Zero-Week is welcomed every year, but when the most compelling thing about it this year was a father-son fight, I was ready for Week 1. Even if the weekend didn’t deliver a win for Texas, it delivered for fans in general.
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Everyone knew coming into this year it was wide open, and that sentiment was underlined after a handful of high-profile games.
WINNERS
LSU Tigers: I picked Clemson largely because Brian Kelly has had the worst luck in openers since his arrival in 2022. Props to LSU for playing stiff competition, but it resulted in rough starts in previous years, often after fourth quarter heartbreak. This was Kelly’s first win in an opener at LSU, and it came on the road against preseason media darling Clemson. Heisman hopeful QB Garrett Nussmeier outplayed fellow Heisman hopeful Cade Klubnik.
Florida State Seminoles: What a rollercoaster it’s been for Mike Norvell in Tallahassee. Hot seat, to catbird seat, back to hot seat again. His win totals are 3, 5, 10, 13, 2, and now 1 in one game. With issues on offense, Norvell brought in the steadying (?) hand of Gus Malzahn and quarterback Thomas Castellanos in an emphatic win over Alabama and Inside Texas’ Ian Boyd. Encouraging for the Noles, they won this game in the trenches. Who is Norvell—the guy with the braids or the fade?
Ohio State Buckeyes: Coming into this season, I thought 2025 would be a bit of a build-up to another championship run in 2026, but that might be off. The Buckeyes played good, sound defense and were generally well-coordinated in new DC Matt Patricia’s scheme. Normally, you’d expect to see some assignment busts, but there weren’t many. If, over time, first-year quarterback Julian Sayin can learn to drive the bus like Sandra Bullock in Speed, the Buckeyes have a shot.
Miami Hurricanes: Mario Cristobal isn’t exactly known for winning big games, but he did that on Sunday night, holding off a late surge by Notre Dame. Let’s put Carson Beck on the podium as well after a tough 2024 season. It’s too bad Miami and Clemson don’t play in the regular season.
Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff: We often hear about quarterback development and taking the governor off over time. The former BYU quarterback is now in New Orleans as he attends Tulane. After leading the Green Wave to a decisive win over Big Ten doormat Northwestern, it’s safe to say he celebrated within Tulane’s honor code—which offers a lot more latitude than BYU’s honor code.
Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: The true freshman did a land acknowledgment all over Corvallis with a very good showing in his debut. The former On3 five-star completed 20 of 30 passes for 235 yards, throwing three touchdowns with no interceptions. This raises the obvious question: Will the Bears be able to hold on to him after this year? He already decommitted from Cal once, on Signing Day, but reversed course after spending a short time in Eugene. After his game against Oregon State, one thing is clear—this guy really doesn’t like that state.
Utah Utes: Beating UCLA isn’t anything special, but they looked impressive and were led by a dynamic QB in Devon Dampier. If he’s the real deal and Utah has its typical program characteristics, they may be tough to beat in the Big 12.
LOSERS
The four opponents of the four big games: Texas lost to Ohio State, Alabama lost to Florida State, Clemson lost to LSU, and Notre Dame lost to Miami. Of the four, it’s hard to call Texas a loser. There’s no shame in losing to the defending champions on their home field. But I’ll appear like a homer if I exclude the Horns. Still, it was the most understandable loss. In order of “understandability”—Texas on the road, Notre Dame on the road, Clemson at home, Alabama on the road.
Boise State Broncos: They got handled 34–7 by South Florida. In their defense, they had to replace their whole team from last year.
Kansas State: What the hell is going on in Manhattan? The loss to Iowa State was allowable. Going to Ireland was probably the first time most of their players didn’t take a bus to a game. But then to almost lose to North Dakota State at home—requiring a last-second touchdown to win 38–35? I’ve been a Chris Klieman fan, and the Big 12 seems permanently wide open, but they appear to be in real trouble. But, no family violence is a step in the right direction.
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