College Football Kicks Off with Overseas Upset and Newcomer Debuts
The 2026 college football season began with an eight-game slate, including a Dublin matchup where North Carolina edged TCU 15-10 under coach Bill Belichick. USC cruised past San Jose State, while Virginia earned a decisive ACC win over NC State. Week 0 also marked the FBS debuts of North Dakota State and Sacramento State.
The season-opening slate featured eight games, with the marquee matchup played in Dublin, Ireland, where North Carolina secured a narrow 15-10 win over TCU. UNC managed just 322 total yards, and the result marked the program's first halftime lead against a power-conference opponent under Belichick. TCU, meanwhile, gained only 281 yards and twice turned the ball over on downs inside the red zone.
USC's Jayden Maiava completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-26 win over San Jose State, though two late Spartan scores tightened the final margin. Virginia routed NC State 34-8 behind transfer quarterback Beau Pribula's 155 passing yards, 110 rushing yards, and two scores. Week 0 also featured the FBS debuts of North Dakota State and Sacramento State.
This opening weekend could shape early-season narratives for several programs, particularly TCU, whose loss may dampen preseason optimism and intensify scrutiny before Big 12 play begins. North Carolina's narrow victory may provide a temporary morale boost but likely does little to alter broader expectations. For fans and analysts, the results offer an early measuring stick, potentially influencing rankings discussions and coaching evaluations as the season progresses.