4 under-the-radar college football stars playing Week 0

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College football is officially back with its Week 0 slate, and while many top programs won’t be featured on opening weekend there are still countless stars taking the field.

NFL legend Bill Belichick and North Carolina are among the notable schools to feature. Meanwhile, Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans have a lot of eyes on the program heading into a competitive Big Ten season.

While there are only eight matchups on the opening weekend’s slate, there’s plenty to be exciting for with players looking to etch their names on the national radar. That includes a host top talents from USC, North Carolina and TCU.

These are four of the top under-the-radar college football players for Week 0.

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Top under-the-radar college football stars playing Week 0

Demon June (North Carolina Tar Heels)

North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June runs between two Syracuse Orange linebackers. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

June possesses one of the best names in college football, but he’s also poised for a huge 2026 season. The North Carolina running back only received 84 rushing attempts a season ago, but that number is expected to increase significantly this year.

Belichick’s offense could feature June heavily this year, and that starts with the TCU matchup in Dublin, Ireland.

Micah Alejado (Hawaii Rainbow Warriors)

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors quarterback Micah Alejado prepares to pass the ball in fourth quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

In 2025, Alejado tossed 24 touchdown passes while racking up over 3,100 yards at the island program. The sophomore quarterback has become an exciting part of head coach Timmy Chang’s offense.

Hawaii posted a 9-4 record in the Mountain West a season ago, but Alejado’s continued development puts them on the national map with his air-raid style passing attack.

Mark Bowman (USC Trojans)

USC Football head coach Lincoln Riley speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Trojans always boast a star-studded lineup, but Bowman is an athletic freak at the tight end position. The five-star prospect steps into a USC offense where Maiava will likely be throwing him the ball often.

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USC lost pro players Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane in the 2026 NFL Draft, which gives Bowman an even greater chance for success early in his collegiate career. He stands at 6-feet 5-inches, making him a huge threat for Maiava aerially.

Jaden Craig (TCU Horned Frogs)

TCU quarterback Jaden Craig speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Craig’s transition from life at Harvard to TCU is a massive shift. However, the New Jersey native features an athletic build and is coming off an impressive campaign in the Ivy League.

Craig threw 25 touchdown passes a season ago, and joins a TCU program with significant skill position players. The Horned Frogs will be without wideout Jordan Dwyer, but the excitement surrounding Craig is still real.

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