College football returns with a loaded Saturday schedule on October 17, 2026, featuring several nationally ranked matchups, major conference rivalries and games with significant College Football Playoff implications.
Some of the biggest games today include No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Indiana, No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 14 Tennessee, No. 2 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 BYU, and Florida State vs. No. 3 Miami.
Here is a look at today’s featured college football schedule, including kickoff times and the biggest matchups to watch. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
College Football Games Today: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Noon ET Games
| Matchup | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|
| No. 4 Ohio State at No. 5 Indiana | 12:00 PM ET |
| Florida at No. 7 Texas | 12:00 PM ET |
| No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU | 12:00 PM ET |
| Virginia at No. 24 SMU | 12:00 PM ET |
| No. 25 Northwestern at Michigan State | 12:00 PM ET |
The early slate is highlighted by a major Big Ten showdown between Ohio State and Indiana, with both programs ranked among the nation’s top five teams.
Florida also travels to Texas for an important SEC contest, while Mississippi State and LSU meet in another ranked conference matchup.
3:30 PM ET Games
| Matchup | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|
| Auburn at No. 1 Georgia | 3:30 PM ET |
| No. 6 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee | 3:30 PM ET |
| No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss | 3:30 PM ET |
| Arizona State at No. 10 Texas Tech | 3:30 PM ET |
The afternoon window features several important SEC matchups.
Top-ranked Georgia hosts Auburn, while Alabama travels to Tennessee for another chapter of their historic rivalry.
Missouri and Ole Miss also meet in a Top 15 showdown that could have major implications for the SEC standings.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech looks to defend its home field against Arizona State in Big 12 action.
Evening College Football Games
| Matchup | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|
| Florida State at No. 3 Miami | 7:00 PM ET |
| No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU | 7:30 PM ET |
| No. 18 Oklahoma State at No. 20 Houston | 7:30 PM ET |
| No. 15 Kentucky at Oklahoma | 7:30 PM ET |
| Wisconsin at No. 12 UCLA | 7:30 PM ET |
| No. 11 Utah at Colorado | 10:15 PM ET |
| No. 21 Wake Forest at California | 10:30 PM ET |
The evening schedule includes one of college football’s biggest rivalries as Florida State faces Miami.
Notre Dame and BYU also meet in a highly anticipated Top 10 matchup, while Oklahoma State and Houston battle in a ranked Big 12 contest.
The night concludes with Utah visiting Colorado and Wake Forest traveling to California.
Biggest College Football Games to Watch Today
No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Indiana
Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
One of Saturday’s biggest games takes place in the Big Ten as Ohio State visits Indiana.
With both teams ranked inside the Top 5, the outcome could have a significant impact on the national championship race and College Football Playoff rankings later in the season.
No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 14 Tennessee
Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
Alabama and Tennessee renew their historic SEC rivalry in one of the most anticipated afternoon matchups.
Both teams enter the contest ranked in the Top 15, making this an important game in the SEC championship race.
Auburn vs. No. 1 Georgia
Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
Top-ranked Georgia hosts Auburn in another edition of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.
Georgia will look to maintain its position atop the national rankings, while Auburn has an opportunity to deliver one of the biggest upsets of the season.
Florida State vs. No. 3 Miami
Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
Florida State travels to face Miami in one of the most recognizable rivalries in college football.
Miami enters the matchup ranked No. 3 nationally, giving the Hurricanes an opportunity to strengthen their playoff résumé against an in-state rival.
No. 2 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 BYU
Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
Notre Dame and BYU meet in a major Top 10 showdown during Saturday’s evening window.
With both programs positioned among the nation’s elite, the result could play a major role in shaping the College Football Playoff picture.
What Time Do College Football Games Start Today?
The featured Saturday college football schedule begins at 12:00 PM ET, with games continuing throughout the afternoon and evening.
The primary kickoff windows are:
- 12:00 PM ET: Early afternoon games
- 3:30 PM ET: Major afternoon matchups
- 7:00–7:30 PM ET: Primetime college football
- 10:15–10:30 PM ET: Late-night games
Where to Watch College Football Games Today
College football games are televised across several major networks, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1, CBS and NBC.
Streaming options may include ESPN platforms, Peacock and live TV streaming services, depending on the game’s broadcast rights.
Fans should check the official television listings for their preferred matchup to confirm the specific channel and streaming availability.
College Football Playoff Implications for October 17
Saturday’s schedule features several games that could significantly influence the College Football Playoff race.
Ohio State vs. Indiana and Notre Dame vs. BYU are particularly important because both contests feature Top 10 opponents.
The SEC also has several major matchups, including Alabama vs. Tennessee, Missouri vs. Ole Miss and Auburn vs. Georgia.
With the regular season progressing toward November, every victory becomes increasingly important for teams competing for conference championships and playoff positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there college football games today, October 17, 2026?
Yes. Numerous NCAA college football games are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, including several matchups featuring AP Top 25 teams.
What is the biggest college football game today?
Ohio State vs. Indiana and Notre Dame vs. BYU are among the biggest games, with both matchups featuring teams ranked inside the national Top 10.
What time does Ohio State play Indiana today?
Ohio State and Indiana are scheduled to kick off at 12:00 PM ET.
What time does Alabama play Tennessee today?
Alabama and Tennessee are scheduled to play at 3:30 PM ET.
What time does Florida State play Miami today?
Florida State and Miami are scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM ET.
What time does Notre Dame play BYU today?
Notre Dame and BYU are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM ET.
Final Thoughts
Saturday, October 17, 2026, delivers one of the most compelling college football schedules of the season, featuring multiple Top 25 showdowns, traditional rivalries and games with major playoff implications.
From Ohio State vs. Indiana at noon to Notre Dame vs. BYU and Florida State vs. Miami in primetime, college football fans have plenty of exciting matchups to follow throughout the day.
Stay tuned to The Sports Cast for more college football coverage, game previews, schedules, scores and College Football Playoff updates.