We’re four hours into Week 1 action, and so far, the preseason ranked teams are living up to their expectations. Defending champions No. 6 Indiana navigate new 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 doubt in a 52-16 rout of North Texas. Hoover went 13-16 for 231 yards and four touchdowns in his debut, joining Mendoza as just the second Hoosier quarterback with four touchdowns and 80% completion in the last 30 years. Michigan State transfer receiver Nick Marsh scored Indiana’s first touchdown of the season in an instant candidate for catch of the week. But Hoosier-raised Charlie Becker led the receiving corps with 64 yards and two touchdown receptions. What a problem for Nick Marsh to put @IndianaFootball in front first 😳 pic.twitter.com/3DvAiBSlql — FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 5, 2026 Sayin-Smith kicks off Heisman campaign with No. 1 Ohio State Yes, Jeremiah Smith still has one more season before terrorizing NFL secondaries, and Ball State took the hit today when QB Julian Sayin and Smith They connected for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the 56-3 victory. Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns before being pulled in the second half. The Buckeyes outscored the Cardinals 671-165 as Ryan Day’s team 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 tops East Carolina With Ty Simpson’s departure for the NFL, Kalen Deboer decided on sophomore Keelon Russell under center. He immediately showed off his dual-threat abilities in the 48-10 win over the Pirates. Russell led the Tide with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown, and also threw for 256 yards. All five of Alabama’s offensive touchdowns came 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 held ECU to just 22 rushing yards, allowing just 0.1 yards per attempt. Russell and company begin their SEC campaign next Saturday on the road against Kentucky.
