College football fans won’t have to wait much longer for the return of one of America’s most beloved sports. The 2026 college football season officially begins on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with the start of Week 0.
While only a limited number of teams will be in action during Week 0, the majority of NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs will begin their seasons during Week 1, which kicks off over Labor Day weekend beginning Thursday, September 3.
Whether you’re looking forward to rivalry games, national championship contenders, or the debut of highly ranked recruits, the opening weeks of the season promise plenty of excitement.
When Is Week 0 of the 2026 College Football Season?
The 2026 season starts with Week 0, featuring a select group of games spread across Thursday through Saturday.
Some conferences schedule Week 0 games to give teams additional flexibility in their season schedules, while others use the opportunity to showcase marquee matchups on national television.
Notable Week 0 Games (August 27–29, 2026)
Several intriguing contests highlight the opening weekend, including:
- North Carolina vs. TCU (Dublin, Ireland)
- San Jose State at USC
- New Mexico State at Florida State
- Memphis at UNLV
- Hawaii at Stanford
International games continue to grow in popularity, with North Carolina and TCU opening their seasons overseas in Dublin as part of college football’s global expansion.
When Does Week 1 Begin?
The majority of teams begin their seasons during Week 1, starting on Thursday, September 3, with a full slate of games throughout Labor Day weekend.
Saturday, September 5, will feature dozens of matchups involving ranked teams, conference favorites, and playoff hopefuls.
Biggest Opening Weekend Games
Several nationally televised games are expected to draw significant attention during Week 1:
- Clemson at LSU
- Boise State at Oregon
- Baylor vs. Auburn (Atlanta)
- East Carolina at Alabama
- Texas State at Texas
- Western Michigan at Michigan
- Florida Atlantic at Florida
These early-season games could have major implications for the College Football Playoff rankings later in the year.
Why Week 0 Matters
Although Week 0 features fewer games, it often provides an early glimpse at:
- National championship contenders
- First-year head coaches
- Highly touted freshman quarterbacks
- New offensive and defensive systems
- Early rankings movement
For fans, Week 0 officially signals the return of college football after a long offseason.
What to Expect During the 2026 Season
The 2026 season is expected to feature:
- Fierce conference championship races
- High-profile non-conference showdowns
- Weekly College Football Playoff rankings
- Heisman Trophy contenders emerging throughout the fall
- Championship implications from Week 1 through conference title games
With expanded playoff stakes and loaded schedules across the country, every game will carry added importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does college football start in 2026?
The 2026 college football season begins on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with Week 0 games.
When do most college football teams play their first game?
Most FBS teams begin their seasons during Week 1, starting on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with the majority of games played on Saturday, September 5.
What is Week 0 in college football?
Week 0 is the unofficial opening weekend of the college football season. Only selected teams participate, allowing for nationally televised showcase games before the full schedule begins.
What are the biggest opening weekend games in 2026?
Some of the marquee matchups include Clemson vs. LSU, Boise State vs. Oregon, Baylor vs. Auburn, and North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland.
Final Thoughts
The countdown to college football is almost over. The 2026 season officially kicks off on August 27 with Week 0, before expanding into a full schedule during Labor Day weekend.
From high-profile non-conference clashes to international showcase games and early College Football Playoff implications, fans can expect another thrilling season filled with memorable moments from opening kickoff through the national championship.
Whether you’re cheering for a powerhouse program or your hometown school, college football is back—and the road to the 2026 College Football Playoff begins in late August.