What did we learn in Week 2 of the 2026 college football season?
For starters, Texas has some serious grit. In erasing a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat top-ranked Ohio State, the Longhorns proved that they not only have a quarterback, a run game and a defense capable of winning big games, but also the mettle to do it ugly. "It wasn't very pretty, but we found a way to win," quarterback Arch Manning said after Texas' 24-23 comeback win. "That's what good teams do."
Ditto for Michigan, which shed the drama of the Wolverines' Week 1 escape against Western Michigan, stifled Oklahoma's John Mateer and downed No. 11 Oklahoma behind a career-high 18 carries and a team-best 87 rushing yards from quarterback Bryce Underwood. Oklahoma State also showed plenty of resolve, bouncing back from a season-opening loss to Tulsa in time to trip up No. 6 Oregon in Stillwater.
On the flip side, we learned that the Buckeyes and Ducks, a pair of preseason Big Ten and national title favorites, still have work to do. Same goes for the offenses at Oklahoma and Washington, who saw familiar issues from a year ago return, respectively, in a deflating, early-season road loss for the Sooners and the Huskies' narrow home win over Utah State.
No such drama bubbled for Big Ten and SEC contenders including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and USC. Meanwhile, several others are quietly readying to make some noise, from a Tennessee team powered by freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon to traditional powers with new leadership this fall between Florida with new head coach Jon Sumrall and Matt Campbell-led Penn State.
There's plenty more left for us to find out about the nation's top programs this fall. But each week paints a clearer picture of the national landscape. Here's what our ESPN college football experts learned in Week 2. -- Eli Lederman
1. Texas Longhorns
Previous ranking: 3
The Longhorns ascended to No. 1 this week after their first win against an AP No. 1 since beating Oklahoma in 2008. The big news was the steady climb back from a self-inflicted hole, rallying from 20 points down to shock No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 with three steady drives. But the best news was that it was Texas' running game that was able to sustain those. Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, the Longhorns' two offseason additions, combined for 31 carries and 128 yards (59 of which came in the fourth quarter), with Smothers adding two 1-yard touchdowns on the game's final two drives. Arch Manning added seven carries for 38 yards, not counting sacks. Will Muschamp's defense struggled in the first half, but Steve Sarkisian said man coverage by the secondary in the second half allowed the Longhorns to get more pressure on Julian Sayin and stop the Buckeyes' running game. The adjustments made the difference as the offense kept the ball moving. -- Dave Wilson
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous ranking: 2
It's hard to find fault with a 52-0 win, so perhaps we learned nothing of impact about Notre Dame. But after the Irish rushed for only 111 yards -- and 3.5 per carry -- in the opener against Wisconsin, it would've been nice to see Notre Dame impose its will on the ground. Instead, the Irish mustered only 78 yards on 22 carries through three quarters before the game turned into a blowout, and still finished averaging just 3.7 per rush. It might be nothing to worry about in the big picture, and the schedule accommodates more runway to get things figured out, but replacing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price might not be as easy as Irish fans hoped. -- David Hale
3. Miami Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 5
We learned after Miami beat Florida A&M 77-7 that starting cornerback Xavier Lucas would sit out about a month because of an undisclosed injury, leaving the Hurricanes without both of their starting cornerbacks. OJ Frederique is expected to sit out even more time than Lucas because of a shoulder injury he sustained in the opener against Stanford. Key reserve Ja'Boree Antoine is also out for a while. We saw Miami shift some of its defensive backs in the blowout win over the Rattlers, with safety Bryce Fitzgerald getting the start at corner opposite veteran Damari Brown. Freshman JJ Dunnigan started at safety. Miami was able to play a host of young players, including Camdin Portis, Brody Jennings, Chris Ewald Jr. and Jaelen Waters, to get them experience as it begins ACC play Friday night against Wake Forest. -- Andrea Adelson
4. Georgia Bulldogs
Previous ranking: 4
Georgia's offense was plagued by slow starts during much of the 2025 season, but that hasn't been the case so far in 2026. In Georgia's season opener against FCS opponent Tennessee State, it scored touchdowns on each of its first five possessions in a 63-3 win. The Bulldogs were even better in their 70-20 rout of Western Kentucky on Saturday, reaching the end zone on each of their first seven possessions. The Hilltoppers didn't stop the Bulldogs until backup quarterback Ryan Puglisi lost a fumble at the UGA 15 with 1:18 to play in the first half. Though it came against inferior competition, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has been even more efficient in his second season as the starter, completing 28 of 32 passes for 436 yards with eight touchdowns and no interceptions. He was pulled before halftime in both games. -- Mark Schlabach
