College football officially kicked off its season last weekend with what is referred to as Week 0, featuring a selection of early matchups that set the stage for the upcoming games. This year’s opening weekend was marked by a standout game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Texas Christian University (TCU), held in Ireland. The Tar Heels managed to pull off an upset, capturing attention from fans and viewers alike.
According to ESPN, the game attracted an average viewership of 4.9 million, peaking at 5.8 million, marking a 10% increase over last year’s Week 0 kickoff game. This impressive rating made it the second most-watched Week 0 game since the year 2019, underscoring the growing interest in college football as it begins its new season.
Another notable matchup featured NC State facing off against Virginia. Although the game ended in a decisive 34-8 victory for the Cavaliers, it still managed to draw in 3.2 million viewers. Additionally, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, which showcased Howard University against Alabama A&M, garnered a respectable 1.2 million viewers. These numbers reflect a solid start to the college football season, indicating that fans are eager for the action.
As Week 0 of college football unfolded, ESPN highlighted the significant viewership numbers, noting that the games served as a prelude to the more extensive schedule that follows. The excitement surrounding these early matchups has become a tradition, allowing fans to get a taste of college football before the full slate of games begins the following week.
However, it’s important to note that 2026 marks the final occurrence of Week 0 as fans have come to know it. This change stems from a recent decision by the FBS Oversight Committee, which has moved the start of the college football season up by a week for all teams. This adjustment eliminates the unique scheduling quirk that allowed certain teams to begin their seasons earlier due to international games or matchups against Hawaii.
While this decision aims to enhance the overall coverage of college football and provide an additional week of action before the NFL season kicks off, it also signifies the end of a distinctive aspect of the college football experience. Week 0 has served as a soft launch for the sport, generating anticipation among fans and providing a unique flavor to the start of the season.
As college football evolves, the elimination of Week 0 may lead to new traditions and formats, but the excitement generated by this year’s early games demonstrates the enduring popularity of the sport. Fans will undoubtedly continue to rally around their teams as the season progresses, eager to see how this year unfolds.
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