Welcome to the college football buffet!
We made it! Sure, last week’s week zero was a quaint little appetizer, but this week, it’s the whole darn buffet. Now, week one isn’t brimming with top ranked team matchups, but it’s still the FULL OPENING of the 2026 CFB season. That makes all of us very, VERY happy. So, let’s look back at week zero and then move on to a full slate of games this weekend…the entire weekend.
Week 0 Look Back
Team that made the biggest statement - North Carolina - Last week, I said that North Carolina was the team that needed to make a statement in the opener of Bill Belichick’s second season. Thanks to TE Jelani Thurman and DEs Melkart Abou Jaoude and Xavier Lewis, the Tar Heels left Dublin with a 15-10 win over TCU. Statement. Made.
…and right behind them - Virginia - Tony Elliott’s Cavs jumped all over a talented NC State team and never let them breathe. QB Beau Pribula was fantastic on the ground and through the air, while the defense was suffocating in 34-8 butt kicking.
Player that showed out - Stanford QB Davis Warren - After Stanford blew a 16 point lead in the fourth quarter to Hawai’i, Warren, the Michigan transfer, went five for five on the go-ahead drive to help give first year head coach Tavita Pritchard his first win.
Best Game of the Weekend - William & Mary - 35 at Villanova - 32 - IYKYK
Like the Draft? Here’s your guy that showed out - USC TE Mark Bowman - Okay, so that’s cheating a bit, but he will be a first rounder in three years. The true freshman from Mater Dei HS proved to be a Brock Bowers/George Kittle clone…in his first college game ever.
“John’s Crush Roster” Member i.e Player I’m still crushing on - Memphis OLB J’Mond Tapp - He was a Harris 100 Pro prospect after I studied him this summer. After a six pressure performance against UNLV in Las Vegas, he’s rising…quickly. Dude has serious quicks off the edge, length for days and is a massive problem for pass protecting offensive linemen.
Week 1 Look Ahead
Team that can make the biggest statement - Colorado - A Thursday night opener and a grand stage back in Coach Prime’s old hometown…what could be better? A statement win for the Buffaloes, a team, and a coach that needs one desperately.
Player to Watch - Houston OL Shadre Hurst - The transfer from Tulane has gotten a ton of attention after moving to Houston to play for his former coach Willie Fritz.
Best Game of the Weekend - The Battle for Death Valley - Clemson at LSU - These two teams beat the heck out of each other last year, a game that LSU won. Clemson still doesn’t know who is starting at QB. Plus, it’s Lane Kiffin’s opener at LSU and he CAN’T lose.
Like the Draft? Here’s your guy to watch - Notre Dame CB Leonard Moore - I’ve been a massive fan of Moore since I first saw him as a true freshman. Wisconsin would be wise to throw away from him and not play with Irish fire.
“John’s Crush Roster” Member i.e. Players I’m crushing on - SMU QB Kevin Jennings - He’s unorthodox, in a sense. He’s not a pocket passer, but he can dime a defense up through the air. He’s not the best running QB in the nation, but he’s a massive threat when he gets loose. Florida State will have its hands full with the former South Oak Cliff HS star.
John’s Top 3 - Underrated GREAT Players in the Country - Each week I’ll give a quick top 3 on any topic, and this week, it’s three players to watch that don’t get much attention at all…and should
3. Louisville OLB Clev Lubin - He’s shorter and stouter, but he’s a leverage nightmare for offensive tackles. His matchup against Ole Miss’ OL is going to be fun.
2. Florida RB Jadan Baugh - He’s a load and he has some serious jets once he gets into the open field. He can get to work against FAU’s defense.
1. Indiana LB Rolijah Hardy - Someone has to take over for Aiden Fisher and Hardy is the perfect candidate. See ball, get ball, that’s Hardy’s game.
The Big 12 Pulse - Who’s rising, who’s slipping, who to watch
Everyone and their brother wants to watch/hate watch Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders will cruise to a big win over FCS power Abilene Christian. Houston starts with the Oregon State Beavers and needs to make a statement as a true contender for Tech’s Big 12 title.
The SEC Pulse - Who’s rising, who’s slipping, who to watch
Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding was thrown to the wolves, jumping right into the 2025 CFP last year after Lane Kiffin’s high profile departure. So, he should be ready to roll, but, BUT, this Louisville team is tougher and more athletic than Golding would want in an opener. There’s a ton of pressure on him to take Louisville out behind the woodshed, but that won’t happen.
Top 5 to Watch - This will give you an idea of where my eyes will be this weekend
5. UCLA at Cal - the most fun Saturday night game of the weekend - The ‘ol Pac-12 rivalry should produce a scoring fest late on Saturday night.
4. Arch Again - Last year, Texas QB Arch Manning faced Ohio State in Columbus to start his season. This year? Texas State in Austin. It should be a great opportunity to put up some Heisman-like numbers early in the season.
3. Matt Campbell’s debut in Happy Valley - Campbell and about eight to ten former Iowa State Cyclones will take on a gritty Marshall team on Saturday afternoon. The Nittany Lions need to make a statement in Campbell’s opener.
2. The Hoover Show - Former TCU QB Josh Hoover will lead defending national champion Indiana. His former team said they really didn’t miss him, then lost to North Carolina in Dublin. Hoover has a chance to make a bigger statement for a national championship contender.
1. Is Alabama back? - Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer named former 5-star Keelon Russell his starting QB and the expectations went SOARING. East Carolina shouldn’t make a dent, but the Tide fans need to see Russell shine.