College Football Injury Update — September 7, 2026
The first weekend of college football produced several injuries worth monitoring. BYU lost an experienced defensive starter, Washington State is waiting on MRI results for one of its most explosive players, and Ole Miss received an encouraging initial update on star running back Kewan Lacy.
BYU — S RAIDER DAMUNI
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Damuni suffered a left-leg injury against Utah Tech and had to be carried from the field without putting weight on the leg. The veteran safety later announced that the injury is not season-ending, although he expects to miss a significant portion of his senior season.
BETTING IMPACT
This is a legitimate loss for the BYU defense heading into its Big 12 opener against Arizona. Damuni’s experience and communication will be difficult to replace in the secondary, especially against an Arizona offense capable of creating explosive passing plays.
WASHINGTON STATE — WR TONY FREEMAN
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Freeman sustained a leg injury during the Apple Cup and will undergo an MRI. No official timetable has been announced.
BETTING IMPACT
Freeman is one of Washington State’s most dangerous receivers and return specialists. His absence would remove speed and big-play ability from both the offense and special teams. This is important pending news ahead of Washington State’s matchup with Kansas State.
OLE MISS — RB KEWAN LACY
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Lacy left the Louisville game with a leg bruise after producing 61 rushing yards, four receptions, 19 receiving yards and a touchdown. He briefly returned for one play but was ultimately shut down. The initial indication from Ole Miss is that the injury is not considered serious.
BETTING IMPACT
Lacy is the centerpiece of the Ole Miss running game after rushing for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. There is no reason for a major downgrade yet, but his practice participation needs to be monitored. Makhi Frazier would receive the largest workload increase if Lacy cannot play or is limited.
OREGON STATE — OL CARTER GUILLAUME
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Guillaume left the Houston game with a left-foot injury and was later seen on crutches with his foot in a protective boot. A definitive diagnosis has not been released.
BETTING IMPACT
Guillaume is a starting-caliber interior lineman, making this more meaningful than an ordinary depth injury. His potential absence would weaken Oregon State’s pass protection and interior running game. Nathan Elu replaced him following the injury.
NORTHWESTERN — WR HAYDEN ELIGON II
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Eligon was ruled out against South Dakota State with a lower-body injury and was later seen on the sideline wearing a knee brace. Northwestern has not announced a recovery timetable.
BETTING IMPACT
Eligon entered the season as an established starting receiver after recording 37 receptions for 521 yards last year. Northwestern has a bye before facing Colorado on September 19, giving him additional recovery time.
NORTHWESTERN — C JACKSON CARSELLO
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Carsello left the South Dakota State game on a stretcher. Northwestern reported that he was moving his extremities while being transported for further evaluation.
BETTING IMPACT
Carsello’s availability is important to Northwestern’s protection and offensive-line continuity. His status will need to be monitored when the Wildcats return to practice following their bye.
FLORIDA — QB DJ LAGWAY
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Lagway injured his ankle during Florida’s loss to Auburn, but the early evaluation indicated that he avoided a serious injury.
BETTING IMPACT
The initial news is encouraging, but Lagway’s mobility is a major part of Florida’s offense. Even if he plays, any ankle limitation could reduce the designed quarterback runs and off-schedule plays available in the game plan.
LOUISIANA — WR SHELTON SAMPSON
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Sampson aggravated a knee injury on Louisiana’s opening drive against Lamar and was unable to return.
BETTING IMPACT
The former LSU receiver has the talent to become one of Louisiana’s primary offensive weapons. His status matters to the passing game even though he has not yet accumulated a large statistical résumé with the program.
TEXAS A&M — WR MADDEN WILLIAMS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Williams will miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery for a lower-body injury.
BETTING IMPACT
This is a season-ending injury, but Williams was not one of Texas A&M’s primary established receivers. It affects the Aggies’ receiving depth without creating a significant immediate adjustment to the point spread.
TODAY’S GAME: SMU AT FLORIDA STATE
Florida State will be without linebacker Blake Nichelson and defensive backs Chauncey Kennon, Karson Hobbs and Jordan Crutchfield. Defensive lineman Darryll Desir and defensive back K.J. Kirkland are doubtful.
SMU is missing running backs Link Rhodes, Christian Rhodes and EJ Kelly, along with offensive lineman Abel Hoopii and several defensive players. Wide receiver Daylon Singleton is questionable. Quarterback Kevin Jennings is not listed and is expected to start.
BETTING IMPACT
SMU’s backfield depth has taken a hit, while Florida State enters the game shorthanded at multiple defensive positions. Singleton is the most important pending offensive decision. The final game-day availability report is expected approximately two hours before the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.