The Race to the CFP Begins: Week 0 and Week 1 of College Football

The wait is finally over. After months of offseason moves, coaching changes, recruiting news and preseason predictions, college football is ready to return. The 2026 season officially gets underway with Week 0 on August 29, followed by the first full weekend of action in Week 1. While the College Football Playoff is still months away, the race to reach it starts the moment teams take the field. (FOX Sports)

Week 0: An Early Start With Plenty at Stake

Week 0 may be smaller than a traditional college football Saturday, but that does not mean the games are unimportant. These are official regular-season games, meaning wins and losses immediately become part of each team's record. (FOX Sports)

The season begins internationally when North Carolina faces No. 23 TCU in Dublin, Ireland. The matchup gives both teams an opportunity to make an early statement in front of a national audience. Other Week 0 games include NC State at Virginia, San Jose State at USC, Hawaii at Stanford, New Mexico State at Florida State and Memphis at UNLV. (FOX Sports)

For teams with CFP aspirations, Week 0 is about more than simply getting a win. A convincing performance can immediately build confidence and momentum, while a disappointing result can create questions that follow a team for the rest of the season.

Week 1: The Season Truly Takes Off

If Week 0 is the appetizer, Week 1 is the main course. The first full Saturday of the season arrives September 5, bringing a huge collection of games and several matchups between teams with national championship ambitions. (FOX Sports)

Among the biggest games are Boise State at Oregon, Clemson at LSU, Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame in Green Bay, Louisville vs. Ole Miss in Nashville and Colorado at Georgia Tech. There are also intriguing matchups such as Baylor vs. Auburn and Tulane at Duke. (NCAA)

These games matter because college football gives teams very little room for error. With the CFP field set at 12 teams again in 2026, every loss can affect a team's chances of earning a playoff spot or a favorable seed. The first CFP rankings will not be released until November 3, but teams begin building their résumés from the opening weekend. (NCAA)

The Road to the College Football Playoff

The most exciting part of the opening weeks is the uncertainty. Before a single snap is played, teams can be ranked, predicted to win conferences or considered national championship contenders. Once the season begins, however, those predictions have to be proven on the field.

A strong start can establish a team as a legitimate contender. An upset can completely change the national picture. Even a close loss against a highly ranked opponent could become an important part of a team's résumé later in the season.

That is what makes the opening weeks so important. The CFP race is not something that suddenly begins in November when the committee releases its rankings. It starts in Week 0, continues through Week 1 and builds with every game afterward.

Every Game Counts

By the time the national championship is played in Las Vegas on January 25, 2027, there will be only one team left standing. But that championship journey begins with the first kickoff of the season. (NCAA)

Week 0 gives a handful of teams the first opportunity to make an impression. Week 1 expands that opportunity to nearly the entire country. From Dublin to packed stadiums across the United States, college football is back—and so is the race for the College Football Playoff.

The rankings may not be released for months, but the race has already begun.

Chris Partridge Lawsuit Alleges Former Michigan President Santa Ono Directed Staff Not to Report Sign-Stealing Findings

By Skyarccfb

Caption: Former Michigan President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel continue to face scrutiny following new allegations contained in a lawsuit filed by former assistant coach Chris Partridge.

New allegations emerging from former Michigan assistant football coach Chris Partridge's lawsuit have intensified scrutiny surrounding the University of Michigan's handling of the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.

According to allegations contained in Partridge's legal complaint, former University of Michigan President Santa Ono instructed university officials not to report findings related to the alleged sign-stealing operation to the athletic department's compliance office, the NCAA, or any other outside party.

The lawsuit alleges the information came from an internal investigation that was initially launched after the university retained an outside law firm to investigate unrelated computer crimes involving former co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss.

Allegations Connect Separate Investigations

The lawsuit claims that while conducting its investigation into Weiss, the outside law firm uncovered information concerning the football program's alleged impermissible scouting and sign-stealing activities.

According to Partridge's complaint, university leadership was informed of those findings. The lawsuit further alleges that rather than forwarding the information through normal NCAA compliance channels, Ono directed that the findings not be reported to the compliance office, the NCAA, or any other entity.

These allegations have not been proven in court, and they represent Partridge's claims against the university.

Lawsuit Raises New Questions

Partridge, who was dismissed by Michigan in November 2023, has challenged the university's explanation for his firing, arguing in his lawsuit that he was wrongfully terminated.

His complaint now expands beyond his employment dispute by raising questions about how university officials responded after learning information allegedly uncovered during the outside investigation.

The filing suggests that the internal investigation into Weiss unexpectedly uncovered evidence relating to the football program, potentially linking two of the university's highest-profile controversies.

