Drew's Desk: the whole Week 1 board, after a 7-1 opener
Drew is a college football contributor. These are his own picks, not the model's, and they are graded separately from Maiden's record.

90 picks. Our model has no call on 64 of them.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, we are back. It is officially Week 1 of college football. Looking back at Week 0, we went seven and one here at Drew's Desk. We called the upset of the week, North Carolina over TCU in Dublin. Where did we go wrong? UNLV losing to Memphis. Good game, came down to the last drive. But guess what: no one ever hits 100 percent. Seven from eight? We will take it. Now for Week 1.
Drew’s Week 1, 2026 picks
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Bethune-Cookman at UCFNo Maiden call
UCF Knights
No call
- Merrimack at DelawareNo Maiden call
Delaware Blue Hens
No call
- UAlbany at BuffaloNo Maiden call
Buffalo Bulls
No call
- West Georgia at Kennesaw StateNo Maiden call
Kennesaw State Owls
No call
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff at MissouriNo Maiden call
Missouri Tigers
No call
- Colorado at Georgia TechNo Maiden call
Colorado Buffaloes
No call
- Eastern Illinois at MinnesotaNo Maiden call
Minnesota Golden Gophers
No call
- Idaho at UtahNo Maiden call
Utah Utes
No call
Illinois Fighting Illini
- San José State Spartans at Eastern MichiganNo Maiden call
San José State Spartans
No call
- Indiana State at PurdueNo Maiden call
Purdue Boilermakers
No call
- North Carolina A&T at Georgia StateNo Maiden call
Georgia State Panthers
No call
- Long Island University at KansasNo Maiden call
Kansas Jayhawks
No call
- Toledo at Michigan StateNo Maiden call
Michigan State Spartans
No call
Oklahoma Sooners
- Fresno State at USCNo Maiden call
USC Trojans
No call
- Miami at StanfordNo Maiden call
Miami Hurricanes
No call
- Bryant at ArmyNo Maiden call
Army Black Knights
No call
West Virginia Mountaineers
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Lafayette at UConnNo Maiden call
UConn Huskies
No call
- Liberty at James MadisonNo Maiden call
James Madison Dukes
No call
- New Hampshire at SyracuseNo Maiden call
Syracuse Orange
No call
Indiana Hoosiers
- Ohio at NebraskaNo Maiden call
Nebraska Cornhuskers
No call
Houston Cougars
- Tarleton State at Bowling GreenNo Maiden call
Bowling Green Falcons
No call
Pittsburgh Panthers
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes, 97% to win
- Kent State at South CarolinaNo Maiden call
South Carolina Gamecocks
No call
- Duquesne at Air ForceNo Maiden call
Air Force Falcons
No call
- Southeast Missouri State at Iowa StateNo Maiden call
Iowa State Cyclones
No call
- Youngstown State at KentuckyNo Maiden call
Kentucky Wildcats
No call
- Rhode Island at TempleNo Maiden call
Temple Owls
No call
- Tennessee State at GeorgiaNo Maiden call
Georgia Bulldogs
No call
Auburn Tigers
Oregon Ducks
Cincinnati Bearcats
- Fordham at North Dakota StateNo Maiden call
North Dakota State Bison
No call
- Furman at TennesseeNo Maiden call
Tennessee Volunteers
No call
- Maine at App StateNo Maiden call
App State Mountaineers
No call
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State Nittany Lions, 93% to win
- Texas State at TexasNo Maiden call
Texas Longhorns
No call
- The Citadel at CharlotteNo Maiden call
Charlotte 49ers
No call
- Towson at NavyNo Maiden call
Navy Midshipmen
No call
- Tulane at DukeNo Maiden call
Duke Blue Devils
No call
- UT Rio Grande Valley at UTSANo Maiden call
UTSA Roadrunners
No call
- Oklahoma State at TulsaNo Maiden call
Oklahoma State Cowboys
No call
- North Alabama at ArkansasNo Maiden call
Arkansas Razorbacks
No call
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes, 96% to win
- Alcorn State at Southern MissNo Maiden call
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
No call
- Norfolk State at Old DominionNo Maiden call
Old Dominion Monarchs
No call
- Wyoming at Colorado StateNo Maiden call
Colorado State Rams
No call
- Abilene Christian at Texas TechNo Maiden call
Texas Tech Red Raiders
No call
- Arkansas State at MemphisNo Maiden call
Memphis Tigers
No call
- Austin Peay at VanderbiltNo Maiden call
Vanderbilt Commodores
No call
- Charleston Southern at Georgia SouthernNo Maiden call
Georgia Southern Eagles
No call
- Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville StateNo Maiden call
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
No call
- Florida International at South FloridaNo Maiden call
South Florida Bulls
No call
- Houston Christian at RiceNo Maiden call
Rice Owls
No call
- Idaho State at Utah StateNo Maiden call
Utah State Aggies
No call
Texas A&M Aggies
- Murray State at Middle TennesseeNo Maiden call
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
No call
- Nicholls at Kansas StateNo Maiden call
Kansas State Wildcats
