Quarterback Controversy Deepens as Arkansas State Loses to TCU

The second week of the 2026 college football season delivered another round of thrilling matchups, surprise victories, and standout performances. Arkansas State’s close loss to TCU kept fans on edge, as the Red Wolves’ quarterback carousel added new layers to an already dramatic storyline. Meanwhile, Troy continued their offensive dominance, UNLV showcased their firepower in a narrow victory over UNT, and USF shocked Alabama with a commanding performance. Across the board, teams are starting to reveal their strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable season.

TCU 45, Arkansas State 42

Arkansas State faced a heartbreaking loss to TCU in a thrilling 45-42 showdown, falling just short despite a late surge that exceeded expectations set by the 3-point spread favoring TCU. The game was a high-stakes shootout, ultimately hitting the over as both teams kept the scoreboard active. After being named the starter in Week 1, freshman QB Connor Wojciechowski struggled, throwing for 221 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 costly interceptions—two of which TCU returned for pick-sixes. Woj also added 44 rushing yards and a touchdown but was ultimately benched midway through the third quarter as Arkansas State looked for answers.

When Jaylen Raynor took the reins, he quickly ignited the offense, completing 14 of 15 passes for 225 yards and 1 touchdown, nearly erasing the deficit. But the comeback fell just short, and Arkansas State couldn’t overcome the early mistakes. Freshman running back Sateki Stumph contributed 87 rushing yards to keep the offense moving. Parris Bowden had a massive day with 6 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown, plus a spectacular 105-yard kickoff return for another score. Jayvion Showers added to the firepower with 5 catches for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Head coach Bryan Vieger was reflective about the quarterback situation moving forward: “We’re assessing all options at QB. Both Connor and Jaylen have skills that make them valuable, but we’ll have to decide what’s best for this team. It’s an ongoing conversation.”

Raynor, coming off the bench after being sidelined to start the season, seemed confident in his ability to lead the team: “I know what it takes to win big games. I’m ready to lead this team like I did last year. I don’t make excuses, and I don’t want to point fingers, but I think it’s clear who’s ready for this job.” Raynor’s confidence in his role adds pressure on the coaching staff as they evaluate the quarterback position.

After an intense back-and-forth game that hit the over and tested the depth of the roster, Arkansas State will regroup in Week 3 against FCS Midwest, where the coaching staff hopes to settle the quarterback uncertainty.

Coastal Carolina 62, Army 41

Coastal Carolina continued their explosive start to the season with a commanding 62-41 victory over Army. The game seemed decided by halftime, as Coastal entered the break up 35-10 and well on their way to covering the 14-point spread as favorites. Both offenses went wild in the second half, combining for an astounding 58 points and taking the game well over the over/under line, as Coastal racked up 866 yards of offense in a dominating display.

Senior quarterback Ethan Vasko had another jaw-dropping performance, throwing for 708 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. While Coastal’s aerial assault was the story of the game, sophomore running back Ja’Vin Simpkins also contributed with 137 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In the receiving corps, Jalon Williams led the way with 13 catches for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns, followed by Khalid Boyle with 169 yards on 5 catches and Matt Sauer adding 131 receiving yards and a touchdown on 4 catches.

In a shocking twist, Coastal’s punter found himself in an unexpected role, kicking a field goal and an extra point for the Chanticleers. When asked about his sudden stint as a kicker, he laughed, “I enrolled at Coastal to live near the beach and party. Never thought I’d play, especially with Coach Jacob’s history with kickers. But hey, life’s full of surprises.”

Coach Jacob Clayton, never one to shy away from bold statements, made it clear he was ready to take on any challenger: “I should be the commander-in-chief! I own the armed forces—first Navy, now Army. They don’t stand a chance against Coastal Carolina. We’ll take on any of them, any day!” His brash and grandiose remarks reflect the confidence—and swagger—of a team that seems unstoppable right now.

With this decisive win, Coastal Carolina heads into Week 3 to face Temple, eager to keep their high-powered offense rolling and firmly on the path to becoming the team to beat.

South Alabama 20, Tulane 17

South Alabama squeezed out a hard-fought 20-17 victory over Tulane, narrowly covering the 3-point spread in a defensive showdown that kept fans on edge until the final whistle. The low-scoring affair stayed just under the over/under line as both defenses dug in, making every score hard-earned.

Senior quarterback Bishop Davenport led South Alabama, throwing for 226 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Winston Malone provided a strong ground presence, rushing for 145 yards on 18 carries, while Bobbie Purdue led the receiving corps with 6 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. On the offensive line, senior right tackle Malachi Carney earned IHOP’s “Hungriest Biggest Man” award for the week after racking up 12 pancakes. Carney was all smiles after the game: “I came out here hungry! That D-line was my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I’m just doing my part to keep the offense moving and make room for our guys.”

