College football is officially back, and fans have a full slate of Week 0 action to follow on Saturday, August 29, 2026. If you’re wondering what college football games are on today, eight FBS matchups are scheduled, including the season-opening clash between TCU and North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland.
The Saturday schedule also features the first ranked team of the season in action, with No. 14 USC hosting San Jose State. Several programs are also beginning new chapters, including North Dakota State and Sacramento State as they make their FBS debuts.
What college football games are on today?
There are eight FBS college football games today, with kickoff times ranging from noon ET through 10 p.m. ET.
Here is the complete Saturday Week 0 schedule:
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| TCU vs. North Carolina | 12:00 p.m. | ESPN, Disney+ |
| San Jose State vs. No. 14 USC | 3:00 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 | 7:00 p.m. | ACC Network |
| New Mexico State vs. Florida State | 7:00 p.m. | The CW |
| Memphis vs. UNLV | 10:00 p.m. | FOX |
TCU vs. North Carolina starts the FBS season
The 2026 FBS season begins at noon ET when TCU faces North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland.
The matchup carries extra intrigue because it is the second meeting between the programs in as many seasons. TCU dominated North Carolina 48-14 in last year’s opener, while the Tar Heels finished the season 4-8.
North Carolina enters another important season under Bill Belichick, while TCU is looking to establish itself as a contender in the Big 12.
TCU also made history early Saturday by scoring the first FBS touchdown of the 2026 season. Jon Denman reached the end zone on a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
No. 14 USC is the only ranked team playing
The only preseason AP Top 25 team scheduled to play during Week 0 is No. 14 USC.
The Trojans host San Jose State at 3 p.m. ET, with the game airing nationally on NBC.
USC enters the season tied at No. 14 in the preseason AP poll alongside BYU. Ohio State holds the No. 1 ranking, followed by Oregon and Georgia.
With most ranked teams opening their seasons next week, USC has an early opportunity to make a statement.
Virginia and NC State meet at 3:30 p.m.
Another nationally televised matchup comes from Charlottesville, where Virginia hosts NC State at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The game was originally scheduled to be played in Brazil, but the location was changed. Virginia is also expecting a notable home atmosphere, with the matchup marking the school’s first sellout since its 2008 season opener against USC.
North Dakota State begins its FBS era
One of the biggest storylines on today’s college football schedule is North Dakota State’s move from the FCS to the FBS.
The Bison host Jacksonville State at 5:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. North Dakota State has been one of the most successful programs in FCS history, winning 10 national championships since 2011.
Saturday marks the beginning of a new era as the Bison take the field as an FBS program.
Sacramento State is also making its FBS debut later in the evening. The Hornets visit Eastern Michigan at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the game available on ESPN+.
Stanford, Florida State and Memphis close out the day
Three additional FBS games are scheduled for Saturday evening.
Stanford hosts Hawai’i at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network, while Florida State welcomes New Mexico State at the same time on The CW.
The final FBS game of the night is arguably one of the most interesting from a College Football Playoff perspective. Memphis visits UNLV at 10 p.m. ET on FOX.
Both programs have postseason ambitions, making the late-night matchup one to watch as the new season gets underway.
What FCS college football games are on today?
The FBS schedule isn’t the only college football action taking place Saturday. Several FCS games are also on television.
The nationally available FCS slate includes:
- Alabama State vs. Southern — 3 p.m. ET, ESPNU
- Mercer vs. East Texas A&M — 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Howard vs. Alabama A&M — 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
- Tarleton State vs. Prairie View A&M — 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
The FCS season actually began earlier in the week, producing several dramatic finishes and notable upsets.
Is College GameDay on today?
No. ESPN College GameDay is not scheduled for Week 0.
The popular pregame show is expected to return for Week 1 on September 5, when Clemson faces LSU.
That means Saturday’s Week 0 coverage is more focused on getting the college football season underway before the much larger slate arrives next weekend.
Week 0 brings several historic storylines
Beyond the headline matchups, Saturday’s schedule is significant because several programs are entering new eras.
North Dakota State and Sacramento State are beginning their FBS journeys, while new coaches are also taking charge at several programs. Southern begins the Marshall Faulk era, while Florida A&M starts the Quinn Gray era.
The 2026 season could also be the final campaign to use the traditional “Week 0” structure. A new FBS calendar rule is scheduled to take effect in 2027, changing the first-contest date and providing teams with another bye week during the regular season.
Final look at today’s college football schedule
For fans asking what college football games are on today, the answer is eight FBS games plus a busy FCS schedule.
TCU and North Carolina get the season started in Ireland at noon ET, while No. 14 USC provides the day’s only ranked-team appearance. North Dakota State and Sacramento State then make their FBS debuts before Memphis and UNLV close the FBS schedule under the lights in Las Vegas.
With Week 1 bringing the majority of the nation’s top programs into action, Week 0 offers an early preview of what promises to be another competitive college football season.
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