5. LSU Tigers
Previous ranking: 7
The Tigers enter the Lane Kiffin reunion/revenge game at Ole Miss with the knowledge that they can beat just about anyone when they're clicking, while also understanding they will need to be sharper than they were against Louisiana Tech. LSU led just 10-7 at halftime after committing four turnovers in the second quarter, the third of which Louisiana Tech returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Sam Leavitt called the game a "big reality check" and recognizes he must be better against an Ole Miss defense susceptible against the pass. Leavitt's five rushing touchdowns in his first two LSU games match his total from each of the previous two seasons at Arizona State. The Tigers' defense continues to be stifling but will be tested by an offensive backfield Kiffin knows well in Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy. LSU ranks third nationally in fewest yards per play allowed (2.8). -- Adam Rittenberg
6. Ohio State Buckeyes
Previous ranking: 1
The Buckeyes have the best playmaker in the country in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who through two games has 315 receiving yards. But to truly contend for a national championship, Ohio State is going to need someone else at wide receiver to step up. The rest of the Buckeyes receiving corps combined for two receptions in the 24-23 loss to Texas. The Longhorns took away Smith in the fourth quarter, and Ohio State couldn't make them pay. Five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. didn't factor into the game plan, but he might need to later in the year if veteran Brandon Inniss and transfer starter Devin McCuin can't offer more production. The Buckeyes have enjoyed a wealth of talent at the position over the years. Smith has played with two NFL first-round draft picks in Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate. Smith is incredible. He's going to need more help than what he got in Austin. -- Jake Trotter
7. Indiana Hoosiers
Previous ranking: 6
A Week 2 home game against Howard isn't going to provide many definitive lessons, but Indiana continued its efficient offensive start, scoring touchdowns on seven of its first eight possessions. The Hoosiers received big performances from running backs Lee Beebe Jr., who sat out most of last season because of a knee injury, and Boston College transfer Turbo Richard, as they combined for 225 rushing yards on 27 carries. Wide receiver Charlie Becker continued his strong start with three touchdowns on three catches, and an Indiana defense that struggled for stretches against North Texas held Howard to no points, 57 yards and four first downs. -- Rittenberg
8. Texas A&M Aggies
Previous ranking: 14
Yes, the Aggies struggled on offense against Arizona State, with only 255 yards. But after producing only 10 turnovers all last season, A&M grabbed four Saturday, returning two of them for fourth-quarter touchdowns to pull away for a 48-20 win. Marcel Reed tossed three touchdowns to one interception, but the Sun Devils made the Aggies' offense work on the ground, with A&M's top three running backs -- Rueben Owens II, Jamarion Morrow and KJ Edwards -- combining for 21 carries and 84 yards. After ASU moved the ball well in the first half, A&M coach Mike Elko said his team adjusted to an almost completely different defense in the second half and dominated, shutting out the Sun Devils in the fourth quarter. Elko praised A&M's emphasis on "winning football," with the takeaways, lack of penalties and red zone defense, while also acknowledging there's still a lot of work to do. -- Wilson
9. Ole Miss Rebels
Previous ranking: 11
While the college football world looked ahead to next week's hotly anticipated matchup with LSU and the return of former head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss went to work at home against Charlotte and took care of business, winning by four touchdowns. Trinidad Chambliss did more Trinidad Chambliss things, throwing for 225 yards and two scores, while the Rebels' defense kept the 49ers out of the end zone. But maybe the biggest development was the return of star running back Kewan Lacy, who was knocked out of the season opener against Louisville early because of a thigh bruise. Lacy got right back on track against Charlotte with 87 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Ole Miss will need him healthy to help soften up a talented LSU defense. -- Alex Scarborough
10. USC Trojans
Previous ranking: 12
Hello, Mark Bowman. As if USC's already talented receiving corps didn't have enough firepower, Saturday was the Bowman show. The freshman tight end has been plenty hyped and with good reason -- he was a highly-coveted five-star recruit who has all the makings of a phenom. And though freshman wideout Trent Mosley was the star of the show the first two games, Bowman caught six balls for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the Trojans' 49-30 win over Louisiana, leading all USC receivers. As the Trojans begin Big Ten play next week, there aren't many questions about their offense, which is again loaded under Lincoln Riley. -- Paolo Uggetti
11. Alabama Crimson Tide
Previous ranking: 10
