The 2026 college football season will commence with the TCU Horned Frogs facing the North Carolina Tar Heels in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday. This matchup is part of an eight-game Week 0 slate and is scheduled to kick off at noon EDT at Aviva Stadium, with coverage on ESPN.
The Horned Frogs enter the game as 9.5-point favorites. They have achieved a record of 9-4 in each of the past two seasons, concluding both years with bowl victories. Under head coach Sonny Dykes, TCU has a 36-17 record over his first five seasons, including a run to the national championship game in his inaugural year.
In contrast, the Tar Heels, led by coach Bill Belichick, are looking to improve after a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025-26. Belichick acknowledged the challenges of preparing for an opening game, noting the uncertainties both teams face. "There are unknowns on our team, there are unknowns on our opponents," he said, emphasizing that the true test comes when the game begins.
In addition to the TCU-North Carolina game, Saturday's schedule includes other notable matchups. The No. 14 USC Trojans will host the San Jose State Spartans at 3 p.m. EDT, with USC favored by 38.5 points. Other games include N.C. State against Virginia, North Dakota State hosting Jacksonville State, and Florida State facing New Mexico State, among others.
