The Must-Watch College Football Slate on Saturday

As the calendar flips to the final Saturday of the regular season, college football’s Rivalry Week descends like a storm—packed with tradition-soaked clashes that could reshape conference crowns, playoff bids, and decades-old grudges. November 29, 2025, delivers a feast of high-stakes drama across the map, from the frozen fields of Ann Arbor to the humid heat of the Deep South. With CFP rankings fresh in everyone’s minds and bowl eligibility on the line for dozens of squads, this slate isn’t just about the games; it’s about legacies. Here’s your roadmap to the day’s biggest fireworks, where every snap carries the weight of history.

The Headliner: No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan (Noon ET, FOX) – “The Game” Lives Up to the Hype

Nothing captures the soul of Rivalry Week quite like this. The Buckeyes and Wolverines renew their blood feud in Ann Arbor, where Michigan’s 2024 national title defense collides with Ohio State’s quest for redemption after last year’s gut-wrenching loss. The maize and blue faithful will pack the Big House under gray November skies, desperate for a repeat of their 13-10 heart-stopper that snapped a three-game skid.

Ohio State rolls in with Jeremiah Smith terrorizing secondaries—his 1,200-plus yards and 14 touchdowns have the Buckeyes humming at 10-1. But QB Will Howard’s efficiency (68% completion) will be tested by Michigan’s front seven, led by Mason Graham’s wrecking-ball presence (8.5 sacks). On the flip side, the Wolverines’ Alex Orji has evolved into a dual-threat nightmare, blending 1,800 passing yards with 450 on the ground. If Michigan’s ground game (top-15 nationally) chews clock like it did in the Rose Bowl, this could turn into another defensive masterpiece. Stakes? A Big Ten title game ticket and a top-four CFP seed. Expect helmets to fly from the opening whistle.

SEC Showdowns: Iron Bowl and Beyond Light the Fuse

The South stays spicy with two tilts that scream “statement game.”

No. 5 Alabama at Auburn (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) – Iron Bowl Intensity Boils Over Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes a cauldron as the Tide invade their in-state archrivors. Alabama’s 9-2 mark hinges on Jalen Milroe’s arm (2,900 yards, 22 TDs), but Auburn’s 7-4 squad—fueled by Payton Thorne’s upset magic—has clawed back from a 1-3 start. The Tigers’ defense ranks top-20 in sacks, and if they pressure Milroe like they did in last year’s 27-24 thriller, this could echo the Kick Six chaos. For Bama, a win locks the SEC West; for Auburn, it’s bragging rights and a bowl glow-up. The Paulson rivalry trophy has never felt heavier.

No. 8 Clemson at South Carolina (Noon ET, SEC Network) – Palmetto Bowl Passion Dabo Swinney’s Tigers (9-2) chase an ACC three-peat, but they’ll need to navigate Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks in Columbia. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik has diced up defenses for 3,000 yards, but South Carolina’s edge rushers (led by Kyle Kennard, 10 sacks) could force turnovers. The Gamecocks, sitting at 6-5, smell blood after a 2024 upset bid fell short. This one’s for South Carolina bragging rights—and a potential top-10 finish that catapults Clemson into the ACC title mix.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – Battle for the Governor’s Cup The Vols (8-3) aim to cap a bounce-back year against a scrappy Vandy squad (5-6) that’s punched above its weight. Nico Iamaleava’s debut flashes have Tennessee dreaming big, but the Commodores’ defense has held firm in losses. A win here sends Rocky Top into the offseason with momentum.

Arkansas at Missouri (3:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network) – Battle Line Battle Rages The Hogs (6-5) travel to Columbia to face Mizzou’s 8-3 buzzsaw. Brady Cook’s efficiency meets KJ Jefferson’s legs in a game that could decide SEC bowl pecking order. Missouri’s home-field edge? Electric.

Big Ten Brawls: Paul Bunyan and More Keep the North Frozen

No. 12 Wisconsin vs. Minnesota (3:30 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 1) – Paul Bunyan’s Axe Up for Grabs Camp Randall hosts this Black Friday hangover special, where the Badgers (7-4) defend their axe against a Gophers team (6-5) clinging to bowl hopes. Wisconsin’s run game—powered by Chez Mellusi’s 900 yards—clashes with Minnesota’s stout front. QB Max Brosmer has the Gophers competitive, but a win here keeps the axe in Madison and caps Luke Fickell’s rebuild.

No. 15 Penn State at Rutgers (3:30 p.m. ET, BTN) – Garden State Grit Test Drew Allar’s arm (2,500 yards) faces the Scarlet Knights’ opportunistic D in Piscataway. Penn State’s 9-2 resume needs this to solidify a Big Ten title shot, but Rutgers (5-6) thrives as spoilers.

Illinois at Northwestern (7:30 p.m. ET, FOX) – Land of Lincoln Trophy The Illini (7-4) chase program highs against a Wildcats team (4-7) fighting for respect. Altmyer-to-White has been money; this could be Bret Bielema’s signature rivalry stamp.

ACC and Big 12 Fireworks: Coastal Carnage and Plains Power Plays

No. 4 Miami (FL) at Pittsburgh (Noon ET, ABC) The Hurricanes (10-1) storm Acrisure for the ACC’s de facto title eliminator. Cam Ward’s wizardry (3,200 yards) meets Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi chaos, but Miami’s speed could overwhelm. A win punches their playoff ticket.

Florida at Florida State (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2) – Sunshine State Sunshine Showdown The ‘Noles (7-4) host the Gators (6-5) in Tallahassee, where DJ Uiagalelei’s cannon arm revives FSU hopes. Florida’s Graham Mertz has steadied the ship—expect a track meet with 70 combined points.

No. 10 Oklahoma at LSU (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) Brent Venables’ Sooners (8-3) invade Tiger Stadium for SEC entry validation. Jackson Arnold’s poise vs. Garrett Nussmeier’s flair? Pure fireworks in Death Valley.

Colorado at No. 16 Kansas State (Noon ET, FS1) – Rocky Mountain Rumble Shedeur Sanders’ arm leads the Buffs (7-4) against K- State’s run-heavy attack. Deion’s squad eyes a 9-win miracle.

No. 11 Iowa State at Oklahoma State (Noon ET, ESPNU) The Cyclones (8-3) chase Big 12 chaos against OSU’s Ollie Gordon II (1,400 yards rushing). Rocco Becht’s dual-threat edge could tilt the scales.

BYU at UCF (1 p.m. ET, ESPN2) The Cougars (9-2) keep their undefeated dream flickering in Orlando against a Knights team hungry for relevance.

Pac-12 and Beyond: Victory Bell and More Close the Curtain

USC at UCLA (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) – Victory Bell Battle Royale The Crosstown Showdown in the Rose Bowl pits Lincoln Riley’s Trojans (6-5) against DeShaun Foster’s Bruins (5-6). Miller Moss vs. Ethan Garbers? A fitting end to the Pac-12 era.

Oregon at Washington (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) – Northwest Rivalry Reignited The Ducks (10-1) defend their throne against a Huskies squad (7-4) reloaded post-Kalen DeBoer. Dillon Gabriel’s grit meets Bo Nix’s legacy—expect points.

Virginia Tech at Virginia (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) – Commonwealth Clash The Hokies (7-4) own the series, but UVa’s Anthony Colandrea could spark an upset in Scott Stadium.

From noon kickoffs to midnight finishes, November 29 packs enough emotion to fuel a month’s worth of hot takes. These aren’t just games—they’re the threads weaving the 2025 season’s tapestry. Grab the remote, fire up the grill (or leftovers), and settle in. College football’s grand finale awaits.