College football delivered an entertaining Week 0 appetizer, but Week 1 brings the first complete schedule of the 2026 season. Sportsvival’s Top 25 will be tested by everything from showcase openers to potentially season-shaping matchups, including Clemson at LSU, Louisville against Ole Miss, Wisconsin against Notre Dame and SMU at Florida State.
The beginning of a new college football season also means the beginning of another NFL Draft scouting cycle. Sportsvival will be studying the top players throughout the season as the 2027 NFL Draft class begins to take shape. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart enter the year among the premier prospects in the class. The schedule below was verified through the current ESPN Week 1 scoreboard, with rankings based on Sportsvival’s Top 25.
No. 1 Ohio State vs. Ball State
Ball State faces one of the toughest assignments in college football, slowing down Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and elite 2027 NFL Draft prospect Jeremiah Smith. Smith should produce several explosive plays before the Buckeyes begin rotating their backups.
Sportsvival Prediction: Ohio State 52, Ball State 7
No. 2 Texas vs. Texas State
Arch Manning begins a critical season against a Texas State defense that will try to pressure him before the Longhorns’ collection of playmakers can take control. Manning, edge rusher Colin Simmons and wide receiver Cam Coleman give NFL scouts three major reasons to watch Texas.
Sportsvival Prediction: Texas 45, Texas State 17
No. 3 Georgia vs. Tennessee State
Georgia should overpower Tennessee State at the line of scrimmage while using the opener to evaluate its receiving corps and offensive depth. Safety KJ Bolden enters the season as one of Georgia’s most interesting 2027 NFL Draft prospects.
Sportsvival Prediction: Georgia 49, Tennessee State 6
No. 4 Oregon vs. Boise State
Boise State is a dangerous opening opponent, but Oregon has superior talent and the home-field advantage at Autzen Stadium. Quarterback Dante Moore can strengthen his position near the top of the 2027 class, while defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington gives scouts a massive interior defender to study.
Sportsvival Prediction: Oregon 38, Boise State 17
No. 5 Indiana vs. North Texas
Indiana begins its follow-up to a remarkable run against a North Texas team that could test the Hoosiers’ rebuilt defense. The Hoosiers should eventually control the game through their offensive line and pull away during the second half.
Sportsvival Prediction: Indiana 42, North Texas 14
No. 6 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin
Lambeau Field provides the perfect setting for what should be a physical game between two Midwestern programs. Notre Dame’s defense, led by NFL prospects such as cornerback Leonard Moore, should make enough plays to prevent Wisconsin from consistently moving the football.
Sportsvival Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Wisconsin 13
No. 7 Miami at Stanford
Stanford already demonstrated some offensive ability in Week 0, with running back Micah Ford scoring three touchdowns, but Miami represents a major increase in competition. The Hurricanes’ speed on both sides of the ball should eventually become too much for Stanford.
Sportsvival Prediction: Miami 34, Stanford 17
No. 8 Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Oklahoma receives a manageable opener in Norman and should be able to control the line of scrimmage from the beginning. This is an opportunity for the Sooners to establish their offensive identity while giving their possible 2027 draft prospects a clean opening performance.
Sportsvival Prediction: Oklahoma 45, UTEP 10
No. 9 Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian
Texas Tech enters the season with Big 12 championship expectations and should immediately display the roster depth it has accumulated. The Red Raiders’ speed and passing attack should produce points quickly against Abilene Christian.
Sportsvival Prediction: Texas Tech 48, Abilene Christian 10
No. 10 Ole Miss vs. No. 22 Louisville
One of the weekend’s best games will be played in Nashville, where Louisville’s explosive backfield meets an Ole Miss defense led by 2027 prospect Will Echoles. Louisville running backs Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown will create problems, but Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy could be the difference in a close fourth quarter.
Sportsvival Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Louisville 27
No. 11 Texas A&M vs. Missouri State
Texas A&M should be able to dominate Missouri State with its size and athleticism, but the most important storyline will be the performance of quarterback Marcel Reed. If Reed becomes a more consistent passer, he could improve both the Aggies’ playoff chances and his 2027 NFL Draft standing.
Sportsvival Prediction: Texas A&M 44, Missouri State 7
No. 12 Michigan vs. Western Michigan
Michigan should lean on its offensive line and running game while allowing its defense to control the afternoon. Western Michigan may hang around early, but the Wolverines’ overall talent should produce a comfortable victory.
