By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

Bill Belichick goes international, an ACC game returns from its abandoned Brazilian adventure, Florida State desperately tries to avoid another early-season crisis, and Hawai’i heads to Stanford believing it can do more than cover the spread.

College football is making its return, though not in full swing just yet. The big Labor Day weekend games are still on the horizon, but after months filled with transfer portal drama, NIL debates, conference shake-ups, and coaching changes, Week 0 finally brings us something we’ve all been waiting for: real football action.

This year’s kickoff is delightfully quirky, featuring Bill Belichick leading North Carolina to Ireland for a rematch against TCU, while NC State and Virginia face off in an ACC game that was originally slated for Rio de Janeiro. Florida State is set to take on New Mexico State in what should be a lopsided affair, raising eyebrows if it turns out to be anything but. Meanwhile, Hawai’i is heading to Stanford with a solid quarterback and a nine-win season under its belt, making them a team to watch.

Sure, it may not be the high-stakes matchups like Georgia versus Texas or Ohio State against Michigan, but that’s not really the point. Week 0 is like your favorite local dive bar, maybe the choices are limited, the game times are a bit odd, and you might question your decision to tune in. But then, as the clock ticks down and someone attempts a long field goal, you’re reminded of just how much you’ve missed the thrill of college football. Welcome to the 2026 season!

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. TCU Horned Frogs

12 p.m. ET | ESPN | Aviva Stadium — Dublin, Ireland
Aer Lingus College Football Classic

Last year in Chapel Hill, Sonny Dykes took great joy in dominating North Carolina during the first-ever Bill Belichickapalooza, with TCU winning decisively at 48-14. By halftime, the excitement of seeing Belichick in a college coaching role faded, revealing a stark truth: North Carolina had a lot of rebuilding to do. Fast forward a year, and the Tar Heels are gearing up for a rematch with TCU, but this time, they’re heading across the Atlantic, and nearly everything has changed.

As North Carolina enters 2026, they face numerous challenges after a tough first season under Belichick, which ended with a disappointing 4-8 record. The team struggled to maintain consistency on both offense and defense, leading to a significant roster overhaul through high school recruiting and the transfer portal. To Belichick’s credit, the Tar Heels made a strong comeback, landing the No. 22 recruiting class according to 247Sports and bringing in key transfers like quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., edge rusher Jaylen Harvey, and tight end Jelani Thurman. Perhaps the most intriguing addition was veteran coach Bobby Petrino, hired as offensive coordinator to revitalize an offense that faltered in 2025. If Petrino can solidify the quarterback situation and the revamped offensive line gels, UNC could become a much more formidable opponent. With limited media access and no traditional spring game, the anticipation surrounding what Year 2 will bring under Belichick and Petrino only adds to the intrigue as they prepare for their upcoming game in Dublin.

TCU is stepping into a new chapter as they head to Ireland, but they’re in a solid spot after finishing last season with a 9-4 record, highlighted by a thrilling overtime win against USC in the Alamo Bowl. However, don’t let that success fool you into thinking everything is the same; the team has seen quite a bit of change, including the loss of quarterback Josh Hoover to Indiana and several key players from last year. This sets the stage for an intriguing scenario in the 2026 college football offseason, where TCU might kick off the season against Bill Belichick, featuring Harvard’s quarterback running UConn’s offense. Yes, you read that right. Jaden Craig, a transfer from Harvard who threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, is in the mix for the starting role, alongside new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis from UConn, whose offense was impressive last year. It’s wild to think that Sonny Dykes could be bringing a Harvard quarterback and a UConn coordinator to face off against legends like Belichick and Bobby Petrino. This bizarre yet exciting scenario has me genuinely looking forward to college football, especially with TCU’s defense, led by experienced players like safety Jamel Johnson and cornerback Vernon Glover, ready to support the new offense. With Big 12 championship aspirations on the horizon, it looks like Belichick won’t have an easy opener this time around.

Why This Game Matters

For TCU, the game in Dublin marks the start of what they hope will be a successful run for the Big 12 championship. On the other hand, for North Carolina, this matchup could hold even greater significance. It’s the first chance to see if Belichick 2.0 really differs from the original. Expectations for UNC are cautious due to a lot of roster changes, concerns about the offensive line, and uncertainty at quarterback, making it tough to predict their performance. However, there’s a lot of talent in Chapel Hill, and while fans don’t expect an overnight transformation from a 4-8 record to a national title contender, they do want to see some progress. Last year’s game against TCU was a tough loss, but this year presents a chance for redemption. A strong showing against a solid Big 12 team on ESPN could shift the narrative around Belichick’s second season, and an upset would completely change the game. Conversely, another blowout loss would make the return trip feel much longer.

