Week 0: FCS Takes the Field
The first wave of games arrives on August 27, when FCS programs open their seasons before the larger FBS slate begins. Houston Christian University will host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 p.m. in Hammond, Louisiana, marking the university's inaugural matchup of the year.
While the FCS action unfolds, the schedule already hints at a busy week ahead. Six Division I programs based in Texas are slated to appear on national networks ABC, Fox or ESPN, underscoring the region's prominence in the early broadcast lineup.
FBS Kicks Off on August 29
The following evening, FBS teams take the spotlight. TCU opens its campaign against North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland, at 11 a.m., while other programs begin their quests on the same day.
Week 1 Showdowns
September 5 brings a trio of marquee contests. Baylor travels to Atlanta, Georgia, where it meets Auburn at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium at 2:30 p.m. Later that afternoon, Sam Houston State heads to Troy, Alabama, for a 6 p.m. clash, and Texas A&M opens its season at home against Missouri State in College Station, Texas, also at 6 p.m.
The schedule continues on Monday, September 7, when SMU journeys to Tallahassee, Florida, for a 6:30 p.m. encounter with Florida State, adding another high‑profile matchup to the opening weekend.
Broadcast Highlights
Several of the early games will be carried live on national networks, ensuring that fans across the country can follow the action as it happens. The mix of regional rivalries and neutral‑site contests promises a dynamic start to the 2026 season.