College Football Best Bets: Week 0 (2026)

Week 0 kicks off the 2026 college football season on Saturday. This slate features eight games, with prominent Power 4 teams like USC (14) and Florida State hosting as at least -31.5 betting favorites.

Notable matchups I’m targeting on this slate include the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, Ireland, between UNC and TCU, NC State vs. Virginia, Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State, and Memphis vs. UNLV. It’s an all-day affair for Week 0, and I’ve got you covered with four best bets, each worth 1 unit, to place ahead of Saturday’s 12 p.m. ET opener in Ireland.

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College Football Week 0: Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

UNC vs. TCU

Since lines opened for the Aer Lingus Classic, we’ve seen the point total dip from 47.5 to 46.5. It’s bounced around a few times, but it’s likely a testament to a retooled Tar Heels offense and the departure of former TCU QB Josh Hoover to Indiana.

There’s once again been a lot of offseason distractions surrounding UNC’s program. Despite the noise, Bill Belichick’s defense did finish 66th in points allowed per game (24.5) and returns key starters in 2026.

With two new quarterbacks, including a UNC offense that finished last year ranked 120th in points scored per game (19.2), I’m going to follow the steam and take under 46.5 total points as my first best bet of Week 0.

Pick: Under 46.5 (-108)

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NC State vs. Virginia

This is the game I’m most excited about watching on Saturday’s Week 0 slate. It’s an early season ACC tilt between the Wolfpack and Cavaliers, so expect Virginia head coach Tony Elliott to have his team motivated for revenge following a 35-31 loss last year.

Virginia inserts QB Beau Pribula into its offense. CJ Bailey will remain under center for NC State, looking to build off of a strong season, as he led the Wolfpack to an upset win over the Cavaliers.

NC State has moved from +5.5 to +4.5 in the point spread betting market. The point total also sits at 51.5. Yes, Virginia finished 2025 as a top-25 scoring defense, but Bailey and the Wolfpack finished 4-1 down the stretch last season.

NC State will have plenty of confidence, as they managed to hand Virginia one of its three losses a year ago. Factor in a new signal-caller for the Cavaliers, and I’m going to side with the team that has more continuity.

Take the points with NC State and bet on the Wolfpack to cover +4.5 on the road in Charlottesville.

Pick: NC State +4.5 (-115)

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Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State

North Dakota State makes its FBS debut with a home tilt against Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks are a perennial contender in Conference USA, while the Bison have been a juggernaut in the FCS for quite some time, so this matchup will be very intriguing to watch.

Jacksonville State QB Caden Creel is a very talented dual-threat, leaning into his rushing ability to rack up production for the Gamecocks. Head coach Charles Kelly’s defense looks largely the same, so I like the edge that Jacksonville State has in terms of playing on the FBS level and maintaining most of its personnel.

North Dakota State also has a new head coach, Tim Polasek. The Bison laying a touchdown in their first FBS game, even at home, creates value on Jacksonville State at +7.0.

Let’s continue to bet the road underdog on the point spread with a wager on Jacksonville State +7.0.

Pick: Jacksonville State +7.0 (-115)

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Memphis vs. UNLV

UNLV hosts Memphis in an exciting tilt between two revamped programs. Both of these offenses finished inside the top 25 for scoring in 2025.

Now, UNLV head coach Dan Mullens has elevated his quarterback position with Jackson Arnold. Arnold’s tenure at Auburn and Oklahoma has prepared him for this big Week 0 matchup. He’s a run-centric signal-caller who should mesh well within Mullens’ scheme.

As for Memphis, the Tigers have 20 transfers starting across offense and defense. Plus, a new head coach. I’m going to stick with the theme of fading new personnel this early in the season and back the Rebels at home on Saturday night.

Let’s lay -4.5 with UNLV for our final best bet on the Week 0 slate.

Pick: UNLV -4.5 (-105)

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