2026 College Football Season: Historic Performances, Record-Breaking Stars Define Regular Season

The 2026 college football season captivated fans with unprecedented offensive explosions, defensive masterclasses, and program-defining moments. From Cincinnati's dominant SEC campaign to Temple's continued defiance of expectations, the season delivered weekly drama that kept the college football world buzzing.

Cincinnati Bearcats (16-0, 8-0 SEC)
After a heartbreaking end to the 2025 season - losing the ACC championship to Liberty under Dave Chappelle and getting bounced from the playoffs by Temple - Coach Bofa DaNutz entered 2026 with vengeance on his mind. A move to the SEC raised eyebrows, but what followed was nothing short of historic. While critics pointed to alleged score-running against weaker opponents, DaNutz's response was characteristically succinct: "Lol get good."

The perfect season was powered by a record-shattering offense. QB Brendan Sorsby orchestrated a jaw-dropping campaign with 5,829 yards and 65 touchdowns. The lethal combination of Sorsby and WR Dakarai Anderson (2,209 yards, 28 TDs) terrorized defenses, while Darius Taylor (1,437 yards, 16 TDs) provided a punishing ground game.

Notable Games:

• Week 1: def. Temple 13-10 A defensive chess match saw the Bearcats strike first (7-3 Q1) before both offenses stalled. Temple found life with a third-quarter touchdown to take the lead, but Cincy's defense held firm, allowing just 208 total yards while the offense did just enough with a crucial field goal in the fourth to secure the victory.
• Week 7: def. Ole Miss 42-35 In a back-and-forth thriller, Cincy matched Ole Miss's hot start (7-7 Q1) and stayed even through halftime (21-21). After a scoreless third quarter built tension, the Bearcats exploded for 21 fourth-quarter points. Despite being outgained in time of possession (12:37 to 7:23), Cincy's offense was ruthlessly efficient with 417 total yards and perfect red zone execution (5/5).
• Week 10: def. Tennessee 31-21 The Bearcats showed their championship mettle in a complete performance. After trading early scores (7-7 Q1, 14-14 Q2), Cincy took control with a dominant third quarter (7-14) before closing it out. Their offense rolled up 353 yards while the defense suffocated Tennessee, holding them to just 188 total yards.
  
  

Tennessee Volunteers (11-3, 7-1 SEC)
The arrival of Coach Dave Chappelle to Knoxville raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. Fresh off defeating the Volunteers in the 2025 national championship with Liberty, Chappelle's move to his former adversary put immediate championship expectations on the program.

The Vols' offense flourished under a dynamic quarterback duo. Jake Merklinger (2,343 yards, 32 TDs, 10 INTs) and Leon Boren (1,184 yards, 19 TDs, 3 INTs) combined for an impressive 51 touchdowns through the air. The ground attack was spearheaded by Jeremiyah Love's 1,206 yards, while Mike Matthews (1,093 yards, 15 TDs) and Luke Hasz (1,020 yards, 16 TDs) provided a lethal receiving tandem.

Notable Games:

• Week 2: lost to Oklahoma 42-21 The Sooners' home field advantage proved significant as Tennessee fell behind early (14-0 Q1). Despite finding their footing with 14 second-quarter points, Oklahoma took a 21-14 lead into halftime. The second half belonged to the Sooners, who rode 214 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns to victory while forcing 4 Tennessee turnovers.
• Week 6: def. Ole Miss 66-34 Tennessee's offense exploded in one of their highest-scoring outputs of the season. The Vols dominated from the start (28-7 Q1, 45-14 halftime) behind a punishing ground attack of 341 yards and 5 touchdowns. The defense forced 6 interceptions in a complete team victory.
• Week 10: lost to Cincinnati 31-21 In a crucial SEC showdown, Tennessee struggled to find offensive rhythm. After matching Cincy early (7-7 Q1, 14-14 Q2), the Vols' offense stalled, managing just 188 total yards. A scoreless third quarter proved costly as Cincinnati pulled away.
  
  

Ole Miss Rebels (13-3, 6-2 SEC)
The arrival of Coach Harry Beevar from ECU to Ole Miss brought immediate dividends. The upgrade in roster talent proved transformative, as Beevar's system unlocked one of the most explosive offenses in college football, powered by record-breaking performances.

