North Carolina's Season 2 under Bill Belichick begins across the Atlantic Ocean in Dublin, Ireland, on August 29 against TCU.
The Horned Frogs ruined Belichick's debut in Chapel Hill last September, quickly setting the tone for a disappointing 4-8 season that cast serious doubt on the six-time Super Bowl winner's ability to carry his NFL success to college football. TCU is coming off a 9-4 season and also boasts a new OC in Gordon Sammis, who oversaw the 21st-ranked offense last season at UConn, and transfer quarterback Jaden Craig. Additionally, Sonny Dykes' squad returns five starters on defense, including three on the defensive line, which could disrupt that new UNC offense.
Boise State's chances of breaking through into the top 25 are on the line when they face Oregon on September 5.
The Broncos can also plant the flag for the revived Pac-12, demonstrating that the conference should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, facing a national title contender on its home field might be too formidable a test. Oregon defeated James Madison and Texas Tech in the College Football Playoff before falling to eventual national champion Indiana.
Clemson's rematch against LSU on September 5 is highly anticipated.
LSU defeated Clemson by a touchdown last year at Memorial Stadium and hosts this year's rematch at Tiger Stadium, which could provide the same level of early-season drama. No head coach will be under a more glaring spotlight this year than Lane Kiffin. A decisive win against a nationally recognized opponent in Week 1 could quickly silence his detractors, at least until his Tigers begin their SEC schedule.
Notre Dame's national championship ambitions are on full display when they face Wisconsin on September 6.
The Fighting Irish created an uphill climb after losing to Miami and Texas A&M to open last season. Though they won their remaining 10 games, that wasn't enough to make the CFP. And head coach Marcus Freeman will likely use that to motivate his team early this year. The Badgers could turn around amid a Big Ten schedule that doesn't include Michigan, Oregon or Ohio State.
SMU's path to the CFP is about to get a lot easier when they face Florida State on September 7.
The Mustangs tied for second place in the ACC last season at 6-2 (9-4 overall) and are in position to win the conference outright after finishing as a runner-up in 2024. With an offense led by QB Kevin Jennings and transfer RB Kendrick Raphael, SMU should be productive. But a defense will provide plenty of help with returning linebackers Brandon Booker, Alexander Kilgore, and Brandon Miyazono.
Ohio State's showdown against Texas on September 12 is a rematch of last year's game.
The Buckeyes might be the best team in the nation and QB Julian Sayin has a full year of experience to build on. The Texas secondary could be left searching for answers against Jeremiah Smith and freshman Chris Henry Jr., especially if Sayin has time to throw. Arch Manning struggled last year against the No. 1 defense in the country, and the Buckeyes could be that good.
The season is about to get underway, and these non-conference matchups will set the tone for the nation's top teams as they begin their rigorous conference schedules.
Source: Yahoo Sports