By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

As the 2026 college football season kicks off, Conference USA is poised to make a significant impact right from the start. The league features some exciting matchups, including defending champion Kennesaw State facing off against a local rival. Western Kentucky is set to take on a challenging road game at Nevada, while Delaware embarks on its second year as an FBS program against Merrimack. FIU will test itself against South Florida, and Sam Houston is headed to Troy for a tough contest. However, the standout game is in Virginia, where Liberty will clash with James Madison in the highly anticipated Battle of the Blue Ridge. This matchup not only promises to be thrilling but also holds potential implications for both teams’ ambitions in the Group of Six race, making it a key highlight of the CUSA schedule.

The Biggest CUSA Game of Week 1

It’s Liberty versus James Madison, and it’s not even a close call. For Liberty, this game is a chance to shake off the disappointment of last year’s 4-8 record. If they can snag a win against JMU on the road, the Flames could quickly reestablish themselves as serious contenders for the CUSA championship. While a loss wouldn’t completely derail Liberty’s season, it would definitely tighten their chances of making it into the Group of Six postseason discussions. On another note, Kennesaw State is shaping up to be the most intriguing team in CUSA this year. After surprising everyone last season, they now find themselves in the spotlight as the team to beat. With Jerry Mack at the helm, who has already shown he can create a championship-caliber team, we’ll soon see if Kennesaw State can transform into a championship program, starting with their game against West Georgia on Thursday night.

Merrimack at Delaware

Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+ Delaware Stadium — Newark, Delaware

Delaware kicks off its second season as an FBS program with a chance to showcase its growth. After finishing 7-6 in their inaugural FBS season and going 4-4 in Conference USA, the Blue Hens are looking to elevate their game in 2026, especially with the return of standout quarterback Nick Minicucci. He made history by becoming only the second quarterback at Delaware to throw for 20 touchdowns and rush for 10 in a single season, ranking among the top in the nation for passing and total offense. This experience is crucial for a developing FBS team like Delaware, which averaged 29.4 points and 411 yards per game last season, including a solid 292 passing yards per game. On the other hand, Merrimack is coming off a tough start, having lost to the nationally ranked Rhode Island. Quarterback AJ Hairston Jr. managed to complete 12 of 23 passes for 145 yards, with Matthias Latham scoring the team’s only touchdown. While Merrimack may find some rhythm after their first game, Delaware clearly holds the upper hand in terms of talent, setting the stage for a challenging matchup for the Warriors.

Key to the Game

Delaware has to hit the ground running. The Blue Hens can’t let an FCS team stick around and build any confidence. They should let Minicucci go for it early, making big plays and putting Merrimack in a position where they have to play catch-up. Once that happens, Delaware’s defense can really go after them. This game could be a solid kickoff for one of CUSA’s under-the-radar teams.

Prediction: Delaware 38, Merrimack 14

West Georgia at Kennesaw State

Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+ Fifth Third Stadium — Kennesaw, Georgia

The defending champions of Conference USA kick off their title defense with an exciting in-state clash. Last season, Jerry Mack led Kennesaw State to an impressive 10-win season, clinching the CUSA championship and achieving the largest single-season improvement in the conference’s history. However, the Owls now face a new challenge: managing the heightened expectations that come with their success. Kennesaw State is no longer flying under the radar, especially with standout linebacker Baron Hopson, the CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring a strong defense. As the team navigates some offensive adjustments, the focus will be on quarterback Rickie Collins, who brings a mix of athleticism and potential. While Collins has the talent to shine, the Owls can rely on their running game and a solid defense to maintain their competitive edge. Meanwhile, West Georgia is coming off a disappointing opener, having lost to Chattanooga 24-10, which snapped their impressive 13-game winning streak in season openers. Now, the Wolves are gearing up for a tougher challenge ahead.

Key to the Game

Check out the first quarter. West Georgia has already faced game speed this season, while Kennesaw State is just stepping onto the field for the first time. This might give the Wolves a chance to stay competitive early on.

However, as the game progresses, the difference in talent is likely to become more apparent. Hopson and the Kennesaw State defense are expected to challenge the West Georgia offense, while Collins finds his rhythm and starts making plays with his legs. Kennesaw State kicks off its championship defense with a solid win.

Prediction: Kennesaw State 34, West Georgia 10

Liberty at James Madison

Saturday, Sept. 5 | Noon | ESPNU Bridgeforth Stadium — Harrisonburg, Virginia

There might not be a more crucial nonconference matchup on the Conference USA calendar than Liberty’s visit to James Madison. The Flames are looking to bounce back from a tough 4-8 season in 2025, marking their first losing record in twenty years, which puts pressure on coach Jamey Chadwell to prove that last year was just a fluke and not the start of a downward trend. The main concern for Liberty is the quarterback position, with Ethan Vasko returning from shoulder surgery and Deshawn Purdie and Jaylen Henderson also in the mix. The chosen quarterback will need to bring stability to an offense that hasn’t been as strong on the ground as it was during Liberty’s earlier seasons under Chadwell. However, there’s still hope for the Flames, as they have four offensive line starters back and have revamped their running back lineup. If they can recapture the rushing prowess that made their offense a nightmare for defenses in 2023 and 2024, they could keep the game competitive. On the other hand, James Madison is navigating its own changes with Billy Napier stepping in to lead a program that has already made a name for itself among the top Group of Six teams. The Dukes are also sorting through a quarterback battle involving Arrington Maiden, Davi Belfort, Camden Coleman, and JC Evans, which adds some unpredictability to their offensive strategy for the opener. This uncertainty could work in Liberty’s favor, but the challenge lies in the fact that JMU will host the game at Bridgeforth Stadium, where they are expected to have a defensive edge against a Liberty offense still figuring itself out. As the week began, James Madison was favored by about a touchdown.

