As college sports enthusiasts prepare for the 2026-27 season, planning a road trip to experience the excitement of live events is a thrilling endeavor. This year’s list of must-see destinations highlights a diverse array of sports and venues, ensuring fans can enjoy iconic matchups and legendary rivalries. From football to soccer, the following 20 stops promise unforgettable experiences for any college sports aficionado.
The journey begins in Austin, Texas, where college football and volleyball collide on September 12-13. Fans can witness a highly anticipated football showdown between preseason No. 1 Ohio State and No. 5 Texas at the expansive Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium. The following day, volleyball enthusiasts can catch the top-ranked Texas team facing off against No. 6 Wisconsin, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport.
Next, on September 19, the atmosphere in Oxford, Mississippi will be electric as LSU takes on Ole Miss. The matchup at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is particularly significant, as it marks the return of Lane Kiffin to Ole Miss after his controversial departure. Fans can immerse themselves in the vibrant pregame tailgating scene at the Grove, a hallmark of college football culture.
On September 25, soccer fans should head to Akron, Ohio, to see Georgetown face Akron in a men’s soccer clash. Despite Akron's lesser-known status in football and basketball, its soccer program has made a name for itself, reaching four College Cup finals and producing numerous MLS draft picks. This game features two of the top teams in the Big East, with Georgetown ranked fifth and Akron ranked 12th.
October 17 will see Ohio State travel to Bloomington, Indiana, for a crucial football game against Indiana. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it represents a rematch of the previous year's Big Ten title game, with the defending national champions facing off against the preseason No. 1 team. Fans are encouraged to visit local establishments like Nick’s to enjoy the atmosphere while savoring a pitcher of Hoosier Gameday Lager.
As the season progresses, the storied rivalry between Miami and Notre Dame will be reignited on November 7 in South Bend, Indiana. Though the famous “Catholics vs. Convicts” tagline has faded, this matchup remains significant, especially after Miami's controversial entry into the College Football Playoff last year at Notre Dame's expense.
Women’s basketball also takes center stage on November 15 when USC faces South Carolina in Greenville, South Carolina. This matchup, part of the “Real SC” series, will showcase the talents of Trojans superstar JuJu Watkins, who is returning from injury to compete against a perennial national title contender.
The list continues with traditional rivalries such as Lehigh vs. Lafayette on November 21, the Big Ten football championship game on December 5, and the annual Army-Navy football game on December 12, which will take place in East Rutherford, New Jersey this year.
Fans of basketball and hockey will find plenty to enjoy as well, with events like the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8 in New York on March 26-27, and the Frozen Four in Washington, D.C. from April 8-10. Additionally, the NCAA Gymnastics Championships will take place in Fort Worth, Texas from April 15-17.
As the season wraps up, the NCAA women’s lacrosse championships will be held in Towson, Maryland from May 28-30, marking a historic occasion as all three NCAA divisions will crown their champions at the same site. This diverse lineup of events ensures that college sports fans have plenty of opportunities to witness thrilling competitions and create lasting memories throughout the 2026-27 season.
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