College Football Week 0: A Comprehensive Look at Early Season Matchups and Viewing Options

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 3:06 GMT by Sporting News
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The roar of the crowd is back! The 2023 college football season officially kicks off this week with a slate of intriguing games in what’s commonly referred to as “Week 0.” While these contests don't count towards the traditional regular season schedule, they offer a valuable glimpse into team form, potential strategies, and early-season momentum. Sporting News has compiled a comprehensive guide to all the Week 0 action, including game times, TV channels, streaming options, and key storylines for each matchup.

The Headliners: Big Ten West Showdown & Notre Dame’s Irish Exodus

Without a doubt, the marquee event of Week 0 is the clash between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Minnesota Golden Gophers. This Big Ten West rivalry game, held this year in Minneapolis, carries significant weight for both programs. Nebraska, under first-year head coach Matt Rhule, aims to shed its recent struggles and establish a new identity. Minnesota, looking to build on last season's success, wants to defend their home turf. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on FOX.

Adding international flair to the week, Notre Dame Fighting Irish embark on a journey across the Atlantic to face the Navy Midshipmen in Dublin, Ireland. This marks Notre Dame’s first regular-season game outside of the United States since 1923. The unique setting and potential for a significant time difference adjustment make this matchup particularly compelling. Expect a strong Irish showing, but Navy will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on any early struggles from the Fighting Irish. Kickoff is Saturday at 2:30 PM ET and will air on ABC.

Beyond the Big Stage: A Look at Other Key Matchups

The Week 0 schedule isn't just about the headliners; several other games offer compelling narratives and potential upsets. Here’s a breakdown of some notable contests:

Charleston Southern vs. North Carolina (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, ACC Network): The Tar Heels are heavily favored against the FCS opponent, but will be looking to establish their offensive rhythm early in the season.
UAB vs. Anderson University (Saturday, 2:00 PM ET, ESPN+): UAB returns to the field after a brief hiatus and aims to prove its resurgence with a dominant performance against an NAIA opponent.
Florida International vs. Louisiana Tech (Saturday, 3:00 PM ET, beIN SPORTS): A matchup between two programs looking to rebuild their identities in Conference USA.
Wyoming vs. Texas State (Saturday, 4:00 PM ET, ESPN+): This contest features a Mountain West team facing off against an emerging Sun Belt program.
Boise State vs. North Dakota (Saturday, 5:00 PM ET, Fox Sports 1): Boise State, traditionally a powerhouse in the Mountain West, will be tested by a strong FCS opponent.
San Jose State vs. Fresno State (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET, CBS Sports Network): A heated California rivalry game that promises intensity and physicality. This is a crucial early-season test for both teams.
Hawaii vs. Alabama State (Saturday, 8:00 PM ET, ESPN2): While Alabama State presents a significant challenge in terms of talent disparity, Hawaii will be looking to shake off the rust after a challenging offseason.

Streaming Options & How to Watch

For those unable to catch the games on traditional television, several streaming options are available:

ESPN+: Offers coverage of multiple Week 0 contests, including UAB vs. Anderson and Wyoming vs. Texas State.
ACC Network+: Provides access to the Charleston Southern vs. North Carolina game.
CBS Sports App: Streams the San Jose State vs. Fresno State rivalry matchup.
Fox Sports App: Allows viewing of Boise State vs. North Dakota.
Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV: These services offer access to all major networks broadcasting Week 0 games (FOX, ABC, ESPN, ACC Network, beIN SPORTS, CBS Sports Network).

Key Storylines & What to Watch For

Beyond the on-field action, several overarching storylines will shape the Week 0 landscape:

New Coaching Regimes: Several programs are under new leadership. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule and others will face immediate scrutiny as they attempt to implement their systems and philosophies.
Early Season Momentum: A strong performance in Week 0 can provide a significant boost in confidence and momentum heading into the regular season. Conversely, a disappointing loss can create early doubts and challenges.
Player Development & Depth: Week 0 provides an opportunity for coaches to evaluate their players, identify areas of strength and weakness, and assess the depth of their rosters.
International Exposure: Notre Dame’s game in Dublin offers a unique chance to showcase college football to a global audience and potentially expand its reach internationally. Week 0 represents more than just early-season games; it's a launchpad for the excitement and drama that defines college football. With compelling matchups, intriguing storylines, and readily available viewing options, fans have ample opportunity to kick off the season with enthusiasm and anticipation. Don’t miss out on the action!

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College Football Week 0: A Comprehensive Look at Early Season Matchups and Viewing Options