Week 0 College Football: Top Games to Watch as Season Opens
The 2026 college football season begins with Week 0 action, including a rematch between North Carolina and TCU after last year's lopsided TCU win. NC State visits Virginia in an early ACC matchup featuring standout quarterback CJ Bailey. Other games offer a first look at teams vying for a national title after Indiana's championship.
The Week 0 slate marks the first competitive action since Indiana claimed the national title, with several programs eager to establish early momentum. North Carolina’s rematch with TCU revisits a lopsided 48-14 defeat in Bill Belichick’s debut, while TCU enters as a heavy favorite after a 9-4 season and bowl win over USC. NC State’s CJ Bailey, with 22 career starts and a 69% completion rate, faces a Virginia team relying on transfer Beau Pribula’s dual-threat ability. Memphis and UNLV both harbor playoff hopes, with UNLV’s Jai’Den Thomas averaging over seven yards per carry.
This opening weekend could shape early perceptions of contenders and rebuilds, influencing fan engagement and media narratives for months. Viewers may see whether Belichick adapts to college recruiting, and how transfer quarterbacks perform under pressure. The games may also affect playoff positioning conversations, especially for Group of Six teams like Memphis and UNLV, potentially broadening interest beyond traditional power conferences.