College football games today: Week 3 schedule, times, TV channels

College football games today: Week 3 schedule, times, TV channels.

Key points

• Week 3's games involving top-25 teams will air live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, FS1, the ACC Network and the Major Ten Network on Sept.
• 10 Alabama will host Florida State in a rematch of the Seminoles' stunning 31-17 season-opening victory last year.
• Blake Toppmeyer, Matt Hayes, and John Brice share their Week 3 picks of the biggest college football games this upcoming weekend.
• * Game is being played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer.

College football games today: Week 3 schedule, times, TV channels. Craig Meyer USA TODAY NETWORK. College Football Week 3 picks.

Though it mercifully came without controversial finishes over a second mysteriously being continued 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?

For context, 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. For context, the winner of the matchup will obtain an notable 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 probable opponent for Miami in the ACC championship game.

More: Lane Kiffin has convinced himself he's the victim. That's bad news for Ole Miss Opinion.

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 almost three-touchdown favorites as they look to gain a measure of revenge.

Here's a look at the full top-25 schedule for Week 3 of the 2026 season, including start times and information on how to watch each ranked team in action. College football scores, schedule today.

* Game is being played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. What TV channels are college football games on today?

Week 3's games involving top-25 teams will air live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, FS1, the ACC Network and the Major 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. It 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. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, college football games today: Week 3 schedule, times, TV channels is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.