With the season just weeks away, USA Today named the Top 10 must-see college football games for the 2026 season. And it’s a good thing each month features a marquee matchup!
There is plenty of SEC and Big Ten representation on this list, as expected. But college football will see others make their mark as they race for the CFP. It should be noted the rankings are from the USA Today Coaches Poll preseason Top 25.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
So without further ado, let’s dive into the 10 college football games you need to have on your calendar. We’ll start with a top four matchup in September.
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas: September 12th
Just like last year, we get a September matchup between the Buckeyes and Longhorns, this time in Austin. It wasn’t so great for Arch Manning and the offense in 2025.
But, a reloaded offense in Texas and a new-look Ohio State defense could make for an exciting game. Plus, the fact that these teams are in the top four to start make for a great college football game midway through the month.
No. 13 LSU at No. 10 Ole Miss: September 19th
The only other game in September on this list. As far as college football games that are must-see, this might be No. 1 and it’s not even close! Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford.
The crowd is going to be bonkers booing their former coach, despite all the good he did for them over the course of six seasons. Trinidad Chambliss vs. his old coach while Kiffin sports, hopefully, a healthy Sam Leavitt. The storylines are endless.
No. 3 Georgia at No. 11 Alabama: October 10th
Alabama found some success against Georgia under Kalen DeBoer and they’ll be hosting this matchup. Now that college football is into October, the stakes are raised.
More people think Georgia will make the SEC Championship and perhaps win it all this year. Alabama has more questions, especially at quarterback. But if they pull off something like they did in 2024, that could shake up the conference.
No. 4 Texas vs. No. 9 Oklahoma: October 10th
As far as college football games go, Red River is what you want to watch regardless. This year, both teams are preseason top 10 squads and we anticipate that to stay the same by the time we get to this day.
Arch Manning vs. John Mateer, Steve Sarkisian vs. Brent Venables, two potentially elite defenses, you can’t ask for more! The winner has the inside track to the SEC title game and certainly has a better resume for the CFP.
A rematch of last year’s Big Ten Championship Game. Curt Cignetti proved that he could win anywhere and finished 2025 undefeated. The Buckeyes were stifled by the new guy in town.
Still, college football’s coolest environment might be in Bloomington these days. When you can win like that, it’s electric! If Indiana is going to repeat, they’ll have to have this one.
No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 4 Texas: October 24th
Picture college football if Ole Miss takes out LSU in September and then this game happens. Couple that with Texas living up to expectations as well.
Not only is there a lot on the line when it comes to the SEC and CFP race, this game will have major Heisman implications. Trinidad Chambliss and Arch Manning might be the best QB matchup of the year at that point.
The first of two college football games on this day for this list that you have to watch! Miami beat Notre Dame head to head last year which ultimately was the deciding factor of the Hurricanes getting in over the Irish and making the title game.
Notre Dame might not necessarily have revenge on their mind, maybe the fans do, but they’re out to prove they’re for real. Miami brings back a loaded team that’s trying to run it back and win the national championship this season.
No. 1 vs. No. 2? Generally, we can’t ask for more in college football. It’s just a matter if the Buckeyes and Ducks are going to be in that spot by the time we get to November.
Now, both could be unbeaten at this point, making this game must-see TV. Funny enough, if that’s the case anyway, Ohio State and Oregon could rematch a few weeks later in the Big Ten Championship and perhaps for all the marbles in the CFP!
No. 4 Texas at No. 13 LSU: November 14th
Spoiler alert, this isn’t the last college football game you’ll see with the Texas Longhorns on this list. They’ll head to LSU where Steve Sarkisian and crew will look to solidify themselves at the top of the conference.
Or, we could get Lane Kiffin and LSU to play spoiler. Heck, maybe they’re going to be better than advertised and Kiffin proves to, at least himself, he made the right move coming to Baton Rouge.
No. 4 Texas at No. 8 Texas A&M: November 27th
The final college football on USA Today’s list is an in-state battle that concluded last year’s regular season. The Aggies were one game away from a 12-0 regular season and things could’ve been different.
Sure enough, the 12th man wants that one back this year. Could an SEC title game berth be on the line? The CFP? The possibilities are endless for this game featuring two top 10 teams.