The 2026 college football season will unfold across a sprawling 137‑game schedule that FOX Sports has unveiled, spreading its programming across FOX, FS1, and the Big Ten Network. The lineup promises a mix of traditional Saturday night powerhouses and fresh Friday night showcases that will keep fans engaged from the first kickoff.
A Season of Milestones
Fans can mark their calendars for BIG NOON SATURDAY, a marquee window that will showcase the nation’s top programs and storied rivalries, while FOX COLLEGE FOOTBALL FRIDAY promises elite Friday night matchups that add a modern twist to the college‑football experience.
Week Zero and Early Contests
The season opens with Week Zero on August 29, featuring a clash between Memphis and UNLV before the action builds through September with a series of high‑profile contests that set the tone for the months ahead.
Early Week Highlights
In Week 1, the Indiana Hoosiers travel to face North Texas on FOX, while the Oklahoma Sooners meet the Michigan Wolverines in a much‑anticipated showdown. The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on Kent State in Week 3, and the schedule continues to stack marquee games that draw national attention.
Late‑Season Showdowns
The rivalry game between Michigan and Ohio State is slated for November 28, capping a season that will also see the Mountain West Championship on December 4 and the Big Ten Championship on December 5, both broadcast on FOX and drawing massive viewership.
Broadcast Reach
All games will be simulcast on FOX One and streamed via FOXSports.com, ensuring that viewers across the United States can follow the action on multiple devices and platforms, whether at home or on the go.
Coaches' Debuts
New head coaches will make their debuts throughout the season, including Matt Campbell’s first game with Penn State against Marshall on September 5, adding fresh storylines and optimism to the schedule as programs look to build on early momentum.
A Global Touch
The schedule stretches beyond U.S. borders with a September 19 matchup that will see Kansas take on Arizona State at London’s Wembley Stadium, bringing a global audience into the mix and highlighting the sport’s growing international footprint.
From coast‑to‑coast rivalries to early‑season surprises and a handful of high‑stakes championship games, the 2026 slate promises a season that will keep fans glued to their screens from August through December, delivering drama, tradition, and new narratives at every turn.