College football schedule superlatives for 2026 season
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Ohio State faces the toughest Power 4 schedule in 2026, including challenging road games at Texas, Indiana, USC, and Oregon, providing a more battle-tested team for postseason play.
- Texas Tech has the easiest Power 4 schedule despite losing quarterback Brendan Sorsby, with a softer nonconference slate and favorable path to win the Big 12 and reach the playoff again.
- Western Kentucky endures the hardest Group of 6 schedule with tough nonconference road games at Georgia and Indiana, while Liberty enjoys the easiest path without facing Power 4 opponents.
- USC has the most difficult home schedule among Power 4 teams, hosting Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State, while Virginia has the easiest home slate with mostly lower-ranked opponents.
- Key dates include Oct. 10 and 17, featuring major matchups like Oklahoma vs. Texas, Ohio State at Indiana, and USC at Penn State; notable international games are set for Dublin and London, but a planned Rio game was relocated.
