TCU's shamrock frog helmets top best uniforms of CFB Week 0

          The design of TCU's Week 0 alternate uniform helmets is a nod to the school's 2011 Rose Bowl lids, which famously featured a horned frog holding a rose in its mouth. TCUFootball/X
          • ESPN staffAug 28, 2026, 09:00 AM ET

          After a long offseason, college football is back -- and so are the uniforms.

          From iconic school colors to memorable details, all the usual highlights are back for the 2026 season's first set of threads. The pick of the bunch is TCU's offering for the Horned Frogs' Week 0 matchup in Dublin, particularly the alternate uniform's helmets.

          TCU's lids mix the team's traditional purple color scheme with some locally themed flair -- the Horned Frog emblem on the helmet has a shamrock in its mouth. It's a nod to TCU's 2011 Rose Bowl design, which famously featured the frog holding a rose in its mouth.

          A sweet helmet isn't the only detail the Horned Frogs' alternate threads, unveiled back in June, have to offer, though. The uniform's black jerseys feature frogskin-patterned numbers and a distinctive pattern on the shoulders and collar that also pay homage to the school's mascot.

          Plenty of other teams are opening up the new campaign in style as well. Here's all the top looks from Week 0 of the 2026 college football season.

          UNC

          Don't count out North Carolina's uniform game either -- the Tar Heels are bringing plenty of heat to Dublin.

          North Carolina is rolling with its throwbacks -- featuring Carolina blue block numbers on a white jersey base -- but with a local twist. The "UNC" lettering on the front of their helmets will be colored green (U), white (N) and orange (C), with the splash of non-Tar Heel colors representing Ireland's tricolored flag.

          Virginia

          The Cavaliers' season-opening game against NC State was moved from Rio de Janeiro to a more familiar setting in Charlottesville, Virginia, but the 'Hoos are still starting the season with a fresh look all the same.

          Virginia's jersey and pants combination is one that will be easily noticeable from afar -- bright orange on bright orange. The monochromatic threads will be matched with a traditional white helmet for a clean offering.

          Sacramento State

          Saturday will mark a major milestone for the Hornets: the program's first game at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Sacramento State will start its tenure as members of the FBS and MAC on the road against Eastern Michigan, and it's marking the occasion with a simple but classic look: all-whites, with green and gold accents throughout. The Hornets' helmet features an interlocking "SAC" wordmark.

          UNLV

          The late-night game of Week 0 features an intriguing Group of 6 nonconference showdown between UNLV and Memphis, and the Rebels are making sure they're well styled for the Saturday night lights.

          Hosting the Tigers in Las Vegas, UNLV is mixing its traditional colors for a sharp grey-on-red-on-grey helmet/jersey/pants combination.