College football games today: Week 3 schedule, times, TV channels - USA Today
Though it mercifully came without controversial finishes over a second mysteriously being added back to the game clock, Week 2 of the college football season didn't lack excitement with Texas' stunning, come-from-behind win over Ohio State, Oklahoma State's upset of Oregon and another close rivalry matchup between Iowa and Iowa State.
What might Week 3 have in store for an encore?
The Week 3 Saturday slate is headlined by arguably the most anticipated game of the 2026 regular season, with Lane Kiffin making his return to Mississippi for No. 7 LSU's game against the No. 9 Rebels, who Kiffin coached for six seasons before leaving in Nov. 2025. The winner of the matchup will get an important early leg up in the race for a spot in the SEC championship game, even if either team would remain in the thick of the College Football Playoff hunt with a loss.
In what might be the next-most captivating matchup of the day, No. 16 SMU will travel to Louisville to take on a Cardinals squad that's receiving the second-most votes of teams outside the top 25 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll. While more than two months remain in the regular season, the winning side in that contest will be best-positioned to be the likely opponent for Miami in the ACC championship game.
Elsewhere, No. 10 Alabama will host Florida State in a rematch of the Seminoles' stunning 31-17 season-opening victory last year. The Crimson Tide are nearly three-touchdown favorites as they look to gain a measure of revenge.
Week 3's games involving top-25 teams will air live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, FS1, the ACC Network and the Big Ten Network on Sept. 19. For games on the ESPN family of networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and the ACC Network — streaming options include the ESPN app, which requires a valid cable login, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers. For over-the-air nationally televised games, streaming options include the Fox Sports Go app (with a TV login), Fubo, SEC Network+ and Peacock, NBC's subscription streaming service.
Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer. You can stream on YouTube or download via Apple podcasts and Spotify.
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