It’s a great time to be a college football fan as the season rolls on with plenty of intriguing games on the calendar this week. This week is highlighted by the massive clash between LSU and Ole Miss and all the storylines that go along with that contest, but we have plenty of games to pick from outside of the power conferences as well.
As always, we’ve got your back on the best under-the-radar games across the college football slate. Let’s dive into our watchlist for Week Three.
Coastal Carolina at Delaware
Da’Wain’s first as a Hen 😤 pic.twitter.com/F1ufl7W9kL
— Delaware Football (@Delaware_FB) September 16, 2026
How to Watch: Saturday, September 19th – 10:30 a.m. CT on CBSSN
Why You Should Watch: The Chanticleers looked feisty against West Virginia in a week one loss and are looking to get back in Sun Belt contention under new head coach Ryan Beard. Delaware lost by nine to Vanderbilt last week but kept the game respectable, and the Blue Hens are a trendy pick to win CUSA. This game kicks off 30 minutes before the rest of the college football slate, so why not tune in for a little bit even if you are watching College GameDay?
Florida International at Florida Atlantic
How to Watch: Saturday, September 19th – 5:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Why You Should Watch: This is the Shula Bowl! FIU and Florida Atlantic have met 23 times since 2002 in the relatively new South Florida rivalry. FAU holds a significant edge in the series, but Florida International won the contest last season, snapping a seven-game losing streak to the Owls. Both squads are 1-1 on the season. FIU’s loss came in Week One to South Florida, while the Owls suffered a blowout defeat to Florida in Week One. FAU will undoubtedly be out for revenge in this one, and who doesn’t love a rivalry revenge storyline?
Youngstown State at South Dakota State
10/10@b_delahoyde10 | #GoJacks🐰 pic.twitter.com/XIk6UBqeus
— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) September 14, 2026
How to Watch: Saturday, September 19th – 6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Why You Should Watch: As the struggle to replace North Dakota State atop the Missouri Valley Football Conference begins, FCS #9 Youngstown State heads to #2 South Dakota State. Both squads are extremely likely to make an appearance in the FCS playoffs come the end of the season. This should be one of the best games of the season so far in the FCS ranks
Austin Peay at West Florida
How to Watch: Saturday, September 19th – 6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Why You Should Watch: West Florida’s incredible start to the inaugural FCS season for the program continued with a victory over Central Arkansas. Now the Argonauts will look for a third straight win over a ranked opponent to begin their first FCS campaign. Standing in the way for #17 West Florida is #14 Austin Peay. The Governors are 2-1 this season, with the one loss coming against FBS Vanderbilt. Both programs carry hopes of unseating Tarleton State atop the conference this year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the winner of this contest is the biggest challenger to the Texans in 2026.
James Madison at San Diego State
Trench Warfare 💪
— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) September 13, 2026
📺: @BigTenNetwork #AztecFAST 🍢 x #BeTheA1pha 📷 x #TheClimb 📷 📈 pic.twitter.com/ZvI4OzApmZ
How to Watch: Saturday, September 19th – 9:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Why You Should Watch: This G6 non-conference matchup is a perfect nightcap for a full slate of college football games. San Diego State is coming off a loss to Big Ten UCLA, but the Aztecs looked competitive in the contest. James Madison opened the season with a narrow win over Liberty before utterly thrashing FCS Wagner last week to move to 2-0. Can the Dukes repeat the incredible season that culminated with a playoff berth last season, or will San Diego State end the dream in a late-night West Coast contest? I can’t wait to find out.
What under-the-radar games are you most excited about for Week Three? We’d love to hear from you.
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