The Volunteers will need to replace two starting players on offense for the upcoming season. Running back Dylan Sampson was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the NFL draft. The other departure was unexpected, as redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal just before the spring game this year.

There's no major conference realignment to talk about (for once) ahead of a new college football season. Delaware and Missouri State moved up from the FCS to FBS and will play in Conference USA. But doesn't mean realignment is over. There's more to come for the 2026 season with the rebirth of the Pac-12 and a new-look Mountain West.

A new metric has been introduced to value strength of schedule for the College Football Playoff selection committee.

The CFP will release weekly rankings starting Nov. 4, with final selections and the 12-team playoff bracket announced Dec. 7

Texas A&M senior CB Will Lee III is ready to prove he's one of the best cornerbacks in the country after his Jim Thorpe Award snub.

“I believe the more multi-faceted team is going to win,” Pate said. “I believe that will be Alabama. Also, Alabama is rested in this scenario (because of the bye). Kalen DeBoer has shown the ability to win big games. So has (Ohio State coach) Ryan Day.

Texas opens at Ohio State in Week as a +2.5 point underdog and in October, the Longhorns do not play a home game. Texas goes to Florida, who is off a bye week, then to Dallas for the red river rivalry with Oklahoma, a trip to Kentucky who is off a bye, and to Mississippi State to end the month.

For cord-cutters, there are a few ways to watch NCAA Football, if you don’t have cable, especially if you want to watch for free. DirecTV has a five-day free trial, while other streaming services, such as Fubo, also offer free trials, so you can watch games for free.