Mailbag: Week 1 is average nationally (but solid on the West Coast), Pac-12 vs. MW cash, and more

Jon Wilner’s weekly college-football mailbag confirms what many observers suspected: the 2026 season’s opening weekend will be underwhelming on the national stage. While marquee matchups are scarce from coast to coast, the West Coast slate offers enough intrigue to keep regional interest alive. Fans hoping for an instant jolt of excitement will have to wait until Week 2, when the schedule is expected to gain momentum.

The column also touches on lingering questions about revenue distribution between the Pac-12 and Mountain West, a topic that continues to simmer as both conferences navigate an evolving media and playoff landscape. Answers, and perhaps more debate, are promised in future installments.