College Football Predictions Week 1: Projecting Every Game, Headlined by Clemson vs. LSU

Do you want to know who's going to win every Week 1 game? Our college football predictions reveal the winners as the season explodes into action.

August 31, 2026 | 6:35 PM EDT

After the appetizer that is Week 0, the first full feast of college football is upon us. Will your team get its season off to a flying start, or are you set for a long, frustrating three months of action? Our college football predictions for Week 1, compiled using the PFN College Football Playoff Predictor, provide the answer to those questions

Don’t like these results? You can predict a conference, every game, or simulate the entire season to discover which 12 teams will make the College Football Playoff! Get started right now!

Massachusetts vs. Rutgers Prediction

Prediction: UMass 21, Rutgers 42
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

Bethune-Cookman vs. UCF Prediction

Prediction: Bethune-Cookman 7, UCF 40
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Akron vs. Wake Forest Prediction

Prediction: Akron 17, Wake Forest 31
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ACC Network

Merrimack vs. Delaware Prediction

Prediction: Merrimack 17, Delaware 37
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

West Georgia vs. Kennesaw State Prediction

Prediction: West Georgia 10, Kennesaw State 31
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

UAlbany vs. Buffalo Prediction

Prediction: Albany 21, Buffalo 35
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Missouri Prediction

Prediction: Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3, Missouri 45
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network

Colorado vs. Georgia Tech Prediction

Prediction: Colorado 21, Georgia Tech 28
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN

Eastern Illinois vs. Minnesota Prediction

Prediction: Eastern Illinois 6, Minnesota 42
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Peacock

Idaho vs. Utah Prediction

Prediction: Idaho 0, Utah 34
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU

UAB vs. Illinois Prediction

Prediction: UAB 7, Illinois 30
Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

San José State vs. Eastern Michigan Prediction

Prediction: San Jose State 31, Eastern Michigan 24
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Indiana State vs. Purdue Prediction

Prediction: Indiana State 21, Purdue 47
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

North Carolina A&T vs. Georgia State Prediction

Prediction: North Carolina A&T 37, Georgia State 45
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

UTEP vs. Oklahoma Prediction

Prediction: UTEP 3, Oklahoma 41
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network+

LIU vs. Kansas Prediction

Prediction: LIU 14, Kansas 45
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU

Toledo vs. Michigan State Prediction

Prediction: Toledo 26, Michigan State 23
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FS1

Miami (FL) vs. Stanford Prediction

Prediction: Miami (FL) 43, Stanford 27
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN

Fresno State vs. USC Prediction

Prediction: Fresno State 13, USC 31
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FOX

North Texas vs. Indiana Prediction

Prediction: North Texas 10, Indiana 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FOX

East Carolina vs. Alabama Prediction

Prediction: East Carolina 23, Alabama 42
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ABC

Oregon State vs. Houston Prediction

Prediction: Oregon State 27, Houston 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN, Disney+

Coastal Carolina vs. West Virginia Prediction

Prediction: Coastal Carolina 27, West Virginia 41
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: TNT

New Hampshire vs. Syracuse Prediction

Prediction: New Hampshire 0, Syracuse 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ACC Network

Ohio vs. Nebraska Prediction

Prediction: Ohio 27, Nebraska 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FS1

Lafayette vs. UConn Prediction

Prediction: Lafayette 21, UConn 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: TBD

Bryant vs. Army Prediction

Prediction: Bryant 7, Army 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS Sports Network

Tarleton State vs. Bowling Green Prediction

Prediction: Tarleton State 36, Bowling Green 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Liberty vs. James Madison Prediction

Prediction: Liberty 37, James Madison 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU

Ball State vs. Ohio State Prediction

Prediction: Ball State 10, Ohio State 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

Miami (OH) vs. Pittsburgh Prediction

Prediction: Miami (OH) 27, Pittsburgh 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: The CW

Kent State vs. South Carolina Prediction

Prediction: Kent State 17, South Carolina 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12:45 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network

Youngstown State vs. Kentucky Prediction

Prediction: Youngstown State 10, Kentucky 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network+

Southeast Missouri State vs. Iowa State Prediction

Prediction: Southeast Missouri State 10, Iowa State 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Duquesne vs. Air Force Prediction

Prediction: Duquesne 21, Air Force 27
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. ET
TV Channel: MW+

Rhode Island vs. Temple Prediction

Prediction: Rhode Island 33, Temple 45
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Tennessee State vs. Georgia Prediction

Prediction: Tennessee State 0, Georgia 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network+

Boise State vs. Oregon Prediction

Prediction: Boise State 10, Oregon 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS

Texas State vs. Texas Prediction

Prediction: Texas State 20, Texas 45
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN

Marshall vs. Penn State Prediction

Prediction: Marshall 27, Penn State 41
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FS1

Furman vs. Tennessee Prediction

Prediction: Furman 3, Tennessee 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network+

Baylor vs. Auburn Prediction

Prediction: Baylor 40, Auburn 37
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ABC, Disney+

Boston College vs. Cincinnati Prediction

Prediction: Boston College 28, Cincinnati 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FOX

Tulane vs. Duke Prediction

Prediction: Tulane 24, Duke 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ACC Network

