2011-2014. This is the biggest matchup of the week, but I believe LSU has more talent and will be better prepared and coached. LSU wins this one at home. LSU 34 Clemson 17
Cory: While there were a ton of head coaching moves during the offseason, none were as visible as Lane Kiffin’s transition from Ole Miss to LSU. Kiffin is a lightning rod for controversy, and he is still at right now as LSU is bringing in NFL players that were cut to play on the team this season despite the SEC saying not to do that. What to say about Kiffin on the field? Well, he tends to bring a lot of juice to the offense and is aggressive in his decisions. The Tigers are rolling with Sam Leavitt at quarterback. Leavitt had a great run with Arizona State in 2024, but had a down year in 2025. Can he right the ship and become a star for LSU? If anybody can help him do that, it’s Kiffin. Clemson enters this matchup unranked. Head coach Dabo Swinney continues to coach like it’s 2016, and that just will not get the job done any more. Clemson features a new starter at quarterback in Chris Vizzina. He was decent in backup duty to Cade Klubnik last year, but still, there are a lot of doubts about this Clemson offense. LSU brought in a ton of transfers and that can take time to gel so while I think they will win the game, I’m not sure it’s going to be a blowout like some people think. LSU 24, Clemson 14
Dave: LSU 32 Clemson 14
Gregg: I do give credit to LSU, of all the major SEC schools, they tend to not shy away from playing other highly skilled teams. This year is no different opening the season with Clemson. Of course, they will be doing it with a line-up of players that are returning from the NFL. These teams will have a different look from 2025, but a night game in Tiger stadium is a tough challenge. I think LSU will win this won but don’t count Clemson out yet as a team playing for a playoff spot this November. LSU 24 Clemson 16
Jason: The 2026 college football season gets a marquee matchup right out of the gate when Clemson travels to Baton Rouge to take on # 11 LSU Saturday night marking the debut for new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. Clemson enters the game looking to prove it can return to the national championship conversation after struggling a year ago. LSU will have the advantage of playing at home and with both teams facing plenty of questions entering the season, this game could go a long way toward shaping the early College Football Playoff picture.
For LSU, the biggest storyline will be how quickly Kiffin can get his new-look team comfortable in his system. The Tigers have added significant talent through the transfer portal and will rely on quarterback Sam Leavitt to lead the offense. Clemson has questions of its own at quarterback, with Christopher Vizzina appearing to be the frontrunner for the starting job. That inexperience could be a major factor against an LSU defense led by Blake Baker. Clemson has the talent to make this a game, but playing on the road in Baton Rouge against an LSU team with a new coach and something to prove makes this an extremely difficult opener.
Ultimately, I think the combination of home-field advantage, LSU’s offensive talent and Clemson’s uncertainty at quarterback will be too much to overcome. Clemson should have enough talent to keep things interesting for a while, but as the game progresses, LSU’s depth should begin to show. Kiffin gets his LSU tenure started with a statement victory in front the home crowd, while Clemson heads home with more questions. LSU 31 Clemson 20
Joe-S-U: LSU (can both teams lose?)
