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Source: FOX Sports
Summary
College football season begins with Week 0 games on Saturday. The first matchup is North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland, with TCU favored by 8.5 points. USC is heavily favored over San Jose State, with odds suggesting a high-scoring game. Virginia faces NC State, with Virginia favored by 4.5 points. Stanford hosts Hawaii, and UNLV faces Memphis. FOX Sports reports on betting lines and key players to watch, including new quarterbacks for both teams.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
TCU opens as a heavy favorite, just like always.
USC’s line is so wide, it’s like they’re playing a different sport.
Virginia’s new QB is already a storyline, even before the first snap.
The game in Dublin is a reminder that college football starts far from home.
Week 0 is just a warm-up for the real season.
Author: Evan Null
Week 0 Kicks Off in Dublin
The first game of the 2026 college football season takes place in Dublin, Ireland, as North Carolina faces TCU. The game is set for noon ET on ESPN, with TCU listed as a -8.5 favorite. The matchup is the first of Saturday’s Week 0 slate, and fans are already talking about Bill Belichick’s role in leading North Carolina to a bounce-back season after a 4-8 record in 2025.
USC’s Dominance Expected
USC is heavily favored against San Jose State, with a spread of -38.5. The Trojans are expected to dominate, with FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill predicting they could score seven or more touchdowns. The game is set for 3 p.m. ET on NBC, and the over/under is set at 61.5 points.
Virginia’s New QB Faces Test
Virginia, which didn’t earn a preseason ranking in the AP or Coaches Poll, will face NC State. The Cavaliers are favored by 4.5 points, but they are starting a new quarterback after their previous starter signed with the Buccaneers. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with an over/under of 51.5.
Stanford Aims for Revenge
Stanford hosts Hawaii in a rematch of a 2025 game that ended in a 23-20 loss. The Cardinal are favored by 4.5 points and are returning more starters than Hawaii. The game is set for 7 p.m. ET on ACCN, with an over/under of 48.5.
Memphis vs. UNLV Ends Week 0
The final game of Week 0 features Memphis facing UNLV in Nevada. UNLV is favored by 4.5 points, with odds suggesting a tight game. Both teams had strong 2025 seasons, with UNLV finishing 10-2 and Memphis going 8-4. The game is set for 10 p.m. ET on FOX, with an over/under of 56.5.
