2026 College Football Week 0 Preview: Best Games To Watch This Weekend

This weekend marks the beginning of college football season, starting at Week 0.

Here are five contests to watch this weekend, along with what to know about Saturday’s games (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Aug. 28).

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(All Times ET)

North Carolina vs. TCU (noon, ESPN)

Spread: TCU -8.5 
Moneyline: TCU -360, UNC +290
O/U: 46.5

What To Know: The very first game of Saturday’s Week 0 slate is a showdown between the Tar Heels and the Horned Frogs all the way at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. TCU is the heavy favorite. But all eyes will be on Bill Belichick as he tries to lead UNC to a bounce-back season after going 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the conference in 2025. FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill also explains that bettors might want to keep their eyes on the quarterback play, since both squads are trotting out new starters at the position.

San Jose State @ No. 14 USC (3 p.m., NBC)

Spread: USC -38.5
Moneyline: TBD
O/U: 61.5

What To Know: Can the No. 14 Trojans open up their year with an emphatic win? Based on the odds, USC should easily roll over San Jose State. In fact, Will Hill believes the Men of Troy will “score seven or more touchdowns” as they host the Spartans. Back in 2023, SC put up 56 points on SJSU when the two squads faced off.

NC State @ Virginia (3:30 p.m., ESPN)

Spread: Virginia -4.5
Moneyline: Virginia -182, NC State +150
O/U: 51.5

What To Know: Virginia didn’t earn a preseason ranking in the AP or Coaches Poll, but the Cavaliers did get some votes in both and could be on the verge of breaking through. UVA, however, will give it a go with a new starting QB since last year’s starter signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Buccaneers.

Hawaii @ Stanford (7 p.m. ACCN)

Spread: Stanford -4.5
Moneyline: Stanford -192, Hawaii +158
O/U: 48.5

What To Know: Stanford led most of this game last season before falling to the Rainbow Warriors, 23-20. Can the Cardinal avenge their loss from 2025? Considering they’re playing on their home field and are returning more starters than Hawaii, the Cardinal could be in a good position to win this catchup straight up (SU).

Memphis @ UNLV (10 p.m., FOX)

Spread: UNLV -4.5
Moneyline: UNLV -184, Memphis +152 
O/U: 56.5 

What To Know: Week 0 ends with a nightcap on FOX featuring Memphis and UNLV facing off in Nevada. The UNLV Rebels come into this contest off a 10-2 regular-season record. Memphis went 8-4 in 2025, including a six-game winning streak to open up the season.