Week 11 of the college football season is approaching with a full slate of major matchups. Duke travels to Miami, Wake Forest faces SMU, and Missouri looks to challenge No. 1 Georgia. USC and Indiana meet, Utah heads to Arizona, and Texas visits LSU in Death Valley.
Before the week’s games get underway, several teams are dealing with important roster questions, while conference races and the FCS playoff picture continue to take shape. Here are some of the latest developments.
## Michigan State Faces a Long Injury List
Michigan State has had a difficult season, entering Week 11 with a 3-6 overall record and a 1-5 mark in Big Ten play. The Spartans did, however, earn a significant win over in-state rival Michigan last weekend.
They will try to build on that result against Washington, but the team has ruled 10 players out for Saturday’s game. Among those unavailable are leading tackler Devin Vaught, starting linebacker Jordan Hall, starting tight end Jayden Savoury and starting receiver Rodney Bullard. The absences leave Michigan State short-handed at several positions.
There may be some encouraging news beyond this week’s game. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald told reporters that he believes the injured players will return at some point this season. Their availability is not certain, but Fitzgerald’s comments suggest many of the injuries may not be long-term. Some players could potentially be back as soon as next week.
For now, Michigan State will need to manage a depleted roster as it prepares for Washington.
## Kansas State’s Quarterback Situation Takes Another Hit
Kansas State has used three quarterbacks who have each attempted more than 40 passes this season, with injuries contributing to the changes at the position. The Wildcats will now be without starting quarterback Avery Johnson and backup Jacob Knuth.
That leaves Blake Barnett and Dillon Duff competing for the starting role. Barnett has completed 29 of 50 passes for 371 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also contributed on the ground, rushing for 66 yards this season.
Duff has completed 11 of 18 attempts for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception. With both quarterbacks available to compete for the job, Kansas State must decide which option gives it the best chance to succeed. Barnett’s passing numbers and ability to run could give him an advantage, but the team’s choice remains to be seen.
## Virginia Tech Could Get Two Starters Back
Virginia Tech may receive a timely boost for its game against Stanford. Starting left tackle Justin Terry and starting cornerback Thomas Williams have both missed multiple weeks, but head coach James Franklin said the pair could return Saturday.
Franklin said Terry had recently taken part in a full practice after being gradually worked back into drills, individual work and one-on-one sessions. The coach described the progress as positive, while stopping short of confirming Terry would play.
Williams has also been progressing, and Franklin said the team expects him to be available. He added, however, that Virginia Tech had anticipated Williams’ return in each of the previous two weeks as well.
If both players are cleared, their return would strengthen the Hokies on offense and defense as they host Stanford. Their final availability will depend on how they continue to progress.
## FCS Playoff Race Tightens With 15 Teams Facing Elimination
With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, 39 teams are still in contention for the FCS playoffs. The 24-team field means that 15 of those contenders will need to be eliminated over the next two weeks.
Eight programs are currently considered playoff locks: Montana State, Northern Arizona, Youngstown State, South Dakota State, Tennessee Tech, Stephen F. Austin, Lamar and Tarleton State.
Five other teams are viewed as likely playoff selections: Monmouth, South Dakota, North Dakota, Mercer and Austin Peay. If all 13 teams in those two groups qualify, the remaining 11 spots would be shared among the other 26 teams still in the running.
The crowded field sets up a consequential finish to the regular season. Every result over the next couple of weeks could have an impact on which teams continue their seasons in the postseason.
## Sun Belt Schedule Features Three In-State Rivalries
The Sun Belt has lined up three in-state rivalry games for Week 11, even though the traditional final-week rivalry slate is still ahead.
In Louisiana, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette will travel to the University of Louisiana-Monroe for the Battle on the Bayou. In Alabama, South Alabama hosts Troy in the Battle for the Belt. Georgia’s rivalry matchup sends Georgia Southern to Georgia State for the Georgia Grown Bowl.
Each game gives the teams a chance to claim bragging rights as well as an important win. With three rivalry matchups on the same Saturday, the Sun Belt schedule offers plenty of added interest for fans across the region.
## Lehigh Could Claim a Third Straight Patriot League Title
Lehigh has won the Patriot League championship in each of the past two seasons. The Mountain Hawks finished 9-4 overall in 2024 and went 5-1 in conference play. They followed that campaign with a 12-1 record in 2025, including a perfect 7-0 mark in the Patriot League.
Lehigh has lost two games in 2026, but remains 6-1 in conference play. A win over Richmond on Saturday would secure at least a share of the league title for a third consecutive year.
The Mountain Hawks are the only team in the conference with one loss. Every other team has at least two Patriot League defeats, leaving Lehigh in a strong position as the race approaches its conclusion. The team still needs to take care of business in its remaining games, but it has control of its path to at least a share of the championship.
## Maryland Quarterback Malik Washington Listed as Questionable
Maryland may be without starting quarterback Malik Washington for its game against Wisconsin. Washington is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury after going to the medical tent late last week.
His status is a major concern for the Terrapins. Washington has thrown for 2,058 yards and 11 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, while adding 169 rushing yards and four scores. Four of his interceptions came in one game. Excluding that blowout loss to UCLA, he has 15 touchdowns against four interceptions.
Maryland would lose a significant part of its offense if Washington cannot play. His availability could have an important effect on the Terrapins’ chances against Wisconsin, though his status remains uncertain.
## Alonzo Hampton Discusses Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Progress
Arkansas-Pine Bluff head coach Alonzo Hampton is beginning to see results after four years with the Golden Lions. The team won two or three games in each of his first three seasons, but has improved to 6-3 in 2026. Arkansas-Pine Bluff also has an opportunity to make a statement against Prairie View A&M, which sits first in the SWAC.
Hampton has said that his purpose extends beyond winning games. He described his goal as leading his players to Christ and said he believes that focus can help guide them in football and in life.
“My purpose is simple: to lead young men to Christ. It’s not to win football games,” Hampton said. “Because I got a lot of rings. I won. I made a lot of money at different locations, but none of that matters. When I took over this program, we were at the bottom. But I know what God spoke to me. He said we would become a lighthouse. I’ve never wavered from that.”
With a winning record and a chance to compete against the SWAC’s leading team, Arkansas-Pine Bluff has made clear progress this season. Hampton’s approach and the Golden Lions’ results will remain important storylines as the program continues its turnaround.
