Top four games to watch in Week 1 of 2026 college football season

Week 1 of the 2026 college football season is just days away, and there is a plethora of intriguing matchups on the slate. It is now time to dive in what is sure to be an exciting opening weekend of college football. 

1. UCLA vs California 

It is a new era in Pasadena, Calif, as new head coach Bob Chesney takes the reigns for the Bruins in his first season. Chesney is fresh off a strong campaign with JMU as he led them to a 12-2 record and a berth into the College Football Playoff. The former JMU coach made ample changes to the roster and brought over offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy, who led the Dukes offense to ninth in team offense in 2025. 

The Golden Bears will also welcome a new head coach in Tosh Lupoi, who played for California as a defensive lineman (2000-05).

California's defense lost a slew of talent such as Aiden Keanaaina, T.J Bollers and Zae Smith, so its defensive line will come with question marks. 

It will be most interesting to see how UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava performs under Kennedy's prolific offensive scheme. 

2. No. 9 Ole Miss vs No. 24 Louisville

Since this game is the only ranked-versus-ranked matchup of Week 1, the anticipation level is sure to be high. 

After the controversial departure of Lane Kiffin and a deep College Football Playoff run by the Rebels last season, head coach Pete Golding looks to continue to build something special in Oxford. Rebels dynamic running back Kewan Lacy and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss are both back and aim to build off a prolific campaign. Chambliss threw for 3,397 passing yards and 22 touchdowns last season. 

Jeff Brohm's team will need to keep pace with the Rebels abundant' offensive attack if they want to cause an upset. How will Ohio State transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz perform under Brohm's offense for the first time? 

3. No. 4 Notre Dame vs Wisconsin

Notre Dame star quarterback C.J Carr is back and aims to build off of a strong 2025 campaign (top five in passing stats in 2025). Even though the loss of star halfback Jeremiyah Love to the NFL is a big blow, the Fighting Irish have one of the better offensive lines in the nation. 

As for the Badgers, head coach Luke Fickell will be under immense pressure in 2026. Fickell is 17-21 overall and 10-17 in Big Ten play in three seasons at the helm. Sure, the Fighting Irish are massive favorites in this matchup, but if Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph and the Badgers put up a decent fight, it could bring some goodwill towards Fickell going forward. 

4. Clemson vs No. 11 LSU

It is fair to say LSU will be must-see television due to the arrival of Lane Kiffin. Kiffin's team is loaded with supreme collegiate and professional talent and is expected to be a legitimate powerhouse in 2026.

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was the No. 1 player in the transfer portal and aims to continue his storied collegiate career under Kiffin. Leavitt led Arizona State to a Big-12 title win in 2024. The 21-year-old played in just seven games a season ago due to a season-ending foot injury.

Dabo Swinney and Clemson will have their work cut out for them in their season opener. Following a disappointing 7-6 campaign last season, can Swinney turn things around with quarterback Christopher Vizzina under center?