Stock up, stock down from college football Week 2: Ryan Day’s killer instinct takes a hit

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Week 2 of college football is in the books, and before we take a look at the Week 3 slate, it’s time to put a bow on the previous week.

It’s still early in the season, and there is still plenty of time for teams to either figure things out or implode; it’s hard to ignore some of the stuff we saw this past weekend. Oregon suffered a bad loss on the road, while Texas scored 21 points to beat Ohio State.

Here’s the latest stock up, stock down from Week 2.

MORE: College football overreactions after Week 2: Oregon to miss the CFP

Stock up: Arch Manning

Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Arch Manning and Texas’ offense have come a long way from last season’s 14-7 loss in Columbus against Ohio State. While the Longhorns found themselves down 23-3 heading into the fourth quarter, it wasn’t of any fault of Manning’s.

Texas shot itself in the foot early in the game by fumbling the ball and an interception that bounced from the WR’s chest into an Ohio State defender’s arm.

But it was Manning who took charge in the fourth quarter. Texas rebounded by scoring 21 points to win the game 24-23. RB Hollywood Smothers scored two TDs, but Manning was the catalyst in leading his team to a big-time victory.

Stock down: Oregon’s CFP chances

In today’s age of college football, losing one or two games can still get you into the College Football Playoff, but Oregon suffered an embarrassing loss. The Ducks lost to Oklahoma State, 39-31, and the Cowboys lost to Tulsa in Week 1.

Oregon could still win the Big Ten and make the Playoff, but if the Ducks stumble in Big Ten play, the committee will remember this loss. Plus, the Ducks almost lost to Boise State in Week 1. As things stand now, Oregon doesn’t resemble a team that can make the playoff.

Stock up: Tennessee’s choice of Faizon Brandon

Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) throws a pass during a college football game between Tennessee and Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 12, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Tennessee made the choice of starting its five-star freshman this season and Faizon Brandon hasn’t disappointed. He shined in Week 1 against Furman, but all eyes were on him this past weekend to see how he would fare against Georgia Tech.

Brandon looked like a veteran out there, guiding his team to a 45-24 win at Georgia Tech. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, throwing for 148 yards and two scores. But most importantly, he kept the football out of harm’s way and did what the defense called for.

He has yet to turn the ball over this season and has five passing TDs, along with two rushing TDs.

Stock down: Ryan Day’s killer instinct

Ohio State found itself up 23-3 at Texas and appeared to be en route to a statement win in 2026. But the Buckeyes’ offense stalled too many times and allowed Texas back into the game.

The Buckeyes’ final four possessions went as follows:

Three-and-out, punt
Three-and-out, punt
Seven-play drive, missed FG
Two-play interception

Ohio State’s offense wasn’t struggling to move the ball through the first three quarters, but once the Buckeyes felt comfortable, it appeared Ryan Day took his foot off the gas and that allowed Texas to gain enough momentum to get back into the game.

It’s hard to fault Day for trying to lean on his run game and run down the clock, but looking back, it’s easy to see how the Longhorns got back into the game.

Stock up: Boise State’s Group of Six chances

Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Boise State Broncos kicker Canaan Moore (48) celebrates scoring a field goal during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

It might’ve only been Week 2, but there were some College Football Playoff implications on the line. Memphis had beaten UNLV previously this season and the Tigers entered Idaho undefeated, while the Broncos suffered a heart-breaking loss to Oregon the week before.

Both programs are likely at the top of the Group of Six teams that could make the playoff this season. With Boise State winning 38-20 — while out-scoring the Tigers 21-0 in the second half — the Broncos now have the head-to-head win over Memphis.

Boise State will now control its own destiny.

Stock down: Oklahoma’s offense in big games

Oklahoma suffered a 17-10 loss to Michigan in Week 2, and credit goes to the Wolverines’ defense, which is an elite unit under DC Jay Hill. But it’s the same issue for the Sooners’ offense.

The Sooners tallied just 289 yards of total offense and Oklahoma struggles offensively against elite defenses. Brent Venables went out and landed some key targets for John Mateer to throw to this season, but there should be concern about what the Sooners are going to be able to do against the better SEC defenses this season.

Oklahoma will continue to rely on its defense to win games, but at some point, Mateer and Co. have to take over and win games.

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