We’re four hours deep into Week 1 action, and so far, the preseason ranked teams are holding their expectations.
Defending champs No. 6 Indiana cruise with new look offense
Curt Cignetti’s new quarterback Josh Hoover has big shoes to fill following Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman season, but the TCU transfer left little to doubt in a 52-16 routing of North Texas. Hoover went 13-16 for 231 yards and four touchdowns in his debut, joining Mendoza as just the second Hoosier QB with four TDs and 80% completion in the past 30 years.
Michigan State transfer wideout Nick Marsh hauled in the first touchdown of the season for Indiana on an instant catch of the week candidate. But Hoosier-bred Charlie Becker led the receiving corps with 64 yards and two touchdown grabs.
What a snag by Nick Marsh to put @IndianaFootball in front first 😳 pic.twitter.com/3DvAiBSlql
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 5, 2026
Sayin-Smith kick off Heisman campaign with No. 1 Ohio State
Yes, Jeremiah Smith still has one more season before he terrorizes NFL secondaries, and Ball State received the blow today as QB Julian Sayin and Smith connected for 151 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-3 win. Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns before being pulled in the second half.
The Buckeyes outgained the Cardinals 671-165 as Ryan Day’s squad turns its attention to No. 5 Texas next weekend.
THE best wide receiver in the country doing what he does best. @Jermiah_Smith1 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/9iQKN9LRvQ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 5, 2026
No. 18 Alabama runs past East Carolina
With Ty Simpson’s departure to the NFL, Kalen Deboer settled on sophomore Keelon Russell under center who immediately showed off his dual-threat abilities in the 48-10 win over the Pirates.
Russell led the Tide with 86 yards on the ground and a touchdown, also throwing for 256 yards. All five of Alabama’s offensive touchdowns were on the ground.
I mean, what are you supposed to do to stop Keelon Russell here? Unreal. pic.twitter.com/NFOTbXC2hl
— Gabe Burggraf (@GabeBurggraf) September 5, 2026
The TIde defense held ECU to just 22 rushing yards, allowing just 0.1 yards per attempt. Russell and company kick off their SEC campaign next Saturday on the road against Kentucy.