Get ready for some serious gridiron drama in 2026, because Texas is at the heart of two of the most mouth-watering matchups of the college football season. But here's where it gets controversial: these games aren't just about rankings—they're packed with storylines that will have fans on the edge of their seats, even if the teams involved aren't necessarily the highest-ranked. So, what makes a game 'juicy'? Think on-field rivalries, coaches returning to their old stomping grounds, transfer portal drama, and more. According to Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman of On3, Texas is right in the thick of it with two must-watch games.
First up, Texas heads to College Station to face the Texas A&M Aggies in what’s been dubbed the No. 10 juiciest matchup of the season. But the real fireworks come in week two when the Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Austin for a primetime showdown that’s locked in at No. 2. And this is the part most people miss: this game isn’t just about the quarterbacks—though Heisman hopefuls Arch Manning (Texas) and Julian Sayin (Ohio State) will certainly steal the spotlight. It’s also a battle of the wideouts, with Cam Coleman and Jeremiah Smith going head-to-head in what Wasserman calls the 'biggest heavyweight fight, receiver to receiver, in the entire sport next year.'
Bold claim alert: Could this be the year Texas A&M finally breaks their losing streak against the Longhorns in College Station? Texas has dominated the Lone Star Showdown since joining the SEC in 2024, winning three straight, including a 27-17 victory in 2025 that ended the Aggies' undefeated season. But Staples points out that the Aggies haven’t beaten Texas in College Station since 2007, adding an extra layer of psychological pressure to their November 27th matchup.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State game is a chance for Texas to avenge their 14-7 loss in 2025, where their offense struggled until a late touchdown pass from Manning to Parker Livingstone. With both teams boasting top-tier talent, this game is a must-watch for any college football fan. And let’s not forget the coaching storylines—like Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford as LSU’s head coach, which snagged the No. 1 spot on the juicy list.
Thought-provoking question: Are these matchups more about the teams or the storylines? And which game are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!
Other notable games that just missed the cut include Texas’s annual battle with Oklahoma in Dallas on October 10, where the Longhorns have won three of the last four meetings, and their trip to LSU on November 14, pitting Steve Sarkisian against Kiffin in a battle of Saban disciples. Texas kicks off their season on September 5 against Texas State, but it’s clear that the real action starts with those juicy matchups.
Here’s the full top-10 list from Andy and Ari:
- LSU at Ole Miss – September 19
- Ohio State at Texas – September 12
- Miami (Fla.) at Notre Dame – November 7
- Georgia at Alabama – October 10
- Florida at Auburn – September 19
- Penn State at Michigan – October 17
- Texas Tech at Cincinnati – October 24
- Oregon at USC – September 26
- Duke at Miami (Fla.) – November 17
- Texas at Texas A&M – November 27
Mark your calendars, because 2026 is shaping up to be a season you won’t want to miss!