Surprise, but Keelon Russell still hasn't reached his full potential. The talent is obvious for the blue-chip QB, but his first start on the road was nearly a disaster with three first-half turnovers. But Alabama took the heat off of him. The defense smothered Joe Sloan's Kentucky offense, giving up only 209 yards and one third-down conversion. Meanwhile, the much-maligned Alabama running game showed signs of life with 184 rushing yards (adjusted for sacks), including 104 yards and a touchdown from bruising tailback Daniel Hill. Coach Kalen DeBoer hopes a strong second-half comeback "builds belief, builds trust" in his team -- and that he can trust his quarterback to take care of the football next week against Florida State. -- Scarborough
12. BYU Cougars
Previous ranking: 13
This isn't necessarily new, but BYU reaffirmed it remains a threat to win the Big 12. Arizona could end up as the best team the Cougars will play in conference and though the 28-17 result wasn't a comprehensive victory, it was comfortable. Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin remain one of the best QB/RB duos in the country. -- Kyle Bonagura
13. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Previous ranking: 9
The Red Raiders admittedly struggled on the road against Oregon State, looking as if they're still rounding into form after last season's Big 12 title run and their College Football Playoff appearance. The defense gave up eight catches for 240 yards and two TDs to Jesse Legree and 472 yards overall to the Beavers. On offense, Tech was able to work J'Koby Williams (20 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD) and Will Hammond finished 20-of-27 for 189 yards and a touchdown. Coach Joey McGuire acknowledged he was a little frustrated with several key mistakes, such as penalties, and still wanted Hammond to be more willing to throw the ball downfield. The Red Raiders have their hands full Friday night against Houston in Lubbock in the Big 12 opener, and that game will go a long way to determining if Texas Tech appears ready to defend its crown. -- Wilson
14. Penn State Nittany Lions
Previous ranking: 16
The Nittany Lions have given up only nine points total so far, their fewest allowed through two games since 1998, according to ESPN Research. Tougher tests obviously await, but this revamped defense under first-year defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, appears to be legitimate. After shutting out Marshall, Penn State didn't allow Temple to score a touchdown until there was less than two minutes left. Lynn had begun turning around the USC defense before joining Campbell and returning to his alma mater. If Lynn's defense keeps performing this way, Penn State will be heard from in the Big Ten title race. -- Trotter
15. Tennessee Volunteers
Previous ranking: 18
Don't look now, but the Vols are quietly positioning themselves to make some noise in the SEC. Never mind the quiet offseason and relatively low expectations. Tennessee just went on the road to Georgia Tech and won by three touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon did his part as signal-caller, throwing for 148 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. But it was the running game that was most eye-opening. See: 299 yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries, including 147 yards from standout DeSean Bishop. With Kennesaw State next week, the Vols have a chance to be 3-0 when Texas comes to town on Sept. 26. -- Scarborough
16. SMU Mustangs
Previous ranking: 20
The Mustangs handled their business on a short week with a 56-10 rout of FCS UC Davis in heat that was bad enough that both sides agreed to play a shortened second half. Now it's already time for another ACC road test at Louisville. Kevin Jennings played a cleaner game with 337 passing yards and five TDs on 14-of-16 passing, all of it in the first half, and now holds the Mustangs' career record for total offense. He'll need that kind of precision and efficiency Saturday when he takes on the Cardinals in a major prove-it game for the ACC title race. -- Max Olson
17. Utah Utes
Previous ranking: 19
The changes to the Utah coaching staff haven't been an issue. The Utes' 43-10 win against Arkansas somehow felt even more lopsided than the score indicates, which makes for a compelling argument that the team might be better under new coach Morgan Scalley. Perhaps this is just an early season musing, but it will be more fascinating to compare the trajectory of Utah alongside Michigan, with former Utes coach Kyle Whittingham in Ann Arbor. -- Bonagura
18. Oregon Ducks
Previous ranking: 8
It's hard to know where to begin with the Ducks after their shocking and historic 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State. They've come up short against eventual champs Ohio State and Indiana, but never against an unranked opponent in the Dan Lanning era. Oregon struggled to find any semblance of an offensive rhythm and has much to address. Sure, the Ducks were missing star tight end Jamari Johnson and lost running back Jordon Davison to an injury, but it was stunning to watch Oregon get outworked in the trenches. Dante Moore wasn't seeing things like usual in a 14-of-29 day through the air, the Ducks ran for only 90 yards and went 5-of-14 on third down. First-year OC Drew Mehrenger and his unit have a lot to prove going forward. -- Olson
19. Virginia Cavaliers