The passing attack was anchored by a dynamic quarterback duo. Austin Simmons (2,964 yards, 44 TDs, 20 INTs) and Gabe Brent (2,863 yards, 34 TDs, 17 INTs) combined for an astounding 78 touchdowns through the air. The biggest story was WR Levi Payton's historic season, shattering records with 172 receptions, 3,016 yards, and 52 touchdowns. LJ Martin added balance with 959 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 1: def. Memphis 35-23 The Rebels started strong (7-3 Q1) and built momentum through the second quarter (21-13 halftime), showing glimpses of their offensive potential. Despite Memphis's 333 yards through the air, the Rebels' balanced attack (298 passing yards, 72 rushing) and efficient third-down conversion rate (8/11) secured the victory.
• Week 6: lost to Tennessee 66-34 A difficult day for the Rebels defense saw them fall behind early (28-7 Q1) and never recover. Despite throwing for 506 yards, six interceptions proved fatal as Tennessee's ground game dominated with 341 rushing yards. The 45-14 halftime deficit was too much to overcome.
• Week 7: lost to Cincinnati 42-35 In a thrilling shootout, Ole Miss matched Cincinnati's firepower early (7-7 Q1, 21-21 Q2). After a scoreless third quarter, the Rebels couldn't keep pace with Cincy's 21-point fourth quarter explosion. Despite controlling time of possession (12:37 to 7:23) and gaining 412 total yards, three turnovers proved costly.
  
  

Temple Owls (12-2, 8-0 ACC)
Coach Ben Dover's Owls continued to defy expectations in 2026. Despite seemingly lacking the blue-chip talent of other powerhouses, Temple's unique approach - including their much-discussed Central African recruiting pipeline - kept them competitive at the highest level. "The grit from this team is unmatched," noted one opposing coach.

The offense was led by QB Koren Lokombo, who threw for 3,112 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 232 yards and 10 scores on the ground. NFL first-round draft pick Xavier Irvin dominated the ground game with 1,482 yards and 25 touchdowns, showcasing the type of talent that can emerge from Temple's program. Jamar Taylor Jr. led the receiving corps with 80 catches for 693 yards, while Irvin added versatility with 43 receptions for 625 yards.

Notable Games:

• Week 1: lost to Cincinnati 13-10 A defensive struggle saw Temple nearly upset the eventual national champions. After falling behind early (7-3 Q1), the Owls' defense locked down, keeping the game scoreless until their third-quarter touchdown took the lead. However, Cincy managed a crucial fourth-quarter field goal to escape with the win, despite Temple holding them to just 336 total yards.
• Week 4: def. App State 51-35 Temple's offense exploded in their highest-scoring output of the season. The Owls dominated from the start (21-0 Q1, 38-14 halftime) while racking up 510 total yards. Despite App State's late surge (15 points in Q4), Temple's balanced attack of 195 rushing yards and 315 passing yards proved too much to overcome.
• Week 13: def. Memphis 34-24 In a crucial late-season matchup, Temple showed their championship mettle. After trading early scores (7-0 Q1, 14-14 halftime), a scoreless third quarter set up a dramatic finish. The Owls dominated the fourth quarter (20-17) behind a strong rushing attack (174 yards, 3 TDs) and efficient third-down conversion rate to secure the victory.
  
  

Oklahoma Sooners (12-2, 8-0 ACC)
Coach Futt Bucker's arrival in Norman, after just one season at Stanford, brought immediate results. The unique Go-Go offense, combined with Oklahoma's notorious home-field advantage, made the Sooners a team no one wanted to face in 2026. "Every coach in the nation lost sleep over a potential post-season matchup with the Sooners," became a common refrain throughout the season.

The offense was highlighted by Gavin Sawchuk's record-breaking campaign, as he rushed for 2,007 yards and set the single-season touchdown record with 43 rushing scores. QB Jackson Arnold proved highly efficient, throwing for 3,221 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing an impressive 81.8% of his passes. Zion Kearney emerged as the top receiver with 101 catches for 1,367 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 1: def. SDSU 35-7 The Sooners showed their offensive potential early, jumping out to a quick lead (14-0 Q1). After SDSU briefly showed life in the second quarter, Oklahoma closed strong with 21 second-half points. The ground game dominated with 174 yards and 3 TDs, while holding SDSU to just 66 total yards.
• Week 2: def. Tennessee 42-21 Oklahoma's home field advantage proved decisive as they jumped out early (14-0 Q1). Despite Tennessee fighting back to make it 21-14 at halftime, the Sooners dominated the second half. The rushing attack was unstoppable with 214 yards and 4 touchdowns, while forcing 4 Tennessee turnovers.
• Week 3: def. SMU 42-17 Another dominant home performance saw Oklahoma race out to an early lead (14-7 Q1, 28-10 halftime). The balanced attack continued in the second half, with the Sooners accumulating 402 total yards (215 rushing, 187 passing) and 6 touchdowns while holding SMU to just 93 rushing yards.
  
  

Memphis Tigers (10-3, 7-1 ACC)
Coach Uncle Rico's tenure at Memphis has been marked by consistent success despite unprecedented quarterback turnover, starting four different signal-callers in four seasons. Despite building the Tigers into a perennial dark horse contender, national recognition has proven elusive. "We all have seen how Norvell has dismantled that FSU team, why would any school take a risk on a Memphis coach again?" one coach remarked, highlighting the unfair shadow cast over the program's achievements.

