Must-Watch Games for Each Top 25 College Football Team in 2026
The 2026 college football season is months away, but honestly, it’s never too early to start thinking about the big games and rankings. With Indiana just wrapping up their first national title, fans are already buzzing about what’s next.
CBS Sports has dropped its way-too-early top 25 rankings. That gives us a first look at the games that could shape the whole season. Let’s break down some of the most intriguing matchups for each of the top 25 teams—there are a few you really won’t want to miss.
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Ohio State’s Redemption Tour
Ohio State just lost their Big Ten crown to Indiana. That’s got to sting, and you know they’ll want it back.
Their biggest game? A showdown with the defending champs, Indiana, on October 17. This one feels personal—a shot at redemption and a chance to remind everyone they’re still a Big Ten powerhouse.
Other Key Matchups
Before that, Ohio State heads to Texas on September 12. That early trip could be a reality check for both teams.
It’s one of those games that might set the tone for the Buckeyes’ whole season.
Texas’ Road to Redemption
Texas didn’t have their best year in 2025, but they’re not about to fade quietly. The Longhorns get Ohio State at home on September 12, and that’s a huge opportunity.
Quarterback Arch Manning will be under the microscope. Can he build on last year’s late surge? We’ll see pretty fast.
SEC Showdowns
Texas has a gauntlet of SEC games ahead, including the always-heated matchups with Oklahoma and Texas A&M. That Texas A&M game on November 27 is circled in red after the Aggies bounced them from the SEC title race last year.
Georgia vs. Alabama: A Rivalry Renewed
Georgia finally broke through and took down Alabama in the 2025 SEC title game. But the regular-season rematch on October 10? That’s a whole new test for Kirby Smart’s crew.
Alabama, now led by Kalen DeBoer, wants to reclaim its spot at the top. This one’s going to be wild.
Implications for the SEC
The outcome could shape the entire SEC race. It’s not hard to imagine this as a preview of another championship clash.
Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule looks lighter than usual, but that doesn’t mean it’s a cakewalk. Their trip to BYU on October 17 could get tricky.
If the Irish are in the top 12 at season’s end, they’re in the CFP. That BYU game might be more important than it seems right now.
Other Challenges
They’ll also face Miami, who just played for the national title. At least that one’s in South Bend, so the real road test is BYU.
Oklahoma’s Red River Rivalry
Oklahoma hasn’t had much luck against Texas lately. Losing two straight by a combined 57-9? Ouch.
The Red River game on October 10 is about more than bragging rights. Coach Brent Venables needs a turnaround, and fast.
Season-Defining Game
This could be the game that sets the tone for Oklahoma’s year. A win could spark some much-needed confidence.
USC’s Tough Road Ahead
USC’s 2026 schedule is, well, brutal. Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon—pick your poison.
If they want their first CFP shot, they’ll have to snag a win in at least one of those big games. The Oregon game at home might be their best bet.
Key Home Game
Oregon comes to the LA Memorial Coliseum, which gives USC a shot in the arm. That matchup could be the one that makes or breaks their playoff hopes.
Miami’s Marquee Matchup
Miami’s the early ACC favorite after reaching the title game in 2025. Their November 7 game against Notre Dame is a big one.
Notre Dame will be out for payback after last season. This is Miami’s shot to grab a signature win.
ACC Implications
That game lands right in the thick of Miami’s ACC run. A win would go a long way toward locking up their playoff dreams.
LSU vs. Ole Miss: The Kiffin Saga
Lane Kiffin’s switch from Ole Miss to LSU? Yeah, that’s going to make things interesting.
LSU opens its SEC run at Ole Miss on September 19. Expect plenty of drama—and maybe a hostile crowd.
Rivalry Renewed
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium won’t exactly roll out the red carpet for Kiffin. Both teams have playoff hopes, so this one could be a turning point.
Washington’s Quest for Relevance
Washington hasn’t done well against Oregon lately, dropping the last two by double digits. Their 2026 meeting with the Ducks is a big deal.
A win here could finally get Washington back on the national radar. Maybe this is the year things turn around for the Huskies.
Rivalry Stakes
This game isn’t just about snapping a losing streak. It’s a chance for Washington to show they can hang with the top teams in the Pac-12.
If they win, their College Football Playoff hopes get a real shot in the arm.
Curious about the full 2026 college football schedule or those way-too-early top 25 rankings? You can dive into all the details over at CBS Sports.