No call
Troy Trojans
- SE Louisiana at South AlabamaNo Maiden call
South Alabama Jaguars
No call
- Clemson at LSUNo Maiden call
LSU Tigers
No call
- Northwestern State at Louisiana TechNo Maiden call
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
No call
Mississippi State Bulldogs
- VMI at Virginia TechNo Maiden call
Virginia Tech Hokies
No call
Michigan Wolverines
Florida Gators
- Hampton at MarylandNo Maiden call
Maryland Terrapins
No call
- Lamar at LouisianaNo Maiden call
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
No call
- South Dakota State at NorthwesternNo Maiden call
Northwestern Wildcats
No call
- Utah Tech at BYUNo Maiden call
BYU Cougars
No call
- Mercyhurst at New Mexico StateNo Maiden call
New Mexico State Aggies
No call
- Morgan State at Arizona StateNo Maiden call
Arizona State Sun Devils
No call
- Northern Arizona at ArizonaNo Maiden call
Arizona Wildcats
No call
- Portland State at San Diego StateNo Maiden call
San Diego State Aztecs
No call
New Mexico Lobos
- Mississippi Valley State at Sacramento StateNo Maiden call
Sacramento State Hornets
No call
UNLV Rebels
California Golden Bears
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Washington Huskies
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss Rebels, 68% to win
- Wisconsin at Notre DameNo Maiden call
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
No call
SMU Mustangs
Akron Zips at Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Drew’s pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
This might be closer than the 24.5 points that Vegas is giving the game, but give it to Wake Forest.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Missouri Tigers
Drew’s pick: Missouri Tigers
The spread is 54.5 points. Give me Missouri, but 54.5 points? I think they show mercy in the fourth quarter. So go Missouri on the moneyline.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Colorado Buffaloes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Drew’s pick: Colorado Buffaloes
Probably one of the closest games of the week. Georgia Tech loses Haynes King. Colorado start JuJu Lewis, and the Buffaloes need to show up this season after a disappointing campaign in 2025. First game of the year. Give me Colorado with the upset.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
San José State Spartans at Eastern Michigan Eagles
Drew’s pick: San José State Spartans
San Jose State put up more points than anyone would have expected against USC. Eastern Michigan won a tight one. I like San Jose State going against the spread.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Toledo Rockets at Michigan State Spartans
Drew’s pick: Michigan State Spartans
Vegas only has Michigan State as a 10 point favorite. Do I smell an upset coming from Toledo? Absolutely not. Give me Michigan State, and give me the points any day of the week.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Fresno State Bulldogs at USC Trojans
Drew’s pick: USC Trojans
USC did not look great against San Jose State once they benched starting quarterback Jayden Maiava. But guess what? They are going to keep him in a whole lot longer this game. Give me USC, and give me the points.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Miami Hurricanes at Stanford Cardinal
Drew’s pick: Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes of Miami at Stanford, who won a nail-biter against Hawai'i in Week 0. Give me the Hurricanes. Darian Mensah is going to light it up against the Stanford secondary.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Bryant at Army Black Knights
Drew’s pick: Army Black Knights
Give me Army. But do not pick up the 36 and a half points. That is just way too much for a Jeff Monken offense.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at West Virginia Mountaineers
Drew’s pick: West Virginia Mountaineers
Rich Rodriguez will get it together in year number two. West Virginia win this one, and they will be one of the surprising teams in college football this season.
East Carolina Pirates at Alabama Crimson Tide
Drew’s pick: Alabama Crimson Tide
Will Kalen DeBoer show up in year three? Absolutely. Give me Alabama.
Lafayette at UConn Huskies
Drew’s pick: UConn Huskies
UConn with brand new head coach Jason Candle, coming from Toledo. He will keep up the momentum the Huskies have built these last two years under Jim Mora. Give me the Huskies at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Liberty Flames at James Madison Dukes
Drew’s pick: James Madison Dukes
Billy Napier steps in for Bob Chesney. But I see James Madison continuing to roll at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Oregon State Beavers at Houston Cougars
Drew’s pick: Houston Cougars
Give me the Cougars, and give me the 20 and a half points. That is a steal.
