5 Takeaways From Week 1 of the College Football Season

With Week 1 of the college football season in the books, here’s a look at some of the highlights around the nation.
5 Takeaways From Week 1 of the College Football Season
Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) dives for extra yardage as Alabama defensive back Zavier Mincey (12) makes the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Aug. 30, 2025, in Tallahassee, Fla. Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo
|Updated:
0:00

Besides Arch Manning’s and Bill Belichick’s disappointing debuts, much else occurred during the first full weekend of the college football season.

There’s already significant movement in the top 25, and a new Boise State could emerge from the Group of Six conferences this year. Here’s a look at five highlights from Week 1 action.

​1. Florida State Makes Statement, Alabama Slides

Florida State bounced back from a 2–10 season in style on Aug. 30 with a 31–17 win over No. 9 Alabama in Tallahassee, Florida.
Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
Author
Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.