Each weekend Sportsvival highlights the three must-watch college football games; this week’s slate includes several marquee matchups, headlined by a Big Ten showdown between two rising programs that could reshape the conference race.
#9 Illinois (3-0) at #17 Indiana (3-0)
Who they beat this year — Illinois
Illinois opened the season with a 52-3 win over Western Illinois, followed by a 45-19 victory at Duke and a 38-0 shutout of Western Michigan to reach 3-0.
Who they beat this year — Indiana
Indiana started 3-0 with a 27-14 win over Old Dominion, a 56-9 victory against Kennesaw State, and a 73-0 rout of Indiana State to also sit at 3-0 entering conference play.
Game preview
This matchup shapes up as a contrast of styles: Illinois brings an aggressive defensive front and a balanced offensive attack, while Indiana leans on a high-tempo, big-play offense that can score quickly. Illinois’ ability to generate pressure and force turnovers will be the key to slowing Indiana’s rhythm. Indiana must protect the quarterback and win on the perimeter to stretch the Illini defense and create mismatches in space. Special teams and the turnover battle project to decide a game that could stay close into the fourth quarter before one side separates.
2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch
Gabe Jacas EDGE Illinois — a disruptive edge presence who can win one-on-one matchups and create backfield chaos.
Xavier Scott CB Illinois — a long, physical corner with the length and speed to challenge vertical routes.
Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana — a dual-threat signal-caller with arm strength and rushing upside.
Sportsvial prediction
Indiana-23 Illinois- 21
#22 Auburn (3-0) at #8 Oklahoma (3-0)
Who they beat this year — Auburn
Auburn opened the season with a road win at Baylor, followed by a victory over Ball State and a 31-15 win over South Alabama to reach 3-0.
Who they beat this year — Oklahoma
Oklahoma began 3-0 with wins over Illinois State, a signature win at No. 15 Michigan, and a 42-3 victory over Temple to also sit at 3-0.
Game preview This shapes up as a classic contrast: Auburn brings a mobile, dual-threat quarterback and a physical running game that can control tempo, while Oklahoma answers with an explosive passing attack and a stingy defense that has allowed very few points. Auburn’s ability to sustain drives and finish in the red zone will limit Oklahoma’s possessions and keep John Mateer off rhythm. Oklahoma must generate consistent pressure and force quick decisions from Jackson Arnold to limit his scrambling and red-zone production. Special teams and turnovers will swing field position; if Auburn wins the line-of-scrimmage battle, this game stays close into the fourth quarter before one side pulls away.
2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch
Jackson Arnold QB Auburn — a slippery, high-IQ signal-caller who creates plays with his legs and arm.
Jeremiah Cobb RB Auburn — a downhill runner with contact balance and short-yardage upside.
John Mateer QB Oklahoma — a pro-style passer with accuracy and plus anticipation on intermediate throws.
Jaren Kanak TE Oklahoma — a long, athletic tight end who stretches zones and wins contested catches.
Sportsvial prediction:
Oklahoma 34 Auburn 27
#15 Texas Tech (3-0) at #16 Utah (3-0)
Who they beat this year — Texas Tech
Texas Tech opened the season with a dominant win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, followed by a 45-14 victory over Oregon State and a high-scoring 56-31 road win to reach 3-0.
Who they beat this year — Utah
Utah started 3-0 with a 38-10 win over Kent State, a 31-6 victory against Wyoming, and a 34-9 win over Oregon State to also sit at 3-0.
Game preview This projects as an offensive showcase: Texas Tech brings a fast-tempo, vertical passing attack that scores in bunches, while Utah answers with a physical, run-first offense and a defense that excels at getting off the field on third down. Texas Tech must protect the quarterback and win the turnover battle to prevent Utah from grinding the clock. Utah will try to control tempo with a heavy dose of the run game and capitalize on short-field opportunities created by a disruptive front seven. Special teams and third-down efficiency will shape the game; expect a tight first half with explosive plays deciding the winner late.
2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch
Behren Morton QB Texas Tech — a pro-ready passer with timing, touch on intermediate throws, and upside as a pocket QB.
Cameron Dickey RB Texas Tech — a quick, decisive runner who produces chunk plays and catches out of the backfield.
Devon Dampier QB Utah — a dual-threat QB with downhill run ability and improving pocket accuracy.
John Henry Daley DL Utah — a powerful interior presence who anchors the run defense and creates push up front.
Sportsvial prediction
Utah- 41 Texas Tech 37
(photo courtesy of Hoosier Huddle)