Top 26 Must-Watch College Football Games of 2026 Season
The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be wild. The schedule is loaded with big non-conference showdowns and league games that could change everything.
These games aren’t just for bragging rights—they’re resume-builders and playoff deciders. The road to the College Football Playoff (CFP) will have its twists, no doubt about it.
Let’s take a look at the games that might define the season, using the latest CBS Sports predictions and rankings.
Key Non-Conference Matchups
Non-conference games can really make or break a team’s playoff hopes. They’re a good way to see if a team is for real, or if there’s a weak spot waiting to be exposed.
Notre Dame’s Path to the Playoff
Notre Dame can’t afford any slip-ups if they want a shot at the playoff. Their schedule includes BYU, SMU, and Miami—none of those are easy outs.
If they can beat BYU on the road, Marcus Freeman’s squad could be on track for an unbeaten run. That would almost guarantee them a top spot in the CFP.
Red River Rivalry
Texas and Oklahoma never disappoint when they meet for the Red River Rivalry. In 2026, both should be top-15 teams, which makes this one even bigger.
Texas has had the upper hand lately, taking three of the last four and winning by an average of over 30 points. Oklahoma will be hungry for payback.
Alabama vs. Texas A&M
Alabama’s battle with Texas A&M is always tense. The Tide are 10-2 against the Aggies since they joined the SEC, but lately, these games have been close—sometimes too close for comfort.
This one could shake up the SEC race and impact the playoff picture for both teams.
Crucial Conference Games
Conference games are where playoff dreams usually live or die. They’re not just about titles—sometimes, they’re about survival.
Ohio State vs. USC
Halloween brings a huge clash: Ohio State vs. USC. It’s their first meeting since the 2017 Cotton Bowl, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A win here could launch the Buckeyes up the polls and keep their playoff hopes alive. If you’re a fan of either team, circle this one on your calendar.
Michigan’s Key Battles
Michigan’s schedule is a gauntlet. They’ve got USC, Penn State, and Ohio State all lined up.
The Ohio State game, in particular, could decide who gets to represent the Big Ten in the playoff. There’s a lot riding on Kyle Whittingham’s first big test against the Buckeyes.
SEC Showdowns
The SEC never takes a year off, and 2026 is no exception. Alabama vs. Georgia and Texas A&M vs. Texas are both must-watch games.
Winners here could end up in the playoff, while losers might be left wondering what went wrong.
Teams to Watch
There are a few teams that could shake things up in 2026. Some are looking for their first playoff trip. Others just want to prove they’re still top dogs.
USC’s Resurgence
Lincoln Riley hasn’t gotten USC to the CFP yet, but this year feels different. Jayden Maiava is leading the Trojans, and they could be undefeated heading into their showdown with Oregon.
That game will tell us a lot about both teams—and probably decide who gets the Pac-12’s playoff nod.
Virginia Tech’s Potential
James Franklin is in his first year with the Hokies, and expectations are quietly high. The early schedule is soft, so there’s a chance they could be 7-0 by the time Clemson comes to town.
If they pull off a win there, Virginia Tech could grab national attention in a hurry.
Miami’s Quest for Glory
Mario Cristobal has Miami trending up. The Hurricanes have some tough games, including one against Notre Dame, but the ACC title is within reach.
If they can win the league, who’s to say they can’t crash the playoff?
High-Stakes Games
Some games just feel bigger. They’re the kind where one mistake could end a season, and everyone’s watching.
Indiana vs. Ohio State
Indiana gets a shot at Ohio State right after winning a national title. The Hoosiers haven’t faced a team with this much talent since their run, so this will be a real test.
It’s a chance for Indiana to prove they’re not a one-hit wonder—or for Ohio State to reassert themselves.
Notre Dame vs. Miami
Notre Dame and Miami meeting late in the season is always dramatic. Both teams expect to be among the best this year, and this game might be the only loss on either’s record.
Whoever comes out on top will be in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot. The stakes couldn’t be much higher.
Oregon vs. Ohio State
The showdown between Oregon and Ohio State is shaping up to be a real nail-biter. Both teams are staring down brutal schedules this season.
One loss here? That could seriously mess with their playoff dreams. With Dan Lanning and Ryan Day calling the shots, you just know there’ll be some clever moves and unexpected twists.
For more details and a few predictions, take a look at the full article on CBS Sports: College Football 2026: Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Indiana.
