Which College Football Teams Showed the Most in Week 1?

1. Ohio State Buckeyes
This week: Beat Texas 14-7
Next week: vs. Grambling

Ohio State controlled its matchup with Texas from start to finish, holding Arch Manning and the Longhorns offense in check. Manning looked rattled all night, while OSU’s defense dictated the game. On the other side, new quarterback Julian Sayin was steady and efficient, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t need to light up the stat sheet — the Buckeyes’ defense made sure of that.

2. LSU Tigers
This week: Beat Clemson 17-10
Next week: vs. Louisiana Tech

LSU’s offseason investment in the transfer portal already looks like money well spent. The Tigers’ rebuilt defense overwhelmed Clemson on Saturday night in South Carolina, keeping Cade Klubnik under constant pressure. Clemson managed just three third-down conversions, didn’t crack 270 yards of offense, and punted or turned the ball over on seven possessions. This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement that LSU’s roster overhaul is paying immediate dividends.

3. Florida State Seminoles
This week: Beat Alabama 31-17
Next week: vs. East Texas A&M

The Gus Malzahn effect is already alive and well in Tallahassee. With Malzahn calling plays, quarterback Tommy Castellanos and the Seminoles ran all over Alabama, piling up 230 rushing yards at nearly five yards per carry. Florida State was the tougher, faster team — and it showed. For Alabama, the theme is becoming worryingly familiar: getting pushed around in big games. That reality won’t make new head coach Kalen DeBoer’s job any easier.

4. Utah Utes
This week: Beat UCLA 43-10
Next week: vs. Cal Poly

Utah unveiled a new weapon in quarterback Devon Dampier, the dual-threat transfer from New Mexico who followed his offensive coordinator to Salt Lake City. Dampier dazzled in his debut, completing all but four passes, rushing for 87 yards, throwing for 206 more, and accounting for three touchdowns. UCLA’s defense had no answers, and by the fourth quarter the Rose Bowl was emptying fast. Meanwhile, Bruins QB Nico Iamaleava struggled mightily, tossing an interception and getting sacked four times.

5. Miami Hurricanes
This week: Beat Notre Dame 27-24
Next week: vs. Bethune-Cookman

Miami showed toughness in its opener, holding off Notre Dame despite a late rally from the Irish. Georgia transfer Carson Beck guided the Hurricanes down the field in the closing moments, setting up new kicker Carter Davis, who drilled a clutch 47-yard field goal to seal the win. With Bethune-Cookman up next, Miami has a tune-up before a much-anticipated home showdown with South Florida.