Clemson’s crushing 51-10 loss to LSU in Week 1 exposed ongoing struggles for the once-dominant college football program. Head coach Dabo Swinney was left uncertain about his starting quarterback for the upcoming game against Georgia Southern after a dismal offensive display that included only eight first downs and one third-down conversion out of 13 attempts. Despite a historical run of success from 2011 to 2022, Clemson has lost half of its last 15 games against FBS opponents and scored under 28 points in seven of its last eight home matches, casting doubt on the team’s current status.

Michigan’s season opener offered little comfort as well, eking out a narrow 13-12 win over Western Michigan but showing inefficiency and disorganization. The Wolverines committed three turnovers and nine penalties while managing just 276 yards, with the defense allowing a lengthy 20-play drive that enabled Western Michigan to take the lead before Michigan's last-second touchdown. First-year defensive coordinator Jay Hill acknowledged the numerous issues to be addressed before facing Oklahoma, ranked No. 10 preseason, in their next game.

Oklahoma State’s woes continued under new coach Eric Morris, losing 24-10 to Tulsa and extending their nation-leading 12-game losing streak. The Cowboys’ offense sputtered, highlighted by quarterback Drew Mestemaker’s three turnovers and an average of just 4.9 yards per pass attempt, a steep drop from his standout 2025 season with North Texas. The team’s defense also failed to pressure Tulsa’s quarterback, Baylor Haines, contributing to their ongoing struggles and a 21-game losing streak versus FBS teams.

Rutgers endured perhaps the most embarrassing defeat, falling 37-21 at home to UMass, a team that had been winless in 23 FBS games since October 2023. Rutgers was plagued by four turnovers, five sacks allowed, and ineffective rushing, underscoring the team’s dysfunction under coach Greg Schiano. This loss added to speculation about Schiano’s future, especially since his contract carries an $18.5 million buyout if he is fired after the season. UMass, meanwhile, collected $1.55 million for the game, gaining a significant payday from this unlikely victory.