# American college and professional football season

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/american-college-and-professional-football-season
> Updated: 2026-09-18T13:08:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

The American football season has continued with significant upsets and the emergence of individual statistical leaders. Following Texas’s historic comeback against Ohio State, the Longhorns remain top contenders. In the Big Ten, Oregon’s 39-31 loss to Oklahoma State has highlighted conference depth, while Michigan secured a narrow victory over Western Michigan.

Individual performances are beginning to shape the season's narrative. In the FBS, Kamari Moulton of Iowa leads in rushing yards per game (120 YPG), followed by Dominic Kelley of Nevada (118 YPG) and Keveun Mason of Temple (117 YPG). 

As the season enters Week 3, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has become the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards following a victory over Kent State. This milestone follows earlier concerns regarding the availability of starters Phillip Daniels and Zion Grady. 

In the Heisman Trophy race, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has emerged as the betting favorite, followed by Jeremiah Smith and Miami’s Malachi Toney. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed saw his odds decline after an upset loss to Kentucky. 

Conference dynamics remain volatile; the Pac-12 has all eight teams scheduled for Week 3 action, while preseason favorites in the FCS—including teams in the CAA, Patriot League, and Southern Conference—are facing early challenges. Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft projections continue to feature Texas quarterback Arch Manning as the projected number one overall pick, followed by Jeremiah Smith and Dante Moore of Oregon.

## Claims

- Temple running back Keveun Mason averages 117 rushing yards per game. (single source)
- Nevada sophomore Dominic Kelley averages 118 rushing yards per game. (single source)
- Iowa running back Kamari Moulton averages 120 rushing yards per game. (single source)
- Texas achieved a comeback victory over Ohio State. (single source)
- Oklahoma State defeated Oregon with a score of 39-31. (single source)
- Ohio State may play without starters Phillip Daniels and Zion Grady due to injuries. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: College football enters Week 3 with record-breaking performances

College football enters Week 3 with Jeremiah Smith setting Ohio State receiving records and Miami's Darian Mensah leading early Heisman Trophy odds amid shifting conference standings.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/college-football-season-sees-major-upsets-and-emerging-rushing-leaders

### 2026-09-13: College football delivers major upsets in week two

College football's second week saw major upsets, including Texas's comeback against Ohio State. Early 2027 NFL Mock Drafts now project Arch Manning as the top overall pick.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/college-football-delivers-major-upsets-in-week-two

### 2026-09-06: College and professional football seasons begin with major upsets and dense schedules

College football Week 1 features major upsets like UMass over Rutgers and Ohio State's dominance, as the upcoming football season promises a nearly continuous schedule through early 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/college-and-professional-football-seasons-begin-with-major-upsets-and-dense-schedules

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Cite as: American college and professional football season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/american-college-and-professional-football-season