Sportsvival Prediction: Michigan 37, Western Michigan 10
No. 13 USC vs. Fresno State
Jayden Maiava passed for 286 yards and two touchdowns in USC’s Week 0 victory, while wide receiver Tanook Hines Mosley finished with 118 receiving yards. Maiava can continue building his 2027 NFL Draft résumé against Fresno State, although USC’s defense must show improvement after allowing 26 points to San Jose State.
Sportsvival Prediction: USC 38, Fresno State 20
No. 14 LSU vs. Clemson
Death Valley will host the biggest Saturday game of Week 1 as LSU begins the Lane Kiffin era against Clemson. LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green and Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton are among the 2027 prospects to watch, but the Tigers from Baton Rouge have the offensive talent and home-field advantage to pull away late.
Sportsvival Prediction: LSU 30, Clemson 20
No. 15 Alabama vs. East Carolina
East Carolina will attempt to shorten the game, but Alabama has too much speed and talent on both sides of the football. Wide receiver Ryan Williams could begin his 2027 draft campaign with a huge performance against an overmatched secondary.
Sportsvival Prediction: Alabama 41, East Carolina 13
No. 16 Washington vs. Washington State
The Apple Cup remains emotional regardless of conference alignment, and Washington State will treat this as its biggest opportunity of the season. Washington has the deeper roster, however, and should create enough explosive plays to take control after halftime.
Sportsvival Prediction: Washington 31, Washington State 17
No. 17 BYU vs. Utah Tech
BYU should physically overwhelm Utah Tech and establish its running game early. Running back LJ Martin has the power, patience and receiving ability to become an intriguing name in the 2027 NFL Draft conversation.
Sportsvival Prediction: BYU 49, Utah Tech 6
No. 18 Utah vs. Idaho
Idaho is a respected FCS opponent, but playing in Rice-Eccles Stadium is a difficult challenge for any visiting team. Utah’s defense and running game should steadily wear down the Vandals.
Sportsvival Prediction: Utah 38, Idaho 10
No. 19 Tennessee vs. Furman
Tennessee’s offensive tempo should create major problems for Furman, especially once the Volunteers begin generating favorable matchups in space. Linebacker Arion Carter is a 2027 prospect worth following as he attempts to become the centerpiece of Tennessee’s defense.
Sportsvival Prediction: Tennessee 52, Furman 7
No. 20 Penn State vs. Marshall
The Matt Campbell era begins at Penn State with a Marshall team capable of making the opener uncomfortable if the Nittany Lions start slowly. Penn State should ultimately control both lines of scrimmage, but its new offensive structure will be one of the day’s most important evaluations.
Sportsvival Prediction: Penn State 34, Marshall 13
No. 21 SMU at Florida State
Florida State gained confidence in Week 0 behind running back Ousmane Kromah, who rushed for 115 yards against New Mexico State. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings presents a much greater challenge, but the Seminoles’ running game and home crowd should help them pull off the upset.
Sportsvival Prediction: Florida State 28, SMU 27
No. 23 Iowa vs. Northern Illinois
Iowa’s defense and special teams should control the game while the offense attempts to establish some early-season rhythm. Offensive lineman Trevor Lauck and safety Zach Lutmer are two Hawkeyes who could attract considerable attention from 2027 NFL Draft evaluators.
Sportsvival Prediction: Iowa 30, Northern Illinois 7
No. 24 South Carolina vs. Kent State
South Carolina should generate constant pressure against a Kent State team facing a major talent disadvantage. Edge rusher Dylan Stewart enters the season as one of the top defensive prospects in the entire 2027 draft class and could begin the year with a multiple-sack performance.
Sportsvival Prediction: South Carolina 45, Kent State 6
No. 25 Houston vs. Oregon State
Houston has a chance to make an early statement against an Oregon State program trying to rebuild its national profile. The Cougars should use their defensive speed and home-field advantage to produce a comfortable opening victory.
Sportsvival Prediction: Houston 31, Oregon State 14
Week 1 gives college football fans everything they have been waiting for, major nonconference games, talented teams beginning championship pursuits and future NFL players taking their first steps toward the 2027 NFL Draft. Clemson-LSU should headline Saturday, but Notre Dame-Wisconsin, Ole Miss-Louisville and SMU-Florida State could have important playoff and conference-race consequences before the opening weekend is complete.
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