Nine games, three networks, and a season that opens with a trans-Atlantic flight.
The ESPN Week Zero College Football Schedule 2026 kicks off Friday, August 28, with Idaho at Cal Poly, then builds to a Saturday slate anchored by North Carolina and TCU meeting in Dublin, Ireland. Coverage spans ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN2, ABC and ACC Network across three days, giving fans an early look at teams from the Power conferences, FCS and Division II.
Friday Opens With an FCS Clash
The ESPN Week Zero College Football Schedule 2026 technically starts a day early. Idaho travels to Cal Poly for a Big Sky Conference matchup on Friday, August 28, kicking off at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN. Roxy Bernstein, Dave Clawson and Madison Hock handle the call.
Saturday’s Full Slate: Dublin to Atlanta
This is the real centerpiece of Week Zero college football.
At noon ET, North Carolina meets TCU at Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic — the first game of the day and the one with the international spotlight. Mike Monaco, Jordan Rodgers and Dana Boyle are on the call.
The afternoon builds from there. Southern faces Alabama State at 3:00 p.m. ET in the Birmingham Football Classic at Legion Field, airing on ESPNU. Thirty minutes later, Virginia hosts NC State in an ACC matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET, simulcast on both ESPN and ACC Network with an All-22 secondary feed option. Wes Durham, Max Browne and Madison Fitzpatrick call the game.
The evening doubles up. Mercer hosts East Texas A&M at 7:00 p.m. ET in the FCS Kickoff on ESPN, while Hawai’i travels to Stanford at the same time on ACC Network. Thirty minutes later, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge takes over — Alabama A&M against Howard at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, airing nationally on ABC with Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker and Quint Kessenich on the call. Saturday closes at 9:00 p.m. ET with Prairie View A&M at Tarleton State on ESPN2.
Sunday Closes With the Red Tails Classic
ESPN’s Week Zero coverage wraps a day later than everyone else’s. West Alabama meets Tuskegee in the Red Tails Classic from Montgomery, Alabama, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with Jason Ross Jr. and Tyoka Jackson calling the Division II matchup.
Complete ESPN Week Zero Schedule and Announcers
The ESPN Week Zero College Football Schedule 2026 delivers a true early look at the season. From an FCS game under the lights on Friday to a Power conference clash in Dublin and a national MEAC/SWAC Challenge on ABC, the three-day package sets the tone before the full Week 1 slate arrives. Fans can follow every game across ESPN platforms with the full list of announcers above.
FAQ
How many games are on the ESPN Week Zero College Football Schedule 2026?
The schedule includes nine games across ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN2, ABC and ACC Network, spanning Friday, August 28, through Sunday, August 30.
What time does North Carolina vs TCU kick off?
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic between North Carolina and TCU kicks off at noon ET on Saturday, August 29, from Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, airing on ESPN.
What network airs the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in 2026?
The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Alabama A&M and Howard airs on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET from Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta.
Is NC State at Virginia part of the ESPN Week Zero schedule?
Yes. NC State at Virginia kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with a simulcast and All-22 secondary feed available on ACC Network.
When does the ESPN Week Zero College Football Schedule 2026 end?
Coverage closes Sunday, August 30, with the Red Tails Classic between West Alabama and Tuskegee at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