Tarleton State at Bowling Green Falcons
Drew’s pick: Bowling Green Falcons
Bowling Green is only a two and a half point favorite. Tarleton State is looking to make some noise in FCS this season, but this is stepping up against an FBS team. Give me Bowling Green.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Miami (OH) RedHawks at Pittsburgh Panthers
Drew’s pick: Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh is only favored by 16 and a half points. Vegas, you got this one wrong. It should be more like 30. Pittsburgh at home.
Ball State Cardinals at Ohio State Buckeyes
Drew’s pick: Ohio State Buckeyes
Ball State against the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who are a 50 and a half point favorite. Ball State, do not get on that plane. Go with the Buckeyes.
Ohio State Buckeyes, 97% to win — the same side Drew has.
Youngstown State at Kentucky Wildcats
Drew’s pick: Kentucky Wildcats
Brand new head coach at Kentucky. But guess what? Youngstown State will not be able to keep up. Give me the Wildcats.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Rhode Island at Temple Owls
Drew’s pick: Temple Owls
Rhode Island coming off a Week 0 win. But this is FCS stepping up against a rebuilt Temple squad that showed some life last season. I like Temple, and I like them on points.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Tennessee State at Georgia Bulldogs
Drew’s pick: Georgia Bulldogs
Tennessee State is going to be a long bus ride home, because Georgia is going to win and they are going to win big. They will cover the 46 and a half points.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Baylor Bears vs Auburn Tigers
Drew’s pick: Auburn Tigers
One of the games of the week. Give me Baylor. Nah, just kidding. Give me Auburn. Alex Golesh is going to bring the same attitude he had at USF in his first year coaching Auburn, and Byrum Brown is back at quarterback under Golesh. I like Auburn at home, but it will be a nail biter. Do not pick up the seven points on the spread. It is going to come down to a field goal.
Boise State Broncos at Oregon Ducks
Drew’s pick: Oregon Ducks
This is not the Boise State of the early 2000s. And this Oregon team, they are for real. Dante Moore is back. Give me Oregon and give me the 24 and a half points.
Boston College Eagles at Cincinnati Bearcats
Drew’s pick: Cincinnati Bearcats
A terrible Boston College team last year, going two and ten, against a seven and six Cincinnati squad. The spread is only seven and a half points, but I like the Bearcats.
Fordham at North Dakota State Bison
Drew’s pick: North Dakota State Bison
Fordham stands no chance. This isn't the Bronx. It's North Dakota. Give me North Dakota State.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Penn State Nittany Lions
Drew’s pick: Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State with first year head coach Matt Campbell. I like Penn State at home, and I like Penn State to cover the 24 and a half points.
Penn State Nittany Lions, 93% to win — the same side Drew has.
Texas State Bobcats at Texas Longhorns
Drew’s pick: Texas Longhorns
Give me the Longhorns. Arch Manning will look like a first round pick against Texas State.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Towson at Navy Midshipmen
Drew’s pick: Navy Midshipmen
Like I said earlier, the service academies are going to run wild, and Towson will have no answer for that triple option at Navy. Give me Navy.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Tulane Green Wave at Duke Blue Devils
Drew’s pick: Duke Blue Devils
Duke without Darian Mensah. Tulane lost Mensah two years ago, and he is now the Miami starting quarterback. But somehow, some way, Duke won the ACC last year. Give me Duke at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Drew’s pick: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State got rid of their longtime head coach and brought in Eric Morris from North Texas, and he has a ton of Mean Green players following him. Give me Oklahoma State, and give me Oklahoma State big on the road.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Wyoming Cowboys at Colorado State Rams
Drew’s pick: Colorado State Rams
I like Jim Mora bringing that same fire he had at Connecticut. Colorado State at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Arkansas State Red Wolves at Memphis Tigers
Drew’s pick: Memphis Tigers
Memphis with the upset in Week 0 over UNLV. There is no upset at home this week.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Austin Peay at Vanderbilt Commodores
Drew’s pick: Vanderbilt Commodores
Will Vanderbilt be the same team without Diego Pavia? We will find out during the season. But in Week 1 against FCS Austin Peay, give me Vanderbilt at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Charleston Southern at Georgia Southern Eagles
Drew’s pick: Georgia Southern Eagles
Clay Helton is back, and he is going to continue to run that Clay Helton offense. Georgia Southern wins.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Drew’s pick: Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Jacksonville State coming off a Week 0 loss. Give me Jacksonville State at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Florida International Panthers at South Florida Bulls
Drew’s pick: South Florida Bulls
I always wondered why they call it the University of South Florida when it is in Tampa. Makes absolutely no sense. But Brian Hartline has taken over this team, they are revamped, and they are ready to go. Give me South Florida and give me the 13 and a half points.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Idaho State at Utah State Aggies
Drew’s pick: Utah State Aggies
Surprisingly, the Bronco Mendenhall led Utah State is only a 12 and a half point favorite. How? I just don't see it, Vegas. Utah State will win big at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Missouri State Bears at Texas A&M Aggies
Drew’s pick: Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M are playing with a chip on their shoulder this year. Marcel Reed will look like a Heisman candidate and he will put up five touchdowns: three in the air, two on the ground.
