How to get tickets for the College Football Week 1 games: Costs and availability for the NCAAF kickoff season
The 2026 college football season is almost here, and fans can already find tickets for some of the biggest Week 1 matchups
C ollege football fans are preparing for the return of the 2026 season, with Week 1 bringing a packed schedule of games across the country.
For supporters hoping to experience the action inside the stadium rather than watching from home, tickets are already available for many matchups, although prices and inventory can vary considerably depending on the teams involved.
The 2026 FBS season officially gets underway during Week 0 on August 29, before the first full Saturday of college football arrives on September 5. FOX Sports lists Week 1 as running from September 3 through September 7, giving fans several days of games to choose from.
That means supporters looking to attend a game should start checking availability now, particularly for high-demand contests involving nationally recognized programs.
Fans can browse college football tickets through SeatGeek's NCAA football ticket marketplace and StubHub's NCAA football marketplace. Both platforms allow buyers to search by team, matchup and date, although prices can move as demand changes.
The most important thing for buyers to understand is that there is no single price for a Week 1 ticket. A seat in the upper level for a lower-profile matchup can cost relatively little, while a premium seat for a major rivalry or ranked showdown can be substantially more expensive.
Current listings illustrate that spread. CBS Sports' 2026 schedule showed tickets beginning at around $20 for San Jose State at USC, while NC State at Virginia had listings starting around $38 and Jacksonville State at North Dakota State around $72.
Which Week 1 games are likely to attract the biggest crowds?
Several games stand out on the opening-weekend schedule.
One of the headline contests is Clemson vs. LSU , scheduled for September 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Clemson's home schedule indicates that tickets are available, although inventory is limited.
Another major attraction is Boise State at Oregon, which is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on September 5. There is also Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame , which will take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on September 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
For fans seeking a less expensive way into college football, there are plenty of alternatives. CBS Sports' listings currently show some Week 0 and opening-week games with starting prices well below those associated with the marquee contests.
Hawaii at Stanford, for example, was listed from roughly $14, while New Mexico State at Florida State started around $36.
The first FBS game of the season is actually North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland, on August 29. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic kicks off at noon ET at Aviva Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN.
How to save money on Week 1 tickets
The simplest way to keep costs down is to compare multiple listings before buying. Prices on resale marketplaces can fluctuate based on demand, remaining inventory and proximity to kickoff.
Buyers should also look beyond the headline games. If the primary goal is simply to attend a college football game, choosing a less-hyped matchup can dramatically reduce the cost of admission.
It is also worth checking the school's official ticket office before purchasing from a resale marketplace. Some programs may still have standard tickets available, potentially avoiding the additional costs associated with secondary-market purchases.
At the same time, fans should pay close attention to the final price at checkout rather than focusing exclusively on the initial listing price. Service fees and other charges can increase the amount ultimately paid.
Week 1 ticket availability is also likely to change rapidly. Some games already have limited inventory, while others offer a much wider selection.
USA TODAY's recent ticket guides for programs including Clemson and Texas Tech similarly note that tickets for the 2026 season are available, with limited inventory for certain games.
For fans determined to be in the stadium when the 2026 college football campaign gets serious, the best strategy is therefore to identify the matchup first, compare the official market with resale platforms, and then check the complete price before committing.
With the season opener only days away and the first full Saturday arriving September 5, waiting too long could mean fewer seating choices, particularly for the biggest games.