John: I hope Dabo hangs 100 on the cheaters in Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, LSU probably doesn’t need NFL cast offs to win this one, although I expect it to be close. However. if LSU violates the NCAA/SEC rule on eligibility they should forfeit and be expelled from the SEC. LSU 24 Clemson 20
Josh: Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut comes with an immediate test, while Clemson begins a new chapter at quarterback. Christopher Vizzina won the starting job after spending three seasons behind Cade Klubnik, and his first assignment as the full-time starter is a road trip to Baton Rouge. That is a difficult setting for an offense still establishing its identity. The matchup I keep coming back to is Clemson’s protection against LSU’s pressure. If the Tigers can keep Vizzina in manageable down-and-distance situations, they can settle into the game and keep the crowd from becoming a factor on every possession. If they fall behind the chains, the challenge becomes considerably harder. LSU counters with Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt, giving Kiffin an experienced quarterback to build around. I expect LSU to test Clemson horizontally early, then look for bigger plays once the defense starts adjusting. Clemson should have enough competitive stretches to keep this interesting into the second half, but I trust LSU to produce more scoring opportunities at home. A late touchdown creates the separation in a game that feels closer than the final margin. LSU 34 – Clemson 23
Steven: Oh, who to root for? On one hand you have the mercenary squad of 40 transfers Lane Kiffin (possibly including an ex. Cleveland Brown tight end who Kiffin is trying to allow back on the field) vs. Dabo Swinney’s 11 incoming transfers this year. It’s like the hessians vs. the red coats. It will be dipping down to under 90 degrees with a 44% chance of rain in Baton Rouge Saturday, so I’m rooting for the weatherman, and the fans. Hopefully they won’t be miserable watching these two teams duke out in insane heat and humidity. Rainy, sloppy conditions might give the fans some relief from the heat, and just might make this one fun to watch. Calling for rain, and a close game. LSU wins a sloppy one 28-14.
Trout: Even with all the controversy going on in Baton Rouge, I still think they’re the better team and the LSU Tigers will win this game. Dabo has refused to adapt to the new college football landscape, and his team has suffered as a result. I can see the game being sloppy and low scoring. But towards the end, LSU pulls away and gets the win. Kiffin starts his tenure at LSU with a win, and Dabo continues to fall deeper into obscurity. (LSU, 24-13)
Final Score: LSU 51 Clemson 10
Wisconsin vs (4)Notre Dame (-20 1/2)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Notre Dame 21 Wisconsin 10
Andy: This is a big game for Wisconsin as they only won 3 games last year. The Badgers had one of the best defensive front sevens in all of college football, but the rest of their team really struggled. The Badgers brought in a dual threat quarterback from Old Dominion named Colton Joseph, the Badgers will need him to make a lot of plays this season, because the rest of their offense lacked playmakers last year. Notre Dame is LOADED this year, they’re a lot of people’s preseason favorite to win the national title this season because of how stacked their roster is in combination with how easy their schedule is. Notre Dame will have one of the best defensive lines, one of the best offensive lines, the best secondary and one of the best quarterbacks in the country in CJ Carr. I don’t see any way Notre Dame doesn’t win this game. Notre Dame 31 Wisconsin 16
Cory: What an interesting matchup Wisconsin versus Notre Dame is. Badgers coach Luke Fickell almost took the job at Notre Dame, before he decided to pass, which allowed his defensive coordinator at the time, Marcus Freeman, to take the job. Freeman has soared, while Fickell has struggled. Wisconsin’s problems rest entirely on the offensive side of the ball. They had nine games in which they scored 14 or fewer points, and that just will not get it done no matter how good the defense is. Fickell brings in another quarterback transfer – this time it’s Colton Joseph, who comes in from Old Dominion. Joseph is a dual-threat quarterback and if you need to see what he can do, go watch last year’s tape against Indiana where he broke off two very long touchdown runs. That said, I think Notre Dame looks like a juggernaut heading into the season. The Fighting Irish are good at pretty much every position, and CJ Carr now has a full year of experience under his belt. Even if Joseph provides a much-needed shot in the arm of the Wisconsin offense, it’s hard to see them keeping pace with Notre Dame. Notre Dame 28, Wisconsin 13
Dave: Notre Dame 28 Wisconsin 14
Gregg: Luke Fickell REALLY needs to have a signature season in 2026. Wisconsin has added some new players on offense that will make a difference, and they may even be able make noise in a very top heavy Big Ten. But the conference is already 4 playoff teams deep. The Badgers do not play the Buckeyes, the Ducks or the Hoosiers, so maybe they will have a chance to finish in the top third of the standings. However, I don’t think they have enough to top the Irish even though I think it will be closer than most expect. Take the Badgers and the points! Notre Dame 27 Wisconsin20
Jason: The 2026 season gets an intriguing opening-weekend matchup when Wisconsin takes on #4 Notre Dame Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Notre Dame enters the season with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations after finishing 10-2 last season and returning 17 starters and Marcus Freeman arguably has the nation’s most talented team. Quarterback CJ Carr is back after throwing for 27 total touchdowns with just six picks as a freshman. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is coming off a difficult 4-8 season and will look to turn the page after struggling with injury a year ago under head coach Luke Fickell.
