Revenge Games Set for 2026
ESPN has released its highly anticipated list of the top five revenge games slated for the 2026 college football season, a lineup that pits programs against former foes and coaches eager to rewrite past disappointments. The matchups are more than just schedule entries; they are storylines built on bruised egos and unfinished business.
LSU vs Ole Miss: A Coaching Duel
The top spot belongs to LSU’s trip to Oxford, where Lane Kiffin’s Rebels will host the Tigers after a series of close defeats that reshaped both programs’ trajectories. Kiffin, now in his second year at Ole Miss, hopes to capitalize on the momentum from last season’s breakthrough, while LSU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Kelly, looks to avenge a 2025 loss that left the Tigers out of the playoff.
Miami at Notre Dame: A Selection Sunday Spark
Miami travels to South Bend for a showdown with Notre Dame that has taken on extra significance after a controversial Selection Sunday decision left many fans questioning the Hurricanes’ placement. The Irish, coached by Marcus Freeman, will be eager to prove that their 2025 run was no fluke, while Miami’s defensive staff aims to silence a crowd that has long favored the home team.
Texas vs Texas A&M: Postseason Stakes
The Lone Star rivalry reaches a new peak as Texas hosts Texas A&M in a game that could shape the Big 12 race. Both programs entered the season with high preseason expectations, and the outcome may determine which team secures a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator Mike Elko, who recently returned to College Station after a stint at Duke, brings a renewed intensity to the Aggies’ scheme.
Ohio State at Texas: Arch Manning’s Redemption
Perhaps the most personal storyline involves Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback who will make his first start for Texas against the Buckeyes. After a rocky debut in the previous season, Manning has spent the offseason working with head coach Steve Sarkisian to refine his mechanics and decision‑making. The matchup against Ohio State, a program that has historically posed a stern test for Texas, offers Manning a chance at redemption and could signal a turning point for the Longhorns.
Florida State at Alabama: A Rematch
The final revenge slot pits Florida State against Alabama in a rematch of a stunning upset that saw the Seminoles defeat the Crimson Tide in the previous season’s national championship game. Alabama’s new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over the program in the offseason, will look to restore the team’s dominance, while Florida State’s veteran coach Bobby Petrino aims to capitalize on the momentum from last year’s victory.
Across the board, the selected games promise not only high‑stakes competition but also a narrative rich with personal vendettas, coaching carousel moves, and the ever‑present quest for playoff positioning. Fans can expect stadiums packed with anticipation, and analysts will be watching closely as each coach attempts to rewrite the script of college football’s next chapter.