College Football Kicks Off: Week 0 Highlights

College football is back this weekend to officially launch the 2026 season, offering a full day of Week 0 matchups. Although the Iowa Hawkeyes' season begins on Saturday, September 5th, with a home game against the Northern Illinois Huskies, there's still plenty of action to follow.

The opening games span various times and locations, kicking off in Ireland with the Aer Lingus Classic, a matchup between teams from the Big 12 and ACC. This international game sets the stage for a day filled with interconference rivalries.

For Iowa fans, a point of interest is former Hawkeye running back Terrell Washington Jr. After entering the transfer portal this offseason, Washington Jr. has joined the New Mexico State Aggies. He is set to play his first game with his new team this Saturday at 6 p.m. CT, facing the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee.

Washington Jr., a 5-foot-9, 205-pound running back, was a three-star recruit from Texas and part of Iowa's 2023 recruiting class. During his time with the Hawkeyes, he recorded 49 rushes for 182 yards and one touchdown, alongside 10 receptions for 51 yards.