Murray State at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Drew’s pick: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Middle Tennessee has looked terrible under Derek Mason. Will this be the year they turn it around? Absolutely not. But they are playing an FCS team in Murray State. It is going to be close, closer than the 20 and a half points Vegas is giving Middle Tennessee, but I have them winning at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Nicholls at Kansas State Wildcats
Drew’s pick: Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State is going to run away with this one.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Sam Houston Bearkats at Troy Trojans
Drew’s pick: Troy Trojans
Possibly the worst team in FBS in Sam Houston, travelling to Troy. Troy wins at home.
Clemson Tigers at LSU Tigers
Drew’s pick: LSU Tigers
Clemson heading over to the Bayou to face the LSU Tigers and the talk of college football, Lane Kiffin. This is going to be a tight first half, but LSU has way too much star power. The NIL money running through Baton Rouge is unheard of. Give me the Tigers.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
UL Monroe Warhawks at Mississippi State Bulldogs
Drew’s pick: Mississippi State Bulldogs
This is the year Mississippi State turns it around under Jeff Lebby. They had spurts last year. This year it is going to be consistent. Give me Mississippi State at home.
VMI at Virginia Tech Hokies
Drew’s pick: Virginia Tech Hokies
VMI against Virginia Tech and brand new head coach James Franklin. Give me Virginia Tech, and give me Virginia Tech big.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Wolverines
Drew’s pick: Michigan Wolverines
Michigan with Bryce Underwood and head coach Kyle Whittingham, coming from Utah. Utah said, you know what, Whittingham, you are too old, we do not need you. Michigan needed someone to step in and right the program after Sherrone Moore left in a trail of shame. I like Whittingham bringing the same energy he had in Utah for over two decades. Michigan wins, and they win big at home.
Florida Atlantic Owls at Florida Gators
Drew’s pick: Florida Gators
Florida Atlantic heading into the Swamp to face the Gators and first year head coach Jon Sumrall. Will the Gators be able to turn it around behind Sumrall? I think they will, but you need to give them a few years. In the first game of the season, give me Florida.
South Dakota State at Northwestern Wildcats
Drew’s pick: Northwestern Wildcats
Give me Northwestern, and you are going to see that Chip Kelly offense back in college football. Northwestern at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Utah Tech at BYU Cougars
Drew’s pick: BYU Cougars
BYU is going to hand Utah Tech the worst beating of the weekend. They are 50 and a half point favorites. I think they are going to win closer to 65. Give me BYU at home.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Mercyhurst at New Mexico State Aggies
Drew’s pick: New Mexico State Aggies
FCS Mercyhurst travelling to New Mexico State, who looked good at Florida State. New Mexico State gave the Seminoles a fight, and at home against Mercyhurst they are going to put up some points. New Mexico State with the win.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
Mississippi Valley State at Sacramento State Hornets
Drew’s pick: Sacramento State Hornets
Give me Sacramento State in my personal game of the week.
Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.
UNLV Rebels at Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
Drew’s pick: UNLV Rebels
This is going to be a slobber knocker. UNLV coming off a Week 0 loss. Hawai'i coming off a Week 0 loss. Two teams avoiding zero and two. But you know what? UNLV and Jackson Arnold pull it off on the road.
UCLA Bruins at California Golden Bears
Drew’s pick: California Golden Bears
UCLA is only a point and a half favorite. But give me Cal.
Washington State Cougars at Washington Huskies
Drew’s pick: Washington Huskies
The Apple Cup. Give me Washington.
Louisville Cardinals vs Ole Miss Rebels
Drew’s pick: Ole Miss Rebels
Both ranked in the top 25. But when all is said and done, Ole Miss and Trinidad Chambliss will stand tall. Give me Ole Miss at home.
Ole Miss Rebels, 68% to win — the same side Drew has.
SMU Mustangs at Florida State Seminoles
Drew’s pick: SMU Mustangs
I must say, I am a Florida State alumni. But that defence looked terrible in Week 0 against New Mexico State. This is a Rhett Lashlee offence and they can put up some serious points. Give me SMU on the road in Tallahassee.
That is Week 1. College football is officially back.
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Every college football prediction our model published for Week 1, 2026 is on the Week 1, 2026 board.