Week 5 of the college football season is here, and it’s loaded with can’t-miss games. From powerhouse clashes in primetime to rivalry matchups with major playoff stakes, there’s something for every fan. Whether you’re planning to watch all day or just want to catch the biggest showdowns, here are the top games to keep an eye on this weekend (according to Pete Nakos of On3).
1. Oregon at Penn State
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Oregon (6) and Penn State (3)
Location: State College
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Channel: NBC
2. Alabama at Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass against the Austin Peay Governors in the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Alabama (17) and Georgia (5)
Location: Athens
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
3. LSU at Ole Miss
LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) yells down field Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 during the NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. Credit: Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
AP Rankings: LSU (4) and Ole Miss (13)
Location: Oxford
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
4. Texas A&M at Auburn
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks to make a pass during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Texas A&M (9) and Auburn
Location: Auburn
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
5. Ohio State at Washington
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Ohio State (1) and Washington
Location: Seattle
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
6. Tennessee at Mississippi State
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) stiff arms UAB Blazers safety Pierre Royster (7) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Tennessee (15) and Mississippi State
Location: Starkville
Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
Channel: SEC Network
7. Florida State at Virginia
Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) before the game against the East Texas A&M Lions at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Florida State (8) and Virginia
Location: Charlottesville
Time: Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
8. Notre Dame at Arkansas
Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) scores a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: Notre Dame (22) at Arkansas
Location: Fayetteville
Time: Noon ET
Channel: ABC
9. TCU at Arizona State
TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) looks to pass in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
AP Rankings: TCU (24) at Arizona State
Location: Tempe
Time: Friday, 9 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
10. USC at Illinois
Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) during an NCAA game against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Imageses
AP Rankings: USC at Illinois (23)
Location: Champaign
Time: Noon ET
Channel: FOX
Conclusion
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs with the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Week 5 is packed with must-watch matchups and playoff implications. No matter who you’re rooting for, it’s a great weekend to kick back and enjoy some big-time college football.
By Rory Vitale 
Angel Atienza-Romero