College football gets its early start with the Week 0 games, which take place on August 29 and include eight FBS teams. These contests act as a preview for the season, offering a look into team readiness and player roles before the regular season officially kicks off.
Although these games are considered part of the college season schedule, they don't contribute to fantasy football stats. Fantasy players, however, closely watch Week 0 to assess how players might perform in upcoming contests. It's a chance to get a head start on understanding who is in contention for major roles.
Last year, Jackson Harris from Hawaii used a Week 0 game to showcase his skills by catching six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. That performance helped propel him to a standout season and a transfer to LSU under Lane Kiffin, where he became a vital part of the offense. Without the Week 0 game, Harris might have gone unnoticed in most fantasy leagues.
This season, seven of the 68 Power Four teams included in Yahoo Sports’ College Fantasy Football format are scheduled to participate in Week 0. Two games feature matchups entirely among Power Four teams, while three others pair Power Four schools with Group of Six opponents.
Notably, the North Carolina-TCU game and the NC State-Virginia matchup are expected to draw attention, but the Hawaii-Stanford game is especially worth watching. If Hawaii's young talent can rise to the challenge, it could lead to more fantasy-relevant performances from their players.
Important Week 0 Storylines to Track
At USC, the wide receiver group is in flux following the graduation of Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL. With Lincoln Riley leading the team, the focus is on whether the young WRs can form a strong connection with quarterback Jayden Maiava. Tanook Hines is currently the early favorite to lead the receiving corps, but new transfer Terrell Anderson and three highly anticipated freshmen—Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Ethan Feaster, and Trent Mosley—may disrupt the pecking order.
Meanwhile, transfer tight end Mark Bowman from Mater Dei is in position to contribute early and could see game time as soon as Week 0. His performance will be key for fantasy managers looking to secure value late in drafts.
Virginia’s running back situation is also up for grabs after the departure of J'Mari Taylor. Three newcomers—Peyton Lewis, Jekail Middlebrook, and Solomon Beebe—have moved in to compete for playing time. Lewis stands out as the favorite, thanks to his 212-pound frame, track achievements, and seven rushing touchdowns from his time at Tennessee.
Virginia’s relatively weak schedule and returning offensive line depth could make Lewis a sleeper pick. If he gets early carries and plays well, he could become a solid option by Week 1, especially with his bye week offering an easy wait.
TCU is also watching closely as Jaden Craig, a Harvard transfer, steps into the starting quarterback role. He faces a tough initial challenge with UNC’s defense, which was stronger than the team’s weak offense last season. His performance will be the first real test of his ability to succeed in the Power Four.
Florida State’s RB1 Battle
Florida State’s running back competition is a big story as Tre Wisner returns after a standout 2024 season in which he carried the ball 226 times for 1,064 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 44 passes for 311 receiving yards and a score. While Wisner is leading the race for RB1, Jalek Kromah remains a strong contender. His performance could shift during the season, making Wisner a safer early pick but one to monitor closely.
Week 0 may not directly contribute fantasy points, but it's invaluable for projecting player roles and potential. Fantasy managers who pay attention to these games can gain a strategic edge by identifying undervalued players before the regular season draft and adjusting their plans accordingly.