UNC’s offensive duo aims to impress Bill Belichick and lead Tar Heels against TCU in college football opener.

Week Zero is here as the FBS gears up for its opening weekend in early September, featuring a sneak peek of the season ahead.

On Saturday, August 29, fans can catch eight games, starting with UNC facing off against TCU in Dublin, Ireland, and wrapping up with UNLV hosting Memphis, led by Dan Mullen.

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While just 16 teams will be in action, fans can still look forward to some standout players. Teams have been refining their rosters and strategies for months, and now we get to see how well their preparations translate into actual games.

Here’s an overview of key players to keep an eye on during Week Zero.

QB Billy Edwards Jr., UNC

• UNC vs. TCU, 12 p.m. ET – Dublin, Ireland (ESPN/DIRECTV)

Saturday will be a significant moment for several transfer quarterbacks at their new institutions, notably Edwards stepping onto the field in a Tar Heel uniform for the first time.

The former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback has won the starting position after outperforming Texas A&M transfer Miles O’Neill.

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After only two appearances for the Badgers last year due to a knee injury, Edwards completed 7-of-16 passes for 113 yards. However, in 2024, he threw for 2,881 yards with a 15-to-9 touchdown to interception ratio while also rushing for five touchdowns.

Following a disappointing 4-8 season under head coach Belichick, which saw a revolving door of struggling quarterbacks, the pressure is on Edwards to deliver from the start.

WR Jordan Shipp, UNC

• UNC vs. TCU, 12 p.m. ET – Dublin, Ireland (ESPN/DIRECTV)

Entering his third season with the Tar Heels, Shipp faced challenges from poor quarterback play last year. Despite that, he secured 671 yards and six touchdowns on 60 receptions, leading North Carolina in receiving.

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With UNC scoring only 13 touchdowns through the air last year, Shipp accounted for nearly half of those. As they face the Horned Frogs, he will be a key focus for an offense looking to improve.

QB Jaden Craig, TCU

• UNC vs. TCU, 12 p.m. ET – Dublin, Ireland (ESPN/DIRECTV)

TCU will also showcase a new quarterback in Jaden Craig, a transfer from Harvard, following the exit of Josh Hoover to Indiana.

Craig was a standout at Harvard, amassing 5,299 passing yards with 48 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over the past two seasons, leading to First-Team All-Ivy League honors. He prefers to stay in the pocket and will face a tough test against UNC’s defense.

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LB Desman Stephens, USC

• San Jose State at USC, 3 p.m. ET (NBC/DIRECTV)

While Lincoln Riley’s offensive prowess often takes the spotlight, the Trojans’ defense has been a key reason for their absence from the playoffs during his tenure.

Last season, sophomore linebacker Stephens led the team in tackles on an improved defense. With a new respected defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson, Stephens will be looking to further elevate his game against San Jose State.

QB CJ Bailey, NC State

• NC State at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN/DIRECTV)

Bailey returns for his third year with the Wolfpack, throwing for 3,105 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 games last season. Additionally, he contributed as a rusher with 215 yards and six touchdowns.

His primary challenge will be finding reliable targets in a revamped receiving corps, as the majority are new faces either through transfers or as true freshmen.

LB Kam Robinson, Virginia

• NC State at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN/DIRECTV)

Returning for his senior season, Robinson is set to take on a leadership role within the Cavaliers’ defense. After the departure of key defensive players, it will fall on Robinson to fill that void.

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Last season, he recorded the third-most tackles on the team, including two sacks. After missing last year’s campaign due to an ACL injury, he’s expected to play, although he’s still a “game-time decision” according to head coach Tony Elliott.

S Bryce Llewellyn, Eastern Michigan

• Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Llewellyn, a defensive back for the Eagles, is entering his third year and led the team with 102 tackles last season. He showcased versatility with two interceptions and four passes defended.

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With a remarkable 102 tackles—28 more than his closest teammate—Llewellyn’s all-around skills will be crucial for Eastern Michigan as they look to make their mark this season.

RB Micah Ford, Stanford

• Hawaii at Stanford, 7 p.m. ET (ACC Network/DIRECTV)

Stanford will kick off its season at home against Hawaii, featuring a revamped offense with graduate transfer Davis Warren at quarterback and wide receiver Carter Shaw as a new addition.

Micah Ford returns as the starting running back, building on a solid sophomore year where he rushed for 643 yards and scored four touchdowns. His role may expand as Stanford aims to boost its performance in the ACC this year.

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WR Duce Robinson, Florida State

• New Mexico State at Florida State, 7 p.m. ET (CW/DIRECTV)

Robinson is entering his fourth season, his second at Florida State. Standing at 6’6”, he presents a significant matchup challenge for opposing defensive backs.

Last season, he led the Seminoles with 56 catches, 1,081 yards, and six touchdowns, ranking within the top ten for receiving yards in the FBS. With a new quarterback, Ashton Daniels, relying on Robinson will be essential for FSU’s offensive success.

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Robinson is also a contender for the Walter Camp Award, recognizing the FBS Player of the Year.

RB Jai’Den Thomas, UNLV

• Memphis at UNLV, 10 p.m. ET (Fox/DIRECTV)

As the season opener approaches against Memphis, head coach Dan Mullen has not announced a starting quarterback, naming both Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji as options.

In light of this uncertainty, UNLV may need to lean heavily on Thomas, a dynamic running back with nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in the last two seasons.