USC Trojans opened the 2026 college football season with a commanding 52‑20 victory over San Jose State in Week Zero, showcasing a high‑powered offense while the defense still wrestles with early‑season rust. The win gives the Trojans a four‑game window to fine‑tune before their marquee clash with Oregon in late September, a period during which preventing injuries becomes a top priority for the coaching staff.
Early‑Week Highlights and Storylines
Other early‑week matchups delivered their own narratives. TCU surged past North Carolina 37‑23, while Virginia edged a tightly contested 27‑23 win over NC State, a rivalry that often hinges on a single play. North Dakota State made a splash in its debut within the Mountain West Conference, dispatching Jacksonville State 34‑20, and Eastern Michigan survived a nail‑biter, outlasting Sacramento State 27‑24.
Stanford’s 23‑20 triumph over Hawaii highlighted the program’s resilience amid a turbulent offseason. The win comes as head coach Andrew Luck navigates a recent staff overhaul, including the contentious appointment of Tavita Pritchard, raising questions about the team’s long‑term direction.
Florida State’s 38‑10 rout of New Mexico State offered a bittersweet footnote to Mike Norvell’s tenure, a performance that many analysts believe could mark his final season at the helm.
Meanwhile, UNLV’s 45‑35 shootout win over Memphis underscored the Rebels’ offensive firepower, even as defensive lapses remain a concern heading into conference play.
With several programs emphasizing health and stability, the early results suggest that careful roster management and strategic coaching moves could prove decisive as the season unfolds.