6 Matchups That Could Decide the 2026 CFP Field
From Texas-Ohio State to a fiery Ole Miss-LSU reunion, six early games could shape who makes this season's College Football Playoff.
The road to the 2026 College Football Playoff could hinge on a handful of marquee matchups scattered across the season, according to a preview of six must-watch games.
Ohio State hosts Texas in an early-season measuring-stick game after both programs fell short of expectations in 2025. Quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Arch Manning will draw headlines, but last year's 14-7 Ohio State win showed defense could again decide the outcome. The Buckeyes are reloading on the defensive line while Texas returns four starting offensive linemen.
Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford for the first time since leaving Ole Miss for LSU last December, setting up an emotionally charged game. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is a Heisman contender again, while LSU's Will Leavitt says he's happy after transferring in. Both teams could be fighting for an at-large playoff bid, making the result significant.
Alabama hosts Georgia in Tuscaloosa, continuing one of the SEC's most heated recent rivalries. Alabama snapped Georgia's 33-game home winning streak in 2025 before the Bulldogs got revenge in the SEC championship game. Coach Kalen DeBoer faces pressure to keep Alabama in national title contention after quarterback Ty Simpson left for the NFL, while Kirby Smart is still seeking a regular-season win over Alabama.
Defending national champion Indiana, which went a perfect 16-0 in 2025 under coach Curt Cignetti, visits Ohio State in a game that could test whether the Buckeyes can navigate the Big Ten unscathed.
Miami visits Notre Dame in a rematch of last season's opener, which Miami won before finishing ahead of the Fighting Irish in the rankings and claiming a playoff spot. Miami can reach the playoff again by winning the ACC, while Notre Dame, with a lower strength of schedule, sees this as a rare statement opportunity.
Utah and BYU renew the Holy War under new Utah coach Morgan Scalley, with the game likely to factor into the Big 12 race and playoff positioning in early December. BYU, coming off a 12-2 season, returns quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin.
Other notable games include Oklahoma at Michigan on September 12, Houston at Texas Tech and SMU at Louisville on September 19, Miami at Clemson on October 3, USC at Penn State on October 10, and Texas at Texas A&M on November 27.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