So, why play in Ireland? Because hosting the game in Fort Worth would be too ordinary. College football has a long-standing connection with Ireland, and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic has become a beloved tradition, kicking off the season for five consecutive years in Dublin. This matchup will be a first for both UNC and TCU, as they play outside the U.S. for the first time. Previous games have been thrilling, like Georgia Tech’s surprising win over Florida State in 2024. Now, it’s North Carolina facing TCU, featuring notable figures like Bill Belichick, Bobby Petrino, and Sonny Dykes, along with a revamped UNC roster and TCU eyeing a Big 12 title. All of this excitement unfolds in Dublin before lunchtime on the East Coast. What could possibly go wrong? This is the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, and long live Ireland!

The Prediction

Both teams are making some big changes. They’re both rolling out new offensive strategies and might be introducing new quarterbacks. However, TCU is heading into Year 5 under Dykes, while North Carolina is still figuring out what the Belichick era is meant to look like. UNC is expected to improve, especially with Petrino potentially making the offense more dynamic and an overall boost in talent. It would be surprising if Belichick’s second season shows the same lack of preparation as the first. Still, just because they’re better doesn’t mean they’re ready to take down a Big 12 contender.

Prediction: TCU 27, North Carolina 20. Pick: TCU -7

Belichick will see some progress, Dykes will snag another win, and college football kicks off with an intriguing matchup featuring Harvard’s quarterback possibly leading UConn’s offense against Belichick and Petrino in Ireland. We’ve really missed college football.

NC State Wolfpack at Virginia Cavaliers

3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN | Scott Stadium — Charlottesville, Virginia

This game was originally set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, but plans changed when the third-party organizer announced it was off. As a result, the ACC shifted the game to Charlottesville, and the NCAA granted a waiver to keep it on August 29 during Week 0. It’s a letdown because college football missed out on a unique experience, like a Fyre Festival moment, where NC State and Virginia could have shown up at the Maracanã only to find a youth soccer team taking over the field. Instead, everyone is heading to Charlottesville for a more traditional matchup, which, while less adventurous, is likely more significant: an ACC conference game featuring two teams eager to prove themselves at the top of the league. Virginia is coming off a strong 2026 season, finishing 11-3 and reaching the ACC Championship Game, while NC State had a solid year with an 8-5 record and a bowl game appearance. Both teams are already competitive, and the real question now is whether they can elevate their game further. In the preseason media poll, Virginia was ranked sixth and NC State seventh, indicating they are both seen as contenders in the ACC. Their preseason win totals have also hovered around the same neighborhood. Which makes putting them against each other in Week 0 particularly interesting. One team leaves opening weekend 1-0 in the ACC. The other spends the rest of Labor Day weekend already trying to make up ground.

NC State is riding a wave of continuity that’s hard to come by these days, largely thanks to quarterback CJ Bailey. He opted to stay put despite transfer offers, which gives the Wolfpack a rare asset: a skilled quarterback who’s committed to the program. Alongside him, running back Duke Scott and several returning offensive linemen create a solid and experienced foundation as Dave Doeren enters his 14th season in Raleigh. To put that in perspective, during Doeren’s long tenure, many other schools have cycled through coaches, athletic directors, and quarterbacks at a dizzying pace, yet he remains a steady presence, which is a significant advantage.

On the flip side, Virginia is facing a pivotal change at the quarterback position with Tony Elliott handing the reins to former Missouri player Beau Pribula. While Pribula has talent, starting the season against a seasoned NC State squad is a whole different ball game compared to just winning a summer competition. Virginia’s recent track record doesn’t inspire confidence either, as NC State has dominated their matchups, winning four straight and not losing in Charlottesville since 2006. That’s a long time, back when George W. Bush was in office, Twitter was brand new, and the first iPhone was still a dream. It seems NC State has made it a point to keep their winning streak alive against Virginia.

Why This Game Matters

Preseason chatter about the ACC usually revolves around a familiar trio: Miami, Louisville, and SMU, with Clemson and Florida State always in the mix. Then there’s the next tier, where Virginia and NC State find themselves as they head into 2026, both eyeing a shot at the ACC championship if things align just right. NC State’s schedule looks promising, featuring a home game against Louisville and a closing stretch that includes Stanford, California, Duke, Syracuse, North Carolina, and Florida State. While it’s too early to label any Week 0 game as a must-win, NC State needs to secure this victory if they want to compete with the top teams in the conference, and Virginia shares that sentiment, hoping to build on their 11-win season and make a lasting impact.

