Week 6 arrives with the first truly heavyweight slate of October. The weekend features multiple ranked matchups with major College Football Playoff implications, led by Georgia-Alabama, Texas-Oklahoma and UCLA-Oregon.
No. 2 Georgia at No. 6 Alabama
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET — ABC
This is the game of the week. Both teams enter unbeaten, and Alabama is coming off a dominant 56-23 victory over Mississippi State. Georgia enters after beating Vanderbilt 38-14.
Key matchup: Georgia’s defense against Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell and the Crimson Tide passing attack.
Prediction: Georgia 31, Alabama 27
No. 1 Texas vs. Oklahoma
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET — Cotton Bowl
The Red River Rivalry gets another massive chapter. Texas enters as the nation’s No. 1 team, while Oklahoma will be looking to derail the Longhorns’ championship ambitions. Texas currently holds 61 of 70 first-place votes in the AP poll.
Prediction: Texas 34, Oklahoma 24
No. 21 UCLA at No. 13 Oregon
UCLA is one of the biggest surprise stories of the season, entering 4-0 under first-year coach Bob Chesney. Oregon represents by far the Bruins’ biggest test.
Prediction: Oregon 38, UCLA 27
No. 7 Indiana at Nebraska
Indiana enters ranked seventh after an impressive start, but Nebraska presents a difficult road environment. This could become one of the day’s most competitive Big Ten games.
Prediction: Indiana 30, Nebraska 27
Texas A&M at No. 14 Missouri
Missouri has surged up the rankings after its stunning 45-17 demolition of Florida. Texas A&M will attempt to slow that momentum in Columbia.
Prediction: Missouri 31, Texas A&M 24
No. 15 Tennessee at Arkansas
Tennessee has looked strong defensively, but Arkansas gets home-field advantage and could make this uncomfortable. Current projections have Tennessee favored, but the matchup is viewed as a potential close game.
Prediction: Tennessee 27, Arkansas 20
No. 10 LSU at Kentucky
LSU enters the weekend ranked in the top 10 after a 63-14 win over McNeese State. Kentucky will need a major defensive performance to stay with the Tigers.
Prediction: LSU 35, Kentucky 17
No. 19 USC at Penn State
A major Big Ten night game awaits in Happy Valley. USC’s offense will be tested by the atmosphere and Penn State defense.
Prediction: Penn State 31, USC 27
Three Games to Watch
1. Georgia vs. Alabama — The biggest SEC and CFP résumé game of the weekend.
2. Texas vs. Oklahoma — Rivalry pressure meets championship expectations.
3. UCLA vs. Oregon — A surprising undefeated UCLA team gets its biggest test of 2026.
Week 6 could significantly reshape the national championship picture. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Indiana and LSU all have opportunities to strengthen their playoff résumés, while teams such as UCLA, Nebraska and Missouri can make major statements with victories.
One additional storyline is the weather situation surrounding Georgia-Alabama: Tropical Storm Isaias could bring significant Gulf Coast weather to the region, and officials are monitoring conditions. No official schedule change had been announced as of Wednesday.
Week 6 Prediction: Expect at least one major upset, with Georgia-Alabama having the potential to be the defining game of the weekend.
