The much-anticipated Aer Lingus College Football Classic is happening today, marking the exciting return of college football.
This afternoon, the North Carolina Tar Heels will take on the TCU Horned Frogs, kicking off their 2026 seasons in Dublin, Ireland.
It’s noteworthy that this is the second consecutive year that UNC and TCU have faced off in Week 1. Last year, Bill Belichick made his debut as UNC’s head coach, but the Horned Frogs overwhelmed the Tar Heels with a significant 48-14 win. Now, Belichick starts his second season at the helm.
Watch UNC vs. TCU for free
- When: Aug. 29, 12 p.m. ET
- Where: Aviva Stadium (Dublin, Ireland)
- How to watch for free: DIRECTV (five-day free trial)
- Channel: ESPN
Last season, the Tar Heels ended up 14th in the ACC, finishing with a 4-8 record. Meanwhile, TCU placed 9th in the Big 12 with a more favorable 9-4 record and was ranked No. 25 in the final AP Poll.
If you’re looking to catch the college football season opener today, here’s what to be aware of.
UNC vs. TCU Ireland game time
The game is set to kick off today (Aug. 29) at 12 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time in Dublin).
How to watch UNC vs. TCU for free
For those without cable, it’s important to have a live TV streaming service to watch the UNC vs. TCU game for free.
Right now, DIRECTV stands out as a great option for experiencing live TV with a five-day free trial. You can start with this trial and then even save $30 on your first month. The Choice plan is a good pick, as it includes ESPN among its 125+ channels.
