The TCU Horned Frogs will kick off the 2026 college football season against the North Carolina Tar Heels in Dublin, Ireland. This game is scheduled for noon EDT at Aviva Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN. It is part of an eight-game Week 0 lineup.
Entering the matchup, TCU is favored by 9.5 points. The team has posted a record of 9-4 in the last two seasons, finishing both with bowl victories. Head coach Sonny Dykes has led TCU to a 36-17 record over five seasons, including a run to the national championship game in his first year.
On the other hand, North Carolina, under coach Bill Belichick, is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2025-26 season that ended with a 4-8 record. Belichick noted the difficulties in preparing for the season opener, highlighting the uncertainties both teams will face when play starts.
Other notable games on the same day include the No. 14 USC Trojans hosting the San Jose State Spartans and matchups featuring N.C. State against Virginia and Florida State against New Mexico State. Most FBS season openers will take place the following week, with several games scheduled from Thursday through September 7.
