By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

College Football and it’s TV partners have lined up an exciting seven-game showcase from Thursday night in Atlanta to Labor Day night in Tallahassee, featuring intense rivalries, key conference matchups, coaching debuts, and games that could significantly impact the College Football Playoff race. The opening weekend of college football is always packed with drama, but the 2026 Labor Day lineup seems especially thrilling. It kicks off on Thursday with Colorado taking on Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium, followed by Miami aiming to prove its high ranking against Stanford on Friday night. Saturday offers a mix of action, including Auburn starting the Alex Golesh era against Baylor in Atlanta, Wyoming and Colorado State reigniting their Border War rivalry for the 118th time, and Clemson facing LSU in a primetime clash at Death Valley. The excitement continues with two standalone games: No. 24 Louisville battling No. 9 Ole Miss in Nashville on Sunday, and No. 19 SMU heading to Florida State for an ACC showdown on Labor Day night. With seven games over five nights, there’s a lot on the line before the first full weekend of September wraps up.

Thursday: Colorado at Georgia Tech — A New Era Begins at Bobby Dodd

Thursday, Sept. 3 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN – Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta

There’s a lot of buzz around the upcoming game between Colorado and Georgia Tech, and for good reason. For Georgia Tech, the main focus is on how their offense will perform without Haynes King at the helm. With Alberto Mendoza stepping in as quarterback, head coach Brent Key is eager to show that the team’s recent improvements aren’t just a fluke tied to one player. As they kick off 2026, the Yellow Jackets are also under the guidance of George Godsey, who has made some notable changes to the offense. This matchup on Thursday night is crucial for both teams, especially since Colorado is a Power Four opponent and offers Georgia Tech a chance to prove themselves before diving into Big 12 competition. The performance in nonconference games will play a significant role in shaping the conference’s national image and playoff chances. For Georgia Tech, this game represents a pivotal moment; Key has been shifting the narrative in Atlanta, and now it’s time to show they can adapt and thrive even when key players move on. All eyes will be on Mendoza to see if he can quickly take charge of the offense.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, Colorado 24

Friday: No. 7 Miami at Stanford — The Hurricanes Begin Their Chase

Friday, Sept. 4 | 9 p.m. ET | ESPN. – Stanford Stadium, California

Miami’s ambitions have shifted from merely aiming for the ACC championship to setting their sights on the national title. Following a strong 10-2 season and a trip to the national championship game last year, the expectations for the Hurricanes have soared. One preseason prediction even has them finishing 11-1, winning the ACC, and making it to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Their first challenge comes against Stanford, a team that hasn’t garnered much national attention but did show promise with a comeback win over Hawaii in Week 0. However, the talent gap is still quite large, as evidenced by Miami’s dominant 42-7 victory over Stanford last season, while the Cardinal ended 2025 with a disappointing 4-8 record. For Miami, the goal isn’t just to win; they need to demonstrate that they can handle games like this with ease. With questions surrounding their offensive line and linebacker depth, this matchup against Stanford serves as a crucial test before facing tougher opponents. The key question remains: can Stanford withstand Miami’s physicality long enough to make the game competitive?

Prediction: Miami 38, Stanford 17

Saturday Tripleheader

Baylor vs. Auburn — Welcome to the Alex Golesh Era

Saturday, Sept. 5 | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Auburn really needs a strong start this weekend as they kick off the Alex Golesh era against Baylor in the Aflac Kickoff Game. The new coach is stepping into a challenging situation with a roster that has seen significant changes, featuring only a few returning starters and a heavy reliance on transfers, many of whom followed him from USF. This mix of uncertainty and fresh talent presents both challenges and opportunities. A win against a Power Four team on national television could give Golesh the momentum he needs right out of the gate. There’s also a bit of history at play, as Auburn previously beat Baylor 38-24 last season, tying their all-time series. Now, with the Bears looking for revenge on neutral ground, this matchup will be crucial in showcasing Auburn’s revamped offense and determining how quickly Golesh can implement his successful system from USF in the SEC. The key question remains: how fast can this newly assembled offense develop chemistry?

Prediction: Auburn 34, Baylor 27

Wyoming at Colorado State — The Border War

Saturday, Sept. 5 | 6 p.m. ET | USA Network – Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins

Forget about rankings and playoff scenarios; the Wyoming-Colorado State matchup is all about the rivalry. These two teams have a long-standing history of dislike for each other, and this Saturday evening, the Cowboys will head to Fort Collins for another chapter in the Border War. This year adds an interesting twist, as Colorado State has joined the Pac-12 while Wyoming stays in the Mountain West, intensifying the rivalry even further. Colorado State is promoting this game as its Border War, Military Appreciation, and Stripe Out event, highlighting its significance. While it may not have the playoff stakes of a Clemson-LSU clash later that night, for these fan bases, this game is crucial. Expect a hard-hitting contest filled with emotional highs and lows, likely keeping fans on the edge of their seats right until the final minutes. The key question remains: which team will better manage the intense emotions that come with this rivalry? QB Tyler Hughes accounts for multiple touchdowns, the Cowboys establish Harris on the ground, and Wyoming’s defense makes the decisive stop late in the fourth quarter to bring the Bronze Boot back to Laramie.