University Response

As of publication, the University of Michigan has denied allegations made in Partridge's lawsuit and continues to defend its actions in court. No court has ruled on the merits of the claims, and the allegations remain subject to ongoing litigation.

The NCAA has conducted its own investigation into Michigan's football program, while the university has previously maintained that it cooperated with the governing body throughout the process.

Potential Implications

If evidence supporting Partridge's allegations were to emerge during litigation, it could raise additional questions regarding institutional oversight and the university's response to the sign-stealing investigation. However, those issues remain unresolved, and the lawsuit is still pending.

For now, the allegations contained in Partridge's complaint represent one side of an ongoing legal dispute. Whether those claims are substantiated will ultimately be determined through the judicial process or any additional evidence produced during discovery.

The Brendan Sorsby Saga: How One Quarterback Became the Center of College Football's Biggest Fight

The Brendan Sorsby Saga: How One Quarterback Became the Center of College Football's Biggest Fight

More Than a Quarterback

When Brendan Sorsby announced he was leaving college football for the NFL Supplemental Draft, it ended one of the strangest and most consequential stories the sport has seen in years.

On the surface, this was about a quarterback who admitted to violating NCAA gambling rules. In reality, it became a battle over who controls college athletics, how gambling addiction should be treated, and whether schools and conferences are willing to challenge the NCAA's authority.

By the time Sorsby walked away from college football, the NCAA, the Big 12, Texas Tech, state officials, lawyers, and judges had all become part of a fight that threatened to reshape the sport. (Reuters)

How We Got Here

Sorsby's football journey started at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati, where he developed into one of the Big 12's most productive quarterbacks.

Across two seasons at Cincinnati, he threw for 5,613 yards and 45 touchdowns while adding more than 1,000 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. His performance made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the transfer portal. (Reuters)

Texas Tech landed the star quarterback and expected him to be the centerpiece of a championship run.

Then everything changed.

Reports surfaced that Sorsby had placed dozens of sports wagers while a student-athlete, including bets involving Indiana football during his time with the program. Court filings and subsequent reporting indicated the wagers totaled roughly $90,000 over several years. The NCAA ruled him ineligible, citing its long-standing gambling policies. (Reuters)

Sorsby later entered treatment for gambling addiction and sought reinstatement. (Los Angeles Times)

Texas Tech Draws a Line in the Sand

Most schools would have quietly moved on.

Texas Tech did the opposite.

The university publicly backed Sorsby, challenged the NCAA's decision-making process, and supported efforts to restore his eligibility. School officials argued that his case deserved consideration in light of his treatment and recovery efforts. (CBS News)

When a Texas judge granted a temporary injunction allowing Sorsby to play, Texas Tech prepared as if he would be their starting quarterback. The decision sparked outrage throughout college football. (Los Angeles Times)

The Big 12 Conference responded by taking the extraordinary step of filing legal action to protect its ability to enforce conference rules and potentially punish Texas Tech if Sorsby took the field. Other conference members reportedly opposed allowing him to play. (Reuters)

What had started as an eligibility case was now becoming a power struggle.

A Crack in the Foundation

The Sorsby case exposed a question college football has been trying to avoid:

Does the NCAA still have the power to enforce its own rules?

For decades, NCAA eligibility decisions were largely final. In the modern era of NIL deals, transfer freedom, and courtroom challenges, that authority has increasingly been tested.

The NCAA argued that allowing Sorsby to play despite admitted gambling violations would undermine competitive integrity and set a dangerous precedent. Texas Tech and Sorsby's legal team argued that the case involved addiction, due process, and fairness. (New York Post)

Regardless of which side fans supported, the fight had become bigger than one player.

It was about whether schools could use courts to challenge NCAA punishments they disagreed with.

The End of the Fight

Ultimately, Sorsby chose to leave.

Facing ongoing legal uncertainty and a deadline to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, he withdrew from the college football battlefield and moved on to professional football. The lawsuits that threatened to dominate the summer suddenly lost their central figure. (Reuters)

His departure ended the immediate controversy, but the questions remain.

Would Texas Tech have actually played him?

Would the Big 12 have sanctioned one of its own members?

Would the NCAA have won its appeal?

Nobody will ever know.

A Legacy Beyond the Stat Sheet

Brendan Sorsby will be remembered for his production on the field. He will also be remembered for becoming the face of one of the most significant eligibility battles in modern college football.

His story forced college athletics to confront uncomfortable realities about gambling, addiction, athlete rights, and institutional power.

In the end, Sorsby didn't just leave for the NFL.

He left behind a sport still arguing about who gets to make the rules.

