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

This weekend marks the kickoff of the 2026 college football season, beginning with Week 0 contests.

Below is a look at five key games to watch this weekend, along with essential details for Saturday’s matchups (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Aug. 28).

(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 opening Saturday matchup features North Carolina taking on TCU at noon on ESPN. The line favors TCU by 8.5 points, while the moneyline shows TCU as a heavy favorite at -360 versus UNC at +290, and the total is set at 46.5. The game will be played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. TCU enters as the clear favorite, whereas the Tar Heels aim for a rebound under Bill Belichick after a 4‑8, 2‑6 conference campaign in 2025. FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill notes that quarterback play will be a key factor, as both teams have 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: The No. 14 USC Trojans host San Jose State at 3 p.m. on NBC. USC is a massive favorite at -38.5 points, with a total of 61.5. The moneyline is pending. Will Hill expects the Trojans to score seven or more touchdowns, echoing their dominant 56‑point win over the Spartans in 2023.

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: NC State faces Virginia at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN. Virginia is favored by 4.5 points, sits at -182 on the moneyline, while NC State is at +150; the over/under is 51.5. Though the Cavaliers did not receive a preseason top‑25 ranking, they garnered some votes and could be poised for a breakthrough season. Virginia will also feature a new starting quarterback after last year’s signal‑caller signed an undrafted free‑agent contract 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: Hawaii travels to Stanford for a 7 p.m. ACCN contest. Stanford is a 4.5‑point favorite, listed at -192 on the moneyline versus Hawaii at +158, with a total of 48.5. The Cardinal upset the Rainbow Warriors 23‑20 last season and will look to avenge that loss on home turf. With more returning starters and the advantage of playing at home, Stanford appears well‑positioned for a straight‑up win.

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

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

What To Know: The final Week 0 game takes place at 10 p.m. on FOX as Memphis visits UNLV in Nevada. UNLV is a 4.5‑point favorite, sits at -184 on the moneyline versus Memphis at +152, and the over/under is set at 56.5. The Rebels enter the matchup fresh off a 10‑2 regular‑season campaign, while the Tigers posted an 8‑4 record in 2025, highlighted by a six‑game winning streak to start the year.

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