The 2026 college football season kicked off with a bang in Week Zero, delivering a mix of thrilling victories and head-scratching performances. Bill Belichick's UNC Tar Heels made a statement, the USC Trojans rolled in front of a sparse crowd, and Florida State showed flashes of brilliance but also plenty of inconsistency. Yet, amid the excitement, several programs left their fans with more questions than answers.
College football personality Brandon Walker took to social media to name his four biggest "losers" from the opening weekend, and his picks have sparked plenty of debate among fans. Let's break down who made the list and why.
1. TCU Horned Frogs
Just three years ago, TCU was playing for a national championship. Now, they're losing to a UNC team led by a first-time college coach in Bill Belichick. Walker didn't mince words: "Three years ago played for title, what has happened to that program?" It's a fair question. The Horned Frogs' fall from grace has been swift, and Saturday's loss only amplifies the concern in Fort Worth.
2. UNLV Rebels
UNLV came into Week Zero with playoff aspirations, but a loss to Memphis has already put a dent in those hopes. Walker noted, "Needed that one for playoff conversations." The Rebels' margin for error is now razor-thin, and they'll need to run the table to stay in the conversation for a Group of Five playoff spot.
3. NC State Wolfpack
The Wolfpack's loss to Virginia was described by Walker as "depressing," and it's hard to argue. NC State entered the season with high expectations, but a stumble in their opener has already cast a shadow over their campaign. The offense struggled to find rhythm, and the defense couldn't make the key stops when it mattered.
4. West Coast Crowds
It wasn't just the teams that disappointed in Week Zero—it was also the atmosphere. Walker called out the lackluster attendance at West Coast games, writing, "All of the crowds on the West Coast... So nobody but Oregon and Washington cares about ball out there?" The images of half-empty stadiums didn't go unnoticed, and fans were quick to weigh in.
One fan suggested, "Don't schedule a 1:00 game on the west coast when it's 100 degrees. Play that game at night, UCLA does the same stupid thing." Walker responded, "Next Saturday there will be ten games in Texas and back east that'll be hot midday games and most of them will be full." The debate over why West Coast crowds are sparse continues, with some pointing to changing admissions standards at schools like USC and Stanford as a factor.
As the season progresses, these teams will have chances to redeem themselves. But for now, they're the ones left licking their wounds after Week Zero. For more on the teams to watch, check out our Week Zero preview. And if you're worried about the heat affecting games, read about the potential weather challenges ahead.
