It’s back. The first full college football weekend of the season brings joy and fills the void of fans who have been waiting more than seven months for the return of the sport they love.
The hard part about the start of season is trying to sort out what will happen on the opening week. With departures to the NFL, incomings and outgoings through the transfer proter and coaching changes, there’s a lot to sort out and some surprises sure to come when teams take the field Saturday. But where will they take place?
That’s why the USA TODAY Sports college football staff is here. Matt Hayes, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Blake Toppmeyer weigh in with their bold predictions for Week 1 of the college football season:
From Taylor Swift to Jordan Hudson
With Taylor Swift now officially off the market, ESPN moves to North Carolina coach Bill Belichick’s girlfriend/muse Jordon Hudson as its new obsession. During a standalone, Monday night primetime game, no less. Oh, and TCU wins the game. — Matt Hayes
TCU spoils Bill Belichick’s North Carolina debut
Despite all the weird offseason attention, there’s plenty of hype of what North Caorlina can be with a genius in Bill Belichick in charge. It will be an electric first game taking the spotlight on Labor Day, and it could propel the Tar Heels to a statement win. However, a dangerous TCU team is coming to town, led by quarterback Josh Hoover. He knows how to make big plays, and there will plenty of them Monday night. TCU finds itself in another trap of playing against a team debuting its highly anticipated coach. The Horned Frogs don’t flop again, and get the Belichick era in Chapel Hill started with a loss. — Jordan Mendoza
ACC flexes muscle against LSU, Notre Dame
The ACC flexes its muscle with two high-profile wins: Clemson beats LSU to set the tone for a title run and Miami upsets Notre Dame behind a strong debut from quarterback Carson Beck. While the showdown in Columbus will dominate headlines coming out of Week 1, notching these victories against major competition will boost the ACC’s credibility and play a big part in where the league’s representatives land in the playoff race. — Paul Myerberg
Alabama gets put to the test by Florida State
If you were to write the recipe for an early upset the college football season, all the elements are there for Florida State. The Seminoles are easily overlooked by Alabama players after their two-win season. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide will be playing in a hostile environment with a quarterback making his first start. This shapes up as a defense struggle for four quarters, so do be surprised if Alabama is fighting to avoid a shocking loss. — Erick Smith
Pac-12 ghosts revived in Utah, UCLA clash
The spirit of #Pac12AfterDark will be alive and well Saturday night when former conference foes UCLA and Utah renew acquaintances at the Rose Bowl (11 p.m. ET, Fox). The last time they met in 2022, the Bruins snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Utes in a 42-32 shootout. Both teams will be breaking in transfer QBs so the score might not be quite as lofty this time, but we have a hunch it will be worth losing a little sleep. — Eddie Timanus
Garrett Nussmeier takes Heisman lead after LSU beats Clemson
Arch Manning will show promise in a loss at Ohio State, but after LSU wins at Clemson, Garrett Nussmeier will claim front-runner status in the Heisman Trophy odds, and the Tigers will skyrocket to the No. 2 spot in the polls. — Blake Toppmeyer