College Football Week 3: Live Updates, Highlights, and Key Takeaways from September 19, 2026
Published · Updated
Cited: NCAA.com, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report
TL;DR
Week 3 featured weather delays, historic records, and a top-10 showdown as LSU visited Ole Miss in Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford.
Why now
With conference play kicking off across the FBS, this week's results will shape the College Football Playoff race and midseason narratives.
Agree / conflict
While many expected Alabama to cruise past Florida State, the lightning delay and last year's upset in Tallahassee add uncertainty to the rematch.
Takeaway
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Miami's Darian Mensah showed why they belong in the Heisman conversation with record-breaking performances.
Week 3 of college football brought a mix of weather disruptions and standout individual performances. Lightning delays forced three of the afternoon's marquee games into waiting periods, including the Alabama-Florida State rematch and Clemson's home contest against North Carolina. Clemson fans voiced their displeasure as the Tigers trailed 17-6 at halftime, a stark contrast to their 28-3 lead over the same opponent a year ago.
Despite the weather, several teams made emphatic statements. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith broke the program's all-time receiving yards record in just his junior season, while Miami QB Darian Mensah set an ACC record with 24 consecutive completions in a win over Wake Forest. Iowa State running back Aiden Flora scored three touchdowns of 42 yards or more, and Oregon rebounded from a ranking tumble by shutting out Portland State 84-0.
FAQ
What was the biggest upset of Week 3?
While no top-10 teams lost in the early window, the most notable surprise was Clemson trailing North Carolina at home, drawing boos from the Death Valley crowd. The game was paused due to lightning.
Why did Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford draw so much attention?
Lane Kiffin faced his former team, Ole Miss, now led by head coach Chris Kiffin (his brother). The emotional reunion and the top-10 stakes made it the most anticipated game of the week.
Which players had record-setting performances?
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith broke Michael Jenkins' all-time receiving yards record. Miami QB Darian Mensah set an ACC record with 24 consecutive completions to start a game.
How did the London game affect the season?
Arizona State improved to 2-1 with its win over Kansas, building momentum after a tough loss to Texas A&M in Week 2. The game also showcased college football's growing international appeal.
Sources
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