Iowa-Washington Showdown Headlines Best Non-Saturday College Football Games of 2026
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
College football fans in Iowa and across the country will have plenty of reasons to tune in during the week this fall, with a slate of non-Saturday games that includes a key Big Ten matchup between the Hawkeyes and Washington Huskies. From midweek MACtion to Friday night lights, the 2026 season is packed with compelling matchups that go beyond the traditional Saturday schedule.
The sport is expanding its reach across the calendar, and for good reason. The MAC has long played midweek games to capture a larger television audience. Conference USA and even power conferences like the ACC and Big 12 are increasingly scheduling games on Fridays and Thursdays. For fans, that means more football to enjoy. But it can be hard to keep track of which games are worth watching.
Here is a breakdown of the best non-Saturday games each week of the 2026 season, with a special focus on the Iowa-Washington game that has major Big Ten implications.
Week 6: Iowa at Washington (Friday, Oct. 9)
The Hawkeyes and Huskies don't have a long history, but their recent meeting was memorable. Two years ago, Iowa dominated Washington at Kinnick Stadium in a game that marked the first real action for Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Now, the Hawkeyes travel to Husky Stadium after a brutal back-to-back against Michigan and Ohio State. Washington hosts one of the conference's toughest opponents fresh off a trip to USC.
This is one of the few non-Saturday matchups between projected preseason top-25 teams. The outcome will tell us early on if either team has a shot at making a run to the College Football Playoff. For Iowa fans, this is a must-watch game that could define the season.
Week 1: Louisville vs. Ole Miss (Sunday, Sept. 6 in Nashville)
The second-ever meeting between the Cardinals and Rebels promises to be a shootout. Ole Miss brings quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, one of the best backfields in the country. Louisville counters with quarterback Lincoln Kienholz making his first career start alongside star running back Isaac Brown. This could be the only ranked matchup in Week 1.
Week 2: Missouri at Kansas (Friday, Sept. 11)
The Border War rivalry returns to Lawrence for the first time in two decades. The Tigers have won four straight, but Kansas hopes Cole Ballard and a rebooted offense can pull off an upset. Missouri's Austin Simmons will look to endear himself to fans with a win on the road.
Week 3: Houston at Texas Tech (Friday, Sept. 18)
This game has extra drama after a back-and-forth over its timing between a Red Raiders megabooster and Big 12 leadership. Texas Tech is the defending champion and conference favorite despite a turbulent offseason. Conner Weigman and the Cougars could be their toughest test.
Week 4: Clemson at California (Friday, Sept. 25)
Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele flashed as a freshman and is more proven than Clemson's incoming starter Christopher Vizzina. This is Clemson's first cross-country trip since ACC expansion, and Cal could score an early upset on a short week.
Week 5: Pitt at Virginia Tech (Friday, Oct. 2)
Both teams are in the second tier of ACC contenders. Virginia Tech could be undefeated heading into this showdown at Lane Stadium, invigorated by the arrival of coach James Franklin. The leaves will be turning and the crowd will be rocking.
Week 7: Memphis at Tulane (Friday, Oct. 16)
Both teams changed coaches in the offseason, but expectations remain high. Memphis coach Charles Huff faces new Tulane coach Will Hall and the defending American champs. The outcome has often decided the conference title race.
Week 8: Liberty at Kennesaw State (Thursday, Oct. 22)
The Owls upset the Flames two years ago for their first FBS win, then beat them again in double overtime last season to win Conference USA. Liberty is again a preseason favorite, but this trip could complicate their path.
Week 9: Troy at James Madison (Thursday, Oct. 29)
A rematch of last season's Sun Belt championship. James Madison went on to the College Football Playoff, but the Dukes changed coaches and lost most of their starters. New coach Billy Napier went 2-0 against Troy during his time at Louisiana.
Week 10: Virginia Tech at SMU (Friday, Nov. 6)
The Hokies and Mustangs haven't played since before SMU's death penalty. Coach Rhett Lashlee has made SMU a consistent ACC contender. Virginia Tech will be on a bye week after Clemson, while SMU is on short rest after a trip to Syracuse.
Week 11: Ohio at Miami (Ohio) (Tuesday, Nov. 10)
The Battle of the Bricks could decide the MAC. The Bobcats are onto their third coach in three years, but Miami has played for the conference championship three years running. The home team has won the last six meetings.
Week 12: Clemson at Duke (Friday, Nov. 20)
Duke is the defending ACC champion and has beaten Clemson two times in a row for the first time since the 1970s. The Blue Devils could be looking ahead to their rivalry game against South Carolina.
Week 13: Texas at Texas A&M (Friday, Nov. 27)
This rivalry game on Black Friday has playoff and SEC championship implications. Texas A&M has lost 16 straight to the Longhorns, including the last three in College Station. Can Arch Manning make it four in a row at Kyle Field?
For Iowa fans, the Week 6 showdown against Washington is the highlight of the non-Saturday schedule. The Hawkeyes will need to be at their best to come away with a win on the road and keep their playoff hopes alive.