Top College Football Games Week 3: Schedule, Times, TV Channels
Week 3 of the 2026 college football season promises plenty of excitement, with high-stakes matchups and major implications for conference standings and playoff hopes. Lane Kiffin makes his much-anticipated return to Ole Miss as LSU’s head coach, and several other key games are on the schedule. Here’s a look at the matchups to watch, the players in the spotlight, and where to catch the action.
Top Matchups to Watch
Lane Kiffin’s Return to Ole Miss
One of the most anticipated games of the 2026 regular season features Lane Kiffin returning to Mississippi as head coach of No. 7 LSU. The Tigers will face No. 9 Ole Miss, where Kiffin coached for six seasons before leaving in November 2025.
The winner will gain an early edge in the race for a spot in the SEC Championship game. Even with a loss, both teams would still be in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth.
SMU vs. Louisville
No. 16 SMU travels to Louisville for another compelling matchup against the Cardinals. Louisville is just outside the top 25 and received the second-most votes in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.
The winner will be well-positioned to challenge Miami for the ACC Championship, giving this game significant postseason implications.
Alabama vs. Florida State
No. 10 Alabama hosts Florida State in a rematch of last year’s stunning season opener, when the Seminoles won 31-17. The Crimson Tide are nearly three-touchdown favorites this time and will be looking for revenge.
This could be a turning point for both teams as they look to strengthen their rankings and playoff hopes.
Full Top-25 Schedule
Here’s the full top-25 schedule for Week 3 of the 2026 season, with start times and how to watch each ranked team:
- No. 2 Georgia at Arkansas | Noon | ABC (Fubo)
- No. 6 Ohio State vs. Kent State | Noon | Fox (Fubo)
- No. 15 Penn State vs. Buffalo | Noon | Big Ten Network (Fubo)
- No. 8 Texas A&M vs. Kentucky | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- No. 10 Alabama vs. Florida State | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- No. 11 USC at Rutgers | 3:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
- No. 16 SMU at Louisville | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- No. 17 Utah vs. Utah State | 3:30 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)
- No. 19 Michigan vs. UTEP | 3:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network (Fubo)
- No. 4 Indiana vs. Western Kentucky | 4 p.m. | Peacock
- No. 20 Iowa vs. Northern Iowa | 4 p.m. | FS1 (Fubo)
- No. 22 Missouri vs. Troy | 7 p.m. | SEC Network+
- No. 3 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo)
- No. 7 LSU at No. 9 Mississippi | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- No. 13 BYU at Colorado State | 7:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
- No. 21 Oklahoma vs. New Mexico | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- No. 25 Virginia vs. West Virginia* | 7:30 p.m | ACC Network (Fubo)
- No. 14 Tennessee vs. Kennesaw State | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
- No. 1 Texas vs. UTSA | 8 p.m. | SEC Network+
*Game is being played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Where to Watch
Week 3 games featuring top-25 teams will air live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, FS1, the ACC Network, and the Big Ten Network on September 19. For games on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and the ACC Network, you can stream through the ESPN app with a valid cable login or use Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
For nationally televised over-the-air games, streaming options include the Fox Sports Go app with a TV login, Fubo, SEC Network+, and Peacock, NBC’s subscription streaming service.
Don’t Miss a Moment
Follow our live updates and coverage for the latest on Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss, along with Week 3 top-25 scores and highlights. For the full schedule and more information, visit USA TODAY’s full Week 3 schedule.
Conclusion
Week 3 of the 2026 college football season looks set to deliver an unforgettable weekend, with high-stakes matchups and the chance of a few upsets. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s something for everyone. Grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for a weekend of college football action.