Prediction: Wyoming 27, Colorado State 23

Clemson at No. 11 LSU — Death Valley

Saturday, Sept. 5 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC – Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge

This weekend’s highlight is definitely the clash between Clemson and LSU. Taking place on Saturday night at the iconic Tiger Stadium, this matchup is generating buzz without needing much hype. It’s a significant moment for Clemson, marking their first visit to Baton Rouge, and it’s also their first game in an SEC stadium since their 2016 national championship opener at Auburn. The stakes are high, with playoff implications looming large. LSU comes in ranked No. 11, while Clemson is eager to reclaim its status among the nation’s elite. The winner will gain a valuable victory for their playoff hopes, while the loser will face a tougher road ahead in September. This game serves as another crucial SEC-ACC showdown, and playing at night in Tiger Stadium is no easy feat. Clemson will need to weather the initial excitement, while LSU must focus on execution rather than getting lost in the atmosphere. If the game stays close into the fourth quarter, it could very well turn into one of the season’s first memorable moments. The key question remains: Can Clemson handle LSU’s early intensity and quiet the crowd?

Prediction: LSU 30, Clemson 27

Sunday Night Football — College Edition

No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss

Sunday, Sept. 6 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC – Nissan Stadium, Nashville

The NFL can take a backseat for another week because college football is stealing the spotlight on Sunday night, and ESPN is showcasing an exciting matchup between the ACC and SEC. No. 24 Louisville is set to face off against No. 9 Ole Miss in Nashville, with both teams eyeing a shot at the postseason. Ole Miss comes in with a higher ranking and a potent offense, featuring standout players like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy, and receiver Harrison Wallace III. On the flip side, Louisville is seen as one of the stronger teams in the ACC, often mentioned alongside Miami, SMU, and Clemson in preseason discussions. The two teams have only clashed once before, with Ole Miss taking that game 43-24 in 2021, but this matchup promises to be much closer. A win for Louisville would boost the ACC’s standing nationally, while an Ole Miss victory would give the Rebels a crucial non-conference win that could pay off later in the season. The key question remains: can Louisville prevent Ole Miss from turning this game into a high-scoring affair?

Prediction: Ole Miss 35, Louisville 28

Labor Day Finale

No. 19 SMU at Florida State — ACC Game

Monday, Sept. 7 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN – Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

The weekend wraps up with a game that could have significant implications down the line. SMU isn’t getting an easy start, as the No. 19 Mustangs kick off their season on the road against Florida State in an ACC matchup, which adds a layer of pressure. Florida State, having already played and won against New Mexico State in Week 0, showed some potential in their running game but also had noticeable gaps in their defense. Meanwhile, SMU comes in with high expectations, ranked favorably in various ACC forecasts, so a win in Tallahassee could catapult them to the forefront of the conference standings. There’s also a bit of history at play; these teams have only faced each other once before, with SMU dominating Florida State 42-16 in 2024, a fact that the Seminoles likely haven’t forgotten. A night game at Doak Campbell promises to create an electric atmosphere, especially if Florida State can get off to a strong start. The key question is whether SMU will prove to be a contender for the ACC championship right away, or if Florida State can reestablish itself in that conversation.

Prediction: SMU 31, Florida State 27

Five Nights That Could Shape the Season

There’s more than one standout game on the horizon. Colorado-Georgia Tech kicks off a fresh chapter with a new quarterback in Atlanta, while Miami steps into the season with real hopes for a national championship. Auburn is set to showcase Alex Golesh in the SEC against a Baylor team they triumphed over last year, and Wyoming and Colorado State are ready to reignite one of the West’s classic rivalries.

As the weekend progresses, the intensity ramps up. The Clemson-LSU matchup is crucial for playoff aspirations right from the start. Meanwhile, Louisville-Ole Miss offers another chance for the ACC and SEC to gauge their strengths against each other. To wrap things up, SMU-Florida State features a conference clash that could play a significant role in the race for Charlotte. By the time the final whistle blows in Tallahassee on Monday night, we may not have all the answers about the 2026 college football season, but we’ll definitely have a clearer picture than we do now.

Game	Pick	Score
Colorado at Georgia Tech	Georgia Tech	31-24
No. 7 Miami at Stanford	Miami	38-17
Baylor vs. Auburn	Auburn	34-27
Wyoming at Colorado St	Wyoming	27-23
Clemson at No. 11 LSU	LSU	30-27
No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss	Ole Miss	35-28
No. 19 SMU at Florida St	SMU	31-27

Game of the Weekend: Clemson at LSU
Upset Watch: SMU at Florida State
Best Rivalry: Wyoming at Colorado State
Most Intriguing Coaching Debut: Alex Golesh, Auburn
Team With the Most to Prove: Georgia Tech
Potential Statement Team: Miami