South Alabama’s defense rose to the occasion, led by sophomore free safety Jonathan Gatson, who snagged 3 interceptions for a total of 77 return yards. Head coach Coach Mason was thrilled with the team’s effort: “Our guys showed real grit out there today. We made mistakes, but we found a way to close it out. Gatson’s performance on defense, the run game, and our ability to control the line of scrimmage all came together. This is the kind of win that defines our season, and I couldn’t be prouder of these players.”

Tulane struggled to find a rhythm, with freshman QB Leeroy Jenkins having a challenging day, throwing for 163 yards, 1 touchdown, and 4 interceptions. Jenkins took responsibility for the tough outing: “I’ve got to be better. Four picks is unacceptable, and I’m putting this one on me. My teammates deserve more, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help us bounce back.” Freshman running back Dalton Latimer contributed 73 rushing yards on 12 carries, while senior tight end Sidney Mbanasor added 3 catches for 47 yards. On defense, senior linebacker Makai Williams led the way with 10 tackles.

Head coach Fran Chione reflected on the missed opportunity for Tulane: “We had this one in our hands and let it slip away. It’s tough to see a game like this go down the wire and fall short, especially with how hard we played in the second half. I’ve got some Bacardi waiting for me at home tonight, and let’s just say I’ll need it.”

South Alabama moves to Week 3 to face USF on the road, while Tulane will regroup as they prepare to play Kansas State in the “Little Apple.” Both teams look to iron out their inconsistencies as they gear up for tough matchups ahead.

UTSA 35, Texas State 14 (I-35 Showdown Presented by H-E-B)

Texas State faced a tough defeat in the I-35 Showdown against rival UTSA, falling 35-14 in a game where turnovers proved costly. The game unfolded largely as expected with UTSA entering as the favorite and comfortably covering the spread. Despite PJ Hatter’s struggles, Texas State showed some fight, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a resilient UTSA squad that’s now 3-0.

Sophomore quarterback PJ Hatter had a rough day under center, throwing for 144 yards and 5 interceptions. Though he added 38 rushing yards and a touchdown, the turnovers continually stymied Texas State’s offense. Running back Jaylen Jenkins rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, while Chris Dawn Jr. led the team in receiving with 4 catches for 39 yards.

After the game, Coach Uncle Matt focused on the strength of UTSA’s team, saying, “UTSA is a solid 3-0 team. They’re tough, they’re disciplined, and they showed why they’re having such a great start to the season.” When pressed about the growing pressure around his role and the so-called “warm seat,” Uncle Matt shot back: “I’m not worried about my seat. We have the number one recruiting class in 2026 lined up. This program is building something, and one game isn’t going to derail what we’re working toward.”

PJ Hatter took responsibility for his performance, acknowledging the need for improvement: “I’m struggling to see the field right now, plain and simple. The team needs me to be better, and I’m working on it. We’re not where we want to be, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there.”

With the loss behind them, Texas State will look to rebound in Week 3 as they prepare to host UNT and address some of the issues that have surfaced in the season’s early games.

Troy 98, FCS West 17

Troy dominated FCS West with a 98-17 blowout, covering the spread in a performance that left little doubt about their offensive and defensive prowess. The game saw Troy rack up 722 yards of total offense, showcasing the strength and depth of their roster as they surged past their expected score.

Junior quarterback Dylan Lonergan led the offensive explosion, throwing for 524 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Sophomore running back Tae Meadows contributed 124 rushing yards on 13 carries, while Nazir Tolson added 62 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Matt Laulile was unstoppable in the passing game, hauling in 9 catches for 301 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Defensively, Troy was relentless, forcing 5 interceptions, with Kamal Matthews and LJ Green each recording two picks. Special teams also shined, as Jywon Boyd took a 75-yard punt return to the house, one of his 11 punt returns on the day. Reflecting on his big play, Boyd shared, “I saw the seam open up just right, and I took it. It’s all about waiting for the right moment and trusting my blockers.”

After the game, Coach Khail Sharp praised his team’s extraordinary effort: “This team is different. They have the potential to make history, and I see it every day in their drive and intensity. We’re doing things on offense, defense, and special teams that make me believe we’re just getting started.”

Troy now sets its sights on Mississippi State in Week 3, hoping to carry their momentum into a tougher matchup and continue proving they’re a team to watch this season.

USF 55, Alabama 14

USF stunned the college football world with a dominant 55-14 victory over #6 Alabama, defying the odds and comfortably covering the 14-point spread as underdogs. In a game that saw USF’s defense steal the show, the Bulls forced Alabama into a staggering 7 turnovers—three fumbles and four interceptions—turning Alabama’s mistakes into points and sealing the game well before the final whistle. Despite being outgained 282 to 291 in total yardage, USF’s efficiency and defensive prowess carried them to a 41-point win.