For Wisconsin, the challenge couldn’t be much bigger. The Badgers will rely on quarterback Colton Joseph and a revamped roster that features more than 40 new players, while their defense will need to keep the game close against a Notre Dame offense that averaged 42 points per game last season. The Irish also have plenty of experience returning, although they will need to replace star running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Playing at Lambeau Field should give Wisconsin a home-field advantage, and if the Badgers can control the clock and keep Notre Dame from creating explosive plays, they could make this a much more competitive game.
Ultimately, I don’t think Wisconsin has enough offensive firepower to pull off the upset. Notre Dame is more experienced, more talented and deeper at nearly every position, and Carr should be able to take advantage of a Wisconsin defense that will be asked to spend too much time on the field. The Badgers may hang around for a quarter or so thanks to the atmosphere, but Notre Dame’s talent should take over late in the first half as the Irish cruise to the win. Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 13
Joe-S-U: Domers
John: I would have loved to see Like Fickel succeed as UW, but unfortunately his style of play just doesn’t translate to today’s Big Ten. Should have stayed at Cincinnati. With their schedule, ND should be a lock for the playoff, so this is a fairly big game for them – not a lot of opportunities to redeem themselves with quality wins if they slip up here. In the end, I think the Irish just has better players. Notre Dame 38 Wisconsin 10
Josh: Lambeau Field gives this matchup a memorable backdrop, but Wisconsin needs its offense to give the game staying power. The Badgers have added quarterback Colton Joseph, whose running ability offers another way to move the chains. That mobility will matter against a Notre Dame defense that presents a demanding first test for Wisconsin’s rebuilt offense. Notre Dame brings back CJ Carr, while Aneyas Williams steps into a larger backfield role following the departures of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Carr’s experience gives the Irish a way to attack Wisconsin without needing their new rushing rotation to immediately replicate last season’s production. Wisconsin’s path is to shorten the game, get first downs with Joseph’s legs, and force Notre Dame to settle for field goals. I can see the Badgers making the opening quarter uncomfortable. The concern is whether they can sustain enough possessions to keep their defense fresh. I expect Notre Dame to gradually take control, with Carr converting a few critical third downs and the Irish defense limiting Wisconsin’s scoring opportunities. The setting should be excellent; I’m less convinced the fourth quarter will be competitive. Notre Dame 38 – Wisconsin 13
Steven: The battle of the OSU defensive stalwarts turned head coaches. One is ascending, one is treading water until he can find a better fit. I truly believe both are excellent coaches with great defensive instincts, but clearly, Marcus Freeman has found himself in the better situation at a school that practically sells itself without backing up the Brinks truck. Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell, who could have had the Notre Dame job, finds himself at a crossroads and definitely on the hot seat. Fickell and Wisconsin, in the NIL era have not been able to keep up with the Joneses, the Freemans or the Ryan Days of the world to construct a competitive roster. Until a CFB salary cap, or at least a luxury tax is instituted, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Purdue, Rutgers and a lot of other schools like them just will not be able to compete because the playing field is not level. Expect Irish QB CJ Carr to have a pedestrian outing and the defense to shine. Wisconsin could surprise, but this one looks like it could very well be the beginning of the end for Luke at Wisconsin. Maybe there will be a bit of Wisconsin magic Sunday night in Lambeau, but probably not. Domers 37-13.
