As the college football season begins, early assessments have identified a mix of promising performances and underwhelming showings among top programs following the opening weekend’s action.

No. 6 Oregon narrowly escaped a major upset against Boise State, securing a late second-half rally in a contest marked by several mistakes. Despite the close call, Oregon’s national championship credentials remain intact, with their struggles attributed largely to Boise State’s strong play. The Ducks will aim to build on this outcome as they face Oklahoma State in their next outing.

No. 11 Ole Miss also held firm in a tight contest against Louisville, prevailing on a last-second field goal. The Rebels played without star running back Kewan Lacy for the latter part of the game but managed to withstand the challenge posed by Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz. Despite preseason speculation questioning Ole Miss’s standing, the team’s performance suggested resilience in the face of adversity.

SMU’s opener against Florida State concluded with a narrow victory, secured by a last-minute field goal after a game suspension caused by a power outage. Quarterback Kevin Jennings, touted as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate, was undermined by multiple turnovers, including two interceptions. SMU’s win over a struggling Florida State squad leaves questions about their ability to maintain performance consistency throughout the season.

Michigan’s opening game against Western Michigan drew significant attention due to a controversial replay review that extended the clock and enabled a successful Hail Mary pass, preventing a potential upset. Beyond the controversy, Michigan’s overall performance was criticized as lacking, with concerns raised about defensive issues and offensive execution. The Wolverines’ challenging schedule could amplify these difficulties moving forward.

Clemson suffered a decisive 51-10 defeat at home to LSU under new coach Lane Kiffin, marking head coach Dabo Swinney’s worst loss with the Tigers. The loss underscores doubts regarding Clemson’s competitiveness among top-tier teams this season. While a resurgence to contend for the ACC title remains possible, the narrow ceiling highlights the team’s current challenges.

Colorado earned its first road victory since 2024 in a closely contested game against Georgia Tech, marked by a late score and a blocked field goal. The Buffaloes’ running attack and defense showed promise; however, inconsistent quarterback play from Julian Lewis tempers enthusiasm. Further evaluation throughout Big 12 competition will be necessary to assess Colorado’s trajectory.

UCLA opened its season with a strong showing against Cal, pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 45-24 win. Under new coach Bob Chesney, the Bruins demonstrated offensive efficiency and defensive improvements in critical moments, positioning themselves as potential contenders in the Pac-12.

Cal’s performance against rival UCLA included encouraging moments, particularly on offense, but errors in the final quarter led to a collapse. First-year coach Tosh Lupoi’s team showed sufficient potential to generate optimism despite the setback, with expectations for growth as the season progresses.

Nebraska overcame a stiff challenge from Ohio in achieving a 49-21 victory. The Cornhuskers showed signs of dysfunction for much of the game, suggesting stagnation under coach Matt Rhule. Although Nebraska benefits from a relatively light nonconference schedule, the performance raises questions about their readiness for conference play.

Auburn opened the Alex Golesh era with a narrow 21-20 win over Baylor. The contest featured numerous miscues and required a crucial defensive stand to secure the victory. While the Tigers’ performance was uneven, the win provides a foundation for optimism as the team continues to adjust to higher competition levels, particularly quarterback Byrum Brown’s development.

Overall, week one of the college football season has revealed a landscape of both promising contenders and teams facing early doubts, setting the stage for intense scrutiny as the campaign unfolds.