2026 College Football Week 0 Picks & Predictions

College football is finally back, and Week 0 brings eight games on Saturday, August 29. The opening slate includes an international matchup between North Carolina and TCU, USC’s season opener against San Jose State, an ACC battle between NC State and Virginia, and a highly anticipated late-night showdown between Memphis and UNLV.

Here are our Week 0 game predictions for all eight Saturday matchups.

1. Aer Lingus Classic: North Carolina vs. TCU – Dublin, Ireland

This international opener gives North Carolina an immediate opportunity to show how much it has improved in Bill Belichick’s second season. TCU enters with the advantage after dominating UNC 48-14 in last year’s meeting, but the Tar Heels have made significant offensive changes, including the addition of quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

TCU has the more proven recent résumé, while UNC still has plenty of questions to answer on offense. The international setting could also make this a slower, more conservative opener.

• Prediction: TCU 27, North Carolina 20
• Pick to win: TCU

2. ACC Opener: NC State at Virginia

NC State and Virginia should provide one of the more competitive games of the afternoon. The matchup was originally scheduled to be played in Brazil before being moved to Charlottesville, giving the Cavaliers home-field advantage.

NC State returns quarterback CJ Bailey, while Virginia brings back considerable experience. This could come down to which team handles the fourth quarter better.

• Prediction: Virginia 27, NC State 24
• Pick to win: Virginia

3. San Jose State at USC

USC enters Week 0 as the clear favorite and is the only ranked team playing on Saturday. Quarterback Jayden Maiava gives Lincoln Riley’s offense an experienced centerpiece, while the Trojans are expected to have plenty of offensive firepower.

San Jose State will have a difficult task against USC’s depth and overall talent. Unless the Spartans can create early turnovers, the Trojans should pull away.

• Prediction: USC 45, San Jose State 14
• Pick to win: USC

4. Jacksonville State at North Dakota State

This matchup is particularly historic because North Dakota State begins its first FBS season at home. The Bison bring a strong offensive line and considerable program experience, while Jacksonville State has an athletic quarterback in Caden Creel and a dangerous offense.

The Fargodome atmosphere could be an important factor in a game that should remain competitive for most of the afternoon.

• Prediction: North Dakota State 27, Jacksonville State 21
• Pick to win: North Dakota State

5. Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan

Sacramento State also begins its FBS era in Week 0, traveling to face Eastern Michigan. The Eagles have the home-field advantage and more experience at the FBS level.

Eastern Michigan should be able to use its experience to control the game, particularly in the second half.

• Prediction: Eastern Michigan 31, Sacramento State 21
• Pick to win: Eastern Michigan

6. Hawaii at Stanford

Hawaii and Stanford could produce one of the most interesting close games of the evening. Stanford has home-field advantage, but Hawaii has enough offensive ability to make this a difficult matchup for the Cardinal.

Several expert projections have this game extremely close, with the possibility of Hawaii challenging Stanford throughout the night.

• Prediction: Hawaii 24, Stanford 21
• Pick to win: Hawaii

7. New Mexico State at Florida State

Florida State begins the season with considerably higher expectations and a major talent advantage over New Mexico State. The Seminoles are expected to control the line of scrimmage and create separation as the game progresses.

New Mexico State could make a few plays early, but Florida State should eventually take command.

• Prediction: Florida State 42, New Mexico State 13
• Pick to win: Florida State

8. Game of the Night: Memphis at UNLV

The Week 0 finale may be the most intriguing game on the entire schedule. Memphis and UNLV are both viewed as potential Group of 6 contenders, making this an important early-season matchup. UNLV has home-field advantage at Allegiant Stadium, while Memphis enters with a significantly reworked roster under new coach Charles Huff.

UNLV’s roster continuity and home environment give the Rebels a slight edge, but Memphis has enough talent to make this a four-quarter game.

• Prediction: UNLV 31, Memphis 27
• Pick to win: UNLV

TCU, Virginia, USC, North Dakota State, Eastern Michigan, Hawaii, Florida State and UNLV are our Week 0 winners. The biggest potential surprises could come from Hawaii at Stanford and Memphis at UNLV, while USC and Florida State have the clearest paths to comfortable victories.

These are game predictions for fans, not wagering advice. Expert forecasts are also split on several of the closer games, which should make Saturday’s opening slate especially interesting.