NCAAF Predictions Week 1: These are the best College Football picks for first week of the season

The 2026 college football season wastes little time creating meaningful matchups.

After Week 0 gets things moving, the first full slate over Labor Day weekend brings a mix of ranked showdowns, neutral-site games and difficult road assignments.

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Several teams expected to feature in the College Football Playoff race will have a chance to establish themselves immediately, while others could find their season under pressure before September has properly begun.

Here are the Week 1 winners that stand out most.

Auburn and Oregon have strong opening matchups

Baylor vs. Auburn — Pick: Auburn

The Alex Golesh era at Auburn begins with an intriguing neutral-site game in Atlanta.

Golesh brought quarterback Byrum Brown with him from South Florida, giving the Tigers familiarity at the most important position while installing a new offense. 

Baylor should be more dangerous with former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, but turnovers remain a concern.

Auburn has the stronger overall roster and should also enjoy a significant crowd advantage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Boise State at No.2 Oregon — Pick: Oregon

Boise State has caused Oregon plenty of problems before, including a close meeting in Eugene in 2024, but this assignment looks considerably tougher.

The Ducks return quarterback Dante Moore, plenty of skill-position talent and an experienced defensive front. 

New coordinators introduce an early unknown, but Oregon should have enough depth and explosiveness to control the game.

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No.23 Clemson at No.13 LSU — Pick: LSU

One of the weekend’s biggest games will also be the first major look at Lane Kiffin’s LSU.

The Tigers attacked the transfer portal heavily during the offseason and will unveil a significantly reshaped roster at Tiger Stadium. 

Clemson offers more continuity, but Dabo Swinney’s program enters after a disappointing 7-6 season and has lost three consecutive openers.

Winning in Baton Rouge would represent an enormous statement for Clemson. LSU is the safer pick.

Louisville vs. No.10 Ole Miss — Pick: Ole Miss

Louisville has enough offensive talent to make this uncomfortable, particularly after adding former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz.

Ole Miss, however, enters with the higher ceiling. 

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy give the Rebels an experienced offensive foundation, and their overall talent edge should eventually tell.

Notre Dame and SMU can make early statements

Wisconsin vs. No.5 Notre Dame — Pick: Notre Dame

Lambeau Field provides one of Week 1’s best settings, but Notre Dame looks like the significantly stronger team.

Wisconsin remains in rebuilding mode under Luke Fickell, while the Fighting Irish enter the season with genuine national championship expectations.

Notre Dame should be able to control the line of scrimmage and avoid an opening-week upset.

No. 20 SMU at Florida State — Pick: SMU

Florida State badly needs signs of progress after winning just seven games across the previous two seasons.

Unfortunately for the Seminoles, SMU brings back 11 starters and an established quarterback in Kevin Jennings. The Mustangs have also proven they can consistently win inside the ACC.

Florida State should be improved, but SMU’s continuity makes the Mustangs the better Week 1 pick.