 

Sorsby Injunction Sparks College Football Debate as NCAA Appeal Looms

The college football landscape was shaken this week when Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby received a temporary injunction from a Texas district court, allowing him to remain eligible for the 2026 season despite an NCAA ruling that had previously declared him ineligible following gambling-related violations.

The court's decision represents one of the most significant legal developments in recent college athletics history. Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech after previous stops at Indiana and Cincinnati, had faced a lengthy battle with the NCAA after admitting to wagering on sports while he was a student-athlete. The temporary injunction now permits him to participate during the upcoming season while the broader legal case continues.

The NCAA moved quickly in response. Following the ruling, the organization filed an appeal with the Seventh Court of Appeals of Texas, seeking to overturn the injunction before the start of the college football season. The timing of that appeal is critical. If the appellate court does not act before the season begins, Sorsby could potentially play a significant portion of the schedule while the legal process remains ongoing.

The case has generated strong reactions throughout college athletics. Supporters of the NCAA argue that gambling restrictions are among the most important rules in sports because they protect competitive integrity and public trust in game outcomes. Others believe courts should have greater authority to review NCAA eligibility decisions, particularly when they may affect an athlete's future opportunities.

The controversy has also led to discussions among conference leadership. Reports indicate that athletic directors and conference officials have been holding meetings to discuss the broader impact of the ruling on college sports governance. Administrators are examining what precedent the decision could set for future eligibility disputes and how conferences should respond if courts increasingly intervene in NCAA enforcement matters.

At the same time, reports have circulated that some programs from the Big Ten and SEC are reluctant to schedule Texas Tech amid the ongoing controversy. While no widespread scheduling boycott has been formally announced, the discussion itself reflects the level of concern that exists throughout the sport. Administrators from multiple conferences are closely monitoring developments as they consider future scheduling relationships and competitive implications.

The coming weeks may prove decisive. If the Seventh Court of Appeals issues a ruling before the season begins, it could dramatically alter Texas Tech's outlook and potentially reshape the national conversation surrounding athlete eligibility, gambling violations, and the NCAA's authority. If the appeal process extends into the season, the sport could find itself navigating one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent memory.

For now, college football remains in a state of uncertainty. The injunction has kept Sorsby on the field, the NCAA continues its legal challenge, and conference leaders across the country are weighing what the outcome could mean for the future of college athletics.

 

College Football Roundup

June 2026

Sorsby Injunction Hearing Held, Ruling Expected Later This Week

One of the biggest off-the-field stories in college football remains unresolved following quarterback Brendon Sorsby's injunction hearing. Attorneys for both sides presented their arguments, but no immediate decision was issued from the court.

Instead, a ruling is expected by the end of the week. The outcome could have significant implications for player eligibility and future legal challenges involving NCAA regulations and athlete rights.

Programs across the country are closely monitoring the case as they await the judge's decision, which could establish another important precedent in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

ESPN Unveils College Football Playoff Broadcast Schedule

ESPN, the College Football Playoff, and TNT Sports have officially announced the broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 CFP. For the first time, one game in each playoff round will be simulcast on both ABC and ESPN, while TNT Sports will carry five playoff games as part of its expanded partnership.

The playoff begins with a first-round game on December 18, followed by three more first-round matchups on December 19. Quarterfinal action starts December 30 and continues on New Year's Day before the semifinals are played on January 14 and 15. The national championship game is scheduled for January 25 in Las Vegas.

The release of the television schedule provides fans with a clearer roadmap for the postseason and continues the CFP's effort to maximize national exposure across multiple networks.

Coaches Head to Washington as SCORE Act Discussions Continue

Several prominent college football coaches and administrators are expected to travel to Washington, D.C., this week as discussions surrounding the SCORE Act continue to gain momentum.

Among those scheduled to participate is former Nick Saban, who is expected to testify before Congress regarding the future of college athletics. Saban has become one of the most influential voices in conversations involving NIL regulations, athlete compensation, and the need for a national framework governing college sports.

The meetings come at a pivotal time as lawmakers, university leaders, conferences, and athletic departments seek long-term solutions to the rapidly changing college athletics landscape.

Many across the sport believe the outcome of these discussions could help shape the next era of college football governance.

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Around the Nation

• Brendon Sorsby's injunction case remains pending with a ruling expected later this week.

• ESPN and TNT Sports have finalized the 2026-27 College Football Playoff broadcast schedule.

• College football leaders head to Washington to discuss the SCORE Act.

• Nick Saban is expected to testify before Congress on issues impacting the future of college athletics.