The Prediction

In this matchup, Virginia has the home advantage and is favored, but I’m leaning towards NC State. Sure, the Cavaliers have momentum and a solid coach in Elliott, but the Wolfpack bring key advantages: a steady quarterback, a seasoned offensive line, and a head coach with plenty of experience. Virginia’s new quarterback will be facing a tough challenge against a team that has historically troubled them.

So, I’m predicting a close game with:

NC State edging out Virginia 24-21, Pick +5.5

and even calling for an outright upset. The Wolfpack will leave Charlottesville with a win, while Virginia learns that following up a successful season is no easy feat. Meanwhile, somewhere in Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian official remains blissfully unaware of the ACC football game that was once rumored to be heading their way.

New Mexico St Aggies at Florida St Seminoles

6 p.m. ET | The CW | Doak Campbell Stadium — Tallahassee, Florida

Gross.

No way.

Why bother?

There are Week 0 games that require hours of film analysis, looking into returning players, transfer additions, coaching changes, and complex matchups. Then there’s the game between New Mexico State and Florida State. While pondering whether to dive into this matchup, I stumbled upon some amusing facts: Mike Norvell is still leading Florida State, New Mexico State had a rough 2-10 record last season, and Florida State is favored by over 30 points. So, here we are.

For Florida State, this game isn’t really about New Mexico State. Mike Norvell desperately needs a strong start to 2026 as he enters his seventh season after two disappointing years, including a 5-7 finish in 2025. It’s surprising considering how last season kicked off with a shocking 31-17 win over Alabama, which gave fans a glimmer of hope that quickly faded with seven consecutive losses. Understandably, Florida State fans are tired of empty September optimism; they want tangible results, and this game should be a no-excuse scenario.

Florida State is putting its offense in the hands of fifth-year transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels, who gets to make his debut at Doak Campbell Stadium against a weaker opponent. He also has a solid target in Duce Robinson, who had a standout 1,000-yard season last year. The game plan is straightforward: establish the line of scrimmage, help Daniels settle in, connect with Robinson early, create big plays, and avoid any surprises. That’s pretty much the entire strategy for Florida State.

New Mexico State is coming off a tough 2-10 season, and their best chance to make this game competitive lies in controlling the pace. They need to focus on running the ball, staying ahead of the chains, and avoiding long third downs. Protecting the football is crucial, and when they get scoring chances, they must convert those into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals. If Florida State starts making big plays and forces New Mexico State to play catch-up, things could spiral out of control quickly. The Aggies should aim to keep the first half uneventful, staying close enough to shift the pressure onto Florida State, who likely isn’t expecting a tough matchup.

While much attention goes to quarterbacks and skill players, the real battle will be fought at the line of scrimmage. Florida State has the advantage in size, depth, and athleticism, and they need to leverage that. They should establish the run game without relying too heavily on their quarterback, while defensively, they must put New Mexico State in tough situations that force them to pass. When it comes to third downs, Florida State’s talent shines in longer situations, while New Mexico State can only hope to stay competitive in shorter ones.

Red-zone efficiency will be key, especially with Florida State favored by over four touchdowns. Simply moving the ball won’t be enough; they need to score touchdowns to cover that spread. If Florida State keeps stalling inside the 20, it could frustrate those betting on them. Conversely, New Mexico State must capitalize on any chance they get in the red zone, as trading field goals for touchdowns will quickly widen the score gap.

Doak Campbell Stadium is set for a showdown, and New Mexico State is not just up against a stronger team; they’re stepping into a charged atmosphere where Florida State fans are eager to shake off the disappointments of the past two years. If the Seminoles can get on the scoreboard early, the crowd will rally, making it tough for the visitors. But if NMSU manages to score first, the collective anxiety in the stands could be palpable, echoing thoughts of past struggles. This adds an extra layer of pressure for Coach Norvell and his team, as they’re not just facing an opponent but also the weight of two years of frustration. The best way to ease that tension is to take control of the game right from the start.

