College football continues Saturday, Aug. 29, as the FBS slate officially joins Week 0. The day features eight FBS games alongside an extensive FCS schedule across the country.
The first FBS game kicks off at noon ET, when North Carolina faces TCU in Dublin, Ireland. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic headlines a schedule that runs through the night. While Thursday and Friday opened the 2026 season primarily with FCS action, Saturday brings the first FBS games of the year, while most Division I programs prepare for Week 1.
College Football Games Today: Week 0 Saturday Schedule
Saturday offers a mix of national television games and streaming matchups. The schedule includes several Power Four teams, along with FCS contests and the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
College Football Games (FBS) on Saturday, Aug. 29
- North Carolina vs. TCU – 12 p.m. ET (on ESPN)
- San Jose State at Southern California – 3 p.m. ET (on NBC/Peacock)
- NC State at Virginia – 3:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN)
- Jacksonville State at North Dakota State – 5:30 p.m. ET (on CBS Sports Network)
- Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan – 6:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN+)
- Hawaii at Stanford – 7 p.m. ET (on ACC Network)
- New Mexico State at Florida State – 7 p.m. ET (on The CW)
- Memphis at UNLV – 10 p.m. ET (on FOX)
North Carolina and TCU provide the day’s biggest spotlight from Dublin. The international matchup starts at noon ET and gives both programs an early test before conference play arrives.
PREDICT THE CFB SEASON: PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor
College Football Games (FCS) on Saturday, Aug. 29
- Southern vs. Alabama State – 3 p.m. ET (on ESPNU)
- Morgan State at North Carolina A&T – 6 p.m. ET (on FloSports)
- East Texas A&M at Mercer – 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN)
- North Alabama vs. Samford – 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN+) – Huntsville
- North Carolina Central at Texas Southern – 7 p.m. ET (on HBCUGO)
- Monmouth at Tennessee Tech – 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN+)
- Eastern Kentucky at Western Carolina – 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN+)
- Abilene Christian at Lamar – 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN+)
- Alabama A&M vs. Howard – 7:30 p.m. ET (on ABC) – Atlanta
- Jackson State at Tennessee State – 8:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN+)
- Prairie View A&M at Tarleton State – 9 p.m. ET (on ESPN+)
Saturday’s FCS schedule adds more action to the Week 0 lineup. The MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Alabama A&M and Howard will take place in Atlanta and should be a priority game.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free College Fantasy Simulator
Week 1 follows during Labor Day weekend, with most teams scheduled to make their season debuts on Saturday, September 5. That slate will bring the majority of the FBS field into action.