Despite the Tigers' continued success, rumors persist about Coach Rico's desire to depart for a program with stronger NIL resources. Many in coaching circles believe he's being robbed of championship opportunities due to Memphis's limited NIL collective, suggesting he could achieve even greater success with a more financially robust program.

The 2026 offense maintained its potency despite the quarterback carousel, with Brandon Chambers leading the way (2,400 yards, 21 TDs, 9 INTs) when healthy, while William Watson III provided depth (1,049 yards, 8 TDs). John Randle Jr. paced the ground game with 910 yards and 11 touchdowns, complemented by Makari Bodiford's 6 scores. Marco Terry emerged as the top receiving threat with 1,035 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 1: lost to Ole Miss 35-23 The Tigers showed early promise (3-7 Q1) and kept it competitive through halftime (21-13), but couldn't maintain the pace in the second half. Despite throwing for 333 yards and outgaining Ole Miss in total offense, four turnovers (3 INTs, 1 fumble) proved too much to overcome.
• Week 3: def. SDSU 34-27 A back-and-forth affair saw Memphis strike first (7-0 Q1) before SDSU fought back to even it at halftime (7-14 Q2). After trading third-quarter touchdowns (7-7), the Tigers pulled away with a 20-point fourth quarter explosion. The passing attack shined with 330 yards and 3 TDs.
• Week 13: lost to Temple 34-24 In a crucial late-season matchup, Memphis struggled to find consistency. After evening the score at halftime (7-7), a scoreless third quarter set up a dramatic finish. Despite throwing for 292 yards, the ground game managed just 62 yards as Temple pulled away in the fourth quarter (20-17).

UAB Blazers (11-3, 7-1 Big 12)
Coach Craven Moorehead entered his fourth season in Birmingham with clear playoff aspirations, continuing to build on his impressive track record that has made him an increasingly attractive target for major programs seeking revitalization.

The Blazers' passing attack was led by QB Landry Lyddy's 3,453 yards and 31 touchdowns, though ball security remained a concern with 18 interceptions. The receiving corps was highlighted by Amare Thomas's breakout season (112 catches, 1,241 yards, 11 TDs), while Benjamin Longacre anchored the ground game with 988 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 1: def. App State 30-28 The Blazers showed resilience in a tight contest. After taking an early lead (7-0 Q1) and building momentum (17-14 halftime), UAB matched App State's fourth-quarter surge to hold on for the victory. A balanced offensive attack (141 rushing yards, 217 passing yards) and key fourth-down conversion proved decisive despite two turnovers.
• Week 3: def. Fresno State 42-14 UAB's defense dominated with 7 forced turnovers while the offense struck efficiently. After a modest start (7-7 Q1), the Blazers exploded for 21 second-quarter points and never looked back. Despite only 258 total yards, the passing game was lethal with 3 touchdowns through the air.
• Week 9: def. SMU 24-21 A defensive struggle saw UAB emerge victorious despite being outgained in rushing yards (206-16). The Blazers capitalized on 4 SMU interceptions while Lyddy threw for 192 yards. The game stayed tight throughout (7-0 Q1, 14-7 halftime, 21-14 Q3) before UAB held on in the fourth quarter.

FAU Owls (10-4, 6-2 Big 12)
Coach Chef Breezy entered 2026 looking to turn the page on a notorious chapter of program history, moving past the record-setting interception season with a fresh start at quarterback. The program's rebuild showed promise, though consistency remained elusive.

Nathan Peters took the reins at quarterback, throwing for 3,507 yards and 35 touchdowns, though turnover issues persisted with 37 interceptions. The receiving corps featured a balanced attack with Dominque Henry (932 yards, 6 TDs), Lashawn Greenard (823 yards, 6 TDs), and Joseph Young (760 yards, 12 TDs) all making significant contributions. Gemari Sands led the ground game with 1,132 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 0: lost to App State 42-28 A rocky start to the new era saw FAU's defense struggle to contain App State's passing attack (349 yards, 5 TDs). Despite matching the Mountaineers early (14-14 Q1), App State pulled away in the second quarter (21-7) for a 35-21 halftime lead. Four interceptions continued the program's turnover woes.
• Week 2: def. SDSU 45-13 The Owls showed their potential in a dominant performance. After a steady start (7-0 Q1), FAU exploded for 24 second-quarter points. The offense was firing on all cylinders with 433 total yards (287 passing, 146 rushing) while converting 6 of 7 third downs.
• Week 13: lost to SMU 21-20 A heartbreaking loss came down to a failed two-point conversion. Despite outgaining SMU (395-350) and dominating time of possession (10:37 to 9:23), six turnovers proved fatal. After falling behind early (14-0 Q1), FAU fought back but couldn't complete the comeback in the fourth quarter.

