Week 1 college football matchups and expert betting picks released
Analysts preview the opening week of the 2026 season, highlighting key top-25 games and offering over/under and spread predictions.
The 2026 college football season opened with a slate of games featuring several top-25 matchups. Clemson traveled to Baton Rouge to face No. 11 LSU, a contest framed as a clash between veteran coach Dabo Swinney and Lane Kiffin, who entered the season with the nation’s top transfer class. Analysts expect a low-scoring affair, with one expert predicting the total points to fall under 50.
Other highlighted games include No. 9 Ole Miss versus No. 24 Louisville in Nashville, where Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is projected to lead a two-possession victory, and a Washington versus Washington State rivalry in Seattle, with Washington favored by more than three touchdowns.
Four top-25 teams opened early on Saturday: Alabama versus ECU, Indiana at No. 6, Oregon State at No. 23 Houston, and Ball State at No. 1 Ohio State. Additional games listed include Oklahoma hosting UTEP, Miami at Stanford, and USC versus Fresno State.
Expert picks from CBS Sports analysts provide over/under and spread recommendations for each contest, such as an under 51.5 points for Oregon’s game against Boise State and a Wisconsin +20.5 spread against Notre Dame.