Trout: I think the game is close early, but the Irish will pull away in the second half. Luke Fickell just hasn’t worked out at Wisconsin. Unfortunately, I don’t see him being retained after this season. I think the Irish will play well, but still have some noticeable flaws. They’re a good team, but I don’t think they are on the level of an OSU, Georgia, or Oregon yet. It’s Buckeye on Buckeye crime, as Marcus Freeman leads his team over the struggling Luke Fickell in this match-up. (Notre Dame, 31-14)
Final Score: Notre Dame 41 Wisconsin 13
(24)Louisville @ (9)Ole Miss (-6 1/2)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Louisville 28 Ole Miss 24
Andy: Ole Miss is a weird team to predict under their new coach Pete Golding who was the Rebels defensive coordinator last year. We have no idea what their offense will look like with the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss Jr. I think Ole Miss is going to see a regression this season and Louisville has been a team that consistently punches above their weight class. I expect them to win this game. Louisville 34 Ole Miss 28
Cory: Ole Miss was just seconds away from a shot in the national championship game last season under interim coach Pete Golding. Golding guided the Rebels through the playoffs after Kiffin’s departure and they looked like they were firing on all cylinders. Ole Miss also brings back two of the most explosive players in college football in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, and running back Kewan Lacy. All signs point to the Rebels being able to run it back this season, so why is there a cloud of doubt over them? Well, Golding’s never been a head coach before and now that he’s entering his first full season in that role with a high-powered offense, it won’t be easy to catch teams by surprise anymore. On the other side of this matchup is Louisville, and the Cardinals are feeling like the ACC is up for grabs this year. Jeff Brohm is in his four year at the helm of his alma mater, and he brings in a familiar face at quarterback in Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz. How far the Cardinals go depends on what Kienholz is capable of, but Brohm has a knack for bringing out the best in his quarterback. A season-opening matchup at a neutral side against a loaded SEC team is a tall task, so even though I do like Louisville this year, I’m not sure they can pull the upset in this one. Ole Miss 35, Louisville 31
Dave: Louisville 21 Mississippi 20
Gregg: Going with the home team on this one. I am sure that the Rebels will be so glad to be past all that Kiffin drama they had to deal with most of last year. Now Lane is gone and Pete Golding can focus on the team and the press Ole Miss 41 Louisville 31
Jason: The first ranked matchup of the 2026 college football season takes place Sunday night in Nashville when #9 Ole Miss faces #24 Louisville in the inaugural Music City Kickoff. The Rebels enter the season with legitimate College Football Playoff expectations after reaching the playoff last season, while Louisville is looking to build on a 9-4 campaign and prove it belongs among the ACC’s top teams. Ole Miss will also be starting a new era under head coach Pete Golding, making this one of the more intriguing opening weekend games in the country.
For Ole Miss, the spotlight will be on quarterback Trinidad Chambliss who was granted a 6th year and running back Kewan Lacy, two players who enter the season with significant national attention. The Rebels have plenty of offensive firepower, but they will face a Louisville defense that was one of the Cardinals’ biggest strengths last season. Louisville, meanwhile, will turn to former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who will be making his first start for the Cardinals, along with star running back Isaac Brown. The biggest concern for Louisville could be its offensive line, which returns only one starter, and that could become a major problem against an Ole Miss defense looking to create pressure and force the athletic Kienholz into difficult decisions and use his legs.
