Must-Watch Nonconference Games for 2026 FBS College Football Season
As the 2026 college football season creeps closer, fans are buzzing about the nonconference matchups on deck. These games could shape the Playoff picture and, honestly, just give fans something to brag about.
From wild international showdowns to old-school rivalries, this season’s got all the drama you could want. Let’s check out some of the top nonconference games you really shouldn’t miss.
Week 0: A Global Kickoff
North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland
Week 0 jumps right in with North Carolina facing TCU in Dublin. The Irish backdrop is cool enough, but both teams are itching to make an early splash.
Bill Belichick’s looking to bounce back after last year’s opener, so there’s a little extra juice here. Should be a wild start.
Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State
Jacksonville State welcomes North Dakota State to the FBS in a rematch of their 2015 FCS championship. There’s a lot riding on this one, especially as both teams adjust to the big leagues.
Memphis at UNLV
Memphis heads to UNLV for a matchup that could set the tone for both squads. Both have their eyes on conference titles, so there’s pressure right from the jump.
Week 1: Prime Time and Debuts
Colorado at Georgia Tech
Coach Deion Sanders returns to Atlanta as Colorado takes on Georgia Tech. After a bumpy first year without his son at QB, Coach Prime will want to get things rolling again.
Baylor vs. Auburn in Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday in Atlanta brings a double debut: Alex Golesh steps in as Auburn’s head coach, and DJ Lagway starts at quarterback for Baylor. Two teams, two big changes—should be fun.
Tulane at Duke
Tulane, reigning American champs, head to face ACC champion Duke. It’s a sneaky big game for both teams’ playoff dreams.
Liberty at James Madison
Liberty (CUSA) visits James Madison (Sun Belt) in a battle that highlights just how strong the Group of Five can be.
Boise State at Oregon
Boise State, now in the Pac-12, lines up against Oregon. This one could end up meaning a lot by season’s end.
Clemson at LSU
Clemson visits LSU for Lane Kiffin’s first game as Tigers head coach. Feels like a big one already.
Washington State at Washington
Sunday brings the Apple Cup—Washington State against Washington. Rivalry games always hit different.
Louisville vs. Ole Miss in Nashville, Tennessee
Louisville and Ole Miss square off in Nashville for the first-ever Music City Kickoff. Adds a nice wrinkle to Week 1.
Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Notre Dame travels up to Lambeau Field to play Wisconsin. Packers fans will love this one—classic setting, big matchup.
Week 2: Rivalries and High Stakes
Ohio State at Texas
Ohio State heads to Texas in what’s probably the preseason game of the year. Both Julian Sayin and Arch Manning are in year two, so expect fireworks.
Missouri at Kansas
Missouri and Kansas light up Friday night with their rivalry. Should be a lively crowd for this one.
Iowa State at Iowa
The Cy–Hawk Trophy is up for grabs again as Iowa State visits Iowa. Always a can’t-miss rivalry.
Tennessee at Georgia Tech
Tennessee returns to Bobby Dodd Stadium, first time since 1986, to play Georgia Tech. This one could really set the tone for the Vols.
Arizona State at Texas A&M
Arizona State comes to College Station to take on Texas A&M. Not an easy nonconference test for either side.
Oklahoma at Michigan
Oklahoma and Michigan run it back after last year’s meeting. If it’s anything like before, expect a thriller.
Memphis at Boise State
Memphis travels to Boise State in a game that could shake up both the American and Pac-12 races.
Week 3: High-Stakes Showdowns
Tulane at Kansas State
Tulane heads to Kansas State. If the Green Wave can pull it off, it’d be a huge win for the American conference.
Florida State at Alabama
Alabama hosts Florida State, looking for payback after last year’s upset. Playoff hopes could hang in the balance here.
FIU at Florida Atlantic
FIU and Florida Atlantic go head-to-head in a south Florida clash. Local bragging rights are on the line.
Week 4: In-State Battles
New Mexico at New Mexico State
New Mexico meets New Mexico State in an in-state nonconference showdown. Always a little extra heat when these two play.
Boise State at Western Michigan
Boise State, last year’s Mountain West champ, faces Western Michigan, last year’s MAC champ. The winner might just get a leg up in the Group of Five playoff chase.
Late-Season Clashes
Notre Dame at BYU
Notre Dame and BYU were both just outside the playoff last year. This matchup could be a must-win for either team’s postseason hopes.
Miami (FL) at Notre Dame
Miami and Notre Dame meet again later in the season. After last year’s three-point Hurricanes win, this one feels even bigger.
Georgia Tech at Georgia
Georgia Tech and Georgia face off in Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. The last three years have all been close—could this one decide a playoff spot?
South Carolina at Clemson
South Carolina and Clemson face off in Week 13. Both teams could end up as dark horse playoff candidates, though it’s tough to say this early.
If you want more details on these matchups, check out the NCAA’s official article.
