College Football Week 4 Kickoff Times Announced
College Football Week 4 Kickoff Times Announced
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Key Points
1
Utah enters the Iowa State matchup ranked No. 17 with a 2-0 record built on decisive wins over Idaho and Arkansas; the Utes will first face Utah State to complete nonconference play.
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USC has struggled recently against Oregon, going 1-5 in the six meetings since 2015 and carrying a four-game losing streak into the matchup; the Trojans have not hosted the Ducks in a regular-season game since 2019.
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The Michigan-Iowa game will feature two of the nation’s strongest defenses: both ranked in the top 20 in scoring defense, with Iowa sixth and Michigan eighth in Pro Football Focus’ defensive grades after two weeks.
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Illinois’ visit to Ohio State will be its first trip to Ohio Stadium since 2017 and its first road game of the 2026 season; the Illini enter after a 31-27 home loss to Duke.
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Ohio State’s 24-23 loss at Texas followed a dramatic collapse: the Buckeyes led 20-3 at halftime and by 20 points early in the second half before Texas scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
College football's Week 4 brings a slate of high-stakes conference openers on September 26, with top-ranked teams facing critical early tests. Iowa State will host No. 17 Utah at 2:30 p.m. CT on FOX in a Big 12 opener, while No. 12 USC takes on No. 21 Oregon at 4:30 p.m. PDT on NBC. Ohio State opens Big Ten play against Illinois at noon ET on FOX, and No. 19 Michigan hosts unbeaten No. 19 Iowa at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Utah Enters Big 12 Opener Undefeated After Strong Nonconference Start
No. 17 Utah arrives in Ames with a perfect 2-0 record, having beaten Idaho and Arkansas decisively. The Athletic reports the Utes will first complete nonconference play against Utah State before facing Iowa State. Utah defeated Iowa State 31-28 last season, giving the visitors momentum heading into conference play.
Iowa State's offense will face one of the nation's strongest defenses. Utah's defensive unit has dominated early-season opponents, setting the tone for Big 12 competition and providing an early championship-level test for the Cyclones.
Ohio State's Texas Loss Creates Urgency Against Illinois
Ohio State suffered a stunning 24-23 defeat at Texas after leading 20-3 at halftime and by 20 points early in the second half. ESPN documented Texas's remarkable comeback: the Longhorns scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to snatch the victory. The Buckeyes now face Illinois in their Big Ten opener at home, where the Illini seek their first win against Ohio State in several years.
Illinois arrives at Ohio Stadium after a 31-27 home loss to Duke, making this road trip particularly difficult. The Illini last won the Illibuck Trophy in 2007. Ohio State leads the all-time series 69-30-4, meaning Illinois faces severe pressure to avoid another defeat.
USC Aims to End Four-Game Losing Streak Against Oregon
The Trojans enter undefeated at 3-0 but carry alarming recent history against Oregon: they have lost four straight to the Ducks and hold just a 1-5 record in six meetings since 2015. Sports Illustrated notes this marks USC's first home game against Oregon since 2019, making it a rare opportunity to flip the script. Oregon enters ranked No. 21 after suffering an upset loss to Oklahoma State.
USC has not hosted Oregon in a regular-season game since 2019, so this matchup carries added weight for the Trojans' momentum heading into conference play. The noon PT kickoff gives USC a chance to regain control of the Pac-12 rivalry.
Michigan and Iowa Clash With Defenses Ranked Among Nation's Best
No. 19 Michigan will host No. 19 Iowa in a rematch of the 2023 Big Ten championship, with both teams featuring elite defenses. Pro Football Focus ranked Iowa sixth and Michigan eighth in defensive grades after two weeks, giving this game the feel of a defensive battle. Both teams carry undefeated records into their conference opener, raising the stakes considerably.
Michigan defeated Iowa in that 2023 championship game, so the Hawkeyes seek revenge and a statement early in the season. With both offenses facing elite defensive pressure, field position and turnover margin will likely decide the outcome on September 26.
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