Senior quarterback Byrum Brown led an efficient offense, throwing for 165 yards and 5 touchdowns, completing 17 of 19 passes. Freshman standout Eric McCareins added 77 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, while Jeyquan Smith caught 7 passes for 83 yards and 3 touchdowns, becoming Brown’s go-to target in the red zone.

After the game, Coach Bryan Marin praised his defense’s incredible performance: “Our defense was simply dominant. We were aggressive, we forced mistakes, and we capitalized on every opportunity. These guys deserve it—they’re all flying first class on the way home.”

Reflecting on the offense’s efficiency, Byrum Brown credited the team’s preparation and execution: “We came into this game with a solid plan, and everyone played their part. The line held strong, the receivers ran perfect routes, and it all just clicked. It felt like every drive, we were in control.”

Senior linebacker Jordan Castell anchored the defense, contributing 6 tackles and an interception as USF showed they could go toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s top programs.

With the huge win in their pocket, USF now looks forward to hosting South Alabama in Week 3, aiming to carry this momentum into another challenging matchup.

ECU 36, Appalachian State 34

In an emotional game, ECU managed a narrow 36-34 victory over Appalachian State, rallying together to claim a win for their absent leader, Coach Sam, who remains in a coma. News of the coach’s slight improvement—responding to stimuli with non-verbal communication—added an inspiring layer to the Pirates’ performance, as they continue to push forward without their guiding force.

The team’s commitment to fighting for their coach has never been more evident, with players and staff united in their dedication to carry on his vision until he can return to the sidelines. ECU now enters a bye week, providing time to regroup, recharge, and hold onto the hope of Coach Sam’s eventual return.

UNLV 56, UNT 54

UNLV edged out UNT in a thrilling 56-54 shootout, failing to cover the 4.5-point spread as slight favorites in a game that exceeded all expectations on the over/under line. The back-and-forth affair saw offensive fireworks from both teams, but UNLV capitalized on critical turnovers to secure the victory.

UNLV’s true freshman quarterback Tavarus Cargile continued his impressive start, throwing for 444 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, completing 28 of 36 attempts. Cargile added 27 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns as he confidently led the offense. When asked about his performance, Cargile exuded confidence: “I’m seeing the field so well right now. When I step out there, I feel unstoppable.”

One of Cargile’s favorite targets was Arlis Boardingham, who had 5 catches for 132 yards and consistently found separation on his favorite route—a late-release quick out. Ezekiel Golladay contributed 125 receiving yards and a touchdown on 6 catches, giving Cargile a reliable set of hands as he marched UNLV downfield.

Head coach Hayden Tindal emphasized the importance of the victory: “This win was big for us moving forward. The game was never in doubt, though—UNT is known to crumble in tight games, and tonight was no different. Our guys kept their cool and finished strong.”

For UNT, the quarterback carousel continued, with Paul Lowell making his first start despite being third on the depth chart in Week 1. Lowell threw for 431 yards and 4 touchdowns but made 3 costly interceptions, one of which ended UNT’s final drive as they attempted a late comeback. Running back Zach Evans had 68 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, adding 83 receiving yards and a touchdown in a valiant effort to keep UNT in the game. Nick Coffey added 8 catches for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns as a reliable option downfield.

Head coach Jake Robinson expressed his frustration: “This loss is tough to swallow. When 3 of our 4 quarterbacks are freshmen, it’s hard to find real leadership in that room. We’re assessing the starter on a weekly basis until someone proves they deserve it.”

Evans shared the emotional impact of the loss: “Losing this one hurts—especially for our fans. They deserve better, and I wanted to be better for them tonight.”

UNLV will carry their momentum into Week 3 against Western Kentucky, while UNT looks to regroup as they prepare for a road game against Texas State.

Wyoming 100, FCS West 55

Wyoming lit up the scoreboard with an eye-popping 100-55 win over FCS West, easily covering the spread in a game where their offense fired on all cylinders. This high-scoring matchup flew past the over/under as Wyoming racked up a jaw-dropping 937 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado had a record-breaking performance, throwing for 937 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Running back Darius McIver complemented the aerial attack with 167 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while also adding 50 receiving yards and another score. Tyler King was unstoppable downfield, catching 9 passes for 479 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Chris Durr Jr. followed suit with 290 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 6 catches.

Wyoming’s defense also contributed, forcing 4 interceptions against FCS West. Sophomore cornerback Markie Grant led the charge with one of those picks, returning it 35 yards for a touchdown and tallying 11 tackles. Reflecting on his performance, Grant noted: “When your offense scores 100 points, it’s easy to rack up stats on defense. They give us the lead, and we just get after it.”