Why This Game Matters

This game isn’t just about whether Florida State wins; it’s about how they perform while doing so. Questions linger about Daniels’ ability to lead the offense, whether Florida State can assert dominance on the line, and if Robinson can emerge as a game-changing player. The defense’s ability to get off the field and the overall organization of the team are also key factors. Most crucially, can the Seminoles make a weaker opponent look outmatched? With SMU on the horizon, the opener against New Mexico State is just the beginning, but a lackluster 34-17 win won’t inspire confidence. A commanding 48-10 victory, however, would be a different story.

The Prediction

Home-field advantage is significant in college football, but talent is even more critical, and Florida State has a clear edge in both areas. New Mexico State might hold their ground for a quarter or two, but eventually, Florida State’s depth will shine through. As their defensive front forces third-and-long situations, Daniels will find his rhythm, and Robinson will exploit openings downfield, leaving NMSU’s defense gasping for breath. What starts as a mildly intriguing matchup will quickly become one-sided, which is exactly what Florida State needs. The prediction stands at:

Florida State 48, New Mexico State 10, pick -31.5.

QB Daniels will secure his first win, Norvell will enjoy a smooth four quarters, and Tallahassee will shift its focus to SMU. If this game remains competitive deep into the second half, Florida State will have far more significant issues than just covering the spread.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Stanford Cardinal

7 p.m. ET | ACC Network | Stanford Stadium — Stanford, California
Line: Stanford -5.5 | Total: 49.5

Week 0 is here, and Stanford football is still trying to find its footing after the David Shaw era. The Troy Taylor experiment didn’t pan out, and Frank Reich’s time as interim coach was just a stopgap while Andrew Luck worked on getting things back on track. It’s been seven long years since Stanford last went bowling, and now they’re looking to one of their own, Tavita Pritchard, to turn things around. Pritchard, who played quarterback for the Cardinal in 2007 and 2008 before being succeeded by Andrew Luck, has returned after three seasons with the Washington Commanders. He’s tasked with reviving Stanford football, starting with a rematch against Hawaii, a team that already handed them a loss last season in Honolulu. With revenge on their minds, the Cardinal need to secure a win at home, especially since their road schedule looks tough again. If they want to break their bowl drought, this is a must-win for Pritchard, but the challenge is that Hawaii might actually be a stronger team this time around.

Timmy Chang has been quietly revitalizing the Hawaii football program, which was in disarray when he took the reins. His hard work is starting to show results, with the team improving from three wins to five in consecutive seasons, and then achieving an impressive nine-win season last year, which included a victory over Stanford and a strong showing in the Hawaii Bowl. College Football News is now optimistic about Hawaii’s prospects in the newly structured Mountain West, indicating that the team is evolving from an underdog to a serious contender for a conference championship by 2026. A key player in this turnaround is quarterback Micah Alejado, who had a standout season with over 3,100 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, making him essential to the team’s success. With a potent passing game that keeps defenses on their toes, Hawai’i aims to reclaim its identity, especially since they went undefeated when rushing for over 95 yards last season. Alejado has solid support from reliable receivers like Pofele Ashlock, who topped the team in receptions last year, along with new talent from the transfer portal, ensuring the offense is ready to take on challenges. The game plan is straightforward: provide Alejado with options, spread the field, and force Stanford to defend every inch, creating uncomfortable situations for the Cardinal.

To create a challenging opponent for Stanford, you’d want a quarterback who excels at passing, backed by seasoned receivers and an offense that’s not shy about airing it out. Essentially, that’s what Hawai’i brings to the table. Last season, Stanford’s defense had a tough time, especially against the pass, which isn’t ideal with Alejado coming in hot. Hawai’i is all about the aerial game, and Stanford must show it can defend against it. If the Cardinal’s secondary hasn’t improved significantly, Chang won’t hesitate to go for the jugular instead of playing it safe.

Stanford’s strategy seems pretty clear-cut. Pritchard doesn’t need to change the game; he just needs to get Stanford back to its roots. With Michigan transfer Davis Warren stepping in as quarterback and Micah Ford providing a solid option in the backfield, the running game could be crucial. The plan is simple: run the ball, keep Alejado off the field, shorten the game, and wear down Hawai’i’s revamped defense. If Stanford can manage to keep the score low, like 24-20, they stand a good chance. But if it turns into a high-scoring affair, it’s advantage Alejado.

However, the real wild card is Hawaii’s defense. They have a lot to replace, having heavily relied on the transfer portal to rebuild their unit, and getting all those new players to gel quickly will be essential. Plus, there’s the issue of playing on the road; Hawai’i struggled defensively away from home last season, which should give anyone betting on them a moment of pause. If Stanford can establish a strong running game and wear down Hawai’i’s new defense, they could definitely come out on top, but that still leaves a bit of uncertainty.

