College football is back, which means Saturdays are officially spoken for. Whether you're heading to the stadium, hosting every Saturday or planning the ultimate tailgate, now is the time to upgrade your setup. From team jerseys and Yeti coolers to 4K TVs and portable grills, we've rounded up the best college football gear, watch-party essentials and fan favorites worth buying before kickoff.
As part of USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset, we're getting you ready for college football season. From commemorative books celebrating some of the sport's biggest teams and moments to NCAA gear, Yeti coolers, home entertainment upgrades and everything you need for a proper tailgate, we've rounded up our favorite finds for football Saturdays. Plus, with College
Colors Day coming up on Friday, Sept. 4, there's no better time to break out your school colors and get ready for kickoff.
Here's everything you need to start college football season right:
5 college football essentials every fan should grab before kickoff
- Hisense 100-Inch Class QD7 Series 4K Hi-QLED Smart TV
- Your favorite team's jersey from Fanatics
- Weber Traveler Compact 1 Burner Liquid Propane Grill Black
- Yeti NCAA Drinkware and Cooler Collection
- Game Day Charcuterie Boards from Boarderie
The best college football gifts for die-hard fans
PERFECT! How Indiana completed the greatest college football story ever told
This 176-page hardcover book celebrates Indiana's 12-0 season, first victory over Ohio State since 1988 to capture the Big Ten title, their first Rose Bowl victory and first-ever National Championship win.
Shop now at the USA TODAY Co. Store
- For Ohio State fans, bring one of college football's most recognizable mascots to life with "Being Brutus: Inside the Head of Ohio State's Iconic Mascot".
- Nick Saban left his mark on college football, honor his legacy with "Nick Saban: A Career That Changed Alabama Football Forever".
- Will Michigan work it's way back to the peak of college football, celebrate the last time they did with "Maize & Grand: Michigan's Epic March to the 2023 National Title".
Upgrade your game day setup before the first kickoff
Hisense 100-Inch Class QD7 Series 4K Hi-QLED Smart TV
Shop this Hisense smart TV upgrade for fall.
Shop at Costco
- Deliver premium game day sound with this Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar and save 29% at Target.
- Get 4K streaming quality at home or on the go with this sleek and compact Roku streaming stick.
- TV light bars are a great way to highlight your space with your preferred colors and give a cozy vibe. Easily adjust coloring and brightness through the Govee app.
The best college football gear to rep your team this season
1 Ohio State Buckeyes Nike Home Game Football Jersey - Scarlet
College Colors Day is Friday, Sept. 4, get ready to show off your team's colors and support them all season long with a jersey from Fanatics.
Shop now at Fanatics
- Rep your team with jerseys, hats and everyday wear at Fanatics.
- Nike dropped new running shoes for 20 universities, shop the full collection here.
- Not a Nike school? Adidas has covered. Shop the adidas AdiZero release for top schools like Indiana, Miami, Tennessee and Arizona State.
Tailgate-ready gear for parking lots, backyards and away games
Weber Traveler Compact 1 Burner Liquid Propane Grill Black
At 32in wide and only 37 pounds, it's 20% smaller than the original Weber Traveler Grill and fits easily into the trunk of most compact cars.
Shop now at Ace Hardware
Round out the guide with portable grills, folding chairs, canopy tents, picnic blankets, wagon carts, outdoor games, grilling tools and cleanup supplies. This gives the story a true kickoff-weekend feel while supporting both tailgate and at-home viewing intent.
- Build an instant food, drink or serving station at your next tailgate with this heavy-duty 6-foot folding table, featuring steel legs and a built-in handle for easier transport to and from game day.
- This GCI outdoor chair is a customer-favorite camping chair with patented rocking technology that features a sturdy steel frame, padded armrests, and an easy-fold design for game day stowing.
- Create a shady home base for your next tailgate with this 10-by-10-foot canopy, featuring a one-push setup that makes getting your game-day space ready quick and easy.
- Bring a little friendly competition to your next tailgate with these officially licensed YouTheFan cornhole boards, available in team designs for both NFL and college football.
Hosting a watch party? These game day essentials make it easier
Game day charcuterie boards from Boarderie
Game day charcuterie, cheese and snack boards ship ready to eat from Boarderie.
Order Boarderie now
- Make your game day recipes like dips, chili, meatballs, queso, pulled pork or buffalo chicken with this football-shaped slow cooker.
- Perfect your game day spread with this football snack tray that's best for salsa, guacamole, queso, buffalo chicken dip, hummus and easy snack stations.
- In need of last-minute snacks and food? DoorDash Streaks is back and you could win $250 with game day orders.
NCAA drinkware and coolers fans will use all season
Yeti NCAA drinkware and coolers
Show your school pride and tailgate in style with officially licensed coolers, drinkware and gear.
Shop the NCAA collection at Yeti
- Rep your team and stay hydrated from your classes to the stadium with Yeti's newest drinkware launch.
- Whatever you sip on during game day watch parties, show off your team pride while you do it with Top Cup's reusable NCAA aluminum cups.
- Serve up your best snacks in a game day-themed snack bowl from YouTheFan, shop it now on Amazon.
How do I host a college football watch party at home?
Start with the most important thing: make sure everyone can actually see the game. From there, set out easy game-day foods and snacks that guests can grab throughout the afternoon, keep drinks cold and create plenty of comfortable seating around the TV.
Team-color décor, serving pieces and drinkware can add a little school spirit without requiring you to completely redecorate your living room for kickoff.
What are good gifts for college football fans?
The best gifts for college football fans celebrate the team they already spend every Saturday rooting for. Consider team apparel, insulated drinkware, stadium blankets, tailgating gear or a commemorative book highlighting their favorite program's history and biggest moments.
For alumni and longtime fans especially, a coffee table book or collectible that feels specific to their school can be more meaningful than another generic football gift.
Shop our coffee table books
What is The Fall Reset?
USA TODAY's Fall Reset is a month-long shopping event in August to help shoppers prepare for the busy fall season before prices increase and popular products sell out. The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear.
Shop USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset by week
- Week 1:Back-to-school and dorm shopping
- Week 2:Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep
- Week 3:Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep
- Week 4:Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping
USA TODAY Shopping is always covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What every college football fan should buy before the season starts
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
