ESPN has unveiled its 2026 college football television schedule, confirming 16 matchups that will be spread across its networks and those of its partners.
International Openers
The first week of the season, dubbed Week Zero, opens with two overseas contests. On Saturday, Aug. 29, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic will be held at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, featuring the North Carolina Tar Heels against the TCU Horned Frogs at noon Eastern Time on ESPN.
Later that same day, a historic College Football Brasil game will take place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the NC State Wolfpack meet the Virginia Cavaliers. The broadcast, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, marks the network’s inaugural foray into Brazilian college football.
Domestic Week One Action
Week One begins on Thursday, Sept. 3, with the Colorado Buffaloes traveling to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a 7:30 p.m. Eastern showdown on ESPN. The following night, Friday, Sept. 4, sees the Stanford Cardinal host the Miami Hurricanes at 9 p.m. Eastern, also on ESPN.
Saturday’s slate includes a tripleheader on ABC, showcasing a mix of Power Five programs, while Sunday, Sept. 6, features the Louisville Cardinals taking on the Ole Miss Rebels in Nashville, Tennessee, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, brings a primetime matchup on ESPN as the Florida State Seminoles welcome the SMU Mustangs to Tallahassee.
Later in the month, additional high‑profile games are slated for ABC’s 7:30 p.m. slot, including Ohio State at Texas on Sept. 12 and LSU at Ole Miss on Sept. 19.