Cincinnati Will Play Arizona at 11 p.m. ET
The Bearcats travel to face the Arizona Wildcats for a late-night kickoff scheduled for October 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you think college football kickoff times scheduled for 11 p.m. ET are too late?
The Cincinnati Bearcats are scheduled to face the Arizona Wildcats on October 3, 2026, with the game set to kick off at 11 p.m. ET. The matchup marks a rare late-night start time for the team, which currently holds a 3-0 record.
Why it matters
The late start time provides a unique scheduling challenge for the team and its fan base, following a string of high-profile games. The Bearcats remain undefeated this season as they prepare for the contest.
The Cincinnati Bearcats head into the matchup with an unblemished 3-0 record this season. The 11 p.m. ET kickoff is notably later than their September 26, 2026, home game against Kansas State, which starts at 7 p.m.
The players
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats are the University of Cincinnati football team that currently holds an undefeated 3-0 record.
Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats are the University of Arizona football team that will host Cincinnati in October.
The details
The announcement confirms the late-night slot for the Arizona game, which will take place shortly after the Bearcats compete against Kansas State at Nipper Stadium. Following the Arizona contest, the team is slated to travel to Morgantown to face West Virginia on October 17, 2026.
Timeline
December 6, 2008: Last instance of an 11 p.m. ET start time.
September 26, 2026: Game against Kansas State at Nipper Stadium.
October 3, 2026: Kickoff against Arizona Wildcats.
October 17, 2026: Game against West Virginia in Morgantown.
Season Trajectory
This late-night matchup represents a deviation from standard prime-time scheduling as the Bearcats look to maintain their 3-0 start. The timing forces a shift in team travel and preparation routines during the middle of the season schedule.
The 11 p.m. ET start time will impact broadcast viewing for fans on the East Coast during the October 3 game. This schedule forces a distinct logistical adjustment for supporters who follow the team's progression in the Big 12 standings.
The takeaway
The Bearcats will need to adjust their internal biological clocks and recovery schedules to accommodate the midnight-adjacent finish in Arizona. Managing a 3-0 record requires consistency regardless of the unusual kickoff time.
Further reading
For more information on the current season, visit Football.
Live Poll
Do you think college football kickoff times scheduled for 11 p.m. ET are too late?
