When does the 2023 college football season start?

One of the greatest times of year for a fan of the sport, the anticipation is already starting to build for the 2023 college football season. However, as you likely know, we are still numerous months away from that anticipated date, as well as a few weeks out from spring practice even beginning.

Even despite that, it never hurts to take a look ahead, right? So, let’s do just that, and take a look at when the 2023 college football season is set to officially begin.

When does the 2023 college football season start?

The 2023 college football season will officially begin on Saturday, August 26, 2023, with four Week 0 matchups set to take place. Those four matchups include USC vs San Jose State, Notre Dame vs Navy, and New Mexico State vs UMass, as well as one game featuring an SEC team as Vanderbilt hosts Hawai’i in Nashville.

Vanderbilt previously traveled to Hawai’i to open the 2022 season this past fall in Week 0, picking up a 63-10 win over the Rainbow Warriors.

The 2023 season will however open for everyone else a week later in Week 1, which will include games from Thursday, August 31 through Monday, September 4. Speaking of the SEC teams as well, the Week 1 game for each, and when, can be found below:

Saturday, September 2:

• Alabama vs Middle Tennessee State
• Arkansas vs Western Carolina
• Auburn vs UMass
• Florida at Utah
• Georgia vs UT Martin
• Kentucky vs Ball State
• Mississippi State vs Southeastern Louisiana 
• Missouri vs South Dakota
• Ole Miss vs Mercer
• South Carolina vs North Carolina (Charlotte)
• Tennessee vs Virginia (Nashville)
• Texas A&M vs New Mexico
• Vanderbilt vs Alabama A&M

Sunday, September 3:

• LSU vs Florida State (Orlando)

So, there you have it. The countdown is officially on for Week 0 this upcoming fall, as well as the many intriguing matchups for SEC teams in Week 1.