College Football Opens Week 0 With 8 FBS Games, Led by TCU-UNC and Memphis-UNLV
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28
College Football Opens Week 0 With 8 FBS Games, Led by TCU-UNC and Memphis-UNLV
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 28
Summary
Eight FBS games open the 2026 college football season in Week 0, with North Carolina-TCU in Dublin ranked the top matchup and Memphis-UNLV close behind.
TCU enters as a 9.5-point favorite over North Carolina after a turbulent UNC offseason, while Memphis-UNLV carries early Group of 6 playoff stakes with UNLV favored by 4.5.
NC State-Virginia ranks third after being moved from Rio de Janeiro to Charlottesville in June, with Virginia favored by 4.5 following an 11-win 2025 season.
No. 14 USC hosts San Jose State as a 39.5-point favorite in a Week 0 tune-up, while Florida State is favored by 31 over New Mexico State amid pressure on coach Mike Norvell.
The slate also spotlights transition programs, including North Dakota State's FBS debut against Jacksonville State and Sacramento State's first MAC-era game at Eastern Michigan.
How will FCS powerhouse North Dakota State handle the massive leap to FBS competition in their historic Fargodome debut against Jacksonville State?
What hidden operational disasters forced the highly anticipated NC State and Virginia matchup to abruptly relocate from Rio de Janeiro to Charlottesville?
With Steve Belichick on medical leave, can Bill Belichick’s direct defensive play-calling save North Carolina’s 2026 season opener in Dublin?