Quick guide: Sept 5-7, 2026 delivers a stacked Labor Day weekend of college football Week 1, MLB stretch-run baseball, NASCAR Cup Series playoffs kickoff at Darlington, F1 Italian GP at Monza, and US Open tennis. NFL regular season begins next week — this weekend belongs to campus football and motorsports.

College Football Week 1 — Top 25 Action Saturday

The 2026 college football season is underway with nearly every ranked team in action.

Key Saturday games (Sep 5, ET)

  • No. 1 Ohio State vs. Ball State (12:30 p.m., Big Ten Network)
  • No. 2 Oregon vs. Boise State (3:30 p.m., CBS)
  • No. 3 Georgia vs. Tennessee State (3 p.m., SEC Network+)
  • East Carolina at No. 13 Alabama (noon, ABC)
  • Texas State at No. 5 Texas (3:30 p.m., ESPN)
  • Clemson at No. 11 LSU (7:30 p.m., ABC) — early spotlight matchup
  • Western Michigan at No. 16 Michigan (7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock)

Sunday note: Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame at Lambeau Field (evening, NBC) — a unique neutral-site clash. Streaming: ESPN+, Paramount+, Peacock, or local cable.

MLB — Full Weekend Slate with Playoff Race Implications

15 Saturday games, full Sunday card. Notable Saturday (Sep 5, ET):

  • New York Yankees at San Diego Padres (7:15 p.m., FOX)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks at Houston Astros (7:15 p.m., FOX)
  • Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies (6:05 p.m.)
  • Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (7:05 p.m.)
  • Chicago Cubs at Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants at New York Mets (both 4:10 p.m.)

Check MLB.TV, local RSNs, or Fubo.

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NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Begin at Darlington

Cook Out Southern 500 at historic Darlington Raceway — Sunday, September 6 (5 p.m., USA Network). Saturday support: NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Fleetio 200. Darlington's abrasive surface produces tire drama — perfect "Track Too Tough to Tame" viewing.

Formula 1: 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza

F1 heads to the Temple of Speed:

  • Saturday, Sep 5: FP3 + Qualifying (Qualifying around 10 a.m. ET)
  • Sunday, Sep 6: Race start ~9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. local time

Pierre Gasly stunned the paddock with a shock pole position in qualifying. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli and other title contenders remain firmly in the mix. Monza favors power and low-drag setups — expect slipstream battles and possible safety-car drama. How to watch F1 in the US: Apple TV (F1 Channel).

Other Notable Events

  • US Open Tennis (New York): Round of 16 continues Sat/Sun on ESPN/ABC
  • IndyCar: NTT IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday (afternoon, FOX)
  • NWSL soccer, golf (Walker Cup, DP World Tour), regional action

Quick Viewing Tips

  • Saturday afternoon/evening: CFB and MLB
  • Sunday morning: F1 Italian GP
  • Sunday afternoon/evening: NASCAR Southern 500 + remaining MLB and college games
  • Streaming: ESPN+, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV, FOX/FS1 apps, USA Network, MLB.TV

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