The 2026 college football season will feature 13 neutral-site regular season games, including three international matchups. This article ranks these games from worst to best, highlighting their significance for the teams involved.
Key points
2026 college football season features 13 neutral-site games
Three international games will take place in two continents
Neutral-site games are often held in NFL stadiums
Article ranks games from worst to best
Focus on significance for the teams involved
Mentioned in this story
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Central MichiganEastern Michigan
One of the many things that makes college football so special is the on-campus atmospheres at home games all across the country each Saturday in the fall. The tradition, pageantry, and unparalleled environments are an integral part of the sport.
However, in today's age of money-over-everything in college athletics, more and more games throughout the college football calendar have been moved to neutral sites, mostly in NFL stadiums. In addition, the 2026 season will feature a whopping three international games, in two different continents.
According to FBSchedules.com, there are 13 neutral-site regular season games in the 2026 college football regular season. Today, we'll rank all 13 matchups from worst to first, taking a look at what each game will mean for both teams.
Sep 13, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas head coach Matt Drinkall on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas head coach Matt Drinkall on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan will square off in Motor City MACtion on November 4th in Detroit, Michigan at Ford Field, the home of the NFL's Detroit Lions. This game is typically played on campuses, and the Chippewas beat the Eagles in Mount Pleasant last year. Instead of heading to Ypsilanti for the rematch, these two ancient MAC rivals will make the short trip to the Motor City on a Wednesday, taking a great rivalry off-campus in 2026.
Q&A
What are the neutral-site college football games in the 2026 season?
There are 13 neutral-site regular season games scheduled for the 2026 college football season.
Which teams are playing in the neutral-site games in 2026?
The matchups include teams like Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, among others.
What international games are included in the 2026 college football season?
The 2026 season will feature three international games across two different continents.
Why are college football games moving to neutral sites?
Games are increasingly moved to neutral sites due to financial considerations in college athletics.
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Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield speaks before UC’s season opener vs. Nebraska
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield speaks before UC’s season opener vs. Nebraska
Miami (Ohio) and Cincinnati will renew their rivalry, the Battle for the Victory Bell, on September 19th in Cincinnati, Ohio at Paycor Stadium, the home of the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals. The Redhawks and Bearcats have typically played annually, but this matchup was not on the schedule last year. Instead of playing this game at Yager Stadium in Oxford or Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, the Victory Bell will be awarded at a neutral site this year, as it also was in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
11. NC State vs. Virginia (in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) runs with the football to make a touchdown during the first half of the game against Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) runs with the football to make a touchdown during the first half of the game against Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
NC State faces Virginia on August 29th, as these two ACC foes will travel to Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for College Football Brasil in Week 0. The Wolfpack won this matchup a year ago in Raleigh, but the Cavaliers went all the way to the ACC title game last season. Despite being in neighboring states, the two schools will head to South America instead of Charlottesville, and the Hoos will look to break a four-game losing streak in the series.
10. Virginia vs. West Virginia (in Charlotte, North Carolina)
West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez looks at plays during the first half of the game against Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 20, 2025.
West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez looks at plays during the first half of the game against Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Sept. 20, 2025.
Virginia and West Virginia will take part in the Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 19th. The Cavaliers might still be a bit sluggish from their trip to Rio, and the Mountaineers will be looking to take advantage. Both teams are holding QB battles this offseason, with Beau Pribula vs. Eli Holstein in Charlottesville, and Michael Hawkins Jr. vs. Scotty Fox Jr. in Morgantown. This is the first meeting between UVA and WVU since 1985, and it won't be on campus.
Oct 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) is tackled by Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) and defensive end Dean Miller (45) in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) is tackled by Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) and defensive end Dean Miller (45) in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Big 12 foes Kansas and Arizona State will travel to Wembley Stadium in London, England on September 19th for the Union Jack Classic. The Jayhawks lost the only matchup in this series in Tempe in 2024, and the rematch comes in Europe, not Lawrence. The Sun Devils will be looking to regain their place atop the Big 12 in 2026, after they made the College Football Playoff and won the conference in 2024.
8. Notre Dame vs. Navy (in Foxboro, Massachusetts)
Nov 8, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Notre Dame and Navy will renew their rivalry on October 31st at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts at the home of the NFL's New England Patriots. The Fighting Irish dominated this matchup last year in South Bend, and the Midshipmen haven't won since 2016. This game has been played at neutral sites, instead of Annapolis, when Navy is the home team in the past, and the Irish are hoping for nothing spooky to happen to them on Halloween in 2026.
