The Big Ten Conference just dropped the kickoff times and network info for the first three weeks of the 2026 football season, plus a handful of other matchups. If you’re still buzzing from the last three years—three different Big Ten schools, three straight College Football Playoff National Championships—well, buckle up, because this season looks even wilder.
It all builds up to the Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Here’s a look at what’s on tap for 2026.
Highlights of the 2026 Big Ten Football Season
The season starts with games spread across FOX Sports, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and the Big Ten Network. On Saturday, August 29, San Jose State heads to USC, airing on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.
That’s just the first taste of what’s shaping up to be a stacked schedule.
Opening Week Matchups
Week one’s got a handful of games to set the vibe for the whole year. Notable matchups:
- San Jose State at USC | NBC | 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
- UMass at Rutgers | BTN | 6 p.m. ET
- Eastern Illinois at Minnesota | Peacock | 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT
- UAB at Illinois | BTN | 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
There’s definitely a sense that teams want to come out swinging.
Key Games in September
September’s got some heavy hitters lined up. Here’s a few to circle on your calendar:
- North Texas at Indiana | FOX | 12 p.m. ET (September 5)
- Boise State at Oregon | CBS | 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT (September 5)
- Oklahoma at Michigan | FOX | 12 p.m. ET (September 12)
- Ohio State at Texas | ABC | 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT (September 12)
- Washington at Rutgers | CBS | 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT (September 19)
There’s a good chance these will pull in some big audiences.
Prime Time and Homecoming Games
The Big Ten’s stacking the schedule with prime-time games that should get fans everywhere tuning in. The big one? The Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game, Saturday, December 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.
Homecoming Highlights
Homecoming’s always a thing in college football, and the Big Ten’s keeping that tradition alive in 2026:
- Wisconsin at Penn State | TBD | TBD (September 26)
- Purdue at Illinois | TBD | TBD (October 3)
- Maryland at Nebraska | TBD | TBD (October 3)
- Michigan State at Wisconsin | TBD | TBD (October 3)
- Indiana at Rutgers | TBD | 8 p.m. ET (October 3)
Alumni and students are going to love these weekends. There’s just something about homecoming, right?
Friday Night Lights
Friday night games have kind of become a staple, haven’t they? The Big Ten’s got a few lined up for 2026:
- Indiana State at Purdue | BTN | 7 p.m. ET (September 4)
- Rutgers at Boston College | ESPN2 | 7:30 p.m. ET (September 11)
- Portland State at Oregon | BTN | 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT (September 18)
- Northwestern at Indiana | FOX | 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (September 25)
- Penn State at Northwestern | FOX | 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (October 2)
Honestly, Friday football just hits a little different. It’s a nice way to jumpstart the weekend.
Looking Ahead to Key Matchups
Some games later in the season are already looking like they’ll have huge playoff and championship implications. You can almost feel the tension building just thinking about them.
October Showdowns
October’s got some real make-or-break games:
- Washington at Purdue | FOX | 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT (October 16)
- Penn State at Michigan | TBD | TBD (October 17)
- Wisconsin at Iowa | TBD | TBD (October 31)
- Northwestern at Oregon | TBD | TBD (October 31)
Who’s going to step up when it counts?
November Clashes
November’s where things get serious. A few big ones:
- Nebraska at Illinois | FOX | 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (November 6)
- Illinois at UCLA | FOX | 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT (November 13)
- Oregon at Michigan State | FOX | 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT (November 20)
- Nebraska at Iowa | CBS | 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT (November 27)
- Minnesota at Wisconsin | NBC | 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT (November 27)
- Michigan at Ohio State | FOX | 12 p.m. ET (November 28)
These are the ones that’ll decide who’s still standing come championship weekend. You can almost smell the drama already.
Conclusion
The 2026 Big Ten football season is shaping up to be something special. There’s a packed slate of matchups, from prime-time games to those classic homecoming showdowns.
Fans are in for a real treat. If you want all the details or the full schedule, check out the Big Ten Conference’s official announcement.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
