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Exactly When 2026 College Football Starts: Week 0 & 1 TV Schedule
When Does the 2026 College Football Season Start? Your Complete Beginner’s Guide
The 2026 college football season is right around the corner! But here’s the thing — not everyone starts on the same day. Think of it like how some schools start in August and others after Labor Day. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly when to grab your snacks and turn on the TV.
The Two Main Divisions: FCS vs. FBS
Before we talk dates, you need to know there are two main "levels" of college football:
- FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) — The big schools you see on TV all the time (Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, etc.). 134 teams.
- FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) — Smaller schools, but still awesome football. They have a playoff tournament to crown a champion.
IMPORTANT: Both divisions start at slightly different times!
When Does Each Division Kick Off?
| Division | First Games | First Full Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| FCS | Thursday, August 27 | September 5 |
| FBS | Saturday, August 29 (Week 0) | Saturday, September 5 (Week 1) |
What Is "Week 0"? (And Why Is There a Game in Ireland?)
Week 0 is like a sneak preview. A small handful of FBS teams get to play one week early — think of it as a "bonus game" before the real opening weekend.
The Headliner: Aer Lingus College Football Classic
- Who: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 23 TCU Horned Frogs (preseason rank)
- Where: Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland
- When: Saturday, August 29 at 12:00 PM ET
- TV: ESPN
FUN FACT: This was originally going to be in Rio de Janeiro, but got moved to Dublin!
Other Week 0 Games on FOX
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis at UNLV | 10:00 PM | FOX / FOX One |
| San Jose State at USC | TBD | TBD |
| Hawaii at Stanford | TBD | TBD |
| New Mexico State at Florida State | TBD | TBD |
ARE THESE REAL GAMES?
YES! Week 0 games count toward each team’s official record. They are not preseason or exhibition games.
Week 1: The REAL Opening Weekend (Labor Day Week)
Most teams wait until Week 1 to start. It runs Thursday, September 3 – Monday, September 7.
The First Full Saturday: September 5
This is when college football truly explodes onto your screen. FOX is making it a party:
FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff returns at 10:00 AM ET from Bloomington, Indiana — celebrating the reigning national champion Indiana Hoosiers!
And get this: FOX will showcase the last three national champions in the first three weeks.
Complete FOX Networks Schedule (Week 0 + Week 1)
Week 0 (Aug 29)
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis at UNLV | Sat, Aug 29 | 10:00 PM | FOX, FOX One |
Week 1 (Sept 3–7)
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMass at Rutgers | Thu, Sep 3 | 6:00 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| UAB at Illinois | Thu, Sep 3 | 9:00 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| Indiana State at Purdue | Fri, Sep 4 | 7:00 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| Toledo at Michigan State | Fri, Sep 4 | 8:00 PM | FS1, FOX One |
| Fresno State at USC | Fri, Sep 4 | 9:00 PM | FOX, FOX One |
| Ohio at Nebraska | Sat, Sep 5 | 12:00 PM | FS1, FOX One |
| North Texas at Indiana | Sat, Sep 5 | 12:00 PM | FOX, FOX One |
| Ball State at Ohio State | Sat, Sep 5 | 12:30 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| Boston College at Cincinnati | Sat, Sep 5 | 3:30 PM | FOX, FOX One |
| Marshall at Penn State | Sat, Sep 5 | 3:30 PM | FS1, FOX One |
| Northern Illinois at Iowa | Sat, Sep 5 | 4:15 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| Abilene Christian at Texas Tech | Sat, Sep 5 | 7:00 PM | FS1, FOX One |
| South Dakota State at Northwestern | Sat, Sep 5 | 8:00 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| Hampton at Maryland | Sat, Sep 5 | 8:00 PM | BTN, FOX One |
| Central Michigan at New Mexico | Sat, Sep 5 | 10:00 PM | FS1, FOX One |
Other Big Games You Won’t Want to Miss (Non-FOX)
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina vs. TCU (in Dublin) | Sat, Aug 29 | 12:00 PM | ESPN |
| NC State at Virginia | Sat, Aug 29 | 3:30 PM | ESPN |
| Boise State at Oregon | Sat, Sep 5 | 3:30 PM | CBS |
| Clemson at LSU | Sat, Sep 5 | 7:30 PM | ABC |
| Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame (in Green Bay) | Sun, Sep 6 | 7:30 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Louisville vs. Ole Miss (in Nashville) | Sun, Sep 6 | 7:30 PM | ABC |
| SMU at Florida State | Mon, Sep 7 | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
How to Watch College Football in 2026
Step-by-Step: Get Ready for Kickoff
- Check your TV package — Games air on: FOX, FS1, ABC, CBS, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, BTN, SEC Network, ACC Network
- No cable? No problem! These streaming services carry FOX & FS1:
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Fubo
Channel availability varies by location and package.
- Free over-the-air? If you have an antenna and good reception, you can watch your local FOX station for free!
Check FCC TV Reception Maps to see what’s available in your area. - All-in-one option: FOX One subscription gives you FOX college football + more in one place.
Heads Up: Schedules Can Change!
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
Kickoff times, TV networks, and even game locations can change before the season starts. Always double-check the FOX Sports event pages for the latest info.
Summary: Key Dates at a Glance
| What | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FCS Season Starts | Thu, Aug 27 | Several games |
| FBS Week 0 Starts | Sat, Aug 29 | Limited games (incl. Ireland!) |
| First Full Saturday (Week 1) | Sat, Sep 5 | Most teams debut; Labor Day weekend |
| Week 1 Runs | Thu, Sep 3 – Mon, Sep 7 | 5 days of football! |
| FOX Big Noon Kickoff Returns | Sat, Sep 5, 10 AM ET | From Bloomington, IN |
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. What’s the difference between FBS and FCS?
FBS is the top level (134 teams, bowl games). FCS is the next level (130 teams, 24-team playoff). Think FBS = "big leagues," FCS = "minor leagues" — but both are college football!
2. Do Week 0 games count?
Yes! They are regular-season games. Wins/losses go on the permanent record.
3. Why do some teams play in Week 0?
NCAA rules let teams that play in Hawaii or travel internationally (like to Ireland) schedule an extra game — so they get a "Week 0" bye later.
4. Can I watch for free with an antenna?
Yes! Your local FOX station broadcasts over the air for free. Check the FCC map link above to confirm reception in your area.
5. When is the first really big Saturday?
Saturday, September 5. That’s when most top teams play, FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff returns, and Labor Day weekend football goes into full swing.
Ready for Kickoff?
Mark your calendars:
- Aug 27 → FCS starts
- Aug 29 → FBS Week 0 (Ireland game at noon!)
- Sep 5 → The real opening Saturday
Grab your jersey, stock the fridge, and get ready — college football is BACK!
All game times Eastern. Schedule subject to change. Check FOX Sports for updates.
