- The Oregon Duck is known for outrageous, theatrical entrances — ziplining, "Mission: Impossible" music, and even a Michael Jordan–style dunk that smashed a kids' hoop.
- The mascot has a running gag of "losing its head"; in the Boise State opener, the Duck humorously propped up a cardboard cutout to keep its head on.
- Next chance to see another memorable entrance: home vs. Portland State on Sept. 18 (they're on the road at Oklahoma State next week).
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- Dabo Swinney is in early “hot-seat” talk after a 7-6 2025 season — his worst finish since 2010 — after coming off a 10-3, ACC-title year in 2024.
- He’s under a 10-year, $115M deal (signed 2022); Clemson would owe a $57M buyout through 2031, and there’s a steep 150% “Alabama clause” if he left for Alabama.
- Clemson opens 2026 at No. 11 LSU (Lane Kiffin’s debut) and also hosts No. 7 Miami on Oct. 3 — a tough slate that fuels the storyline.
- Indiana raised its 2025 national-championship signage at Memorial Stadium — then opened the season with a statement 52-16 win over North Texas.
- New QB Josh Hoover had a dramatic debut: 13-of-16 for 231 yards and four TDs, finished the game bloodied after a sack but looked composed.
- Still, the defense showed issues (367 yards allowed, two injured starting corners), and IU faces a brutal stretch soon — Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington.
- Josh Hoover dazzled in his Indiana debut — 231 yards, 4 TDs, 13-for-16 passing (81.2%) and a 285.0 passer rating — and kept playing even after blood gushed from his face following a sack.
- The fifth-year senior transferred from TCU after being their primary QB the past three seasons (3,472 yards and 29 TDs in 2025 alone), so he arrives with proven production.
- Indiana under Curt Cignetti has leaned on the transfer portal for QBs the last three years — moves that helped fuel an 11-2 CFP run and a national title with a Heisman winner and top NFL picks.
- Clemson vs. No. 11 LSU in Baton Rouge headlines Week 1 — Dabo Swinney vs. Lane Kiffin, with Christopher Vizzina making his first start for Clemson and Sam Leavitt under center for LSU.
- Other marquee openers include No. 2 Oregon at Boise State and No. 5 Texas (with Arch Manning) vs. Texas State, so plenty of ranked teams and star names to watch.
- Betting/trading promo: Kalshi is offering a $25 bonus with promo code FOXSPORTS for College Football Week 1 markets (affiliate link/terms apply).
- Targeting is still college football’s most controversial, confusion‑prone call — expect plenty of debate among fans and teams this season.
- It’s focused on head/neck contact (especially hits above the shoulders or leading with the crown of the helmet), with crown‑of‑the‑helmet hits treated as targeting.
- Penalties were softened: fewer automatic carryover suspensions, replay must confirm targeting, and the changes are an experimental tweak for now — so the rule could keep evolving.
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