As the 2026 college football season gets underway, FOX’s Big Noon Saturday games are shaping up to be wild. Four top-25 teams and the sport’s last three national champs? That’s a lineup you don’t want to miss.
Ohio State opens against Indiana, while Michigan faces high-stakes battles with Oklahoma and, of course, their archrival Ohio State. There’s plenty to talk about, so let’s dig into some of the big storylines heading into these marquee matchups.
Week 1: North Texas at Indiana
The season kicks off September 5 with North Texas taking on defending national champs Indiana. Both teams have seen a ton of changes over the offseason, which just adds to the intrigue.
North Texas’ New Era
North Texas is in for a challenge. Neal Brown’s now at the helm, and the team’s moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma—so they’re the Cowboys now.
With only four returning starts from last year, Brown’s got his work cut out for him. Tayven Jackson, who used to play for Indiana and UCF, is back in Bloomington, but this time he’s wearing a different jersey.
Indiana’s Quest for Continuity
Indiana’s hoping a third quarterback change in as many years won’t throw them off track. Head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan have handled QB turnover before, but now they’re turning to Josh Hoover.
Hoover, who set the school’s single-season passing record, is expected to lead the Hoosiers as they defend their title. Indiana hasn’t lost at home since 2023, but that streak’s on the line.
Week 2: Oklahoma at Michigan
September 12 brings a huge non-conference showdown: Oklahoma vs. Michigan. This one could shake up the College Football Playoff picture, especially with the Big Ten and SEC jostling for bragging rights.
Oklahoma’s Playoff Aspirations
Oklahoma’s been to the Playoff plenty, but they still haven’t snagged a postseason win. Last year, they fell to Alabama at home—even though they’d beaten Bama on the road the season before.
The Sooners have a solid record against Big Ten teams, so they’ll be hungry to keep that streak alive and make a statement in Ann Arbor.
Michigan’s New Leadership
Michigan’s got a new head coach, Kyle Whittingham—their third in four years. The Wolverines want to remind everyone they’re still a powerhouse, especially after breaking through for a national title not long ago.
A win over Oklahoma would look pretty nice on their resume and give the Big Ten a little more swagger in the conference debate.
Week 3: Kent State at Ohio State
September 19, Ohio State hosts Kent State. On paper, it looks like a mismatch, but there’s more to it than that.
Ohio State’s Dominance
The Buckeyes haven’t lost to an unranked team since 2018, and they almost never drop games to non-Power 4 opponents. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith lead the offense—both are Heisman favorites.
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has to replace six starters, including three first-rounders, but Ohio State’s depth is solid. Expect a lot of fresh faces to get their shot.
Key Players to Watch
This game’s a chance for Ohio State’s younger guys to prove themselves. Ryan Day might even give Tavien St. Clair some snaps to rest Sayin a bit.
People are also curious about Chris Henry Jr.—can he break out early? Kent State should be a good test run before the Buckeyes face tougher competition.
Week 13: Michigan at Ohio State
The regular season wraps up with Michigan at Ohio State on November 28. It’s always a big deal, but this year, the stakes feel even higher.
The Game’s Impact
They call it *The Game* for a reason. Five of the last seven Big Ten champs and two of the last three national champs have come out of this rivalry.
Both squads have legit Heisman contenders and new offensive coordinators, so there’s plenty of drama baked in. Can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.
Ohio State’s Quest for Glory
Ohio State’s got their eyes on something big this season. They’re chasing a trifecta they haven’t pulled off since 2014: winning *The Game*, snagging the Big Ten championship, and grabbing the national title.
This game? It’s not just another Saturday. The result could shake up the whole College Football Playoff picture and maybe even decide who ends up as national champ.
Want to dig deeper or just keep tabs on how it all unfolds? Check out Fox Sports.
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