The opening weekend for all but nine FBS programs in the 2025 college football season promises to be historic, not only because three top-ten matchups will headline the official kickoff for the first time in history, but also because fans will be able to gauge which programs with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations are ready to make a statement and which might face early challenges that could shape the narrative for the rest of the year. As teams take the field, the stakes are high, with top programs being tested under national scrutiny and new coaching storylines, returning stars, and key transfers creating a dynamic mix of talent and strategy that’ll determine which squads can handle pressure and which may struggle to execute in critical moments. This weekend provides a rare opportunity to see how depth, preparation, and mental toughness translate on the field and will be a defining moment in the season’s early storylines and a must-watch for anyone following the national championship chase, so as anticipation builds and the first whistle blows, here are the ten games that will serve as a revealing snapshot of which teams are truly playoff contenders and which will have work to do as the 2025 season unfolds:

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Thursday, August 28

#25 Boise State (-5.5) @ USF (O/U: 62.5)

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

5:30 pm, ESPN

Week 1 begins on Thursday night in Tampa as #25 Boise State visits USF in what will be one of the bigger, intriguing Group of Five matchups of the year. The Broncos enter 2025 fresh off a 12-2 season that featured a Mountain West championship and a Fiesta Bowl trip under head coach Spencer Danielson, but they’ll need to replace superstar running back Ashton Jeanty while leaning on veteran quarterback Maddux Madsen and a defense anchored by standout linebacker Marco Notarainni to stay in the New Year’s Six conversation. For the Bulls, momentum is building after back-to-back 7-6 campaigns under Alex Golesh, capped by a Gasparilla Bowl victory that further energized a program on the rise in the American Athletic, and quarterback Byrum Brown is finally healthy again and returns as the centerpiece of an offense that also brings back a strong backfield rotation and several explosive weapons, while the defense hopes a year of experience leads to more consistency. With Boise State carrying playoff aspirations and USF seeking a signature non-conference win to cement its climb, this opener provides an early measuring stick for both teams.

Best Bet: Matt Lauter o46.5 Receiving Yards

My favorite play for this matchup is Matt Lauter to go over 46.5 receiving yards, and honestly, it feels like a line he can clear more often than not. He hit that mark five times last season, and with Jeanty, who carried the bulk of the offense in 2024, now gone, Boise State has every reason to lean on the pass game and Lauter even more. Madsen is stepping into a bigger role at quarterback, and when things get tight, his safety blanket is going to be the big, reliable tight end who always seems to find soft spots in coverage. Wideout Latrell Caples will help by keeping USF’s secondary honest on the outside, but Lauter is the guy who thrives in those tough third-down situations and in the red zone, where his size and hands are tough to match. Considering South Florida struggled to defend the pass last year and will likely send plenty of pressure trying to rattle Madsen, Lauter should see plenty of targets across the middle. In other words: if you’re asking me to bet on whether he’ll hit at least 47 yards, I’m happily saying yes, and probably more often than just this week.

Prediction

It’ll already be a steep climb back into the College Football Playoff for Boise State without Jeanty, and opening the year on the other side of the country against a dangerous USF squad in Tampa makes the climb even tougher. The Broncos will need Madsen to settle in quickly, leaning on Lauter’s consistency over the middle and Caples’ explosiveness outside to emphasize the pass game even more, while the defense has to find a way to contain the Bulls’ dynamic quarterback. USF will land its share of blows, using Brown’s dual-threat ability and tempo to keep Boise’s defense off balance, but the Broncos’ experience in close games should shine through late. It won’t come easy, but I think Boise State finds just enough big plays down the stretch to escape with a gritty, high-scoring affair, and while USF doesn’t get the result they want, they still prove that they’re a threat in the American Athletic title and Group of Five CFP race.

Final Score: #25 Boise State 34, USF 27

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Friday, August 29

Auburn (-2.5) @ Baylor (O/U: 58.5)

McLane Stadium, Waco, TX

8 pm, FOX

Auburn and Baylor enter Week 1 eager to rebound from disappointing 2024 campaigns, as the Tigers, under head coach Hugh Freeze, look to improve on a 5-7 season that saw them miss a bowl game and finish near the bottom of the SEC standings, and they hope to do so with a revamped offense led by quarterback Jackson Arnold and a promising receiving corps, while their defense returns several key contributors and has added depth in the secondary through the transfer portal. Meanwhile, Baylor, guided by head coach Dave Aranda, comes off an 8-5 season capped by a Texas Bowl loss to LSU, and they return starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns last year, while running back Bryson Washington steps into a larger role with Dawson Pendergrass sidelined for the season due to injury, and receiver Josh Cameron provides a steady target to help stabilize an offense that aims to maintain balance and efficiency. With both teams determined to make a strong statement early, Auburn’s offense will be tested against a Baylor defense that is eager to prove itself, and the matchup promises a closely contested battle that could set the tone for each team’s path through the 2025 season.

