How to Watch NC State vs Virginia: TV Channel, College Football Streaming, Kickoff Time
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The NC State Wolfpack and Virginia Cavaliers will waste no time jumping into meaningful football when they meet at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville on Saturday during Week 0 of the 2026 college football season.
This matchup was originally scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before the game was relocated to Virginia in June. The NCAA later approved a waiver allowing the ACC rivals to keep their original Aug. 29 date. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and air nationally on ESPN.
Virginia enters Saturday’s matchup as a 5.5-point favorite over NC State, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 53.5 points.
There is plenty at stake for two programs with aspirations of making noise in a crowded ACC race.
How to Watch NC State vs. Virginia
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN app
- Location: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Va.
NC State enters the season looking for another big year from quarterback CJ Bailey, who threw for 3,105 yards last season and was especially effective against Virginia, completing 16-of-23 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 44 yards and two more scores.
The Wolfpack escaped that matchup with a 35-31 victory in Raleigh, continuing an impressive stretch against the Cavaliers. NC State has won four consecutive meetings in the series dating back to 2018.
Virginia will have a chance to change that trend in front of its home crowd.
The Cavaliers bring one of the most experienced rosters in college football into the new season, including a veteran offensive line that could become one of their biggest strengths. Virginia also added quarterbacks Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein as Tony Elliott looks to reload an offense that lost several important contributors.
Saturday also brings some history for Virginia.
It will be the 1,400th game in program history, and the Cavaliers enter it sitting on 699 all-time victories. A win over NC State would therefore give Virginia its 700th victory while opening the season with an important ACC win.
For NC State, the challenge is equally straightforward. Doeren’s team has controlled this series recently, but maintaining that success will require doing it on the road against a veteran opponent.
There will be no easing into the 2026 season for either side. By Saturday evening, one ACC contender will already have a conference victory. The other will be attempting to climb out of an early hole before August is even over.
Related: 5 Underrated QBs Flying Under the Radar in 2026
Related: ACC Quarterback Rankings for 2026
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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