The TCU Horned Frogs will kick off the 2026 college football season against the North Carolina Tar Heels in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday. This game is part of an eight-game Week 0 lineup and is set to begin at noon EDT at Aviva Stadium, with ESPN providing coverage.
TCU enters the matchup as 9.5-point favorites, having recorded a 9-4 season in both of the last two years, finishing each with bowl victories. Head coach Sonny Dykes has led the team to a 36-17 record over his initial five years, which includes a national championship game appearance during his first season.
Meanwhile, North Carolina, under coach Bill Belichick, aims to rebound from a challenging 2025-26 season that saw them finish at 4-8. Belichick noted the difficulties of preparing for the season opener, highlighting uncertainties on both sides. He stated that the real evaluation will occur once the game starts.
Along with the TCU-North Carolina game, the day's schedule features several other significant 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 and North Dakota State facing Jacksonville State, among others. Most FBS season openers are planned for the following week, with a variety of games scheduled from Thursday through September 7.
