College Football Week 1: Top Games and Streaming Guide

This weekend’s shaping up to be one of the wildest opening weekends in college football in years. Seriously, just look at these matchups—top-10 teams everywhere, star quarterbacks, and a few storylines that are almost too good to be true.

The action starts with a big-time power-conference clash. Then it just keeps rolling, from defending champs to programs breaking in new faces under center. If you’re here for traditions, big names, or just the chaos, you’ll find something to love.

Here’s a quick (but thorough) guide to the absolute must-watch games and how to catch every snap.

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Week 1 Highlights: Top-10 Showdowns and Star Quarterbacks

Three games this weekend feature top-10 teams squaring off, including a rematch from last season’s College Football Playoff semifinals. Ohio State, the defending champs, will have Julian Sayin making his debut at quarterback.

Texas counters with Arch Manning, who’s already got a ton of hype. Deion Sanders is still the face of Colorado, and—kind of wild—Bill Belichick is now running North Carolina’s program. Didn’t see that coming, honestly.

Ohio State vs. Texas: A Clash of Titans

No question, the main event is No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State. Two top teams, two quarterbacks everyone’s talking about—Arch Manning for Texas and Julian Sayin for Ohio State.

The “Big Noon Kickoff” crew (Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft) will be on the call. This one’s going to be must-see TV.

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Key Points:

  • Arch Manning leading Texas
  • Julian Sayin debuting for Ohio State
  • Game broadcast on Fox and available on Fubo (Save $30)

Other Must-Watch Games

Sure, Ohio State-Texas is the headliner, but there’s a bunch of other games worth your time. Here are a few more you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Alabama vs. Florida State

Alabama’s coming off a season that didn’t hit their usual double-digit wins. They’re looking for a rebound against Florida State, who now has Gus Malzahn running their offense.

This one feels like it could have playoff implications down the road.

Key Points:

  • Game broadcast on ABC and available on Fubo (Save $30)
  • Ty Simpson starting for Alabama
  • Gus Malzahn as Florida State’s new offensive coordinator

LSU vs. Clemson

LSU and Clemson—both Tigers, both loaded at quarterback—are meeting in the regular season for the first time. Cade Klubnik leads Clemson. Garrett Nussmeier, the only returning 4,000-yard passer in FBS, is under center for LSU.

Honestly, this one could be a shootout.

Key Points:

  • Garrett Nussmeier: Only returning 4,000-yard passer in FBS
  • Cade Klubnik: Top quarterback for Clemson
  • Game broadcast on ABC and available on Fubo (Save $30)

Weekend Schedule and How to Watch

If you’re planning to watch live, here’s the full schedule with TV and streaming info. (All times Eastern.)

  • Boise State at South Florida: 5:30 p.m., Thu. on ESPN (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Nebraska vs. Cincinnati: 9 p.m., Thu. on ESPN (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Auburn at Baylor: 8 p.m., Fri. on Fox (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Georgia Tech at Colorado: 8 p.m., Fri. on ESPN (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Texas at Ohio State: Noon, Sat. on Fox (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Alabama at Florida State: 3:30 p.m., Sat. on ABC (Fubo – Save $30)
  • LSU at Clemson: 7:30 p.m., Sat. on ABC (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Utah at UCLA: 11 p.m., Sat. on Fox (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina: 3 p.m., Sun. on ESPN (Fubo – Save $30)
  • Notre Dame at Miami: 7:30 p.m., Sun. on ABC (Fubo – Save $30)
  • TCU at North Carolina: 8 p.m., Mon. on ESPN/ESPNU (Fubo – Save $30)

If you’d rather watch for free, CBS, ABC, and Fox are all available over the air. CBS games stream on Paramount+, Fox games on Fox One, and ESPN games on ESPN Unlimited.

Notable Player and Coaching Changes

This season’s got a bunch of new faces in big roles. Some of these changes could really shake things up.

New Quarterbacks and Transfers

Several teams are rolling out new quarterbacks or high-profile transfers. Dylan Raiola, a former five-star, will start for Nebraska. Jackson Arnold, another five-star, is looking for a fresh start at Auburn.

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Colorado’s got Kaidon Salter, who transferred from Liberty, at quarterback.

Key Points:

  • Dylan Raiola starting for Nebraska
  • Jackson Arnold transferring to Auburn
  • Kaidon Salter leading Colorado

Coaching Changes

Bill Belichick—yeah, that Bill Belichick with six Super Bowl rings—is now the head coach at North Carolina. I’m curious to see how his style translates to the college game.

Gus Malzahn has taken over as Florida State’s offensive coordinator and is looking to inject some life into their attack.

Key Points:

  • Bill Belichick coaching North Carolina
  • Gus Malzahn as Florida State’s offensive coordinator

Final Thoughts

This opening weekend of college football feels electric. High-stakes matchups are everywhere, and star quarterbacks are ready to make some noise.

New coaches bring fresh energy to the sidelines. Fans can expect surprises—they always come when you least expect them.

Honestly, whether you’re tuning in for the big names or just hoping for a little chaos, there’s a lot to love. Want to keep up with every game?

Check out the full schedule and streaming options. For more details, visit the New York Times.

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