Week Zero Kicks Off: Your Guide to the College Football Today Slate
The wait is over. College football today is officially back, kicking off a new season with an action-packed Week Zero slate this Saturday. From a historic rivalry game in Ireland to a late-night showdown on the islands, the return of the sport brings anticipation and drama from the very first whistle. This initial weekend offers a perfect appetizer for the full feast of games to come, featuring ranked matchups, new quarterbacks, and teams looking to make an immediate statement.
For fans eager to get their fix, the Week Zero schedule provides a full day of action, streaming options, and compelling storylines. Whether you’re a die-hard or a casual viewer, here’s everything you need to know about the return of college football today.
The Main Event: Farmageddon in Dublin
The premier matchup of the day takes place far from American soil, as the long-standing rivalry known as “Farmageddon” between Iowa State and Kansas State is renewed in Dublin, Ireland. This game sets the tone for the entire season, featuring a critical early-season Big 12 clash.
All eyes will be on Kansas State’s Heisman Trophy candidate, quarterback Avery Johnson. After switching his car from a flashy Corvette to a Mercedes-Benz in the offseason, the focus is now on his consistency on the field. Experts emphasize that for the Wildcats to succeed, Johnson must deliver in high-leverage passing situations, especially inside the red zone. For Iowa State, quarterback Rocco Becht looks to extend his FBS-long streak of 18 consecutive games with a passing touchdown, but he must do so without his top two receivers from a year ago.
A Full Day of Gridiron Action college football today
Beyond the Dublin showdown, the Week Zero schedule is packed with intriguing games throughout the day:
UNLV vs. Idaho State (4:00 p.m. ET): The Rebels, coming off an impressive 11-win season, look to start strong under head coach Dan Mullen, though a new-look defense could lead to a slow start.
Kansas vs. Fresno State (6:30 p.m. ET): The Jayhawks christen their brand-new stadium in Lawrence with a tough test against a competitive Fresno State team.
Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky (7:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network): A Conference USA matchup to keep an eye on as both programs look to build momentum.
The Nightcap: Stanford vs Hawaii
The final game of the day promises fireworks as Stanford travels to face Hawaii (7:30 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount Plus). The storyline here is the debut of Hawaii’s redshirt freshman quarterback, Micah Alahalemoana. In his first career start last season, he threw for a staggering 469 yards and five touchdowns. While he may not have prototypical size or elite arm strength, his quick release and familiarity with head coach Timmy Chang’s system make him a player to watch. Stanford, meanwhile, enters under interim coach Frank Reich after a tumultuous offseason, making this an unpredictable and exciting cap to college football today.
