College football fans are in for a treat as the 2025 season kicks off with an unprecedented lineup of blockbuster matchups. Gone are the days of cupcake openers and glorified preseason games. This year, the schedulers and television partners have gifted us with a Week 1 slate that’s sure to have everyone on the edge of their seats.
On JC and Morgan, the guys break down a welcomed blockbuster slate of games.
The action starts on Thursday night with a couple of intriguing games. East Carolina and NC State renew their rivalry in Raleigh, following a heated bowl game encounter last year. Meanwhile, Nebraska, under the guidance of their new offensive coordinator, faces Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Scott Satterfield, known for his giant-killing tendencies, will be looking to make a statement as there are some rumblings on the banks of the Ohio about his tenure.
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But it’s the weekend that really brings the fireworks. The SEC, in particular, has stepped up its non-conference scheduling game. Here are some of the mouth-watering matchups to look forward to:
Texas at Ohio State (Noon, Saturday Aug. 30, FOX): A clash of college football titans that needs no introduction.
Alabama at Florida State (3:30, Aug. 30, ABC): The Crimson Tide face a tough road test in Tallahassee. The game is particularly intriguing. While the Seminoles struggled last year, they’re expected to be improved with new quarterback Thomas Castellanos and coordinator Gus Malzahn. Alabama, coming off a disappointing 9-4 season by their lofty standards, will be eager to prove they’re back on track for a playoff run.
LSU at Clemson (7:30 p.m., Aug. 30, ABC): Two powerhouse programs going head-to-head.Auburn at Baylor: A Friday night special that’s sure to draw eyeballs.
South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech in Atlanta (3:30 p.m., Sunday Aug. 31, ESPN): Part of a double-header at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Tennessee vs. Syracuse in Atlanta (Noon, Aug. 30, ABC): The first half of the Atlanta double-header and another ACC vs. SEC showdown. Look for lots of orange around Centennial Olympic Park the entire weekend as the Hokies have orange in their color scheme, too.
Notre Dame at Miami (7:30 p.m., Aug. 31, ABC): We get Catholics vs. Convicts, as they called this game in the 1980s, right off the bat in a Sunday night before Labor Day showdown.
Auburn at Baylor (8 p.m., Friday Aug. 29, FOX): Auburn may or may not regret scheduling this game. The Bears had a surprisingly good run last season and are one of the many teams in the hunt for the Big 12 in 2025. The game is in Waco… scary for War Eagle.
It’s not just those contests that warrant attention, though. There are potential trap games lurking for some SEC teams. Mississippi State travels to Southern Miss, a program with a rich history that’s looking to recapture its former glory. Kentucky hosts Toledo, a team that upset Mississippi State last year and could pose problems for the Wildcats.
Even Texas A&M, while not facing a powerhouse, has scheduled a tricky opener against UT San Antonio. The Roadrunners have been a solid program in recent years. Spooky.
This loaded Week 1 schedule is a far cry from the typical season openers we’ve grown accustomed to. It’s a bold move by the SEC and other conferences to challenge themselves right out of the gate. For fans, it’s a dream come true – no more waiting for Week 2 or 3 for the real action to begin.
As we count down the days to kickoff, one thing’s for certain: College football is back with a bang in 2025, and Week 1 is shaping up to be one for the history books. Buckle up, folks – it’s going to be a wild ride!