Hawaii has a straightforward game plan to take down Stanford. First and foremost, they need to protect their quarterback, Alejado, as that’s the top priority. Instead of playing it safe in the first quarter, they should aggressively test Stanford’s secondary right from the start, forcing them to show if their pass defense has improved. Aiming for around 100 rushing yards is key; they don’t need to dominate the run game, just enough to keep Stanford’s defense honest. Lastly, they should put pressure on Davis Warren to chase points. Stanford prefers a physical game and wants Warren in manageable situations, so if Hawaii can jump ahead early, say 14-3, and force Warren to throw more than he’s comfortable with, it could tilt the game in favor of the Rainbow Warriors.

Why This Game Matters

This isn’t just another non-conference road game; it’s a pivotal moment for Hawaii to make a statement. If they can take down Stanford in Honolulu, that’s impressive, but doing it again ( back-to-back) at Stanford Stadium? Now we’re really onto something. The Rainbow Warriors wrapped up last season with a stunning 53-point performance against Cal, and another win over an ACC team would prove that Chang has transformed Hawaii into more than just a respectable program. He might have crafted a contender for the Mountain West championship, which shifts our perspective on this matchup. Stanford isn’t facing a weak team from the islands; they could be up against one of the top Group of Six teams in the nation.

The Prediction

I get the Stanford argument, but I’m not sold. Sure, they’re at home with a new coaching staff that should bring some organization, and they’re definitely motivated after last year’s close loss. However, they’re favored by 5.5 points against a team that can exploit one of their major weaknesses. Hawaii doesn’t need to dominate defensively; they just need to make a few key stops. If the Rainbow Warriors can protect their quarterback, establish a decent running game, and force Stanford into predictable passing situations, they have the offensive talent to pull off an upset. Stanford prefers a slow, physical game, but Hawaii needs to disrupt that rhythm by speeding things up and spreading the field.

I’m betting on Hawaii to take this one, predicting a score of 31-27 in their favor, and I’m taking them with the points and even on the moneyline. I’m not ready to lay down 5.5 points on Stanford just yet; I’ll take the team with the proven quarterback and a solid offensive system that’s already beaten Stanford once. Plus, with Timmy Chang’s play-calling against a shaky Cardinal secondary, I’m feeling good about the ‘Bows.

Week 0 Prediction Card

Matchup	Prediction	Pick
TCU vs. North Carolina	TCU 27-20	TCU -7
NC State at Virginia	NC State 24-21	NC State +5.5
New Mexico State at Florida State	Florida State 48-10	FSU -31.5
Hawaii at Stanford	Hawaii 31-27	Hawaii +5.5 / ML

Best Bet: NC State +5.5

Virginia definitely earned some respect with their impressive 11-win season. However, when it comes to the opening-week conference matchup, NC State has what I’m looking for: a solid quarterback, a seasoned offensive line, and a stable coaching staff. Plus, they’ve got a bit of history backing them up. I’m all in for the points.

Best Upset: Hawaii over Stanford

This is definitely my top pick for an upset. It’s not just that Stanford has been having a tough time lately. Hawaii has some solid reasons to be optimistic. With Alejado and Ashlock returning, plus Chang finally getting his program on track, the Rainbow Warriors are looking strong. They won nine games last season, already took down Stanford once, and ended the year on a high note by scoring 53 against Cal. The real question isn’t if Hawaii can compete with Stanford; it’s whether Stanford can keep pace with Hawaii.

Welcome Back to College Football

That’s the charm of Week 0. You don’t need the big matchups like Alabama versus Georgia or Ohio State against Michigan to make it exciting. Sometimes, it’s all about the quirky matchups. Picture Bill Belichick in Ireland or Harvard’s quarterback suiting up for TCU. Imagine an ACC game that was supposed to take place in Rio de Janeiro, only for everyone to realize it wasn’t happening there after all. Think of Mike Norvell trying to make a game as dull as possible, while Hawaii lights up the field against Stanford, leaving half the East Coast wondering why they’re still tuned in. That’s all we need. On Saturday afternoon in Dublin, a football will be kicked into the air at Aviva Stadium, marking the start of Week 0 on August 29, featuring four FBS games. The offseason will finally come to an end, and for the first time since January, the most captivating action in college football will unfold right on the field. Here’s to Week 0!