Image Source: USA Today
Football games today produced no shortage of drama as college football’s Week 0 slate delivered major wins, troubling losses and several early clues about the 2026 season. Bill Belichick and North Carolina secured a critical victory over TCU, while Virginia, North Dakota State and USC also made headlines.
The results may carry added weight because Week 0 often shapes the early national conversation. For some teams, the opening weekend offered proof that preseason optimism was justified. For others, weaknesses at quarterback, along the offensive line and in defensive depth appeared immediately.
Shocking Football Games Today: Biggest Week 0 Winners
Bill Belichick and North Carolina find a winning formula
Bill Belichick needed this result, and North Carolina delivered with a gritty 15-10 victory over TCU in Ireland. The win came after a tumultuous offseason that included general manager Michael Lombardi being placed on indefinite leave and defensive coordinator Steven Belichick being sidelined with an undisclosed medical condition.
UNC’s victory also helped erase some of the disappointment from last season’s opener, when the Tar Heels were overwhelmed by TCU in a 48-14 defeat. This time, North Carolina relied on veteran quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to avoid costly mistakes and leaned heavily on a powerful defensive front.
The Tar Heels recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss, with sophomore Xavier Lewis making a significant impact. The defensive-first approach may become the blueprint for Belichick as North Carolina navigates one of the most demanding schedules in the country.
The test will become much more difficult in October, when UNC faces No. 23 Clemson, No. 5 Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Duke. Still, the victory gives Belichick valuable breathing room and shifts attention away from the program’s offseason turmoil.
Virginia crushes NC State in a statement win
Virginia delivered one of the most decisive results of the weekend by overpowering North Carolina State 34-8. The Cavaliers controlled the line of scrimmage, forced two turnovers and held the ball for more than 38 minutes.
Transfer quarterback Beau Pribula enjoyed an impressive program debut. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while adding 110 rushing yards on 15 carries. Meanwhile, NC State quarterback CJ Bailey managed only 84 passing yards on 23 attempts.
Virginia entered the season with expectations after finishing as last year’s ACC runner-up. If NC State was expected to remain an eight-win contender, this performance suggests the Cavaliers could be a dangerous opponent throughout the conference race.
North Dakota State makes a powerful FBS debut
North Dakota State continued its historic run with a dominant 33-7 victory over Jacksonville State in the program’s first FBS game. The Bison limited Jacksonville State to 85 rushing yards on 31 carries and produced 209 yards on the ground themselves.
North Dakota State finished with 373 total yards and looked completely comfortable against an opponent that had already established itself in the FBS. The result immediately strengthened the belief that the Bison can compete for the Mountain West title in 2026.
USC wins, but a troubling habit returns
No. 14 USC defeated San Jose State 42-26, and the Trojans appeared to be in complete control for much of the game. However, a mostly second-team defense surrendered 23 fourth-quarter points, allowing the Spartans to make the final score far closer than expected.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava provided stability by completing 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Even so, the late defensive collapse raises fresh questions about USC’s depth as new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson works to blend a large group of newcomers into the roster.
Critical Week 0 Losers and Early Concerns
TCU’s offense struggles badly
TCU’s 15-10 loss to North Carolina exposed serious offensive concerns. The Horned Frogs committed 11 penalties, converted just eight of 21 third- and fourth-down attempts, averaged 2.7 yards per carry and produced only 5.5 yards per pass attempt.
Harvard transfer Jaden Craig finished with 175 passing yards, but the performance lacked the efficiency required by Sonny Dykes’ offensive system. With limited proven skill talent, TCU could face a difficult path to bowl eligibility.
NC State falls short of playoff expectations
North Carolina State entered the season with hopes of making an unexpected push toward the College Football Playoff conversation. The loss to Virginia quickly cooled those expectations. The Wolfpack were outgained by nearly 250 yards and struggled to stay on the field.
UNLV cannot protect its lead
UNLV led Memphis 21-14 early in the second half but eventually fell 27-21. Memphis’ defensive line changed the game, while first-year coach Charles Huff earned an important early win.
The result could matter later in the season when playoff discussions compare the American Athletic Conference champion with the Mountain West winner.
What the Football Games Today Mean
Week 0 did not settle the national picture, but it revealed several meaningful storylines. Belichick and UNC gained momentum, Virginia announced itself as an ACC threat, and North Dakota State proved its FBS transition deserves attention. USC won but still has work to do, while TCU, NC State and UNLV must respond quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the biggest winner in the football games today?
Bill Belichick and North Carolina were among the biggest winners after defeating TCU 15-10 and gaining a crucial boost following a turbulent offseason.
What was the biggest upset of Week 0?
Virginia’s 34-8 win over North Carolina State stood out as one of the weekend’s most convincing results and strengthened the Cavaliers’ conference outlook.
How did North Dakota State perform in its FBS debut?
North Dakota State defeated Jacksonville State 33-7, rushing for 209 yards and limiting the Gamecocks to 85 rushing yards.
Why was USC’s win concerning?
USC beat San Jose State 42-26 but allowed 23 fourth-quarter points, raising concerns about defensive depth and the team’s ability to close out games.
