Ranking the most thrilling college football Saturday games of Week 1

Ranking the most thrilling college football Saturday games of Week 1

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Ranking the most thrilling college football Saturday games of Week 1

College football Saturday returned, and while FBS schools produced plenty of lopsided scores, several key matchups didn’t disappoint. The official opening weekend of college football had it all.

There were high-scoring games, dramatic finishes and even some major controversy. It was truly an opening weekend with plenty of buzz for college football fans to enjoy.

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Here are the most thrilling games from Week 1 that you may want to take the time to watch on replay:

1. Eastern Michigan at Michigan

NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Michigan

Sep 5, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) walks out of the tunnel for warmups before their game against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Michigan’s 13-12 victory doesn’t appear to be much of a thriller. In fact, it’s pretty embarrassing for the Wolverines. However, this could be the most consequential game of the early season. It will also undoubtedly be the most memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Michigan’s Hail Mary attempt appeared to come up short, giving Eastern Michigan a stunning upset. Until the Big Ten officiating crew whipped up some home cooking…

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Michigan was given one more second following a replay review, allowing the Wolverines one more chance at a last-gasp Hail Mary. They converted the heave to the end zone, giving Michigan the controversial 13-12 victory.

2. Baylor vs. Auburn (Chick-fil-A Kickoff)

NCAA Football: Aflac Kickoff-Baylor at Auburn

Sep 5, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Louis Brown IV (4) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

If not for the baffling controversy of EMU-Michigan, this game would have easily taken the cake. Dave Aranda brought his Baylor Bears to Atlanta to take on the Alex Golesh-led Auburn Tigers in Golesh’s first game as head coach.

The game wasn’t lighting up the scoreboard, but the fourth quarter delivered some of the gutsiest plays of the college football weekend. Both teams traded late touchdowns in what became a thrilling conclusion to the Chick-fil-A Kickoff.

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Baylor’s two-point conversion came up inches short, giving Auburn a 17-16 victory.

3. Boise State at Oregon

NCAA Football: Boise State at Oregon

Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. (6) carries the ball during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Oregon were massive favorites over Boise State, but this Boise State team may have reminded some why the Broncos were a playoff team just a couple of years ago. Oregon had its feet put to the fire in this matchup.

Boise State went up 17-7 in the second quarter and was rolling. However, Oregon eventually pulled ahead but couldn’t create much separation from a feisty Broncos team.

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Oregon won 34-27 in a game that was on pace to become a major upset.

4. The Citadel at Charlotte

NCAA Football: The Citadel at Mississippi

Nov 8, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; The Citadel Bulldogs quarterback Cobey Thompkins (9) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Citadel was coming off a 42-12 loss in Week 0 when it traveled to Charlotte as a massive underdog. However, this ended up being one of the best games of Week 1 that most fans didn’t watch.

The shootout was an incredible battle from start to finish, with Whit Hobgood catching the game-winning two-point conversion in triple overtime. The Citadel pulled off the upset, winning 43-41.

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