Week 1 college football highlights: standout receivers, surprising upsets and early setbacks
The opening week featured record-setting performances by wide receivers, an upset win by UMass over Rutgers, and disappointing starts for Oklahoma State and Oregon's defensive line.
Week 1 of the college football season delivered several notable performances and early surprises. Miami sophomore Malachi Toney set a school record with 229 receiving yards, 11 catches and three touchdowns in a 42-6 victory over Stanford, while consensus top receiver Jeremiah Smith posted 151 yards and two scores in the first half against Ball State. Other receivers who impressed included Texas freshman Cam Coleman with two touchdowns, USC freshman Trent Mosley with back-to-back 100-yard games, Rutgers’ KJ Duff (196 yards, three touchdowns) and Oregon’s Jeremiah McClellan.
UMass earned its first win over a Power-Four opponent, defeating Rutgers 37-21 as 29-point underdogs. Quarterback Pop Watson contributed three touchdown passes in a comeback that gave the Minutemen a chance to improve on a 16-game losing streak.
Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel threw seven touchdowns for 453 yards in a 59-14 win over Miami (Ohio), setting an ACC record for touchdown passes in a game. The Panthers’ offense benefited from a new passing emphasis under offensive coordinator Kade Bell.
USC’s defense, coached by Gary Patterson, limited Fresno State to 116 total yards and held the team scoreless in a 39-0 win, recording four sacks and strong run defense.
Conversely, Oklahoma State fell 24-10 to Tulsa, marking a second consecutive loss to the Golden Hurricane and exposing challenges for first-year coach Eric Morris after a high-profile offseason. Oregon’s defensive line struggled against Boise State, recording only three sacks and failing to contain the opponent’s offense.
Bowling Green was upset 20-13 by FCS opponent Tarleton State, surrendering 464 total yards and 250 rushing yards in the loss.
The week also set the stage for upcoming matchups, including No. 11 LSU’s season opener against Clemson after a weather delay and the UCLA-California rivalry game.