Indiana running back Kaelon Black (8) carries for a touchdown against Oregon during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
FOX Sports is expanding its Friday night college football presence for the 2026 season, unveiling a 12-game broadcast schedule packed with rivalry matchups, conference showdowns, and College Football Playoff contenders.
Headlining the lineup is the renewal of the historic Border War rivalry between Missouri Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks on Sept. 11, one year after the longtime rivals reignited the series for the first time since 2011.
The expanded slate will also feature defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers opening Big Ten play against Northwestern Wildcats on Sept. 25, while Oregon Ducks, another College Football Playoff team from last season, travels to face Michigan State Spartans on Nov. 20.
FOX has increased its Friday night schedule from nine games to 12 as the network continues investing heavily in standalone national broadcasts.
Rivalries and Playoff Contenders Take Center Stage
Several marquee matchups are expected to carry major national attention throughout the season.
A potential Top 25 showdown between Houston Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders is scheduled for Sept. 18, while Penn State Nittany Lions will travel to Northwestern on Oct. 2 for the Wildcats’ first game at their new stadium.
FOX Sports executive Derek Crocker said the Friday platform allows programs to become the national spotlight game of the evening instead of competing against crowded Saturday schedules.
According to Nielsen data cited by FOX Sports, Friday night broadcasts averaged 2.3 million viewers last season, outperforming both FOX’s Saturday afternoon and primetime college football windows.
Full FOX Friday Night College Football Schedule
DateMatchupTimeSept. 4Fresno State Bulldogs at USC Trojans9 p.m.Sept. 11Missouri Tigers at Kansas Jayhawks8 p.m.Sept. 18Houston Cougars at Texas Tech Red Raiders8 p.m.Sept. 25Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers8 p.m.Oct. 2Penn State Nittany Lions at Northwestern Wildcats8 p.m.Oct. 9Iowa Hawkeyes at Washington Huskies9 p.m.*Oct. 16Washington Huskies at Purdue Boilermakers8 p.m.Nov. 6Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini8 p.m.Nov. 13Illinois Fighting Illini at UCLA Bruins9 p.m.Nov. 20Oregon Ducks at Michigan State Spartans8 p.m.Nov. 27West Virginia Mountaineers at Utah Utes8 or 9 p.m.Dec. 4Mountain West Championship Game9 p.m.
*Game may move to FS1 due to MLB Playoffs.
Friday Night Debate Continues
Friday night games continue to create debate across college football circles, especially among coaches and boosters concerned about travel, preparation, and attendance.
Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell publicly criticized FOX and the Big 12 earlier this offseason after learning the Red Raiders’ matchup with Houston could be shifted to Friday night.
Despite pushback from some corners, FOX continues expanding its Friday package as networks compete aggressively for premium college football inventory and national exposure opportunities.
Additional broadcast schedules from FOX, ESPN, and other television partners are expected later this month.