College football roundup

Welcome into our College Football Roundup as we’ve got major headlines coming out of the NCAA, LSU, and the future of the College Football Playoff.

We start with former Texas tech quarterback Brendon Sorsby, who is reportedly suing the NCAA under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Act after being banned from the sport. Sorsby is pushing for immediate action from the NCAA with the NFL Supplemental Draft expected to arrive in the next four to five weeks. According to reports, he wants the courts to force the NCAA to make a ruling before that draft window opens, as his professional football future could depend on it. This case could become another major legal battle over player eligibility and athlete rights as the NCAA continues to face growing pressure in courtrooms across the country.

Now to Baton Rouge, where there’s a familiar face returning to the sidelines. Former national championship head coach Ed Orgeron is headed back to LSU in a role assisting the head coach. Coach O remains one of the most beloved figures in LSU history after leading the Tigers to that unforgettable 2019 national championship season. His energy, recruiting connections, and experience could provide a huge boost for the Tigers as they continue building toward another SEC title run.

Meanwhile, there’s growing resistance to the idea of expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams. After polling both coaches and fans, the response has been overwhelmingly negative. Many believe a 24-team format would water down the regular season, create scheduling concerns, and make the postseason feel too long. Supporters of the current format argue college football’s regular season is special because every game matters, and they worry a larger playoff could take away from that intensity.

And before we wrap things up, we hope everyone had a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend as we remember and honor those who gave everything for this country.

Finally, we want to extend our sympathies to the NASCAR community as they grieve the loss involving Kyle Busch and his family. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time.

That’s your College Football Roundup. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time.

monday morning cfb shakedown

 

Monday Morning Shakedown: Playoff Expansion, Alabama’s QB Race, and Kiffin Gets a Talking-To

College football never really sleeps, and this Monday morning there are three storylines stirring up the sport.

First, the playoff may not be done growing. Second, the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa is starting to get real. And third, apparently the folks in Baton Rouge would like Lane Kiffin to put the phone down every once in a while.

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The 24-Team Playoff Talk Is Officially Here

Just when everyone was getting used to the expanded playoff, there is already serious discussion about taking the format to 24 teams.

That’s right—24.

For some fans, it sounds like a dream. More meaningful games, more access for deserving teams, and more chances for programs outside the usual blue-blood circle to make a run. For others, it feels like the sport inching closer to a professional model where the regular season loses some of its edge.

The biggest question is simple: how much is too much?

A 24-team field would make the postseason feel more like the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament than the old, exclusive championship chase. The debate will center on whether expanding access outweighs concerns about player workload, scheduling, and preserving the importance of marquee regular-season games.

But if there is one thing college football has shown over the last decade, it’s this: once expansion enters the conversation, it usually becomes a matter of when, not if.

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Alabama’s Quarterback Battle Is Heating Up

At University of Alabama, the most important competition on the roster is beginning to take shape.

Five-star freshman Keelon Russell has generated significant buzz and appears to have the early edge as summer approaches. Russell arrived with enormous expectations, and by all accounts he has looked comfortable in the offense.

Still, head coach Kalen DeBoer is not ready to hand him the keys.

DeBoer has made it clear that no starting quarterback will be named before summer workouts. That means the competition remains open, and every rep matters.

Russell may be leading the race today, but in a program like Alabama, potential alone doesn’t win the job. Consistency, command of the offense, and poise under pressure will determine who takes the first snap when the season begins.

For now, Russell has momentum—but the battle is far from over.

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LSU Wants Lane Kiffin to Tone It Down

And then there is the annual offseason reminder that Louisiana State University and Lane Kiffin remain one of college football’s more entertaining unofficial rivalries.

According to chatter around the sport, LSU would appreciate it if Kiffin eased up on the constant social media jabs and subtweets.

Good luck with that.

Kiffin has built a reputation as one of college football’s most active and provocative online personalities. Whether he is posting memes, taking subtle shots, or stirring up speculation, he knows exactly how to keep himself in the conversation.

From LSU’s perspective, the request is understandable. The Tigers would rather focus on football than serve as content for Kiffin’s timeline.

From everyone else’s perspective? This is part of the show.

Asking Lane Kiffin to tone down social media is like asking a marching band to play quietly. It might sound good in theory, but it goes against his nature.

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Final Word

So that’s your Monday Morning Shakedown:

• The playoff may eventually expand to 24 teams.

• Keelon Russell appears to be leading Alabama’s quarterback competition, but Kalen DeBoer is keeping the job open through summer.

• LSU would like Lane Kiffin to spend a little less time posting and a little more time staying quiet.

In other words, college football in May is doing exactly what it does best—giving us plenty to debate long before the first kickoff.