College football is back. The 2026 season kicks off today, Thursday, August 27, as the FCS ranks get the ball rolling, and it builds all the way to a loaded Week 0 slate this weekend headlined by a marquee international opener in Dublin. Here is your day-by-day guide to the opening days, who plays when, and how to watch, with links to the full printable schedules.
Thursday, August 27: FCS Kicks Things Off
The wait is over. FCS programs open the 2026 college football season today, giving fans the first live game action of the year before the FBS heavyweights join the party this weekend. It is the traditional soft open to the season, and it means one thing: football is officially back.
Friday, August 28
The schedule stays light on Friday with a handful of early-season matchups, including Idaho at Cal Poly. It is the calm before Saturday’s Week 0 showcase.
Saturday, August 29: Week 0 FBS Showcase
Saturday is when Week 0 truly arrives, headlined by a ranked team opening overseas. Here are the marquee FBS games:
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina vs. No. 23 TCU (Dublin, Ireland) | Noon | ESPN |
| NC State at Virginia | 3:30 PM | ESPN |
| Memphis at UNLV | 10:00 PM | FOX |
| San Jose State at USC | See full schedule | TBD |
| Hawaii at Stanford | See full schedule | TBD |
| New Mexico State at Florida State | See full schedule | TBD |
Kickoff times and TV can shift. For every Week 0 game with confirmed times, networks, and a free printable, see our 2026 College Football Week 0 Schedule.
Games to Watch
The headliner is North Carolina vs. TCU at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, with a ranked TCU squad opening on a global stage at noon ET on ESPN. Later, NC State at Virginia is a Week 0 ACC opener (relocated to Charlottesville), and night owls get Memphis at UNLV at 10 PM ET on FOX, two of last year’s Group of Five risers. Add USC, Florida State, and Stanford dusting off the offseason, and there is plenty to circle before the full Week 1 slate lands.
How to Watch
Week 0 spreads across ESPN, FOX, and streaming, with the Dublin opener on ESPN at noon ET. Most games are available through a cable login or streaming services carrying ESPN and FOX. Grab the printable so you can map your Saturday before kickoff.
Get the Full Schedules and Printables
Plan your whole opening weekend and the season ahead with our free printable schedules:
- 2026 College Football Week 0 Schedule (every game, times, TV, and printable PDF)
- 2026 College Football Week 1 Schedule
- 2026 College Football Full-Season Schedule
For more free printable schedules and brackets across every sport, visit SportsBrackets.net.
