The first month of the 2026 college football season featured its share of big-time matchups, including Ohio State-Texas, LSU-Ole Miss, Oregon-Oklahoma State, Ole Miss-Florida and Texas-Tennessee. But as good as the action was in September, get ready for a loaded slate in October.
With the bulk of non-conference play completed, the October slate is all about conference matchups. And several ranked games are coming in the next few weeks, including Florida-Texas, Florida-Georgia in Atlanta, Ohio State-Indiana and Notre Dame-BYU.
Athlon Sports ranks 10 must-see matchups coming in October and takes a look at some of the other key contests coming over the next month:
College Football’s Top 10 Must-See Games of October
1. Ohio State at Indiana (Oct. 17)
Last year’s Big Ten Championship Game was a 13-10 thriller decided in the final seconds. Don’t be surprised if this year’s version replicates that, as Ohio State and Indiana are once again among the best teams in the nation. This contest is easily the toughest remaining hurdle on the Hoosiers’ slate, but the Buckeyes still get Oregon and Michigan in November. Indiana’s secondary has struggled at times this season, which could be problematic as it tries to keep Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith in check.
2. Florida vs. Georgia (Oct. 31 in Atlanta)
The Bulldogs have won eight out of the last nine in this series. Can new coach Jon Sumrall shift the momentum in this series back to Gainesville? Due to renovations at the Jaguars’ stadium, this year’s World’s Largest Outdoor Party will be played in Atlanta for the first time. Running back Jadan Baugh against Georgia’s rugged rush defense will be a must-see matchup.
3. Georgia at Alabama (Oct. 10)
Alabama has won seven out of the last nine in this series. However, Georgia easily handled the Crimson Tide in last season’s SEC Championship Game. This should be a good battle between the Bulldogs’ elite defense and Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell.
4. Florida at Texas (Oct. 17)
Texas will be out for revenge after last year’s loss in Gainesville, and the stakes are even higher in ‘26 with both teams entering October ranked inside of the top 10. A suspect Florida secondary will be under fire from quarterback Arch Manning and receiver Cam Coleman early and often. Can the Texas defense slow running back Jadan Baugh and the Gators’ ground game?
5. Notre Dame at BYU (Oct. 17)
Outside of a November matchup against Miami, this trip to Provo is arguably the toughest remaining date on Notre Dame’s schedule. This game also represents a chance for BYU to earn a massive non-conference win for national respect and playoff positioning. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin must find ways to manufacture offense against a Notre Dame defense that ranks among the best in college football. However, the Cougars’ standout defense could also create headaches for quarterback CJ Carr and the Fighting Irish.
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6. Alabama at Tennessee (Oct. 17)
The Third Saturday in October could be a crucial game for positioning in the SEC and for a spot in the College Football Playoff. It’s also an excellent quarterback battle between two rising stars in the conference with Alabama’s Keelon Russell and Tennessee’s Faizon Brandon.
7. Ole Miss at Texas (Oct. 24)
Arch Manning versus Trinidad Chambliss could be one of the best quarterback duels of the season. A big-time performance against a standout Texas defense would certainly boost the Heisman hopes of Chambliss, while Manning could jumpstart another run at college football’s most prestigious trophy by torching a suspect Ole Miss group.
8. Ohio State at USC (Oct. 31)
After the loss to Oregon in Week 4, USC desperately needs a victory over Ohio State to climb back into the race to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. This is the first time the Buckeyes and Trojans have met as members of the Big Ten.
9. UCLA at Oregon (Oct. 10)
Is UCLA legit under new coach Bob Chesney? We’ll find out on Oct. 10 when the Bruins go to Eugene. After a win over USC in Week 4, Oregon is poised to climb back into the playoff mix with each victory.
10. Houston at Utah (Oct. 24)
The winner of this game should take a major step forward in its quest to earn a spot in the Big 12 title game.
Week 5 Must-See Games
Ohio State at Iowa
Alabama at Mississippi State
Florida at Missouri
Auburn at Tennessee
Miami at Clemson
Notre Dame at North Carolina
Michigan at Minnesota
BYU at TCU
Week 6 Must-See Games
Iowa at Washington
Indiana at Nebraska
LSU at Kentucky
USC at Penn State
Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas)
Houston at Kansas State
North Dakota State at UNLV
Boise State at Fresno State
Auburn at Georgia
Arizona at West Virginia
Tulsa at Navy
Miami (Ohio) at UMass
Week 7 Must-See Games
Florida State at Miami
Missouri at Ole Miss
Arizona State at Texas Tech
Miss. State at LSU
Nebraska at Oregon
Oklahoma State at Houston
Virginia at SMU
Memphis at Tulane
Wisconsin at UCLA
Penn State at Michigan
Navy at UTSA
UNLV at Air Force
Week 8 Must-See Games
James Madison at Appalachian State (Oct. 22)
Duke at Virginia (Oct. 23)
Army at Tulsa (Oct. 23)
Pitt at Miami
Indiana at Michigan
Texas Tech at Cincinnati
Houston at Utah
Iowa at Minnesota
USC at Wisconsin
LSU at Auburn
North Dakota State at New Mexico
Oregon at Illinois
Oklahoma at Mississippi State
Kansas State at Arizona State
Virginia Tech at Clemson
Week 9 Must-See Games
Florida Atlantic at North Texas (Oct. 29)
Troy at James Madison (Oct. 29)
Mississippi State at Texas
Wisconsin at Iowa
Washington at Nebraska
Army at Memphis
Notre Dame vs. Navy (Foxborough)
Texas State at Boise State
Arizona State at BYU
Arizona at Texas Tech
Utah at Cincinnati
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