Big Ten Games to Watch: Key Matchups Impacting College Football Playoff

The buzz around the upcoming college football season is hard to ignore, especially now that the Big Ten’s TV schedule for the first few weeks of 2026 is out. Fans are already plotting out their weekends, figuring out how they’ll catch every pivotal play.

Let’s look at the top five Big Ten games before the end of September. These matchups could shake up the College Football Playoff race in a big way.

Ohio State vs. Illinois – Saturday, Sept. 26

Ohio State and Illinois are set to square off, and it’s shaping up to be a major early-season showdown. Ohio State usually has the upper hand in this rivalry, but Illinois has been on the rise lately.

Illinois has racked up 19 wins in the last two seasons, putting them ahead of some big names like Michigan and USC. If Illinois can pull off the upset, it would be a huge boost for their playoff hopes.

Ohio State, meanwhile, wants to keep their edge and make a statement in the playoff hunt. They’re hungry to end their conference title drought, and this game could set the tone for both teams.

Oregon vs. Boise State – Saturday, Sept. 5

Oregon’s rematch with Boise State is another one to circle on the calendar. The Ducks barely squeaked by the Broncos 37-34 in 2024, finally getting a win over them on the blue turf.

This time, the game’s in Eugene. Oregon needs this win to keep their playoff dreams alive, but Boise State isn’t just going to roll over.

Boise State is expected to be one of the best Group of Six teams this year. Even if they don’t win, a strong showing could help them stand out from the pack.

USC vs. Oregon – Saturday, Sept. 26

USC is still chasing their first College Football Playoff appearance, which feels wild when you think about it. Somehow, schools like Tulane and SMU have made it, but not the Trojans.

This game against Oregon is a big one for USC. Oregon has been the top dog in the Pac-12, and now both teams are in the Big Ten, so the stakes are even higher.

If USC can win at home, it’ll be a huge step forward and could finally put them on the playoff map. But that’s a big “if”—Oregon isn’t going to make it easy.

Michigan vs. Oklahoma – Saturday, Sept. 12

Michigan’s got a lot riding on their matchup with Oklahoma. Last year, they went to Norman and got shut down 24-13, missing out on the playoffs while Oklahoma snuck in instead.

This season, Michigan has a new coaching staff and is hoping quarterback Bryce Underwood takes a leap in his second year. They won a national title not long ago, so expectations are sky-high.

Games like this are must-wins if Michigan wants another shot at the playoffs. It’s a big test for their revamped squad.

Texas vs. Ohio State – Saturday, Sept. 12

Texas and Ohio State are set for a rematch that could be one of the season’s best. Last time, Ohio State took it 14-7 in a defensive grind, but both teams’ offenses looked better as the year went on.

This year’s game is in Austin and features two Heisman contenders: Julian Sayin for Ohio State and Arch Manning for Texas. Add in top receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman, plus two tough defenses, and you’ve got a can’t-miss matchup.

There’s even talk that these teams could be ranked No. 1 and No. 2 when the season kicks off. This game could have massive playoff implications and set the tone for everything that follows.

Key Takeaways

• Ohio State vs. Illinois: A crucial game for both teams, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
• Oregon vs. Boise State: It’s a rematch, and both teams are looking to boost their playoff chances.
• USC vs. Oregon: USC’s shot at finally making the College Football Playoff is on the line.
• Michigan vs. Oklahoma: Michigan needs this win to keep their playoff dreams alive.
• Texas vs. Ohio State: A high-stakes rematch, loaded with Heisman contenders and top-ranked squads.

The 2026 college football season is almost here, and honestly, these early games might set the tone for everything. Every matchup brings its own set of challenges, and the results could shape the entire playoff picture. If you want to dive deeper, check out the full article on CBS Sports.