The 2026 college football season is almost here, and, honestly, fans can’t wait. There’s a certain buzz in the air already.
Usually, the season kicks off the Saturday before Labor Day. But over the last ten years or so, we’ve seen things start a bit earlier with what’s called Week 0.
This season, Week 0 is loaded with some pretty wild matchups, including a huge one between San Jose State and USC. The action all starts on Saturday, August 29—feels like the perfect way to whet your appetite for the madness ahead.
Let’s take a look at what’s in store for the opener, the games you shouldn’t miss, and what the vibe might be like for fans.
Week 0: A Unique Start to the Season
Week 0 has really become a thing in college football. It’s like a sneak peek, a little taste of what’s coming.
For the fifth straight year, the season kicks off with a game in Dublin, Ireland. There’s just something cool about starting things off across the Atlantic, isn’t there?
Late August is usually a bit of a dead zone for sports, so these games fill that gap nicely. It’s hard not to get drawn in.
Key Matchups to Watch
There are a bunch of games in the opener that should grab your attention. Here are some of the big ones:
- San Jose State vs. USC: At the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, airing on NBC and Peacock. Coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- North Carolina vs. TCU: This one’s in Dublin, Ireland, and will be on ESPN at 12 p.m. ET.
- North Carolina State at Virginia: Tune in at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- Jacksonville State at North Dakota State: Watch it on CBSSN at 5:30 p.m. ET.
- Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan: Streaming on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Hawai’i at Stanford: On the ACC Network at 7 p.m. ET.
- New Mexico State at Florida State: Catch it on The CW at 7 p.m. ET.
- Memphis at UNLV: A late one, airing on Fox at 10 p.m. ET.
Week 1: The Action Continues
Week 1 doesn’t slow down. The schedule is packed, and there are a few games that really stand out:
- Eastern Illinois at Minnesota: Thursday, September 3, at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock.
- Western Michigan at Michigan: Saturday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Washington State at Washington: Rivalry game on Sunday, September 6, at 4 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Wisconsin at Notre Dame: Also Sunday, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Week 2 and Beyond
Things just keep rolling after Week 1. Week 2 has some can’t-miss games, like these:
- Rice at Notre Dame: Saturday, September 12, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Iowa State at Iowa: That in-state rivalry is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Eastern Michigan at Wisconsin: Saturday, September 19, at 12:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
- Southern Illinois at Illinois: Saturday, September 19, at 2 p.m. ET on Peacock.
- Western Kentucky at Indiana: Saturday, September 19, at 4 p.m. ET on Peacock.
- Michigan State at Notre Dame: Saturday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Stanford at Notre Dame: Saturday, October 10, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Miami at Notre Dame: Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Boston College at Notre Dame: Saturday, November 14, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- SMU at Notre Dame: Saturday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Minnesota at Wisconsin: Friday, November 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
How to Watch
If you’ve got NBC through your TV provider, you’re set for Big Ten Saturday Night. You can watch on your TV, or log in with your provider details on the NBC Sports app, the NBC app, or at NBCSports.com.
You’ll want to check your local listings to make sure you’ve got the right channel.
Streaming Options
No NBC? No problem. You can stream Big Ten Saturday Night on Peacock.
Just sign up for Peacock and watch on pretty much any device you have. If you’ve already made your account and set a password, you’re good to go—just sign in. Forgot your password or never set one? Go ahead and reset it.
If you want to change your plan, log in to Peacock, head to your account, then to plans and payments, and pick “Change Plan.”
Preseason Predictions
The season’s almost here, and everyone seems to have a take. Fans, analysts—honestly, anyone paying attention—are tossing out their preseason predictions.
Nicole Auerbach and Joshua Perry? They’ve got their eyes on Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana as top contenders in the Big Ten. Not exactly shocking, but still, it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype.
The anticipation’s real. Feels like the 2026 college football season could be one for the books.
If you’re looking for more details, like the full schedule or how to tune in, check out NBC Sports.
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