Week 1 College Football: LSU dominates, Michigan wins on clock controversy, and several upsets shake the slate

Lane Kiffin's debut as LSU head coach ended with a 51-10 victory over Clemson, marking the most talked-about result of the opening weekend. The Tigers' defense dominated, limiting the Cavaliers to a single first down.

In Ann Arbor, a one-second addition to the game clock allowed Michigan quarterback J.J. Buchanan to catch a 47-yard pass from Western Michigan's Bryce Underwood for a touchdown, preserving Michigan's win after the Broncos appeared to have secured a 12-7 upset. The Big Ten’s explanation for the clock change has drawn criticism from some observers.

Oklahoma State's extensive roster overhaul, which brought 18 North Texas players including quarterback Drew Mestemaker, did not translate into success; the Cowboys turned the ball over four times and fell 24-10 to Tulsa.

Several programs that transferred large numbers of players to new coaches recorded victories, including Iowa State, Toledo, Auburn, Colorado State, Memphis, Penn State, UCLA, and Toledo under new leadership.

Heisman Trophy favorites posted impressive numbers: Miami’s Darian Mensah threw for 401 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-6 win over Stanford; Texas quarterback Arch Manning recorded 305 yards and four touchdowns against Texas State; Ohio State’s Julian Sayin amassed 320 yards and three touchdowns versus Ball State; and Oregon’s Dante Moore threw for a career-high 378 yards in a 34-27 win over Boise State.

FCS teams continued to challenge FBS programs, with Tarleton State defeating Bowling Green 20-13, Citadel beating Charlotte 43-41 in triple overtime, and Idaho State upsetting Utah State 29-17. Tarleton State’s athletic department has earmarked significant funds for facilities and aims to join the FBS within five years.

Rutgers' athletics department spent more than $190,000 on fireworks and drone shows during the 2025 season, a decision questioned amid a reported $47 million budget shortfall and a recent loss to UMass.

Special teams play drew attention when Cincinnati’s punter Max Fletcher lined up as a receiver and caught an eight-yard pass on fourth down during a 34-15 win over Boston College.