Friday, October 23, 2026 | College Football Preview
Friday night college football doesn’t always deliver the marquee matchups we get on Saturdays, but I’ve learned over the years that some of the most entertaining games come when nobody is paying attention.
We’ve got five FBS games on Friday’s schedule, including a couple of interesting ACC matchups and a Mountain West contest that could have conference championship implications.
Let’s take a look at what’s on tap.
🔥 GAME OF THE NIGHT
Duke (4-2) at Virginia (4-3)
7:00 PM ET | ESPN
This is the game I’ll be watching most closely.
Both teams are trying to establish themselves in an ACC that has been anything but predictable this season.
Duke has an offensive weapon worth watching in running back Nate Sheppard, a player I’ve been following from an NFL scouting perspective.
Sheppard is an explosive playmaker who can hurt a defense in multiple ways. His versatility makes him particularly interesting as a professional prospect.
Virginia has the advantage of playing at home, but the Cavaliers will need to control the line of scrimmage and prevent Duke from generating explosive plays.
JB’S KEY TO THE GAME: Can Virginia contain Nate Sheppard without sacrificing coverage responsibilities?
JB’S PICK: Duke 31, Virginia 27
🏈 UMass (4-3) at UConn (3-3)
7:00 PM ET | CBS Sports Network
This is one of those regional matchups that probably won’t attract much national attention, but both programs have something to prove.
UMass enters with a winning record, while Connecticut is looking to get above .500.
These are the kinds of games that can help establish momentum for programs trying to build consistency.
Neither team can afford to give away possessions with turnovers or special teams mistakes.
JB’S KEY TO THE GAME: Which team establishes a running game and controls the clock?
JB’S PICK: UConn 27, UMass 24
🇺🇸 Army (4-2) at Tulsa (4-3)
8:30 PM ET | ESPN2
I always enjoy watching Army play football.
There’s something refreshing about watching a team that understands exactly what it wants to accomplish offensively and doesn’t apologize for doing it.
Army’s option-oriented rushing attack presents a unique challenge because opponents rarely see that style of offense during the season.
Tulsa will have to play disciplined assignment football. One missed responsibility against Army can turn a routine running play into a substantial gain.
The Golden Hurricane will also need to maximize their offensive possessions because Army’s ability to control the clock can shorten a football game considerably.
JB’S KEY TO THE GAME: Tulsa must win on early downs and force Army into uncomfortable passing situations.
JB’S PICK: Army 28, Tulsa 24
🔥 Air Force (5-1) at Wyoming (4-3)
9:00 PM ET | The CW
Don’t overlook this one.
Air Force has quietly put together an impressive season, entering Friday night with a 5-1 record.
Wyoming is never an easy place to play, particularly for an opponent that relies heavily on offensive timing and execution.
Like Army, Air Force presents defensive coordinators with challenges that aren’t typically encountered in today’s pass-oriented college football landscape.
This should be a physical contest where field position, turnovers and third-down conversions determine the outcome.
JB’S KEY TO THE GAME: Can Wyoming disrupt Air Force’s rushing attack and force the Falcons to throw?
JB’S PICK: Air Force 30, Wyoming 20
🌙 FRIDAY NIGHT AFTER DARK
NC State (3-3) at Stanford (3-4)
10:30 PM ET | ESPN
We’ll close out Friday night with an ACC matchup that still feels strange to write.
North Carolina State traveling across the country to play Stanford in a conference game.
Welcome to modern college football.
Neither program has enjoyed the kind of season it envisioned, but both have an opportunity to build momentum heading into November.
The biggest question for NC State might be how well the Wolfpack handles the cross-country trip and late kickoff.
Stanford has the advantage of playing at home, but the Cardinal must demonstrate the ability to finish drives and avoid costly mistakes.
JB’S KEY TO THE GAME: Can NC State establish offensive rhythm early despite the travel and time-zone adjustment?
JB’S PICK: NC State 27, Stanford 23
🎯 FRIDAY NIGHT WATCH LIST
Best Game: Duke at Virginia
Potential Upset: Wyoming over Air Force
Player to Watch: Nate Sheppard, RB, Duke
Most Physical Matchup: Army at Tulsa
Late-Night Special: NC State at Stanford
FINAL WORD
Friday night football is the appetizer before Saturday’s main course, but there’s plenty worth watching.
I’ll be particularly interested in seeing how Nate Sheppard performs against Virginia. He’s one of those running backs who deserves more national attention, especially from those of us evaluating talent for the next level.
And keep an eye on Air Force. A 5-1 team this late in October deserves some respect.
Five games. Two ACC battles. Two service academies in action.
Not a bad way to kick off another college football weekend.
