Notre Dame, USC headline Week 0 of college football season

On Saturday, Aug. 26, seven games kick off the college football season, with Associated Press preseason No. 6 USC hosting San Jose State, and No. 13 Notre Dame traveling to Dublin in a game against Navy, in the highest profile games of the weekend.

With the season days away, here's a look at some of the most important people, places and things to look out for in Week 0.

Sam Hartman

Hartman is trending upward as the season opener nears, which is great for the Fighting Irish's 2023 outlook as well as Hartman's 2024 NFL Draft stock.

He was recently named by ESPN as one of the players with the "most at stake" entering the 2023 season. An NFC area scout told ESPN that Hartman "has all the tools from touch, timing and accuracy to really thrive."

Per ESPN, "Hartman's draft stock sits in the Day 3 territory," but "improved play at Notre Dame ... could help him slide up draft board come late April."

USC defense

After USC's defense sunk its College Football Playoff hopes a year ago, did the Trojans make enough additions in the transfer portal, or will the (Alex) Grinch steal USC's playoff thunder once again? 

This offseason, the Trojans added talented former SEC recruits in cornerback Bear Alexander (Georgia), Tre'Quon Fegans (Alabama) and Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M).

Head coach Lincoln Riley also made the controversial decision to retain his defensive coordinator following last year's late-season debacles against Utah and Tulane in which the defense allowed 1,072 yards and 93 points.

With what appears to be an easy win on the docket, the unit needs a strong showing against San Jose State to begin to change its narrative.

Pro prospects

Unsurprisingly, the Trojans' 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams headlines the list of pro prospects. Per Pro Football Network, he's the No. 2 overall prospect and is joined in the top 10 by Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt (No. 10).

Trojans safety Calen Bullock received an honorable mention, as did Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard. Bullock had five interceptions last season, while Sheppard scored nine touchdowns for the Commodores.

UMass tries to turn the page

The Minutemen haven't been very good at football since making the leap from FCS to FBS in 2012. UMass's peak over the past 12 seasons was consecutive 4-8 years in 2017 and 2018. Since 2019, it has had three 1-11 seasons and is 3-37 overall. While a great Oakland A's impersonation, that's a horrible football record.

UMass used the transfer portal to bring in former Clemson and Georgia Tech quarterback Taisun Phommachanh as well as former Miami (FL) and Jackson State wide receiver Mark Pope this offseason. The Minutemen have a big stage, in prime time on ESPN, as they kick off their season against New Mexico State. Perhaps their transfers can lead to a golden age of football at Amherst, like a 2-10 record.

Hawai'i football

It will be an emotional scene at Vanderbilt as the Commodores host Hawai'i. Maui wildfires have devastated Hawai'i in recent days, with the death toll rising to 111 people by Friday evening. For at least a few hours next Saturday, Hawai'i football can bring its community hope.

Per the Washington Post, head coach Tommy Chang said, "This is a family, this is our community, and so I think our guys know that the best way can help temporarily ... is playing some really good ball, winning, and doing it for Maui and our state."

CBS News has a helpful guide with various ways you can assist Maui residents impacted by the wildfires.