The college football season kicked off in exciting fashion on Saturday as Week 0 began what should be another thrilling season. While Week 0 didn't have the biggest games, there were some major programs in action, allowing us to get our first look at revamped rosters. There's still a long way to go in the season, and you never want to judge off a single game, but there were some lessons to take from the action.
The 5 biggest lessons learned in Week 0
The Bill Belichick experiment is not dead (yet)
Last offseason, North Carolina's hiring of Bill Belichick was far and away the most interesting storyline in college football, as many wondered what it would look like. The way the Tar Heels staff carried themselves made it seem like they believed they'd instantly take over the sport. Instead, it was a disastrous season that started with TCU dismantling the Tar Heels.
Coming into this season, everyone was counting out the Tar Heels, assuming we'd see a similar result this season. Instead, with Bill Belichick calling the defense, the Tar Heels shut out TCU over the final 3 quarters, getting a 4th down stop late to secure the 15-10 win.
The win may end up saying more about TCU and where they're heading this season, but it's an encouraging result for the Tar Heels, and should quiet some of the concerns about Bill Belichick.
Mike Norvell is on shaky ground heading into a difficult stretch
This weekend served as a dress rehearsal for Florida State ahead of matchups against top 25 ranked SMU and Alabama. The game didn't calm any of the concerns around Mike Norvell as New Mexico State pushed the Seminoles throughout the game. The offensive line, QB Ashton Daniels, and the entire defense left reasons to be concerned, and the fans can't be too confident ahead of this stretch.
Tony Elliott has built Virginia into a yearly ACC contender
Tony Elliott came into 2025 with his job potentially on the line, and he delivered, taking the Cavaliers to the ACC Championship Game. After the run in a wild season in the ACC, everyone wanted to see this season if they were a one-year wonder or if Tony Elliott is actually building something sustainable at Virginia.
The opening game showed that Tony Elliott has a blueprint, and it's working as Virginia dismantled an NC State team that many were high on. The defense was incredible, and the Cavaliers safety tandem looks like it may be one of the best in the Country. If the veteran offensive line and Beau Pribula can hold up through the entire season, this team can punish anyone with its rushing attack.
Jackson Arnold's flaws still exist at a lower level
Dan Mullen has become the 3rd head coach who's hoped to turn Jackson Arnold into a solid starting quarterback, and on Saturday, he saw the flaws that led him from a 5-star recruit to UNLV. While Arnold didn't throw any interceptions and made an impact with his legs, he held onto the ball way too long, taking 6 sacks. UNLV may go on to have a great season, but Jackson Arnold's tendency to hang onto the ball will cost the Rebels throughout the season.
Charles Huff has built Memphis into an instant contender in the American
Everywhere Charles Huff has been a head coach, he's been a winner, bringing a conference championship to Marshall and quickly getting Southern Miss back to bowl eligibility. Memphis lost Ryan Silverfield to an SEC job, and they upgraded at head coach, and Charles Huff proved it on Saturday Night. The Memphis defense looks fearsome, and the offense has a ton of potential, and Huff may end up leading the Tigers to a conference championship and CFP bid in Year One.
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