Image Source: USA Today
Football today delivered an intriguing opening chapter to the 2026 college football season, with Bill Belichick, North Carolina, Virginia, North Dakota State and USC emerging as notable winners. TCU, NC State and UNLV, meanwhile, left Week 0 facing immediate questions after disappointing results.
According to USA TODAY, Belichick’s Tar Heels earned perhaps the most meaningful victory of the weekend, defeating TCU 15-10 in Ireland. The result was not flashy, but it provided a much-needed boost for a program that endured a turbulent offseason and entered the season under intense scrutiny.
Football Today: Bill Belichick Finally Gets a Critical Win
Belichick needed this victory. The 74-year-old coach began his second season at North Carolina sitting on one of the hottest seats in college football. After a difficult conclusion to his New England Patriots tenure and a rocky first year with the Tar Heels, another defeat to TCU could have intensified pressure around the program.
North Carolina was dominated by TCU in last year’s opener, losing 48-14 after surrendering 41 unanswered points. This time, the Tar Heels used a far different approach. They played conservatively, limited mistakes and relied on a physical defensive front to secure a low-scoring win.
Veteran quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. provided steady play, while North Carolina’s defense recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss. Sophomore Xavier Lewis was especially influential near the line of scrimmage.
The victory also helped quiet some of the noise surrounding the program. General manager Michael Lombardi was recently placed on indefinite leave, while defensive coordinator Steven Belichick was sidelined because of an undisclosed medical condition. Every win gives the Tar Heels an opportunity to shift attention back toward football.
North Carolina’s upcoming schedule will provide a much greater test. Games against No. 23 Clemson, No. 5 Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Duke should reveal whether this defense-first, NFL-style formula can guide UNC toward postseason contention.
Powerful Week 0 Winners
Virginia Makes a Statement Against NC State
Virginia looked like one of the weekend’s most convincing teams in a dominant 34-8 victory over North Carolina State. The Cavaliers controlled the game physically, forced two turnovers and held the ball for more than 38 minutes.
Transfer quarterback Beau Pribula made an impressive debut. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 110 yards on 15 carries. Virginia also limited NC State quarterback CJ Bailey to 84 passing yards on 23 attempts.
The Cavaliers finished last season as the ACC runner-up, and this performance suggested they remain a dangerous conference contender. If NC State was expected to challenge for a surprise playoff berth, Virginia’s emphatic win immediately changed that conversation.
North Dakota State Announces Its FBS Arrival
North Dakota State made a historic impression in its first FBS game, defeating Jacksonville State 33-7. The Bison, widely regarded as the greatest dynasty in FCS history, showed that their success can translate to a higher level of competition.
North Dakota State held Jacksonville State’s normally productive rushing attack to 85 yards on 31 carries. The Bison produced 209 rushing yards and 373 total yards, displaying the physical style that has powered their championship era.
The result strengthened the belief that North Dakota State could compete for the Mountain West title in 2026.
USC Wins, But a Troubling Habit Returns
No. 14 USC defeated San Jose State 42-26, with quarterback Jayden Maiava completing 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns. The Trojans appeared comfortable for much of the game before their mostly second-team defense surrendered 23 points in the fourth quarter.
The late collapse did not change the outcome, but it revived concerns about USC’s defensive depth. New coordinator Gary Patterson will have plenty to address as the Trojans blend highly touted newcomers with returning players.
Major Week 0 Losers
TCU’s Offense Raises Urgent Questions
TCU struggled throughout its loss to North Carolina. The Horned Frogs committed 11 penalties, converted only 8 of 21 third- and fourth-down opportunities, averaged 2.7 yards per carry and managed just 5.5 yards per pass attempt.
Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig threw for 175 yards, but his limited production highlighted the challenge facing coach Sonny Dykes. TCU lost multi-year starter Josh Hoover to Indiana and now must determine whether Craig can provide the high-level quarterback play demanded by the offensive system.
NC State’s Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
NC State was outgained by nearly 250 yards and struggled to stay on the field against Virginia. The Wolfpack’s next game is against Richmond, followed by a demanding stretch featuring Vanderbilt, Appalachian State, Louisville and Wake Forest.
After Saturday’s performance, the idea of NC State making an unexpected leap into the College Football Playoff picture appears far less convincing.
UNLV Lets a Valuable Opportunity Slip Away
UNLV led Memphis 21-14 early in the second half but could not withstand the Tigers’ defensive pressure. Memphis rallied for a 27-21 victory under first-year coach Charles Huff, who recently engineered a major turnaround at Southern Mississippi.
The result could matter beyond Week 0. If Memphis competes for the American Athletic Conference title, the victory may become part of the argument for awarding the American champion a playoff spot over the Mountain West winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the biggest winner in Week 0?
Bill Belichick and North Carolina earned the most important victory because the 15-10 win over TCU eased pressure around the program after a turbulent offseason.
What was the most impressive team performance?
Virginia’s 34-8 victory over NC State was arguably the most dominant result. The Cavaliers controlled possession, defended effectively and received a strong debut from Beau Pribula.
Why did TCU lose to North Carolina?
TCU was hurt by penalties, poor third-down execution, limited rushing production and inconsistent quarterback play. Those issues prevented the Horned Frogs from sustaining offensive drives.
Did USC make the College Football Playoff case?
USC’s 42-26 win over San Jose State was a positive start, but the fourth-quarter defensive collapse showed that depth remains a concern for the No. 14 Trojans.
