Top 8 Overreactions after Week 3 of 2026 College Football Season

Over the course of more than 12 hours, Week 3 provided further proof, as if you needed any, why college football is the best sport on the planet.

Sure, we're biased. Deeply biased. But it doesn't mean we're wrong.

Week 3 had it all: stunning upsets, dramatic finishes with unthinkable final plays, games with enormous hype with thrilling results to match, brilliant quarterbacking and so much more.

A month into the season, and things are finally starting to solidify. While we're more data points each and every week, that won't stop us from jumping to seismic conclusions based on what we just watched.

Here are our biggest overreactions after Week 3.

The good news for Texas Tech is that the defending conference champs are 3-0. The better news is that the Red Raiders have one of the most manageable remaining schedules in the country.

That second part is by no means hyperbole. As it stands today, in the afterglow of Week 3, Texas Tech will not play a single ranked team between now and the end of the season.

It's hard to know exactly what that says, although it doesn't seem ideal.

Despite that, the Big 12 still seems up for grabs. Texas Tech's thrilling two-point win over Houston was massive, although the Red Raiders have not exactly dazzled early on.

That's actually putting it mildly. The team has questions at quarterback, the defense has regressed significantly (as one would expect) and it just doesn't look quite right despite the unblemished mark.

Plus, despite the friendly path between now and late November, two teams will still have to meet at the end of the year. And with BYU, Utah and Arizona all showing positive early signs, this thing is nowhere close to done.

Malachi Toney is Going to Destory Records in 2026

In his first year of college football last fall, Malachi Toney caught 109 passes, falling one reception short of the ACC record as a true freshman.

This year, with Darian Mensah playing quarterback, Toney has a chance to shatter the ACC mark and start pushing towards more rarified air.

After his 12-catch performance against Wake Forest on Friday night, Toney has 28 catches and 444 yards receiving through only three games in 2026.

Given the team's level of talent along with a schedule that currently features only one ranked opponent, it's possible that Toney could deliver a historic season that will live on in the conference record book and beyond.

As for the conference's current receiving yards record, that belongs to former NC State star Torry Holt. In 1998, he racked up 1,604 yards receiving.

While there is plenty to be decided, Toney is well on his way. Expect the catches and yards to pile up

Arkansas Will be Looking for a New Head Coach This Offseason

Yes, Ryan Silverfield was just hired. He hasn't been given appropriate time to turn around a program that demands patience, resources and talent.

It would be absurd to suggest that a coach with only a handful of games at a program will not make another year, but it feels like we might be getting close. And let's be honest, these are absurd times.

For the second week in a row, Arkansas was pummeled. Against Georgia and Utah these past two weeks, Silverfield's team was outscored 88-27. It didn't help that the Hogs struggled against North Alabama in the opener, winning 31-14, providing a three-week stretch of concern.

Attendance was sparse this week as fans express their frustration. And some who stayed covered their heads with paper bags when things really turned.

The school announced this week that it is looking at ways to bring more resources to the football program, which is never something a school wants to announce before Week 3.

In short, it's a mess. And it won't get better soon.

After playing Tulsa next week, which is no surefire win, Arkansas plays at Texas A&M, Tennessee, at Vanderbilt, Missouri, at Auburn, South Carolina, at Texas and LSU.

Top CFB winners and losers after dramatic slate

No Team Will Lose Worse Than NC State Just Did

It's not just about the teams. Sometimes, it's about the moments. And one could argue no football moment over the past decade was worse than this.

This is not meant to be hyperbole. Promise.

Up 35-28 near its own goal line with less than 10 seconds to play, NC State attempted to run out—or down, who can be sure—the clock, choosing to take a safety rather than just punt the ball away.

Rather than run out of the back of the end zone, CJ Bailey tried to extend the play and bleed more clock. He fumbled, Vanderbilt recovered in the end zone for a touchdown, and the Commodores ultimately won.

Words don't do it justice. This was one of the worst losses the sport has ever seen at any level. There were a plethora of ways NC State could win this game; the only thing it couldn't do was that.

Add in the reality that NC State was up 17 points at one point, and the entirety of the meltdown comes into focus.

This was historic. And not the good kind of historic. Jobs could ultimately be decided based on less than 10 seconds of chaos.

At Some Point Soon, Texas A&M Will Turn to Another Quarterback

Marcel Reed's talent is undeniable. Watch him on certain plays, and you'll convince yourself he's one of the best quarterbacks in college football. In the open field, few quarterbacks are more dynamic.

But after a crushing loss to Kentucky as a massive favorite at home, a game in which Reed really struggled, the reality has taken shape. His accuracy remains an issue, and it will continue to cost Texas A&M games if a change isn't explored.

Brady Hart, a former 3-star recruit, is currently listed as the team's backup QB. Whether he's the answer or not, Mike Elko might have no other choice but to find out.

Reed's completion percentage has regressed each game this season, and his two interceptions against Kentucky were massive moments in the final outcome.

This one isn't all that complicated. The meat of A&M's schedule starts soon, and the concern has already mounted. At this point, it feels like a matter of time.

Kamario Taylor is Worth the Hype and Then Some

The hype has been building. It started late last season and reached overdrive early on.

On Saturday, in Mississippi State's first road game of the season—a true test against a very capable South Carolina team— the Kamario Taylor hype reached overdrive.

Taylor finished his team's win against Ole Miss with four touchdowns, uncorking throws with a simple flick of the wrist.

From handling the pressure to delivering beautiful, on-time throws, Taylor looked the part of an SEC star and an NFL Scout's dream.

Through three games, he's accounted for 12 touchdowns and only one interception while completing nearly 70 percent of his throws.

The competition won't get any easier. Mississippi State will play Missouri, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas in the next five games. It's the gauntlet of all gauntlets. While nothing can be assumed, one thing feels certain already.

Those defensive coordinators have their work cut out for them.

Jon Sumrall's first real test as the coach of the Gators couldn't have gone much better

Well, maybe a little more defense would have done the trick. But a win is a win.

Florida outlasted Auburn on the road, totaling nearly 500 yards in one of the toughest environments in the sport. It's the first time the Gators have won at Auburn in more than 25 years.

For the Gators, the weapons are real. Jadan Baugh, who has been superb thus far, is one of the best running backs in college football. And the wide receivers are deep and capable.

While QB Aaron Philo might not have the same name recognition as some of the other QBs in the conference, he's been a pleasant surprise thus far.

For Florida, the gauntlet begins next week against Ole Miss. Given the possibility for a letdown for the Rebels, don't be shocked if this theme carries over in a major way.

Nothing about Trinidad Chambliss' performance against his former coach should come as a surprise at this point.

This is who the quarterback is, and this is what he does. Through three weeks, however, no player has done more against better competition.

While many teams have barely started their seasons, playing paycheck games against overmatched opponents, Ole Miss already has wins over Louisville and LSU.

Chambliss scored seven combined touchdowns in those two games, looking the part of the best quarterback in college football and the eventual Heisman winner.

Granted, the competition is significant. The quarterback play in the SEC and beyond is exceptional in 2026, and winning the award will demand consistent excellence against elite competition.

But beyond the wins or stats, Chambliss possesses a certain flash that is so easy on the eyes. In three weeks, he's delivered two Heisman statements. It's likely many more are coming soon.