College Football

2026 College Football Odds: Back USC To Win Big In Week 0

26 Aug 2026, 21:29 · FOX Sports

Week 0 is upon us in college football, and the wait for pigskin games that count in the standings is nearly over.

The headlines these days are often regarding legal battles over who is or isn’t eligible and players trying to return to campus from NFL training camps.

But once the games start, all will be right in the world.

Let’s take a look at three games I have my eye on this week from a betting perspective.

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North Carolina vs. TCU

The season kicks off Saturday afternoon in Dublin, Ireland, as Bill Belichick and North Carolina try to avenge an embarrassing 48-14 loss in a rematch of last year’s season opener.

I like the Under 47.5 here, as some rain and wind are expected for this one and both teams' starting quarterbacks have some question marks.

TCU is going with Jaden Craig, a Harvard transfer who is facing a big step-up in competition coming over from the Ivy League. UNC is starting journeyman Billy Edwards Jr., who won the quarterback competition largely due to his ability to protect the ball and avoid turnovers. But he is far from a gunslinger that racks up explosive plays.

Sloppy weather and new QBs point to a lower scoring game.

UNC vs. TCU
Under 47.5 Points Scored by Both Teams Combined

San Jose State @ No. 14 USC

Lincoln Riley and the Trojans start their quest to get to the CFP this weekend (Getty Images).

The USC Trojans have their sights set on breaking through and finally earning a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2026, and their season starts with a game they should win comfortably.

In recent years, when USC has a chance to name its score, it usually does so in emphatic fashion.

In 2023, the Trojans scored 56 against San Jose State and 66 against Nevada. Last year, they hung 73 on Missouri State and 59 on Georgia Southern.

I like USC to go Over its team total (48.5 -130 is available on DraftKings) and score seven touchdowns or more to kick things off on Saturday.

SJSU vs. No. 14 USC
USC Team Total Over 48.5 (-130)

NC State @ Virginia

NC State does something that is rare these days in college football and that is return its quarterback.

Junior CJ Bailey has a combined 53 career touchdowns passing and rushing in his first two years, and I think he provides enough offense to keep this game close.

Virginia loses a lot of production from a year ago, including quarterback Chandler Morris, who was prolific in 2025. NC State won this meeting last September, 35-31.

I think we get a similarly close game in this one, and I’ll take the points.

NC State vs. Virginia
NC State +5.5 (to Lose by Fewer Than 5.5 Points or Win Outright)

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