SMU Mustangs (8-5, 5-3 Big 12)
Coach Dingus McDynasty's transition from his power-run North Texas squad to SMU (by way of a brief Kansas State courtship) has yet to produce the dynasty his name suggests. When asked about the coach's performance, Kansas State's Athletic Director couldn't resist a subtle jab: "Glad we dodged that bullet."

The offense leaned heavily on the ground game, with Deon Chamberlin shouldering a massive workload (298 carries, 1,592 yards, 13 TDs). QB Kevin Jennings' unique statistical profile (1,512 yards, 16 TDs, 12 INTs on just 106 attempts) highlighted the team's run-first philosophy, though receivers Ashton Cozart (481 yards, 4 TDs) and Greg Blanton (366 yards, 4 TDs) made the most of limited opportunities.

Notable Games:

• Week 3: lost to Oklahoma 42-17 The Mustangs struggled to establish their ground game (93 yards) against the Sooners' defense. After keeping it close early (14-7 Q1), Oklahoma pulled away for a 28-10 halftime lead. Despite 250 passing yards and converting 6 of 13 third downs, SMU couldn't keep pace with Oklahoma's balanced attack.
• Week 9: lost to UAB 24-21 A frustrating loss saw SMU dominate the ground game (206 yards to UAB's 16) but fail to overcome four costly interceptions. After falling behind early (7-0 Q1), the Mustangs stayed within striking distance (14-7 halftime, 21-14 Q3) but couldn't complete the comeback despite outgaining UAB.
• Week 13: def. FAU 21-20 The Mustangs survived a close call after racing to an early lead (14-0 Q1). Despite being outgained 395-350 and struggling with time of possession, SMU's defense forced six crucial turnovers. A failed two-point conversion by FAU in the fourth quarter preserved the victory.

App State Mountaineers (10-4, 7-1 American)
Coach Chuck Foote-Ball entered 2026 with conference championship aspirations. Despite falling short of that goal, the Mountaineers still put together a solid season in the American Conference behind a balanced offensive attack.

QB Cornell Speed threw for 2,871 yards and 29 touchdowns, though ball security was an issue with 19 interceptions. The receiving corps featured a balanced trio in Makai Jackson (673 yards, 7 TDs), Grant Tucker (669 yards, 7 TDs), and William Fowles (534 yards, 3 TDs). Cam Barfield led the ground game with 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 0: def. FAU 42-28 The Mountaineers started their season strong, matching FAU's early energy (14-14 Q1) before pulling away in the second quarter. The passing attack was explosive with 349 yards and 5 touchdowns, while the defense forced 4 interceptions in a complete team victory.
• Week 1: lost to UAB 30-28 A tight contest slipped away despite a late surge. After falling behind early (7-0 Q1, 17-14 halftime), App State's fourth-quarter comeback bid fell just short. The ground game showed promise with 133 yards and 3 TDs, but two turnovers proved costly.
• Week 4: lost to Temple 51-35 The Mountaineers found themselves in an early hole (21-0 Q1, 38-14 halftime) they couldn't climb out of. Despite a strong fourth quarter push (15 points), Temple's balanced attack proved too much. Five turnovers, including 4 interceptions, derailed any comeback hopes despite gaining 451 total yards.

Fresno State Bulldogs (9-4, 6-2 American)
Coach Andy LiveWright's debut season at Fresno State brought both promise and growing pains. The coaching newcomer's goal of elevating the Bulldogs to compete with the nation's elite programs remained a work in progress.

QB Jayden Mandal put up solid numbers (3,022 yards, 17 TDs) but struggled with turnovers (19 INTs). Jordan Malau'ulu led the receiving corps with 920 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Cade Greenburg anchored the ground attack with 981 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Notable Games:

• Week 3: lost to UAB 42-14 A nightmare turnover scenario doomed the Bulldogs, as they coughed up the ball 7 times (6 INTs, 1 fumble). After a promising start (7-7 Q1), UAB seized control with a 21-point second quarter. The offense managed just 213 total yards while struggling to establish any rhythm.
• Week 8: def. SDSU 28-7 The Bulldogs found their footing in a dominant conference win. After a scoreless first quarter, Fresno State built momentum (7-7 Q2) before pulling away in the second half (14-0 Q3). The ground game led the way with 175 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Week 12: lost to App State 35-12 Despite holding App State to brief possessions (6:53 TOP), Fresno State's offense couldn't capitalize. The Bulldogs fell into an early hole (14-0 Q1, 28-6 halftime) and never recovered. The offense struggled mightily, managing just 131 total yards while App State rushed for 200 yards and 3 scores.

As the regular season concluded, the stage was set for two hotly contested conference championship matchups that would have major playoff implications. In the Big 12, UAB would face FAU for conference supremacy, while the ACC championship would feature a compelling clash between Temple and Oklahoma.

-Dynasty News Wire