Thrilling College Football Week 0 Recap: Scores, Highlights, and Key Performances
College football fans, rejoice! The 2026 season has officially kicked off with a thrilling Week 0 that delivered everything we love about the sport: nail-biting finishes, standout individual performances, and historic moments. From FBS to FCS, the opening weekend showed the intensity and excitement that only college football can provide. Let’s dive into the highlights and key takeaways from this action-packed start.
FBS Highlights: Close Calls and Dominant Performances
The first Saturday of the 2026 season was spectacular, with tight games and elite individual performances. One standout was North Carolina‘s matchup with TCU in Dublin, where the Tar Heels edged out a 15-10 victory.
The game marked the debut of Wisconsin transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and the second year for head coach Bill Belichick. It was a low-scoring affair, but UNC’s defense, led by Xavier Lewis, made the plays needed to secure the win.
Other Notable FBS Results
- Virginia dominated NC State with a 34-8 victory. Missouri transfer QB Beau Pribula led the Cavaliers with 110 rushing yards, along with 155 passing yards and two touchdowns.
- North Dakota State made a statement in its first FBS game, defeating Jacksonville State 33-7. Senior quarterback Nathan Hayes shined in his first collegiate start, completing 14 of 22 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.
- Stanford survived a scare from Hawaii, pulling out a 37-27 win after a late comeback effort by the Rainbow Warriors. Micah Ford’s third touchdown run sealed the game for the Cardinal.
FCS Action: Reigning Champs and Historic Shutouts
Over in the FCS, reigning champion Montana State cruised to a 26-0 halftime lead against Utah Tech. Its in-state rival, No. 2 Montana, found itself in a much tighter battle with Southern Utah.
That game was tied at 21-21 early in the fourth quarter, showing just how competitive FCS football can be.
Historic Moments and Individual Feats
- South Carolina State achieved an 87-0 shutout against DII Savannah State, the fifth-largest winning margin by an FCS team since 1996.
- South Dakota QB Austyn Modrzewski had an unforgettable debut, throwing for 304 yards and six touchdowns. He also added a 68-yard rushing TD against Central Connecticut.
- Davenport RB Cephus Harris ran for an astonishing 351 yards and three touchdowns against Gannon, helping his team finish with 420 rushing yards.
Late-Night Thrillers and Record-Breaking Performances
As the night went on, the excitement continued with several close games and standout performances. Florida State overcame a slow start to defeat New Mexico State 34-14.
Running back Ousmane Kromah set the pace with 115 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, including a 52-yard run in the fourth quarter. Auburn transfer QB Ashton Daniels also played well, going 17-for-27 for 202 yards and a touchdown.
FCS and Division II Highlights
- West Virginia Wesleyan snapped a 35-game losing streak with a 31-13 win over Post. QB Mike Evans threw for 303 yards and four touchdowns, while WR Amari Colon-Brown caught three TDs on four receptions for 149 yards.
- UC Davis avoided an upset by rallying from a 21-0 deficit to defeat Portland State 31-24. An interception with two minutes left set up the game-winning drive, capped by Laviel Pickett’s dive for the pylon.
New Eras and Coaching Debuts
This season also begins new eras for several programs. North Dakota State and Sacramento State both made their FBS debuts, with the Bison securing a dominant win over Jacksonville State.
Former NFL star Marshall Faulk also made his head coaching debut for Southern against Alabama State in the Birmingham Football Classic.
Other Coaching Debuts
- Florida A&M welcomed new head coach Quinn Gray, who opened his tenure with a game against DII Albany State.
- Chicago State played its inaugural game against DII Roosevelt, marking the start of its football program.
Looking Ahead: Week 1 and Beyond
As Week 1 approaches, the excitement is palpable. The rest of the nation’s top teams will take the field, including preseason No. 1 Ohio State, which received 40 first-place votes.
Defending national champion Indiana enters the season ranked sixth but has the third-most No. 1 votes, with eight. The full AP Top 25 features powerhouse programs like Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas.
Key Storylines to Watch
- How will UNC fare in Bill Belichick’s second year, especially after a challenging first season?
- Can the Aer Lingus Classic loser bounce back and put together a successful season, despite the odds?
- How will new FBS programs like North Dakota State and Sacramento State adjust to their new level of competition?
- What kind of impact will new coaches like Marshall Faulk and Quinn Gray have on their respective programs?
For more detailed updates and live coverage of college football, be sure to check out the NCAA’s live updates page. With five months of thrilling college football ahead, fans can look forward to plenty of unforgettable moments and standout performances.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest news, scores, and highlights from the world of college football. Here’s to an exciting and memorable 2026 season!
