Ticket Prices Soar for 2026 College Football Showdowns
The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most financially demanding ever, with ticket prices climbing across the nation.
At the top of the list, the showdown between Texas and Texas A&M on November 27 commands an average price of $1,056, making it the most expensive single game on the schedule.
Not far behind, the September 12 clash with Ohio State averages $1,010, while the iconic Red River Rivalry on October 10 sits at $907 per ticket.
What fuels these numbers is more than tradition; it is the growing brand power of the Longhorns, bolstered by Arch Manning’s potential final college year and the high‑profile remarks of head coach Steve Sarkisian that have sparked speculation about future matchups.
Texas also holds the pricey distinction at Neyland Stadium against Tennessee on September 26 and at Death Valley when the team travels to face LSU, underscoring the program’s reach beyond its home turf.
The upcoming Ohio State game carries extra weight, as analysts predict it could be even more pivotal than last year’s encounter, with UT expected to dominate the Week 2 matchup.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s quarterback John Mateer is set to return, giving the Sooners a dark‑horse chance to challenge the SEC elite, and fans can expect the Red River Shootout to remain a premium ticket item, with upper‑deck seats topping $500 on resale platforms like StubHub.