The college football season is approaching as we look forward to which FCS and FBS teams take the field first in 2026.
Thankfully, Week 0 offers a quicker start to college football on our TV screens.
Beginning in 2026, the FCS has fully moved its start to the season to Week 0. The FBS is expected to do the same at some point in the near future, especially as CFP expansion talks continue.
Not only can the FCS begin a week before a majority of FBS teams this year, but the subdivision is also allowed to begin the Thursday of Week 0. So while most FBS teams kick off their season on Saturday, Sept. 5, some FCS teams start their season nine days beforehand on Thursday, Aug. 27.
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When Is Week 0?
Week 0 of the 2026 college football season begins Thursday, Aug. 27, and goes through Saturday, Aug. 29.
How Many Teams Are Playing In Week 0?
The FBS currently has eight games scheduled for Week 0 (Saturday, Aug. 29).
The FCS currently has 20+ games scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, five games for Friday, Aug. 28, and around 40 games for Saturday, Aug. 29.