Previous ranking: 22
Beau Pribula can throw. Take this all for what it is against FCS Norfolk State, but it was important for the Cavaliers to get their passing game going after dominating NC State on the ground in Week 0. Pribula used his legs to beat the Wolfpack, and his arm to beat the Spartans -- throwing three first-quarter touchdowns in a 59-3 victory. Pribula went 12-of-14 for 162 yards before calling it a day after halftime. Backups Cole Geer and Eli Holstein also threw touchdown passes as Virginia threw six to tie a program record. Five players caught those touchdowns. -- Adelson
20. Michigan Wolverines
Previous ranking: NR
Michigan might have unveiled its seasonlong formula for success against Oklahoma, which involved quarterback Bryce Underwood's legs more than his right arm. The Wolverines upset the Sooners with swarming defense, a well-timed takeaway from cornerback Jyaire Hill and a fully committed run game that produced just enough. Underwood looked more confident in the first half and led Michigan with 87 rushing yards but attempted only four passes (completing two) in the second half. How far can the Wolverines get without fully trusting Underwood to pass the ball in crunch time? Michigan's defense really rose up against Oklahoma, limiting the Sooners to 100 rushing yards and recording eight tackles for loss. -- Rittenberg
21. Missouri Tigers
Previous ranking: 25
The Tigers will need to be significantly more disciplined if they're going to successfully navigate the road in front of them. Missouri ultimately rolled over Border War rival Kansas on Friday night, and the promise quarterback Austin Simmons and skill position talents Jamal Roberts, Donovan Olugbode and Cayden Lee have to offer was on full display in the Tigers' 38-21 road win. But Missouri made things hard for itself with 10 penalties for 76 yards, including seven pre-snap flags on offense and a pair of personal fouls on defense calls. Missed assignments on not one, but two blocked field goal attempts also didn't help the cause. The Tigers got away with that against the Jayhawks. But the remainder of the nation's 11th-toughest remaining schedule, per ESPN FPI, won't be nearly as forgiving with top-25 games against Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma waiting later this fall. -- Lederman
22. Florida Gators
Previous ranking: 24
The Gators are far better coached on offense and special teams through two games under new coach Jon Sumrall. The improvement in special teams is especially stark, considering that had been a recurring issue under former coach Billy Napier. Watching Vernell Brown III return two punts for touchdowns in a 52-3 win over Campbell only proved that point. Brown joined Jacquez Green in 1996 as the only players in school history to return back-to-back punts for touchdowns. His 173 total punt return yards set a program record for single-game punt return yardage. Brown also added a receiving touchdown, Dallas Wilson had 104 yards receiving and a score, and Jadan Baugh rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Florida scored more than 50 points in consecutive games to start the season for the first time since 2009. -- Adelson
23. Iowa Hawkeyes
Previous ranking: 21
Nearly 42% of Iowa's 55 games since the start of the 2022 season have been decided by one possession. As such, the Hawkeyes' kicking game really matters, which is why kicker Caden Buhr's bounce-back performance in Saturday's 16-13 win over Iowa State was so important. The first-year starter opened his 2026 campaign by missing his first extra point and field goal attempts in the Hawkeyes' 40-0, Week 1 win against Northern Illinois. Buhr was solid from there in the opener, knocking in his next six attempts, but his Cy-Hawk showing Saturday will go a long way toward calming any nerves surrounding Iowa's new kicker. Buhr connected on all three of his field goal attempts in Week 2 -- from 45, 32 and 42 yards -- including his winning kick with 15 seconds left, simultaneously carrying Iowa to a rivalry game victory and quieting the noise around Iowa's kicking game. -- Lederman
24. Washington Huskies
Previous ranking: 17
The offense will be a work in progress, as injuries at running back and the inability to finish drives have surfaced early this season. Washington scored only one touchdown against a Utah State team that had lost to Idaho State the week before. The Huskies converted only 6 of 17 third-down attempts and couldn't generate much of a run game outside of quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (56 yards). Washington has two more home games (Eastern Washington, Minnesota) to get right. The good news is coordinator Ryan Walters' defense has performed well so far, giving up only 24 combined points in two games. -- Rittenberg
25. Houston Cougars
Previous ranking: 23
The Cougars have plenty of faith in Conner Weigman, Amare Thomas and their passing attack, but they were determined to run the ball in a 77-6 rout of FCS Southern on Saturday. Houston rolled to 388 rushing yards and six scores on 45 rushes spread out among 10 ball carriers in a game in which it scored touchdowns on 11 consecutive drives. Now it's time to find out if the Cougars can run all over a Texas Tech defense that held them to 103 rushing yards in a game that got away from them after Weigman went down because of an injury last season. -- Olson