2026 College Football Season Kickoff Dates and Key Matchups
The 2026 college football season is almost here. Fans everywhere are itching for kickoff and the return of their favorite teams.
This year’s schedule looks wild, starting with “Week Zero” games on Thursday, August 27. There’s a loaded slate of nonconference battles and, of course, the College Football Playoff on the horizon.
Let’s dig into the key dates, must-watch matchups, and what’s coming up for Week Zero and beyond.
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Week Zero Kickoff: Thursday, August 27
It all gets rolling on Thursday, August 27, with a handful of “Week Zero” games. These early-season tilts give us the first real glimpses of what teams might look like this year.
Highlighted Week Zero Games
Some of the more interesting Week Zero games:
- Mercyhurst at Youngstown State | 6 p.m. ET | ESPN+
- Maine at Towson | 6 p.m. ET | FloSports
- Chattanooga at West Georgia | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+
- Charleston Southern at Lindenwood | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+
- Southern Illinois at West Florida | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Most of these will be on ESPN+, FloSports, or NEC Front Row. So if you want to tune in, there’s no shortage of ways to catch the action.
Week One: Labor Day Weekend Showdowns
After Week Zero, most Division I teams kick off their seasons during Week One. That’s Thursday, September 3—right on time for Labor Day weekend.
This week is always loaded with games that set the tone for the rest of the year.
Key Week One Matchups
Here are some of the big ones to circle:
- UMass at Rutgers | 6 p.m. ET | Big Ten Network
- Akron at Wake Forest | 7 p.m. ET | ACC Network
- Colorado at Georgia Tech | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN
- UAB at Illinois | 9 p.m. ET | Big Ten Network
- Fresno State at USC | 9 p.m. ET | FOX
The weekend doesn’t let up, either. Here’s what else is on tap:
- North Texas at Indiana | 12 p.m. ET | FOX
- Liberty at James Madison | 12 p.m. ET | ESPNU
- Baylor vs. Auburn (in Atlanta, GA) | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Clemson at LSU | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame (in Green Bay, WI) | 7:30 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock
Nonconference Games to Watch
As we get deeper into the season, a few nonconference games really pop out. These matchups can shake up the playoff picture, or at least give us some chaos to enjoy.
Week Two Highlights
Week Two brings some strong nonconference clashes:
- Oklahoma at Michigan | 12 p.m. ET | FOX
- Arizona State at Texas A&M | 12 p.m. ET | ABC
- Oregon at Oklahoma State | 12 p.m. ET | ESPN
- Memphis at Boise State | 6 p.m. ET | USA
- Ohio State at Texas | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
Week Three Highlights
Week Three keeps the energy up. Some of the key games include:
- Arizona State vs. Kansas (in London, England) | 12 p.m. ET | FS1
- Miami (Ohio) vs. Cincinnati (neutral site in Cincinnati) | 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+
- Florida State at Alabama | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Duke’s Mayo Classic: Virginia vs. West Virginia (in Charlotte, N.C.) | 7:30 p.m. ET | ACC Network
- Michigan State at Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock
College Football Playoff: Key Dates and Information
The 2026 season marks the 13th College Football Playoff, and it’s the third year for the expanded 12-team format. The playoff schedule is packed, leading up to the national championship game.
First Round
First-round games drop the week of Saturday, December 19. Teams will play at the higher seed’s home field or a designated site.
- One game on Friday, December 18 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN
- Three games on Saturday, December 19:
- 12 p.m. ET | ABC
- 3:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO MAX
- 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO MAX
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals will be played in these bowl games:
- Fiesta Bowl | Wednesday, December 30 | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO MAX
- Cotton Bowl | Friday, January 1 | Time TBA
- Rose Bowl | Friday, January 1 | Time TBA
- Peach Bowl | Friday, January 1 | Time TBA
*Game times will be set on Selection Day. They’ll fall into one of these windows: 12 p.m. ET (TNT/truTV/HBO MAX), 4 p.m. ET (ABC), or 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Semifinals
Here’s the semifinal lineup:
- Orange Bowl | Thursday, January 14 | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT/truTV/HBO MAX
- Sugar Bowl | Friday, January 15 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
National Championship
The 2026 CFP National Championship Game lands on Monday, January 25, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s the first time Vegas will host the championship, which feels like a big deal for the sport and the city.
Looking Back: 2025-26 Season Recap
The 2025-26 college football season wrapped up with Indiana taking home the College Football Playoff National Championship. Indiana edged out Miami, 27-21, grabbing their first national title in the CFP era.
It was a wild ride for the Hoosiers, and now everyone’s eyeing them as the team to beat in 2026.
If you want the full rundown on past CFP title games or you’re curious about the 2026 college football schedule, check out the NCAA’s official website.
The next season’s almost here, and honestly, who isn’t ready for another round of big games, old rivalries, and playoff drama? Whether you’re rooting for your school or just in it for the madness, 2026 should be a blast—maybe even a little unpredictable.
