Analysis of the Toughest College Football Schedules for 2026

The 2026 college football season is set to feature some of the toughest schedules, raising questions about the significance of strength of schedule in playoff selections. Teams like Texas, Michigan, Arkansas, Ohio State, and Missouri are expected to face formidable opponents throughout the season.

Texas will begin its season against Texas State before facing Ohio State and several challenging SEC matchups, including games against Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, all of which participated in the previous year's College Football Playoff.

Michigan's schedule includes a notable non-conference game against Oklahoma, while Arkansas must navigate a tough start under new head coach Ryan Silverfield, facing Utah and Georgia early on. Ohio State's non-conference slate features a trip to Texas, and their Big Ten schedule includes defending champion Indiana, as well as tough games against USC and Oregon. Missouri's schedule presents challenges in SEC play, with four teams that were in the College Football Playoff last season, alongside a rivalry game against Kansas.