College Football Schedule Today: Sept. 3 Channels & Times
Get the complete college football TV schedule for Sept. 3, featuring LSU vs. Florida State, kick-off times, and where to stream today’s games.
The Crown Jewel: No. 5 LSU vs. No. 8 Florida State
Orlando is the center of the sports world tonight. Two national powerhouses meet in a Labor Day weekend blockbuster that feels more like a January bowl game than a September opener. Kickoff is locked for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
LSU wants blood. Last year’s devastating one-point loss to the Seminoles kept Brian Kelly’s team in a state of self-reflection all winter. Now, quarterback Jayden Daniels is back. He is faster, smarter, and flanked by a defense that looks terrifying on paper. Kelly, pulling in a cool $9.5 million annually, knows that expectations in Baton Rouge do not allow for early-season slip-ups.
But the Seminoles aren’t flinching. Head coach Mike Norvell has rebuilt Florida State into a legitimate national title contender. Quarterback Jordan Travis has spent the offseason polishing his downfield passing, ready to prove that last season’s breakout was just the prelude. Keep an eye on transfer wideout Keon Coleman, who could pose a massive matchup nightmare for the LSU secondary.
The defensive line battle will decide this game. Florida State features edge rusher Jared Verse, a projected first-round NFL draft pick who disrupts offensive schemes single-handedly. If LSU cannot protect Daniels, it will be a long night for the Tigers in the Sunshine State.
Afternoon Stakes: Oregon State Begins Its Final Pac-12 Charge
Further west, the No. 18 Oregon State Beavers head to San Jose State for a 3:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff on CBS Sports Network. Do not sleep on this game.
This is a major test for DJ Uiagalelei. The former Clemson signal-caller transferred to Corvallis looking for a fresh start. He has the raw arm talent to stretch any defense, but he must avoid the critical turnovers that plagued his time in the ACC. Oregon State’s physical offensive line should give him the pocket security he needs.
San Jose State is no pushover. Led by veteran quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, the Spartans have a history of making ranked teams sweat at home. Cordeiro can hurt teams with his legs when plays break down. For Oregon State, a clean, dominant performance is essential to prove they belong in the national conversation.
Noon Kickoff: Big Ten Battle at Rutgers
The day starts early in Piscataway. Rutgers hosts conference rival Northwestern at 12:00 p.m. Eastern on CBS. This is classic, grinding Big Ten football.
Northwestern comes in under a cloud of uncertainty. Following a tumultuous offseason that saw long-time coach Pat Fitzgerald dismissed, interim head coach David Braun is thrown straight into the fire. The Wildcats need to block out the noise and focus on the grass. Finding stability on offense is their immediate hurdle.
Rutgers wants to show real progress in the Big Ten East. Head coach Greg Schiano has built a physical defense that prides itself on creating turnovers. Playing at home, the Scarlet Knights expect to run the ball down Northwestern’s throat and control the clock. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt must show he can make plays when the run game gets stuffed.
The Orange Blossom Classic: Jackson State vs. Florida A&M
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium hosts one of the most historic matchups in HBCU football at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. The Orange Blossom Classic returns with immense energy.
Jackson State enters a new era. With Deion Sanders now in Colorado, head coach T.C. Taylor takes the reins of a program trying to maintain its dominant run. The Tigers have reloaded their roster, but cohesion remains a question mark.
Florida A&M is ready to seize the moment. Led by veteran coach Willie Simmons, the Rattlers boast a veteran roster hungry to claim supremacy in the SWAC. Expect a loud, festive atmosphere and high-tempo action from start to finish.
How to Watch and Stream Today’s Games
Watching college football without a cable subscription is incredibly simple. You do not need a traditional satellite dish to catch every snap. Most major live TV streaming services carry the broadcast networks airing today’s slate.
FuboTV offers a free trial and carries ABC, CBS, and CBS Sports Network. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are also excellent choices for fans who want to record games and watch them later. If you are on the go, the ESPN app will carry the ABC broadcast, though you will need provider credentials to log in.
For the noon Big Ten matchup, Paramount+ will stream the CBS broadcast live for premium subscribers. Ensure your apps are updated before kickoff to avoid any stream delays.
September 3 College Football Schedule
- Northwestern at Rutgers | 12:00 p.m. ET | CBS / Paramount+
- Jackson State vs. Florida A&M | 3:00 p.m. ET | ESPN (Orange Blossom Classic)
- No. 18 Oregon State at San Jose State | 3:30 p.m. ET | CBS Sports Network
- No. 5 LSU vs. No. 8 Florida State | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC / ESPN+
Expect drama. College football is officially back, and today’s schedule is built to deliver high-stakes entertainment from noon until midnight.
