On paper, Week 1 of the school soccer season didn’t look all too thrilling. Fortunately, the slate delivered, and loads of nice video games performed out. Some close to upsets occurred, whereas others discovered a technique to make big-time statements.

Now that some knowledge is underneath our belts, a model new Coaches Ballot has been launched. On Tuesday, the highest 25 was launched by USA TODAY. Some shakeup positively comes all through the highest 25, making for some fascinating debate.

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Trying forward, two top-five groups going head-to-head are going to headline the Week 2 slate. However for now, let’s take a look at what the Coaches Ballot produced following Week 1. To no shock, there are not any modifications on the high.

Ohio State was not anticipated to have any issues with Ball State within the season opener. This got here to fruition, because the Buckeyes dominated from begin to end. Precisely what you count on from a No. 1 workforce within the nation.

Now, the true journey begins for Ohio State. A visit to Austin is subsequent on the schedule for the primary time since 2006. The stakes might be simply as excessive 20 years later, organising what ought to be an exciting sport on Saturday night time.

The warmth in Athens might have been the largest storyline from Sanford Stadium. As a result of Georgia had zero drawback with their FCS opponent, Tennessee State. Gunner Stockton and plenty of starters have been pulled fairly shortly.

Georgia ought to have an analogous week arising with Western Kentucky on the schedule. From there, it’s 10 straight energy convention opponents — 9 from the SEC after which the rivalry sport vs. Georgia Tech.

Steve Sarkisian put a ton of effort and assets into the NCAA switch portal this offseason. A number of projected stars got here from exterior this system, needing to be key figures all year long. On Saturday, some early returns got here from these guys.

Cam Coleman had two receiving touchdowns from Arch Manning. Hollywood Smothers made some noise on the bottom. Defensively, Rasheem Biles compelled a turnover. A fantastic signal after one sport in Austin.

Notre Dame wanted a while earlier than getting going vs. Wisconsin. Lambeau Subject was rocking with a break up crowd, and finally, the Irish followers within the stands emerged because the happier bunch. Not a foul technique to spend a Sunday night time.

This was the primary time we’ve seen Notre Dame play for the reason that ’25 common season finale. Nationwide championship expectations stay intact, with some flashes of why they exist popping up.

For the reigning nationwide champions, Indiana had a quiet weekend. Nothing too big from Bloomington, because the nonconference schedule doesn’t pop too many eyes. North Texas was the Week 1 opponent, finally turning into a snug win.

Just like Georgia, one other couple of weeks might be wanted earlier than the lights really activate. Indiana’s lone video games vs. energy convention opponents all come throughout the nine-game Large Ten schedule.

For just a few moments there, Oregon appeared like they’d be on the incorrect finish of a serious upset. Boise State got here to Autzen Stadium and took management of the sport early on. At halftime, the rating learn 17-14 in favor of the Broncos.

Fortunately for the Geese, the second half went their manner. Twenty factors within the last half-hour meant Oregon begins the 12 months with a 1-0 file. A tough check handed, that means there may be work to do transferring ahead.

Not many ACC groups could be too thrilled about heading West to open a season. Miami was given the duty in opposition to Stanford, who additionally performed throughout Week 0. Probably a harmful spot, the Hurricanes dealt with the check with ease.

If he was not already there, Malachi Toney is popping into one in all school soccer’s brightest stars. Over 200 yards for the second-year vast receiver, proving his reference to Darian Mensah to be a harmful one.

No workforce made a much bigger assertion in Week 1 than the LSU Tigers. A lot hype walked into Tiger Stadium with Lane Kiffin. Dialogue across the program was fixed from the center of December, lastly attending to an precise sport.

Properly, LSU delivered after which some. Clemson acquired blown out from practically the opening kickoff — at the least after an early interception. From begin to end, Kiffin’s bunch definitely appeared like a nationwide championship contender.

Mike Elko, who’s a defensive-minded head coach, needs to be thrilled with a shutout in opposition to Missouri State. Sure, the extent of competitors just isn’t the place it will likely be subsequent Saturday vs. Arizona State. Nonetheless, a shutout is a shutout.

The followers in School Station acquired a have a look at a few of the depth items as nicely. Success for nearly each Aggie who stepped onto the sector. Probably register case any individual known as upon at one level.

Oklahoma served as a uncommon Friday night time sport for an SEC workforce. Norman acquired an opportunity to host UTEP, because the Sooners put in precisely the kind of efficiency you’d count on them to — a dominant one.

Consideration will shortly shift to Saturday’s sport vs. Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for midday ET, as FOX’s Large Midday Kickoff may have the printed. As soon as once more, one other big matchup for Brent Venables.

Coaches Ballot after Week 1 of 2026 season: No. 11-25

11.  Ole Miss Rebels (-1)
12. Alabama Crimson Tide (-1)
13. Texas Tech Crimson Raiders (-1)
14. USC Trojans
15. BYU Cougars
16. Penn State Nittany Lions (+1)
17. SMU Mustangs (+3)
18. Tennessee Volunteers
19. Washington Huskies
20. Utah Utes (+1)
21. Iowa Hawkeyes (+1)
22. Houston Cougars (+2)
23. Missouri Tigers (+2)
24. Michigan Wolverines (-8)
T25. Virginia Cavaliers (NR)
T25. Florida Gators (NR)

Dropped out of Coaches Ballot: No. 23 Clemson

Others receiving votes in Coaches Ballot: Louisville 125; Illinois 45; Boise State 43; Arizona 42; South Carolina 36; Memphis 24; Auburn 19; Vanderbilt 17; Pittsburgh 14; Virginia Tech 11; Nebraska 11; Arizona State 11; Minnesota 9; Western Michigan 7; New Mexico 7; North Dakota State 6; Kansas State 6; Navy 5; UCLA 4; Duke 4; UNLV 3; Clemson 3; San Diego State 2; North Carolina 2; Colorado 1