2026 College Football Season’s Must-Watch Games for Every Power 4 Team

College football never really sits still, does it? Every season, a handful of games seem to shape everything—rivalries, upsets, or just those matchups that everyone circles months in advance.

For 2026, ESPN’s college football reporters have picked out the season-defining showdowns for all 68 power-conference teams. These are the games that could totally flip a team’s fortunes, for better or worse.

ACC: The Battle for Dominance

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech (Sept. 26)

Boston College gets a big early test against Virginia Tech. If they pull off a win, it could set the right vibe for their ACC run.

With a brutal schedule looming, this one’s a must-win just to get some momentum going.

Cal vs. Stanford (Nov. 21)

The Cal-Stanford rivalry has fresh energy with new coaches on both sides. It’s a real measuring stick for where these programs are headed in the ACC.

Clemson vs. Miami (Oct. 3)

Clemson, once the clear ACC powerhouse, now faces a Miami team fresh off a national title game appearance. This home game could either restore Clemson’s old swagger or signal a changing of the guard.

Duke at Miami (Nov. 14)

Duke lost key players to Miami in the transfer portal, which stings. This game is about more than revenge—it’s a shot to prove Duke can still hang with the ACC’s best.

Florida State at Miami (Oct. 17)

Florida State faces Miami right when their season could go either way. After last year’s 5-7 stumble, a win here would be a huge lift.

Georgia Tech at Georgia (Nov. 28)

Georgia Tech’s annual clash with Georgia is always massive. If they somehow pull off a win, it’d be one for the ages.

Louisville vs. Ole Miss (Sept. 5)

Louisville opens up against a tough Ole Miss squad. A win would give them a real confidence boost heading into a tough stretch.

Miami at Notre Dame (Nov. 7)

Miami and Notre Dame renew their rivalry, and this one could have playoff implications. Should be a wild one.

North Carolina at Pitt (Oct. 10)

UNC’s got some early hurdles, but the Pitt game stands out. If they win, it could steady the ship and keep those bowl hopes alive.

NC State vs. Virginia (Aug. 29)

NC State kicks off their season against Virginia—in Brazil, no less. A win here would be a real statement to start things off.

Pitt at Miami (Oct. 24)

Pitt’s early schedule isn’t too rough, but Miami’s the real test. They need to show up here to keep the season from slipping away late.

SMU at Notre Dame (Nov. 21)

SMU’s trip to Notre Dame is their toughest game, no question. Pulling off a win would make their playoff case a whole lot stronger.

Stanford at Notre Dame (Oct. 10)

Stanford faces Notre Dame mid-season, and it’ll show how much progress they’ve made. Even just keeping it close would be a good sign for their rebuild.

Syracuse vs. Clemson (Nov. 6 or 7)

Syracuse stunned Clemson last year, but it came at a cost with a key injury. This year’s rematch could define their season, especially if Steve Angeli is healthy.

Virginia at Florida State (Oct. 3)

Virginia’s double-overtime win over FSU last year was a highlight. Another win in Tallahassee would really cement their rise in the ACC.

Virginia Tech at Miami (Nov. 20)

James Franklin’s first year at Virginia Tech isn’t easy. Beating Miami would be a big statement about where this program is headed.

Wake Forest vs. Virginia (Oct. 31)

Wake Forest surprised everyone last year, so expectations are higher now. Their game against Virginia could show if they’re for real or not.

Big 12: The Quest for Supremacy

Arizona State vs. Kansas State (Oct. 24)

Arizona State’s showdown with Kansas State is a biggie in their Big 12 run. Even if they slip against the heavyweights, a win here keeps hope alive.

Arizona at BYU (Sept. 12)

Arizona’s early road trip to BYU will say a lot about what they’re capable of. Beating a top-15 team away from home? That’d be a statement.

BYU vs. Notre Dame (Oct. 17)

BYU needs this one if they want to prove they belong with the big boys. A win could launch them right into the playoff conversation.

Baylor at Arizona State (Oct. 3)

Baylor’s first conference games are crucial for Dave Aranda. Winning at Arizona State would be a big step in the right direction.

Cincinnati vs. Texas Tech (Oct. 24)

Cincinnati’s got a tough stretch, but Texas Tech is the one to watch. With former Bearcat QB Brendan Sorsby coming back, there’s some extra spice here.

Colorado at Georgia Tech (Sept. 3)

Colorado opens at Georgia Tech, and it’s a real tone-setter. Deion Sanders’ crew could make a statement with a road win right out of the gate.

Houston at Utah (Oct. 24)

Houston’s road trip to Utah is a massive test. With so many tough games ahead, this one feels like a must-win if they want to make noise.

Iowa State vs. West Virginia (Oct. 3)

Iowa State’s rebuilding, but West Virginia could be a winnable game. First-year coach Jimmy Rogers could use a shot of optimism here.

Kansas vs. Missouri (Sept. 12)

Kansas faces a rough schedule, so their early game with Missouri is huge. A win could be the spark they need for the rest of the year.

Kansas State vs. Houston (Oct. 10)

Kansas State’s home opener against Houston sets the tone for their Big 12 slate. First-year coach Collin Klein would love to start with a win.

Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech (Nov. 14)

Oklahoma State’s clash with Texas Tech could decide their Big 12 fate. With a soft early schedule, this one might be the real turning point.

TCU at Texas Tech (Nov. 28)

TCU wraps up against Texas Tech, and it could be for all the marbles. With a new OC and a talented QB, there’s a lot to be excited about in Fort Worth.

Texas Tech vs. Houston (Sept. 19)

Texas Tech’s early game with Houston is a real test. Both teams have big goals, so this one’s worth tuning in for.

UCF vs. TCU (Sept. 26)

UCF’s conference opener against TCU is a big deal for their Big 12 campaign. A win here could really set the tone for the rest of the season.

If you want a deeper dive into these season-defining games, check out the full analysis on ESPN’s college football story.