This has all the makings of a game that could come down to the final few possessions. Louisville has enough talent to challenge Ole Miss, and the Cardinals could give the Rebels problems if Brown gets the running game going and Kienholz protects the football. In the end, though, I expect Ole Miss’ offensive talent to be the difference. Chambliss and Lacy should make enough big plays to survive a tough Louisville challenge, while the Rebels’ defense makes a few key stops late to secure a big win. Ole Miss 34 Louisville 27
Joe-S-U: Ole Miss
John: I’m not sure how good Ole Miss will really be. To here ESECPN tell it, the entire conference should basically be elevated to the NFC South. I expect Louisville to be in this one into the fourth quarter, but in week one I’m not going against the sharps. Mississippi 27 Louisville 24
Josh: This has the ingredients for one of the weekend’s most entertaining games. Ole Miss returns quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, giving the Rebels a dangerous backfield foundation. There are new pieces at receiver and offensive tackle, however, which makes Louisville’s ability to disrupt the offense early particularly important. For Louisville, the priority is making Ole Miss earn its yards. Chambliss presents a difficult choice: commit extra defenders to coverage and risk him extending possessions with his legs, or bring pressure and leave fewer bodies behind it. Louisville needs disciplined rush lanes and sound tackling to prevent manageable gains from becoming explosive plays. On the other side, I expect Louisville to attack aggressively enough to keep the Rebels from controlling the entire evening. The Cardinals’ opportunity is to turn this into a fourth-quarter possession game, where a turnover or a red-zone stop can outweigh the difference in rankings. I lean toward Ole Miss because of its backfield, particularly when the game tightens late. Louisville stays within striking distance, but the Rebels put together the decisive touchdown drive. At 6.5, this is a narrow cover. Ole Miss 34 – Louisville 27
Steven: If Louisville has a chance in pulling the upset, they will have to play the ultimate ball possession game to keep Bulldogs QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacey off the field. The Cardinals have a stout running game that might be able to do it. Added to the mix is OSU transfer QB Lincoln Keinholz who can play a steady, ball control game. He reminds me a bit of J.T. Barrett, although he’s not near the runner J.T. was. At 215, he’s no shrinking violet. It probably will be a run-fest on both sides in the first half until Louisville is forced to throw. It will be a trial by fire for Keinholz as Mississippi probably has the better defense. Expect a bumpy ride for the Cardinals. Ole Miss 42-21.
Trout: I’ll give the edge to Ole Miss, but it will be close. I don’t know how good they really are, but they were a playoff team last year. Even with Lane Kiffin leaving and all the controversy stemming from that, they should be the better team. I can see the Cardinals keeping it uncomfortably close for the whole game. But Ole Miss will do just enough to squeak by with a win. (Ole Miss, 27-24)
Final Score: Mississippi 41 Louisville 38
(19)SMU @ Florida State (+2 1/2)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): SMU 27 Florida State 24
Andy: Florida State did not look overly impressive in their win against New Mexico State this past weekend. I do believe they have more top end talent than SMU, but the lack of rotation towards the end of the game against New Mexico State. I still don’t know what to expect from the Mustangs and head coach Rhett Lashlee this season, but I think they will be able to score points on Florida State. Florida State 31 SMU 27
Cory: Mike Norvell is running out of chances to keep his job at Florida State. The Seminoles opened with an uninspired 34-17 win over New Mexico State last week. What went well? The Seminoles ran the ball well, and absolutely shut down the run. On the other hand, they had trouble stopping the Aggie pass attack, and it’s a much tougher matchup this week against No. 19 SMU. SMU has third-year starter Kevin Jennings at quarterback, and he can be quite a dynamic playmaker. Jennings did take a step back in the rushing game last year, going for only 54 total yards in 2025 compared to 354 in 2024. He is a good enough passer where that is not a huge deal, but still the run threat can help open things up. As for the Seminoles, there is just no confidence in this team right now so it’s hard to see them winning this one. SMU 38, Florida State 35
Dave: SMU 28 Florida State 21
Gregg: This is the last game of Week 1 and should be an entertaining one to end Labor Day for most. SMU has not had this much hype since back in the Doak Walker days. I think his statue in front of Gerald R Ford Stadium has a big smile on it right now. For the second year in a row, the Mustangs are ranked in pre-season. Even Phil Steele has them as the 2nd best team in the ACC this year and they don’t play the Hurricanes in the regular season. They have a game in a couple of weeks against Louisville which should be a real test for just how good they are for 2026. I think it will be close but SMU gallops away with a road victory. SMU 31 Florida State 24
Jason: The final game of Labor Day weekend brings an intriguing ACC matchup to Tallahassee when 19th ranked SMU travels to take on Florida State Monday night at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Mustangs enter the e picked 2nd in the ACC preseason poll, while Florida State comes in at 1-0 after defeating New Mexico State 34-17 in Week 0. SMU is looking to build on a successful first two seasons in the ACC, while Florida State is trying bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season. The Seminoles will have the advantage of playing at home, but SMU has slightly more talent on paper.
