The 2025 college football season kicks off with a bang, delivering a Week 1 slate packed with marquee matchups that could shape the playoff race and set the tone for the entire year. From blockbuster non-conference clashes to intriguing rivalry renewals, here are the top 10 must-watch games for Week 1 of the 2025 season, ranked based on stakes, star power, and potential impact.
No. 1 Texas at No. 2/3 Ohio State, Noon, Aug. 30, FOX
Why It’s No. 1: This is the game of the week, and potentially the year, as the defending national champion and No. 2 (coaches poll) Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 (both polls) Texas Longhorns in a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal. The expanded playoff format means a loss won’t end either team’s postseason hopes, but the winner will gain massive momentum and bragging rights in the Big Ten-SEC rivalry. All eyes will be on Texas’ Arch Manning, making his debut as the full-time starter, against Ohio State’s likely new quarterback, Julian Sayin. With elite talent like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith facing Texas’ revamped secondary, this game in Columbus is a can’t-miss spectacle. We cannot remember a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown to open the season.
Key Storylines: Can Manning handle the pressure of The Horseshoe in his first big test as QB1? Can Texas handle being No. 1 in the preseason for the first time ever? What will the Buckeyes look like on defense?
Prediction: Ohio State 30, Texas 24
Spread: Ohio State -3
No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 30, ABC
Why It’s Must-Watch: Dubbed the “Battle of the Death Valleys,” this SEC-ACC showdown pits two programs with national title aspirations against each other. LSU, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, aims to snap a five-game season-opener losing streak under coach Brian Kelly, while Clemson’s Cade Klubnik looks to cement his Heisman candidacy and propel the Tigers toward an ACC title. Clemson’s home-field advantage in Memorial Stadium makes this a daunting challenge for LSU, but the Tigers’ bolstered defense via the transfer portal could make it a classic.
Key Storyline: Can LSU’s revamped defense contain Clemson’s explosive offense?
Prediction: Clemson 27, LSU 21
Spread: Clemson -2.5
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 31, ABC
Why It’s Must-Watch: This renewal of the “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry is a Sunday night standalone at Hard Rock Stadium with massive early playoff implications. Notre Dame, coming off a national championship game appearance, is loaded for another title run, led by new quarterback C.J. Carr. Miami, with Georgia transfer Carson Beck at the helm, aims to prove it’s ready to compete with the elite. Both teams have high-powered rosters, and a win here could set the tone for a postseason push.
Key Storyline: How will Beck and Miami’s new-look offense fare against Notre Dame’s stout defense? Prediction: Notre Dame 28, Miami 20
Spread: Notre Dame -2.5
No. 8 Alabama at Florida State, 3:30 p.m., Aug. 30, ABC
Why It’s Must-Watch: This SEC-ACC clash carries immense pressure for both coaches. Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, coming off a 9-4 debut season, faces a must-win road test to solidify the Crimson Tide’s place in the SEC hierarchy. Florida State’s Mike Norvell, desperate to rebound from a 2-10 disaster in 2024, needs a statement victory to quiet doubters. Both teams break in new quarterbacks, with Florida State leaning on brash transfer Thomas Castellanos and Alabama going with Ty Simpson. A loss by the Tide here could really shake things up early.
Key Storyline: Can Florida State’s revamped offense with Castellanos and new coordinator Gus Malzahn surprise Alabama’s defense?
Prediction: Alabama 34, Florida State 17
Spread: Alabama -9.5
Auburn at Baylor, 8 p.m., Aug. 29, FOX
Why It’s Must-Watch: This Friday night matchup is a fascinating SEC-Big 12 battle with high stakes for both coaches. Auburn’s Hugh Freeze is under pressure to deliver in his third year, armed with Oklahoma transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold and a talented roster. Baylor, coming off a six-game win streak to end 2024, could elevate the Big 12’s reputation with a win over an SEC foe. This game in Waco promises intrigue and could signal Auburn’s emergence as a sleeper contender.
Key Storyline: Will Auburn’s investment in the transfer portal pay off with Arnold and others like Georgia Tech wide receiver transfer Eric Singleton pay off immediately?
Prediction: Auburn 31, Baylor 27
Spread: Auburn -1.5
Next Five
Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (Kansas City), 9 p.m. Aug. 28, FOX
Georgia Tech at Colorado, 8 p.m., Aug. 29, ESPN
Utah at UCLA, 11 p.m., Aug. 30, FOX
Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina (Atlanta), 3 p.m., Aug. 31, ESPN
TCU at North Carolina, 8 p.m., Sept. 1, ESPN/ESPNU
