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College football Week 0 kicks off
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
College football's 2026 season starts Saturday with eight FBS games, including UNC vs TCU in Dublin. Week 0 gives fans a first look at contenders before the full slate next.
Background
The 2026 college football season begins with Week 0, a slate of early games before the full schedule kicks off next week. This year's Week 0 features eight FBS matchups, including a rematch between TCU and North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland, and the debut of FBS newcomers North Dakota State and Sacramento State. The early games offer a preview of teams like No. 14 USC and several ACC squads starting their new nine-game conference schedule.
How it unfolded
- Tue, Aug 25, 2026CBS Sports ranks Week 0 games, highlighting UNC vs TCU and other matchups.
- Wed, Aug 26, 2026Yahoo Sports lists eight games to watch in Week 0.
- Thu, Aug 27, 2026Bleacher Report provides odds and predictions, noting weather forecasts.
- Fri, Aug 28, 2026Multiple outlets publish Week 0 picks, viewing guides, and TV schedules.
- Sat, Aug 29, 2026Week 0 games take place, starting with UNC vs TCU at 12 PM ET and ending with Memphis vs UNLV at 10 PM ET.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- CBS Sports calls this 'the best Week 0 slate in recent memory' with eight FBS games.
- Public
- Fans are excited to finally see real action after a long offseason, according to Yahoo Sports.