7. North Carolina vs. TCU (in Dublin, Ireland)
Bill Belichick, right, shakes hands with TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes following TCU's 48-14 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels on Sept. 1, 2025.
Bill Belichick, right, shakes hands with TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes following TCU's 48-14 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels on Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina and TCU will open up the 2026 college football season at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on August 29th with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The Tar Heels were embarrassed in this matchup in Bill Belichick's debut last season in Chapel Hill, and Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs would love a repeat performance in this Week 0 clash. There's plenty of sizzle to this one, which comes in Europe instead of Fort Worth.
6. Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (in Green Bay, Wisconsin)
Notre Dame’s Chris Tyree (25) tries to avoid Wisconsin's Caesar Williams (21) during the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Notre Dame’s Chris Tyree (25) tries to avoid Wisconsin's Caesar Williams (21) during the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The Shamrock Series features Notre Dame and Wisconsin squaring off at Lambeau Field, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers, in Green Bay, Wisconsin on September 6th. The Fighting Irish will be hoping to get the year off to a good start in this Sunday clash, while the Badgers will be looking to pull the upset. While South Bend or Madison would be a great environment, it's tough to beat a historic venue like the Frozen Tundra.
Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins (6) runs after the catch as Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) gives chase during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins (6) runs after the catch as Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) gives chase during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Baylor and Auburn will face off for the second straight season, after the Bears lost at home in Waco last year. This matchup comes inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, in Atlanta, Georgia on September 5th in the Aflac Kickoff Game. After last year's win in McLane Stadium, the Tigers will look to make it two straight in this matchup. Jordan-Hare Stadium would be absolutely rocking if this game were on campus.
4. Louisville vs. Ole Miss (in Nashville, Tennessee)
Louisville Football head coach Jeff Brohm looks over his teams during open practice. March 18, 2026
Louisville Football head coach Jeff Brohm looks over his teams during open practice. March 18, 2026
The Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff will see Louisville battle Ole Miss at Nissan Stadium, the home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, in Nashville, Tennessee on September 6th. The Cardinals lost the only matchup in this series in 2021, which was also a neutral-site game. The Rebels will look to build off of their CFP run last year, and this should be an entertaining Sunday game, even if it's not being played in Louisville or Oxford.
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive back Dijon Johnson (27) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football matchup Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Gators 34-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive back Dijon Johnson (27) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football matchup Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Gators 34-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
There are only three college football games that should be played at neutral sites every single year. The first is "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party", played between Florida and Georgia in Jacksonville, Florida. However, this season's matchup, re-branded the Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic, will be played in Atlanta, Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, on October 31st. Luckily, the Gators and Bulldogs will be back where they belong at EverBank Stadium, the home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, in 2028. The Dawgs have won five straight in the series, but a new regime for the Gators will look to change that on Halloween.
2. Navy vs. Army (in East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Dec 13, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Navy Midshipmen running back Eli Heidenreich (22) catches a touchdown as Army West Point Black Knights safety Casey Larkin (20) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Dec 13, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Navy Midshipmen running back Eli Heidenreich (22) catches a touchdown as Army West Point Black Knights safety Casey Larkin (20) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Navy and Army always play at a neutral site, and this year's Army-Navy Game takes place on December 12th in East Rutherford, New Jersey at MetLife Stadium, the home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets. One of the greatest rivalries in college football is one of the few things that has been protected so far in the NIL-transfer portal-playoff expansion era, and fans want it to stay that way. The Midshipmen have won the last two games, but the Black Knights won three out the four prior meetings.
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas, Texas)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) defends as the ball goes past Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) during the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Texas one 34-3.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) defends as the ball goes past Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) during the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Texas one 34-3.
Was there ever a question about No. 1? Texas and Oklahoma face off each year at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, with this year's Red River Rivalry taking place on October 10th. The greatest rivalry in all of sports is a game unlike any other, between two teams and fanbases that cannot stand each other. As so much of the sport changes around it, Red River has to stay the way it is, and both the Longhorns and Sooners have been committed to keeping it that way. The 'Horns are on a rare two-game winning streak in the series, and OU has revenge on the mind in 2026.
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