For SMU, the biggest question will be the health and effectiveness of quarterback Kevin Jennings, who missed time during camp with a finger injury but has returned to practice. The Mustangs averaged more than 32 points per game last season and have enough offensive talent to put pressure on the Florida State defense. The Seminoles, meanwhile, already have a game under their belt and quarterback Ashton Daniels looked solid in his FSU debut against New Mexico State, accounting for 232 total yards and two touchdowns and while Sam Singleton Jr. was impressive, amassing 164 all-purpose yards. However, they will need to be much better on defense after allowing 17 points to lowly New Mexico State.
This should be a much closer game than their last matchup in 2024 when SMU dominated Florida State 42-16 in Dallas. Playing in Tallahassee should make a major difference, but I still think SMU is the more complete team entering the season. If Jennings is healthy and avoids early mistakes, the Mustangs should be able to make enough plays offensively to withstand a strong effort from Daniels and the Seminoles. Florida State will keep it close, but SMU’s experience and offensive balance should be enough to come away with a big ACC road win. SMU 31, Florida State 27
Joe-S-U: SMU
John: FSU has the advantage of having played in week 0, and having watched that game boy do they need all the help they can get. The ‘Noles struggled way to much to put away what looks to be an average New Mexico last week. They say teams improve the most between week 1 and 2. With the game at Doak Campbell I think FSU pull off the upset. Florida State 21 SMU 20
Josh: Florida State has the benefit of already playing a game, opening with a 34–17 victory over New Mexico State. That gives the Seminoles actual film to correct, but the competition takes a significant jump on Labor Day. The central question is whether Florida State can communicate and get aligned consistently against SMU’s tempo. Kevin Jennings gives the Mustangs a quarterback capable of stressing a defense through the air and extending plays when the initial read is covered. Mike Norvell identified defensive communication and alignment as areas needing improvement after the opener, making this an especially relevant matchup concern. Florida State’s best response is a productive running game that keeps the offense out of obvious passing situations and limits SMU’s possessions. Ousmane Kromah rushed for 115 yards in the opener, and another strong performance would help the Seminoles control the pace. I expect the home crowd and Florida State’s rushing attack to keep this close. Ultimately, I give SMU the edge in a game that requires a quarterback to convert late third downs and finish a scoring drive under pressure. Jennings makes the difference. SMU 31 – Florida State 27
Steven: By the numbers, this one is projected to be pretty close which is puzzling. SMU is projected to have a breakout season that could propel them back into the college football playoff if Miami falters, while Florida State is projected to be near the bottom of the ACC and therefore all college football this year. In a ranking done by 7 CBS Sports analysts, more than half had the Seminoles 10th or lower with the top prediction for FSU being 6th out of 17 ACC teams. In the same rankings, SMU was chosen 2nd or 3rd across all ballots. If the pundits are correct, maybe the ACC is just fraught with parity and there’s not a ton of differentiation between first and last. Me, I think the ACC is basically a 1 team league, and these two are not Miami. Mustangs should roll over the Seminoles. SMU 35-21.
Trout: I’ll give it to the Mustangs. I don’t think Florida State will be any good. They tricked us last year with that win over Alabama, but we all saw how that quickly fell apart. This team has been fundamentally broken for a while. They have had some bright spots over the recent years, but they are a shadow of what the Seminoles were in the Bowden era. I can see the game being a low scoring affair. SMU pulls off the victory with some last second heroics. The Mustangs serve Florida State their first loss in a close one. (SMU, 17-14)