College football returns with a blockbuster Week 1 slate

The GIST: Clear your schedule, because college football is back, baby. And this isn’t just any Week 1 slate — it might be the biggest opening weekend ever with a mind-boggling three top-10 matchups, all of which will likely have major implications for the 12-team College Football Playoff this winter. Never too early to start that postseason push.

• The most anticipated game is without a doubt the No. 1 Texas Longhorns’ visit to the reigning national champ, the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes, tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET on FOX. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the blockbuster bout.

🤘 Spotlight shines on untested Longhorns quarterback (QB) Arch Manning: Expectations are sky-high for Peyton and Eli’s nephew — the redshirt sophomore is already a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, college football’s MVP, despite only starting two games (with mixed results) last season.

• The Manning hype helped the Longhorns capture their first preseason No. 1 ranking in program history…which has rankled their Week 1 opponent.

🔴 Buckeyes look to run it back despite revamped roster: Ohio State graduated many of the stars that brought them the championship in January, including 14 NFL Draft picks, not to mention their offensive and defensive coordinators have moved on. That dropped them down to the No. 3 preseason spot, and fans are crashing out.

• But one key player did stick around for a shot at another ring: Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is also in the Heisman conversation, leading an all-star receiving staff that also includes returner Carnell Tate. First-time starting QB Julian Sayin will have plenty of targets.