Ohio State Buckeyes: The Game That Defines a Season
For the Ohio State Buckeyes, the season-defining game is undoubtedly their trip to Michigan on Nov. 29. Despite facing Texas in the opener and a showdown with Penn State on Nov. 1, nothing compares to “The Game” against Michigan. Ohio State has lost four consecutive matchups against the Wolverines, including a heartbreaking 13-10 defeat at home last season. Although the Buckeyes rebounded to win the national championship, another loss to Michigan would be a bitter pill for Buckeye Nation. Victories over Texas and Penn State would be impressive, but the true measure of success lies in defeating Michigan. — Jake Trotter
Texas Longhorns: A Rivalry Renewed
The Texas Longhorns have a season opener against Ohio State, but the game that could define their season is the Nov. 29 matchup against Texas A&M. This rivalry game marks the Aggies’ first visit to Austin since 2010. The Longhorns face a challenging schedule, including games against Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Arkansas, but the showdown with Texas A&M could be the ultimate test. With unpredictable matchups against Florida and Oklahoma, the Longhorns’ season could hinge on this rivalry game. — Dave Wilson
Penn State Nittany Lions: A Chance for Redemption
Penn State’s season-defining game is their Nov. 1 trip to Ohio State. Despite making it to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, James Franklin’s record against Ohio State is a dismal 1-10. With the playoff expanding to 12 teams, a loss isn’t as devastating, but a victory would be monumental. The game is more than just a matchup; it’s a chance for Penn State to strengthen its résumé and prove its mettle. — Chris Low
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Early Season Test
Notre Dame’s season-defining game is their Sept. 13 matchup against Texas A&M. With a front-loaded schedule, the Irish could find themselves out of the playoff race early. The game against Texas A&M follows an open week, giving Notre Dame a chance to regroup and establish themselves as CFP title contenders. — Adam Rittenberg
Georgia Bulldogs: A Familiar Foe
Georgia’s season-defining game is their Sept. 27 matchup against Alabama. With a challenging schedule, including road trips to Tennessee and Auburn, the Bulldogs face a tough test against the Crimson Tide. Georgia’s 1-6 record against Alabama under coach Kirby Smart adds to the importance of this game. A victory would be a significant step toward a successful season. — Mark Schlabach
Oregon Ducks: A Big Ten Showdown
Oregon’s season-defining game is their Sept. 27 trip to Penn State. With a 4-0 start, the Ducks face a crucial test against the Nittany Lions. The outcome could shape the Big Ten title race and set the tone for the rest of the season. — Kyle Bonagura
Clemson Tigers: A Midseason Challenge
Clemson’s season-defining game is their Nov. 14 matchup at Louisville. Following a rivalry game against Florida State, the Tigers face a tough test against a strong Louisville team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the national title game. — David Hale
LSU Tigers: A Crucial Opener
LSU’s season-defining game is their Aug. 30 opener at Clemson. With a history of opening losses under coach Brian Kelly, a victory would be a crucial step toward a successful season. The SEC schedule is challenging, but a win at Clemson would set the tone for the rest of the year. — Low
BYU Cougars: A Rivalry Renewed
BYU’s season-defining game is their Oct. 18 matchup against Utah. With a challenging schedule, the rivalry game could set the tone for the rest of the season. Both teams are likely to compete for the Big 12 title, adding to the importance of this matchup. — Paolo Uggetti
South Carolina Gamecocks: A Tough Test
South Carolina’s season-defining game is their Oct. 25 matchup against Alabama. With a challenging schedule, the Gamecocks face a tough test against the Crimson Tide. A victory would be a significant step toward surpassing last season’s 9-4 record. — Schlabach
Iowa State Cyclones: A Key Stretch
Iowa State’s season-defining game is their Nov. 1 matchup against Arizona State. With a challenging schedule, the Cyclones face a tough test against a strong Sun Devils team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the Big 12 championship game. — Max Olson
Alabama Crimson Tide: A Rivalry Renewed
Alabama’s season-defining game is their Oct. 18 matchup against Tennessee. With a challenging schedule, the Crimson Tide face a tough test against a strong Volunteers team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Low
Illinois Fighting Illini: A Big Ten Test
Illinois’ season-defining game is their Sept. 20 matchup against Indiana. With a challenging schedule, the Illini face a tough test against a strong Hoosiers team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Olson
Arizona State Sun Devils: An Early Barometer
Arizona State’s season-defining game is their Sept. 20 matchup against Baylor. With a challenging schedule, the Sun Devils face a tough test against a strong Bears team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Bonagura
SMU Mustangs: A Midseason Challenge
SMU’s season-defining game is their Oct. 18 matchup against Clemson. With a challenging schedule, the Mustangs face a tough test against a strong Tigers team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Wilson
Kansas State Wildcats: A Key Matchup
Kansas State’s season-defining game is their Nov. 1 matchup against Texas Tech. With a challenging schedule, the Wildcats face a tough test against a strong Red Raiders team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the Big 12 championship game. — Eli Lederman
Indiana Hoosiers: A Big Ten Showdown
Indiana’s season-defining game is their Oct. 11 matchup against Oregon. With a challenging schedule, the Hoosiers face a tough test against a strong Ducks team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Rittenberg
Florida Gators: A Crucial Opener
Florida’s season-defining game is their Sept. 13 matchup against LSU. With a challenging schedule, the Gators face a tough test against a strong Tigers team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Harry Lyles Jr.
Tennessee Volunteers: A Rivalry Renewed
Tennessee’s season-defining game is their Oct. 18 matchup against Alabama. With a challenging schedule, the Volunteers face a tough test against a strong Crimson Tide team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Lyles
Louisville Cardinals: A Key Matchup
Louisville’s season-defining game is their Oct. 17 matchup against Miami. With a challenging schedule, the Cardinals face a tough test against a strong Hurricanes team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Hale
Michigan Wolverines: A Rivalry Renewed
Michigan’s season-defining game is their Nov. 29 matchup against Ohio State. With a challenging schedule, the Wolverines face a tough test against a strong Buckeyes team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Trotter
Texas A&M Aggies: A Key Matchup
Texas A&M’s season-defining game is their Nov. 15 matchup against South Carolina. With a challenging schedule, the Aggies face a tough test against a strong Gamecocks team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Lederman
Miami Hurricanes: A Key Matchup
Miami’s season-defining game is their Nov. 22 matchup against Virginia Tech. With a challenging schedule, the Hurricanes face a tough test against a strong Hokies team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Andrea Adelson
Boise State Broncos: A Tough Test
Boise State’s season-defining game is their Oct. 4 matchup against Notre Dame. With a challenging schedule, the Broncos face a tough test against a strong Fighting Irish team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Uggetti
Ole Miss Rebels: A Key Matchup
Ole Miss’ season-defining game is their Nov. 15 matchup against Florida. With a challenging schedule, the Rebels face a tough test against a strong Gators team. A victory would be a significant step toward returning to the College Football Playoff. — Adelson
Originally Written by: ESPN
