The opening weekend of the 2026 college football season served up a mix of surprise and strategy, with veteran coach Bill Belichick guiding North Carolina to a narrow 15‑10 victory over TCU. The win marked a pivotal moment for a program still adjusting to its new leadership.
Opening Week in Review
North Carolina’s defense set the tone early, registering three sacks and six tackles for loss while limiting TCU to just 15 points. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. executed a low‑error game plan, moving the ball efficiently despite the absence of key playmakers. The victory also came amid off‑field distractions, as longtime advisor Michael Lombardi was placed on indefinite leave and defensive coordinator Steven Belichick remained sidelined.
Virginia answered with a commanding 34‑8 win over North Carolina State, holding the Wolfpack to a mere 84 yards and a single quarterback pressure. Running back Beau Pribula’s dual‑threat performance powered the Cavaliers’ ground attack, underscoring their potential as ACC contenders.
Southern California’s Trojans appeared to have the game under control late in the fourth quarter before a sudden collapse against San Jose State allowed the Spartans to seize a 27‑24 victory. The late surge exposed depth issues in the Trojans’ roster and raised questions about their ability to finish games.
In the FCS realm, North Dakota State rolled past Jacksonville State 33‑7, showcasing a balanced attack and a defense that forced three turnovers. The Bison’s early dominance suggests they could be a formidable force in the Mountain West this season.
TCU’s woes continued beyond the loss to UNC, as the Horned Frogs struggled with costly penalties and inconsistent quarterback play. Transfer quarterback Jaden Craig failed to settle the offense, leaving the team reliant on a patchwork scheme that may not sustain them through a demanding schedule.
UNLV’s 28‑24 defeat at the hands of Memphis, while not a blowout, highlighted lingering concerns about the Rebels’ depth and special‑teams reliability. The loss could prove pivotal in determining their postseason aspirations.
As the season unfolds, the early results suggest that defensive discipline and quarterback stability will be decisive factors for teams eyeing the playoff picture. Programs that can weather off‑field turbulence while maintaining execution on both sides of the ball are poised to emerge as the surprise contenders of 2026.