Key to the Game

Liberty really needs to focus on their running game. If the Flames find themselves in a lot of third-and-long situations, relying on an inexperienced quarterback against JMU’s tough pass rush could spell trouble. However, if they can pick up solid yardage on early downs, Chadwell will have the freedom to explore all his offensive options. It’s likely that Liberty will try to create some pressure on the Dukes. Still, in the end, JMU’s defense and the boost from playing at home will likely give them the upper hand.

Prediction: James Madison 30, Liberty 23

FIU at South Florida

Saturday, Sept. 5 | 7 pm ET Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, Florida

Don’t overlook FIU in this matchup. Willie Simmons has quietly crafted a solid turnaround for the program, leading them to a 7-6 record and their first bowl game since 2019. The real challenge now is to build on that success and create a sustainable program. JJ Kohl is set to be a key player in this journey as the quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-7, he brings a strong physical presence to the position, but his first challenge won’t be easy.

Meanwhile, South Florida is entering a new chapter with Brian Hartline at the helm. The former Ohio State offensive coordinator takes over a Bulls team that finished 9-4 in 2025 and has the talent to compete for the American Conference title right away. While USF may adopt a different style of play under Hartline, their talent remains impressive. This sets the stage for an intriguing game for FIU. Simmons doesn’t necessarily need a win to demonstrate progress; if the Panthers can push USF to the limit at Raymond James Stadium, it would solidify the notion that last year’s gains were not just a fluke.

Key to the Game

FIU has to make sure the game doesn’t turn into a fast-paced shootout. The Panthers should focus on maintaining long drives, establishing a solid running game, and getting some big plays from Kohl. It’s crucial for them to steer clear of turnovers that could give USF an easy advantage. The longer FIU can keep the score close, the more the pressure will mount on the Bulls. I believe FIU will stay competitive longer than people think, but ultimately, Hartline will secure his first victory at USF.

Prediction: South Florida 34, FIU 20

Sam Houston at Troy

Saturday, Sept. 5 | 7 pm ET | ESPN+ Veterans Memorial Stadium – Troy, Alabama

Year two of Phil Longo’s tenure kicks off with a tough challenge for Sam Houston. After a rough 2025 season that saw the Bearkats finish with a disappointing 2-10 record, they faced significant struggles on both offense and defense, averaging just 17.8 points while allowing nearly 38. For Sam Houston to improve in the CUSA standings, these stats need a serious overhaul. Longo, known for his offensive expertise, is expected to enhance the team’s performance as they become more familiar with his system. The presence of five players on the CUSA preseason watch list indicates that there are promising talents on the roster. However, starting this turnaround against Troy won’t be easy. The Trojans, who finished 8-6 last season, are known for their physical style of play in the Sun Belt, and Sam Houston has a daunting history to contend with, as Troy leads their all-time series 7-0-1.

Key to the Game

Sam Houston needs to show it can defend against the run and limit big plays. Last season, the defense often left the offense in tough spots, especially if Troy consistently starts drives close to midfield or gains significant yardage on early downs. If that happens again, the Bearkats will find themselves playing catch-up once more. Longo’s offense is expected to improve compared to 2025, but expecting a complete turnaround in just one offseason might be a bit too ambitious.

Prediction: Troy 35, Sam Houston 17

Western Kentucky at Nevada

Saturday, Sept. 5 | 10:30 p.m. ET | CBSSN. Mackay Stadium — Reno, Nevada

This could be the most thrilling matchup on the CUSA Week 1 lineup. Western Kentucky kicks off 2026 with strong hopes for a conference title after finishing last season at 9-4 and clinching the New Orleans Bowl. Under Tyson Helton, the program has become a consistent contender, and with their potent offense, they’re ready to take on any challenge in Conference USA. Keep an eye on quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr., who brings a dual-threat capability and a year of experience to the Hilltoppers’ offense. Last season, WKU averaged over 400 yards per game, and they’re poised to keep defenses on their toes with Tisdale’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground.

On the other hand, Nevada poses a real threat for an upset. Jeff Choate is entering his third year, hoping to elevate the Wolf Pack within the Mountain West. They’ll be looking for revenge after losing 31-16 to WKU last season. The key to Nevada’s chances lies in their defense, which struggled to create turnovers last year. This could be a significant issue against a team like WKU; if Tisdale is given extra opportunities, the game could quickly tilt in favor of the Hilltoppers.

Key to the Game

WKU has to be mindful of the environment. With a late 10:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff in Reno, it’s the kind of away game where the favored team might start off slow for a quarter or two. Nevada really needs to take advantage of that chance. If the Wolf Pack can create a few early turnovers and energize Mackay Stadium, WKU might find itself in a tough battle by the fourth quarter. I believe that’s how it will unfold. However, Tisdale will likely step up and make a couple of key plays late in the game that Nevada won’t be able to counter.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 30, Nevada 27

CUSA Week 1 Predictions

Matchup	Prediction
Liberty at James Madison	James Madison 30, Liberty 23
FIU at South Florida	South Florida 34, FIU 20
Sam Houston at Troy	Troy 35, Sam Houston 17
Western Kentucky at Nevada	Western Kentucky 30, Nevada 27
Merrimack at Delaware	Delaware 38, Merrimack 14
West Georgia at Kennesaw State	Kennesaw State 34, West Georgia 10