The 2026 college football season will officially open on Thursday, August 27, as a handful of programs take part in what the NCAA has dubbed "Week Zero."
For the majority of Division I teams, the real kickoff comes the following weekend, setting the stage for a slate of high‑profile contests that will dominate early‑season conversation.
Week Zero Highlights
Among the first games, North Texas travels to Indiana, East Carolina makes the trek to Alabama, and Clemson heads to LSU, each promising an early test for ranked squads.
Playoff Landscape
This year marks the 13th edition of the College Football Playoff and the third iteration of the 12‑team format, promising more teams a chance at the national title.
The championship game will be staged at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on January 25, 2027, bringing the spectacle to a city known for its entertainment scene.
Four bowl games — the Fiesta, Cotton, Rose and Peach — will serve as quarterfinal venues, after which the winners will advance to the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl, the designated semifinal sites.
Beyond the continental United States, the season will venture abroad. Dublin will host the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, while Rio de Janeiro will stage College Football Brasil, underscoring the sport’s growing global footprint.
A nod to recent history, Indiana captured the 2025 national championship, a victory that adds a layer of narrative intrigue to the upcoming contests.
The 2026 NFL draft also made headlines, with four former FCS players hearing their names called, highlighting the diverse pathways to professional football.