Big Ten readies for a landmark 2026 football season
The conference that has claimed the last three College Football Playoff titles is once again positioning itself at the forefront of the national conversation, unveiling a schedule that blends traditional rivalries with fresh marquee matchups.
Fans can mark their calendars for an early showdown on August 29, when USC travels to face San Jose State at 3 p.m. ET, a game that will air on NBC and set the tone for the year.
Week 1 of conference play runs from September 3 through September 6, spreading 16 member schools across four days of action, before the league’s official schedule kicks off with two Big Ten contests on September 19 and September 26.
Broadcast partners include NBC, FOX, CBS, ESPN and ABC, with additional games slated for FS1, ESPN2 and the CBS Sports Network, while streaming platforms such as Peacock, YouTube TV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV provide alternative viewing options.
The championship game is set for December 5 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, promising a primetime finale that will be available over‑the‑air for free with an antenna, and will also be streamed through the same digital services.
Kickoff times and network assignments for later weeks remain fluid, subject to the Big Ten’s selection windows, ensuring that the most compelling matchups receive prominent placement as the season unfolds.