Head coach Joey Clayton addressed the defensive lapses but acknowledged the unique nature of the game: “Our defense needs to be better, no question. But when you put up 100, does it really matter? We were able to capitalize on turnovers, but we’ll tighten things up for next week.”

With this monumental win, Wyoming will travel to face Central Michigan in Week 3, looking to maintain their offensive firepower and shore up their defense.

Nevada 70, FCS Northwest 14

Nevada cruised to a dominant 70-14 victory over FCS Northwest, covering the spread and putting up an impressive display on both sides of the ball. The offense was firing on all cylinders, with Nevada amassing over 500 yards and keeping control throughout, making easy work of their non-conference opponent.

Freshman quarterback Marco Knight continued his stellar start to the season, throwing for 421 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, while adding 27 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Running back Ashton Hayes carried the ball 16 times for 135 yards and scored 3 touchdowns on the ground. Tyrone Howell was Knight’s favorite target, catching 10 passes for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Head coach Joey Rooker used his post-game comments to voice his frustration about Nevada’s scheduling: “I’m sick of playing in Week 0. It’s ridiculous. We’re out there grinding a week before almost every other team, and for what? I’d like our athletic director to explain why we’re jumping the gun every year. We need time to prepare just like the rest of the country.” Rooker added with a grin, “Now that we’re on bye, I’ll spend some time working on my true craft—making sourdough bread. Maybe I’ll perfect the recipe before we get back out there.”

Ashton Hayes commented on the offensive rhythm the Wolfpack has found: “I’ve never seen our offense click like this. Marco’s throwing dimes, the line is holding, and everything is just flowing. I’ll say it right now—this is the year we’re bringing the Cannon back. UNLV better be ready.”

With a well-timed bye week ahead, Nevada can regroup and prepare to build on their early success, with plenty of time for Coach Rooker to refine both his game plan and his sourdough.

2026 Power Rankings (Week 2)

1. Troy (2-0)

Troy’s offense remains untouchable, with Dylan Lonergan throwing for 524 yards and 11 touchdowns in a 98-17 win over FCS West. Coach Khail’s squad heads into Week 3 with momentum, solidifying their spot at the top.

2. UNLV (2-0)

Freshman QB Tavarus Cargile is proving he’s a force, throwing for six touchdowns in a high-scoring 56-54 win over UNT. UNLV’s potent offense keeps them climbing in the rankings.

3. Coastal Carolina (2-0)

Coastal’s offensive machine put up 866 yards against Army, with Ethan Vasko leading the charge. Coach Clayton’s aggressive style keeps Coastal as one of the most dangerous teams.

4. South Alabama (2-0)

A gritty defensive effort combined with Bishop Davenport’s leadership led South Alabama to a 20-17 victory over Tulane. With a big game against USF ahead, they’re looking to make a statement.

5. USF (2-0)

USF’s 55-14 win over Alabama turned heads, as Coach Bryan’s defense forced seven turnovers. Byrum Brown’s efficient offense adds to their strengths heading into Week 3.

6. Nevada (2-0)

Freshman Marco Knight continues to shine with 421 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 70-14 win over FCS Northwest. Nevada has found its rhythm and aims to carry this momentum into their bye week.

7. Arkansas State (1-1)

Arkansas State’s offense looked solid in a 45-42 loss to TCU, though the quarterback situation remains uncertain. Jaylen Raynor’s impressive performance could fuel future games as they look to bounce back.

8. Wyoming (1-1)

Micah Alejado threw for an astounding 937 yards and 13 touchdowns in a 100-55 win over FCS West. Coach Joey is looking for defensive improvement, but the offensive firepower is undeniable.

9. Tulane (1-1)

Tulane’s gritty play fell short against South Alabama in a 20-17 loss. Freshman QB Leeroy Jenkins will need to limit turnovers, but Tulane’s resilience keeps them competitive.

10. UNT (1-1)

UNT’s QB carousel continued, with Paul Lowell stepping up in a close 56-54 loss to UNLV. While their offense shows promise, turnovers proved costly. They’ll need a cleaner game against Texas State.

11. Texas State (0-2)

The Bobcats struggled in a 35-14 loss to UTSA, as PJ Hatter threw five interceptions. Coach Uncle Matt is looking to 2026 recruits, but they need improvement quickly with UNT up next.

12. ECU (1-2)

ECU secured a close 36-34 win over Appalachian State, still fighting for their absent coach. The team’s determination is inspiring, but there are questions on both sides of the ball as they head into their bye.

Who has been the most surprising team so far?

• Troy
• USF
• Arkansas State (for wrong reasons)