Week one upset special: These three college football teams should be on upset alert this weekend

College Football Week 1 Kicks Off with Three Show‑Stoppers and Upset Alerts

The 2026 college‑football season began on Friday night in Atlanta with a highly‑anticipated match‑up between Auburn and Baylor, and the week’s slate promises to deliver drama across the country. With three games featuring high‑profile teams that could swing on a single play, analysts and fans are already calling for “upset alerts” to keep an eye on the results.

Auburn vs. Baylor – Atlanta, GA

Auburn’s 2026‑27 season opens at the State Farm Stadium in Atlanta, a neutral venue that adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Tigers, led by head coach Alex Golesh, are integrating a wave of new players and a brand‑new coaching staff. The game will be played against the Baylor Bears, who entered the season with a freshman quarterback, DJ Lagwire, who struggled in his debut at Florida and dealt with injuries throughout the previous campaign.

• Key facts:
  • The Tigers and Bears will face off on a neutral site.
  • Auburn’s roster is heavily refreshed and Golesh’s staff is in its first season together.
  • Baylor’s new quarterback has had limited experience, adding uncertainty to their offensive output.

While Auburn holds the edge in most projections, the combination of a neutral site, a coaching change, and a quarterback still finding his footing could give Baylor a chance to surprise.

UNLV vs. Hawaii – Honolulu, HI

The Rebels of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, travel to the Hawaiian capital to meet the Rainbow Warriors of the University of Hawaii. The game is a home‑coming for the Rebels, who suffered a narrow 27‑21 defeat to Memphis during week zero, while the Warriors came out on top after a tough loss to Stanford the week before.

• Key facts:
  • UNLV’s head coach Dan Mullen faces scrutiny after a 0‑2 start, putting his future in the Las Vegas program under the microscope.
  • Hawaii’s confidence was bolstered by a fourth‑quarter surge in its week‑zero loss to Stanford.
  • The distance between Las Vegas and Honolulu and the pressure of a season opener may influence both teams’ performances.

The Rebels’ defensive struggles against a high‑scoring Memphis squad and Hawaii’s resilience after a close loss are both factors that could shape the outcome of the contest.

LSU vs. Clemson – Baton Rouge, LA

The traditional rivalry between the Tigers and the Tigers continues, with LSU and Clemson meeting again on the gridiron. The game will take place at Tiger Stadium, a venue that has become the battleground for several high‑stakes matchups over the past decade.

• Key facts:
  • LSU is led by newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin, who brings a $40 million roster and a new coaching philosophy.
  • Clemson’s roster boasts strong receiving talent and a formidable front seven.
  • The Tigers’ previous season finished 7‑4, prompting the firing of former head coach Brian Kelly.
  • Both teams have faced distractions, including NFL players returning to college, that could affect focus and execution.

The Tigers’ offensive line and defensive pressure will be tested against Clemson’s aerial attack and a quarterback still acclimating to the noise and pressure of a major rivalry game.

Looking Ahead

The first week of college football promises excitement, with games that could deliver unexpected outcomes. Whether the Auburn–Baylor showdown will see the Tigers break new ground, whether UNLV can overcome travel fatigue against Hawaii, or whether LSU and Clemson will deliver the fireworks expected of their rivalry—each game offers a narrative that could shape the rest of the season.

As the 2026 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether the projected favorites meet expectations or whether the “upset alerts” become reality.