College Football Week 0 Odds and Season Openers
The college football season opens with a Saturday slate beginning in Ireland and concluding in Las Vegas, featuring eight games involving FBS teams, according to early scheduling data. Among these matchups, No. 14 USC stands out as a 38.5-point favorite against San Jose State, while Florida State is favored by 31.5 points over New Mexico State, based on odds from sportsbooks.
Pro Tip: Six of the eight Week 0 games feature single-digit point spreads, offering tighter margins for early-season bettors looking at various matchups across different betting sites.
Dublin Season Opener: UNC vs. TCU Point Spreads
North Carolina and TCU will kick off the 2026 college football season in Dublin, Ireland, with the Horned Frogs opening as 8.5-point favorites against the Tar Heels. This international matchup anchors the opening slate before teams return to domestic venues later in the weekend.
Model Predictions for Virginia vs. NC State
SportsLine’s computer model simulates every FBS game 10,000 times and projects Virginia as a 4-point favorite to cover against NC State with a 51.5 total, according to recent projections. The Cavaliers secured nine against-the-spread wins last season, a mark bested in the ACC only by national runner-up Miami. NC State struggled on the road last year, finishing 0-4 ATS as a road underdog, and enters this matchup on an 0-4 ATS run in season openers, according to historical betting trends.
New Mexico State at Florida State Betting Outlook
Florida State enters Week 0 following a 2-7 finish over its final nine games of the 2025 season both straight-up and against the spread, prompting the addition of quarterback Ashton Daniels via the transfer portal. Daniels holds a 5-18 record as a starter with a 116.5 passer efficiency rating since 2023, according to team statistics. New Mexico State is listed as a 31.5-point underdog against the Seminoles, having covered in three straight games as an underdog and holding a 5-2 ATS record in its last seven games when receiving points, according to odds data.
FCS Debut: Jacksonville State at North Dakota State
North Dakota State, a ten-time FCS champion program, will host Jacksonville State as a 7-point favorite in its official FBS debut, according to game schedules. This contest adds an intriguing dynamic to the Week 0 slate as the Bison transition to the FBS level.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the college football season start?
The college football season officially begins on Saturday, August 29, with Week 0 games starting in Ireland and concluding in Las Vegas.
Which team is the largest favorite in Week 0?
No. 14 USC is the largest favorite on the slate, laying 38.5 points against San Jose State, according to sportsbooks.
Who is coaching North Carolina in the season opener?
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