Top College Football Revenge Games to Watch in 2026 Season
College football fans are already buzzing about the 2026 season, and it’s not hard to see why. The schedule is packed with juicy rematches, some accidental, some by design, and a few with playoff dreams hanging in the balance.
Protected rivalries, wild scheduling quirks, and nonconference home-and-homes are all serving up familiar foes. A lot of these are runbacks of last year’s wildest games. Whether you’re into conference grudge matches or nonconference tilts, there’s a lot to circle on the calendar.
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Georgia vs. Ole Miss
Last year, Georgia and Ole Miss gave us two games that fans are still talking about. Georgia won the regular season shootout 43-35, but Ole Miss turned the tables in the College Football Playoff, winning 39-34.
Trinidad Chambliss sparked a wild 22-3 run for the Rebels in that playoff win. Now, with the SEC’s rotating schedule, these two are set to collide again—and it feels like the stakes just keep climbing.
2025 Results
- Regular Season: Georgia 43, Ole Miss 35
- CFP Quarterfinal: Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34
Indiana vs. Ohio State
Indiana’s 13-10 win over Ohio State in the 2025 Big Ten title game was, honestly, a shocker. That win gave the Hoosiers their first national championship and left Ohio State with something to prove.
Curt Cignetti’s Indiana squad wants to show it wasn’t a fluke. On the other side, the Buckeyes—stacked with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith—are itching for payback.
2025 Result
- Big Ten Championship Game: Indiana 13, Ohio State 10
Alabama vs. Georgia
Alabama and Georgia split their meetings last season. Bama squeaked by 24-21 in the regular season, but Georgia rolled 28-7 in the SEC title game.
In 2026, the Bulldogs bring back key guys like Gunner Stockton and Nate Frazier. That continuity could tip the scales, but with these two, who really knows?
2025 Results
- Regular Season: Alabama 24, Georgia 21
- SEC Championship Game: Georgia 28, Alabama 7
Miami vs. Notre Dame
The 2025 opener between Miami and Notre Dame ended 27-24, and it set off a firestorm in the playoff rankings. Miami got the nod, leaving the Irish fuming.
Heisman hopeful CJ Carr leads Notre Dame this time, and they’ll be hungry for a little revenge. This one could get spicy again.
2025 Result
- Season Opener: Miami 27, Notre Dame 24
Ole Miss vs. LSU
Ole Miss edged LSU 24-19 last season, but that’s not even the wildest part. Lane Kiffin jumped ship and took over at LSU, setting up a weirdly personal Week 3 showdown in 2026.
Ole Miss players who stuck around would love nothing more than to beat their old coach. Should be a fun one.
2025 Result
- Regular Season: Ole Miss 24, LSU 19
Ohio State vs. Texas
Ohio State and Texas played a defensive slog in 2025, with the Buckeyes winning 14-7. Both teams enter 2026 as serious national title threats.
Julian Sayin vs. Arch Manning? Yeah, that’s must-see TV.
2025 Result
- Regular Season: Ohio State 14, Texas 7
Arizona State vs. Texas Tech
Arizona State handed Texas Tech its only regular-season loss last year, 26-22. Now, both teams have reloaded with top transfer classes.
Texas Tech will want payback, but Arizona State isn’t backing down. This one could get wild.
2025 Result
- Regular Season: Arizona State 26, Texas Tech 22
Ohio State vs. Michigan
Ohio State snapped its losing streak to Michigan with a 27-9 win in 2025. Now, Kyle Whittingham steps in as Michigan’s new head coach.
Bryce Underwood could be a breakout star for the Wolverines. Can Michigan flip the script in The Game?
2025 Result
- Regular Season: Ohio State 27, Michigan 9
Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Oklahoma’s 24-13 win over Michigan last season was a bit of a statement. John Mateer looked sharp, and Brent Venables’ defense made life tough for Underwood.
The rematch moves to Ann Arbor in 2026, and Michigan’s got a little more experience. Maybe this time it’s different.
2025 Result
- Regular Season: Oklahoma 24, Michigan 13
Texas vs. Texas A&M
The Lone Star Showdown has been all Texas since it came back, with the Longhorns winning both times. The 2025 game ended 27-17, knocking A&M out of the SEC title chase.
Now it’s A&M’s turn to host, and both teams have their eyes on the conference crown. Feels like this rivalry is heating up again.
2025 Result
- Regular Season: Texas 27, Texas A&M 17
Florida State vs. Alabama
Florida State opened 2025 with a 31-17 win over Alabama. After that, their seasons went in opposite directions.
Mike Norvell might need another big win to keep his job. Kalen DeBoer can’t afford another letdown, either. Pressure’s on, for sure.
2025 Result
- Season Opener: Florida State 31, Alabama 17
LSU vs. Clemson
LSU beat Clemson 17-10 last year, which seemed to be a big moment for Brian Kelly. But then Lane Kiffin took over as head coach, and now he’ll make his debut against Clemson in 2026.
Meanwhile, Clemson’s still searching for answers under Dabo Swinney. There’s a lot to watch in this one.
2025 Result
- Season Opener: LSU 17, Clemson 10
The 2026 college football season is almost here. Rematches are on the horizon, and honestly, who doesn’t love a little drama?
Old rivalries are set to flare up again. These games could really shake up the path to the College Football Playoff.
Curious about the full 2026 schedule? There’s more to dig into at CBS Sports.
