College football has never been more unpredictable as the transfer portal and NIL deliver massively transformed rosters.

With that, Week 1 gave us one of the most exciting starts to college football in years.

Right from the beginning, five AP Top 25 teams lost before the end of the first week, including three from the top 10. Texas, the preseason No.1 team, became the first in this rank to lose its opener since Miami was defeated by BYU in 1990.

Further down the ranks, Auburn displayed their potential with a dominant victory over Baylor. Meanwhile, North Dakota gave Kansas State a tough battle and Tulane triumphed over Northwestern by three touchdowns.

Winner: LSU

LSU’s definitive victory over Clemson at Death Valley marked a significant moment for the team. Their quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, was instrumental in driving a critical touchdown in the fourth quarter, capping a 14-0 run for the victory.

The team has invested heavily in its defense, which paid off, allowing just 50% pass completion and one yard per carry against Clemson. Harold Perkins Jr. made a crucial stop on the final play, sealing the win for the Tigers, who should now expect to be ranked in the AP top 5.

Loser: Texas QB Arch Manning

Manning faced a tough start in his first road game, accumulating only 38 yards passing and an interception in the first three quarters. Though he improved in the fourth, finishing with 170 yards, his inaccuracies and poor decision-making defined his performance, contributing to the team’s defeat.

His odds for the Heisman fluctuated drastically during the game, indicating a lackluster showing that will need to improve ahead of SEC play.

Winner: Tennessee

Tennessee’s quarterback Joey Aguilar, a transfer from App State, wowed fans in their victory over Syracuse, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns. This performance has fans excited for the team’s prospects this season.

Loser: Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer

DeBoer’s first game resulted in a disappointing 31-17 loss to Florida State after a previously tumultuous season. Alabama’s record under DeBoer reflects a worrying trend, as they continue to struggle in games they were favored in.

Winner: Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos

After leading Florida State to a victory over Alabama, Castellanos illustrated his prowess as a dual-threat quarterback, prompting discussions on the team’s expectations moving forward.

Loser: Boise State

The Broncos faced a significant defeat against South Florida, showcasing issues both offensively and defensively, raising alarms about their future prospects this season.

FCS Upsets

Austin Peay and Tarleton State achieved historic upsets, demonstrating that FCS teams can compete at high levels.

Final Thoughts

Iowa State also had a noteworthy performance, dominating their game against South Dakota, showcasing the potential for a bright season ahead.