College football is on the brink of a seismic shift that could change the game as we know it. If the sport moves to a full-scale Week 0 model for every FBS team, it would mark one of the biggest structural changes since the College Football Playoff expansion. But like most NCAA decisions, the ripple effects would stretch far beyond simply kicking off a week earlier.
College football leaders have discussed moving all teams to Week 0 as early as this year. The idea is to create a longer calendar with an additional potential bye week, while pushing Labor Day weekend into what would effectively become Week 2. For fans, that means more football earlier in the summer—and for programs, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
From a Mountain West perspective, this feels like a move that could both elevate and complicate programs outside the Power Four. Week 0 has traditionally been a national spotlight reserved for a select few: think Hawaii, overseas showcases, or TV-friendly one-offs. If every team starts then, Group of Five schools like Fresno State, Boise State, San Diego State, or UNLV could gain earlier inventory in a media ecosystem desperate for live football.
More inventory means more TV windows, more exposure for playoff résumés, and potentially more revenue opportunities for leagues fighting for relevance. For Mountain West teams especially, an extra week could reduce scheduling bottlenecks and create more flexibility for marquee non-conference games without compressing league play.
A universal Week 0 likely adds scheduling flexibility, meaning schools can better distribute bye weeks across a longer season. In theory, that could help with recovery, especially as the postseason keeps expanding. More rest could matter for programs that survive on roster depth margins far thinner than SEC or Big Ten giants.
But there's a flip side. An earlier start means earlier fall camp, more summer disruption, and another "inch" toward treating college football like a near year-round enterprise. For players, particularly at non-blue blood schools without elite sports science resources, this could mean more wear, more heat exposure in August practices, and greater physical toll. Coaches may love the flexibility; trainers may not.
Fans also shouldn't ignore the potential impact on game day traditions. Moving the start date up could shift the rhythm of the entire season, from tailgates to travel plans. And for those of us who love the sport's unique calendar—where Labor Day weekend feels like the true kickoff—this change might take some getting used to.
Whether you're a die-hard fan, a coach, or just someone who loves the game, this potential shift is worth watching. As the debate heats up, one thing is clear: college football is evolving, and Week 0 might just be the start of something much bigger.