Will Hill’s Week 0 betting calls: USC to score big, NC State to cover

The 2026 college football season is set to commence with eight FBS games, marking the end of a pre-season period dominated by eligibility disputes and player movements from NFL training camps. Sports betting analyst Will Hill, writing for Fox Sports, has outlined his key wagers for the upcoming schedule, focusing on three specific matchups that define the early landscape of the season.

The headline event is the rematch between North Carolina and TCU, scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Dublin, Ireland. Hill recommends backing the Under 47.5 points, citing expected rain and wind that could disrupt play. This recommendation is further supported by uncertainty surrounding the starting quarterbacks for both sides. TCU is set to field Jaden Craig, a transfer from Harvard facing a significant step up in competition, while North Carolina will rely on Billy Edwards Jr., who won the starting role primarily for his ability to avoid turnovers rather than generate explosive plays.

In contrast, Hill predicts a dominant performance from the USC Trojans against San Jose State. With the team aiming to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, Hill suggests USC will exceed their team total of 48.5 points. He points to the Trojans’ recent history of emphatic victories against lower-ranked opponents, including a 73-0 win over Missouri State in 2024 and a 56-0 victory against San Jose State in 2023, as evidence that a seven-touchdown performance is likely.

The third selection involves NC State travelling to Virginia, where Hill favours the Wolfpack to cover the spread. The analysis hinges on roster continuity, noting that NC State is returning junior quarterback CJ Bailey, who has accumulated 53 career touchdowns in his first two years. Conversely, Virginia has lost significant offensive production, most notably the departure of quarterback Chandler Morris, who was prolific in the 2025 season. NC State won the previous meeting last September by a score of 35-31, and Hill anticipates a similarly close contest.

These predictions arrive as the sport navigates a transition period, with the immediate focus shifting from administrative headlines to on-field performance. The Dublin match, in particular, serves as a test for both coaching staffs and new quarterback options under potentially difficult weather conditions.

Hill’s analysis underscores the importance of weather and roster turnover in the early stages of the season. While USC is positioned to assert dominance, the other two matches are expected to be tighter affairs, influenced by defensive uncertainties and the absence of established offensive leaders.