The long, grueling offseason is finally over. College football is back, and this Saturday's Week 0 slate is packed with eight games that will set the tone for the 2026 season. From an international showdown in Dublin to a late-night clash in Las Vegas, there's something for every fan.
Belichick's Grand (or Grim?) Debut
The most anticipated storyline of the weekend is Bill Belichick's first game as head coach of North Carolina. The Tar Heels will face TCU at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN. But before a single snap, the legendary coach is already under fire from one of the sport's most vocal critics.
ESPN's Paul Finebaum didn't hold back, saying, "I'm not pulling for Bill Belichick. He's a grouch. He's a bully, and his career in college is about to go down in flames." Finebaum added, "It is mass chaos in Chapel Hill, and I don't believe they'll win this game in Ireland, and I don't think Bill Belichick is going to survive until the end of the season."
It's a bold prediction, but Belichick has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Whether he thrives or flames out, this game is must-see TV.
USC's New Era Under Center
Later in the day, Lincoln Riley and the No. 14 USC Trojans will take the field against San Jose State at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. All eyes will be on quarterback Jayden Maiava, who is expected to lead the Trojans' high-powered offense. After a strong finish to last season, Maiava has a chance to put himself in the Heisman conversation.
Full Week 0 Schedule
Here's the complete lineup for Saturday's action (all times ET):
- North Carolina vs. TCU – 12 p.m., ESPN (Dublin, Ireland)
- San Jose State vs. USC – 3 p.m., NBC
- NC State vs. Virginia – 3:30 p.m., ESPN
- Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State – 5:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
- Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan – 6:30 p.m., ESPN+
- Hawai'i vs. Stanford – 7 p.m., ACC Network
- New Mexico State vs. Florida State – 7 p.m., CW
- Memphis vs. UNLV – 10 p.m., FOX
A Taste of What's to Come
This weekend's slate is just an appetizer for what promises to be a chaotic Week 1. Next Saturday, we'll see Oregon host Boise State at Autzen Stadium, while Clemson travels to LSU for what will be the debut of Lane Kiffin as the Tigers' head coach. That matchup alone is generating plenty of buzz about Kiffin's chaotic style.
Week 1 also features Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame, Louisville vs. Ole Miss, and a rematch between SMU and Florida State. If you're a fan of radical changes to the sport's structure, this season is already shaping up to be unforgettable.
But first, let's enjoy the return of the greatest sport on earth. Grab your snacks, fire up the grill, and settle in for a full day of football. It's been a long time coming.