The Citadel vs. Charlotte Prediction

Prediction: The Citadel 30, Charlotte 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Towson vs. Navy Prediction

Prediction: Towson 14, Navy 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS Sports Network

UT Rio Grande Valley vs. UTSA Prediction

Prediction: UT Rio Grande Valley 10, UTSA 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Fordham vs. North Dakota State Prediction

Prediction: Fordham 10, North Dakota State 37
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: MW+

Maine vs. Appalachian State Prediction

Prediction: Maine 24, Appalachian State 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa Prediction

Prediction: Oklahoma State 44, Tulsa 21
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:45 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU

Northern Illinois vs. Iowa Prediction

Prediction: Northern Illinois 23, Iowa 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 4:15 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

North Alabama vs. Arkansas Prediction

Prediction: North Alabama 17, Arkansas 41
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 4:15 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network

Alcorn State vs. Southern Miss Prediction

Prediction: Alcorn State 35, Southern Miss 45
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 5 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Wyoming vs. Colorado State Prediction

Prediction: Wyoming 30, Colorado State 27
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. ET
TV Channel: USA Network

Norfolk State vs. Old Dominion Prediction

Prediction: Norfolk State 13, Old Dominion 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Missouri State vs. Texas A&M Prediction

Prediction: Missouri State 10, Texas A&M 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN

Abilene Christian vs. Texas Tech Prediction

Prediction: Abilene Christian 0, Texas Tech 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FS1

Austin Peay vs. Vanderbilt Prediction

Prediction: Austin Peay 7, Vanderbilt 37
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network+

Nicholls vs. Kansas State Prediction

Prediction: Nicholls 6, Kansas State 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Idaho State vs. Utah State Prediction

Prediction: Idaho State 21, Utah State 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS Sports Network

Arkansas State vs. Memphis Prediction

Prediction: Arkansas State 35, Memphis 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Houston Christian vs. Rice Prediction

Prediction: Houston Christian 24, Rice 21
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Florida International vs. South Florida Prediction

Prediction: Florida International 20, South Florida 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Murray State vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction

Prediction: Murray State 24, Middle Tennessee 37
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Eastern Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State Prediction

Prediction: Eastern Kentucky 30, Jacksonville State 45
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Charleston Southern vs. Georgia Southern Prediction

Prediction: Charleston Southern 14, Georgia Southern 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

SE Louisiana vs. South Alabama Prediction

Prediction: SE Louisiana 30, South Alabama 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Sam Houston vs. Troy Prediction

Prediction: Sam Houston 30, Troy 27
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Clemson vs. LSU Prediction

Prediction: Clemson 20, LSU 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ABC

Western Michigan vs. Michigan Prediction

Prediction: Western Michigan 21, Michigan 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBC

UL Monroe vs. Mississippi State Prediction

Prediction: UL Monroe 3, Mississippi State 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU

VMI vs. Virginia Tech Prediction

Prediction: VMI 5, Virginia Tech 40
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ACC Network

Northwestern State vs. Louisiana Tech Prediction

Prediction: Northwestern State 27, Louisiana Tech 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Florida Atlantic vs. Florida Prediction

Prediction: Florida Atlantic 30, Florida 37
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:45 p.m. ET
TV Channel: SEC Network

Utah Tech vs. BYU Prediction

Prediction: Utah Tech 3, BYU 37
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Hampton vs. Maryland Prediction

Prediction: Hampton 17, Maryland 41
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

South Dakota State vs. Northwestern Prediction

Prediction: South Dakota State 21, Northwestern 23
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network

Lamar vs. Louisiana Prediction

Prediction: Lamar 17, Louisiana 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Mercyhurst vs. New Mexico State Prediction

Prediction: Mercyhurst 21, New Mexico State 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Northern Arizona vs. Arizona Prediction

Prediction: Northern Arizona 0, Arizona 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 9:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

Portland State vs. San Diego State Prediction

Prediction: Portland State 17, San Diego State 38
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 9:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: USA Network

Morgan State vs. Arizona State Prediction

Prediction: Morgan State 0, Arizona State 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

UNLV vs. Hawai’i Prediction

Prediction: UNLV 37, Hawaii 31
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. ET
TV Channel: The CW

Central Michigan vs. New Mexico Prediction

Prediction: Central Michigan 31, New Mexico 34
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FS1

Mississippi Valley State vs. Sacramento State Prediction

Prediction: Mississippi Valley State 21, Sacramento State 35
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+

UCLA vs. California Prediction

Prediction: UCLA 27, California 30
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN

Western Kentucky vs. Nevada Prediction

Prediction: Western Kentucky 41, Nevada 33
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS Sports Network

Washington State vs. Washington Prediction

Prediction: Washington State 14, Washington 27
Date: Sunday, Sept. 6, 4 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBC

Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame Prediction

Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Notre Dame 45
Date: Sunday, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBC

Louisville vs. Ole Miss Prediction

Prediction: Louisville 31, Ole Miss 34
Date: Sunday, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ABC

SMU vs. Florida State Prediction

Prediction: SMU 27, Florida State 23
Date: Monday, Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN

Written by Oliver Hodgkinson