Record-breaking heat impacted college football games across the United States this weekend, with soaring temperatures causing disruptions and health concerns for players and fans alike.
Why it matters: Extreme heat is becoming increasingly common during football season, raising safety concerns and affecting game schedules. Schools and conferences are grappling with how to manage these conditions effectively.
Record heat was felt at the University of South Carolina’s home opener against Kent State, with temperatures reaching 95 degrees and a heat index of 103.
The Colorado School of Mines and Washburn game ended in a tie due to extreme heat, highlighting the challenges faced by teams in high temperatures.
As climate change continues to exacerbate weather extremes, college football may need to adapt its scheduling and safety protocols moving forward.
Driving the news: On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the University of South Carolina faced Kent State at Williams-Brice Stadium. By kickoff at 12:45 p.m., temperatures were already in the mid-90s, with the highest temperature recorded at Owens Airport in Columbia hitting 99 degrees during the game.
At Williams-Brice Stadium, the heat index soared to 110 degrees, making it one of the hottest games in recent memory.
Meanwhile, in Topeka, Kansas, the Division II matchup between the Colorado School of Mines and Washburn was paused due to heat, finishing in a 16-16 tie.
The temperature at the time of suspension was 99 degrees, with a heat index of 108, exceeding conference safety limits.
State of play: The game between the Colorado School of Mines and Washburn was originally scheduled for noon but was moved to 7:05 p.m. and eventually to 9 a.m. to avoid the worst of the heat.
By rule, the game could not resume until the wet-bulb thermometer temperature dropped below 92.1 degrees, a threshold that was not expected to be met until nightfall.
Washburn managed to tie the game with a 48-yard touchdown with just 1:48 left, but Mines missed a 64-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
Last season, similar weather-related disruptions occurred, including a no contest declared due to torrential rain in another game.
The big picture: Extreme weather has become a pressing issue for college football, prompting discussions about player safety and the viability of traditional scheduling.
In addition to South Carolina and Kansas, other states like Georgia reported record temperatures for their games, with Georgia's matchup against Tennessee State hitting 100 degrees, marking the hottest game in Bulldogs' history.
Arkansas and South Carolina both set records for the hottest kickoff temperatures in their season openers, with Arkansas reaching 101 degrees.
Next season, college football’s Week 1 will shift to what is currently Week 0, potentially exacerbating heat-related issues.
What they're saying: Coaches and officials have expressed concern over the impact of extreme heat on player safety.
"We need to prioritize player safety as temperatures rise," said a coach from the Colorado School of Mines.
Fans at the South Carolina game reported discomfort due to the oppressive heat, with many seeking shade and hydration throughout the event.
As heat advisories become more common, schools may need to reevaluate their policies on game times and player management.
By the numbers: The extreme heat this weekend was part of a larger trend affecting sports across the country.
The heat index reached 110 degrees during the South Carolina game, a staggering figure for early September.
In Kansas, the temperature at the time of the game suspension was 99 degrees, with a heat index of 108.
Multiple college football games this weekend saw temperatures in the high 90s or above, indicating a growing trend of extreme weather affecting athletic events.
What's next: As college football navigates these challenging conditions, adjustments to scheduling and safety protocols are likely to be discussed.
Officials are expected to review game scheduling practices to minimize exposure to extreme heat.
Conferences may implement stricter guidelines for managing heat-related risks in upcoming seasons.
Fans and players alike will need to stay informed about weather conditions as college football continues into the fall.