The 2026 college football season kicked off with an explosive opening weekend, delivering dramatic finishes, statement blowouts, and major shifts across the national landscape. From top-tier comebacks to high-profile coordinator debuts, Saturday’s action prompted an immediate recalculation of national expectations.
Before the opening slate fully wrapped, ESPN updated its Football Power Index (FPI), triggering a high-profile shakeup at the very top of the national rankings.
Texas Takes Over No. 1 Spot Ahead of Massive Week 2 Showdown
The Texas Longhorns climbed to the No. 1 spot in the FPI following a commanding 59-7 victory over Texas State. Arch Manning led the offense with four touchdown passes, connecting twice with Auburn transfer Cam Coleman, while Ryan Wingo compiled 121 receiving yards. The Longhorns leapfrogged the Ohio State Buckeyes, setting up an elite environment for their upcoming Week 2 matchup in Austin.
Ohio State slipped to No. 2 despite delivering a dominant 56-3 victory against Ball State. Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin was sharp, completing 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards, targeting star wideout Jeremiah Smith for 151 yards and two scores.
Contenders Rise Following Dominant Offensive Performances
The top ten experienced significant movement as teams integrated new portal talent and high-profile transfers:
- Miami Hurricanes (No. 4): Soared three spots following a 45-6 victory over Stanford. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 401 yards and five touchdowns, while receiver Malachi Toney caught 12 passes for 234 yards and three scores.
- LSU Tigers (No. 7): First-year head coach Lane Kiffin secured a 51-10 victory over Clemson in Baton Rouge. Transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt generated 343 total yards, leading the team with 113 rushing yards and two ground touchdowns.
- Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 9): Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell logged 335 total yards in his first career start, leading a 48-10 victory over East Carolina.
- Oregon Ducks (No. 8): Survived a close 34-27 battle against Boise State behind Dante Moore’s 378 passing yards and a late 62-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Dakorien Moore.
ESPN FPI Top 25 Ranking Breakdown
Below are the complete updated FPI Top 25 rankings following Saturday’s slate of games:
- Texas Longhorns (30.3)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (30.0)
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (25.9)
- Miami Hurricanes (25.4)
- Georgia Bulldogs (24.9)
- Indiana Hoosiers (24.3)
- LSU Tigers (24.1)
- Oregon Ducks (22.7)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (22.5)
- Texas A&M Aggies (21.3)
- Oklahoma Sooners (19.2)
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (18.4)
- USC Trojans (17.5)
- Penn State Nittany Lions (17.2)
- Ole Miss Rebels (16.0)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (15.9)
- Florida Gators (15.5)
- Tennessee Volunteers (15.3)
- BYU Cougars (14.1)
- Michigan Wolverines (11.8)
- Pittsburgh Panthers (11.6)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (11.3)
- Utah Utes (11.2)
- SMU Mustangs (11.1)
- Virginia Cavaliers (11.1)