In the season opener, North Texas defeated South Alabama 52-38, showcasing a powerful offensive performance led by quarterback Chandler Morris, who threw for 415 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. The Mean Green's offense came alive in the second half, scoring 38 points and overcoming a halftime deficit of 19-14. Morris's standout performance included a strong connection with wide receiver Damon Ward Jr., who recorded 230 receiving yards. The game marked the debut of Major Applewhite as head coach for South Alabama, whose quarterback Gio Lopez also had a notable game, passing for 432 yards and three touchdowns. Despite missing several key players, North Texas displayed resilience and offensive firepower, signaling a promising season ahead under head coach Eric Morris. The matchup was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for over 1,100 yards of total offense.