Best Bet: Baylor ML

For this matchup, I was actually shocked to find that Baylor is listed as an underdog for this game despite having plenty of factors in their favor, most notably the home-field advantage in Waco and the momentum they carry off a strong finish to last season, which is why my top play is taking them on the moneyline. While Auburn is certainly a team that could develop into a very solid contender down the road, this iteration of the Tigers is still finding its footing under Hugh Freeze, and I expect Baylor’s more experienced backfield, led by Bryson Washington stepping into a larger role, to control the pace and relieve pressure on Sawyer Robertson. Add in a well-rounded offense that can move the ball through the air and on the ground, combined with a defense that has continuity and depth returning, and it’s hard to see how Auburn, even with arguably more overall talent on paper, can be counted on to overcome the energy and execution Baylor will bring to their home opener. The Bears have the opportunity to start the season with a statement win, and I like them to do just that.

Prediction

Baylor is set to take control early against Auburn, using a balanced offensive attack to keep the Tigers’ defense off-balance while leaning heavily on Bryson Washington to set the tone in a big way in the backfield, and Robertson spreading the ball efficiently to Cameron and the rest of the receiving corps. Auburn will fight back behind Arnold and their talented skill players, but Baylor’s combination of experience, depth, and home-field energy will allow the Bears to maintain a consistent edge, methodically building a lead and controlling the clock with key third-down conversions and timely scoring drives. While the final score could suggest a closer contest than the flow of the game might reflect, Baylor’s ability to execute in all three phases will make the margin look tight on paper while they remain firmly in command, providing momentum and confidence for the Bears as they prepare to start their Big XII campaign. Meanwhile, Auburn will walk away with some positives to build on, but the early deficit and mistakes in key situations will serve as a reminder of the work still needed under Hugh Freeze to compete consistently in a stacked conference.

Final Score: Baylor 34, Auburn 24

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Georgia Tech (-4.5) @ Colorado (O/U: 51.5)

Folsom Field, Boulder, CO

8 pm, ESPN

Georgia Tech heads west to face Colorado in a Week 1 matchup that promises plenty of intrigue as both teams look to set the tone for the 2025 season. The Yellow Jackets, under Brent Key, are coming off a 7-6 campaign capped by a close Birmingham Bowl loss to Vanderbilt, and they’ll lean on quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes to fuel an offense that blends a power-run focus with occasional trickery. FIU transfer wideout Eric Rivers and tight end Brett Seither will be key targets as Georgia Tech looks to maintain balance in the passing game, while the defense, led by linebacker Kyle Efford and anchored by corner Ahmari Harvey, hopes to create turnovers and keep the Yellow Jackets competitive in a physically demanding matchup. Colorado, meanwhile, is coming off a 9-4 season that ended in the Alamo Bowl against BYU, and with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter gone, all eyes are on former Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, running back Micah Welch, and Incarnate Word transfer DeKalon Taylor to provide stability and explosiveness on offense as well as the wideout group of Hykeem Williams and both Omarion and Dre’lon Miller. Defensively, the Buffaloes return stars like Arden Walker and Preston Hodge, bolstered by transfers such as Alabama’s Jeheim Oatis, aiming to see strides and stronger performances in the trenches and secondary. It’ll be interesting to see each team looking to build on momentum they had built up later in the year last year, but it’ll be seen which team will have the bigger statement to make with Georgia Tech hoping to finally break through in the ACC and Colorado seeking to maintain its climb under Coach Prime. This early-season clash will test each team’s leadership, depth, and resilience on the road in a matchup that could foreshadow who has the edge in 2025.

Best Bet: Eric Rivers Anytime TD

Georgia Tech surely will rely a lot on the legs of King and Haynes, but I really like for Eric Rivers to find the end zone through the air, and for good reason. After finishing last season as one of the top pass catchers at the Group of Five level, Rivers was one of the most sought-after receivers in the portal, and Friday night in Boulder gives him the perfect stage to show why. Georgia Tech will be looking to him as a reliable weapon in their passing game, particularly if they fall behind at any point, and quarterback Haynes King will have no trouble targeting Rivers in those key situations. Colorado’s pass defense should be improved this season, but Rivers’ ability to create separation and make plays in space makes him a prime candidate to introduce his new fanbase to Georgia Tech football with a touchdown, giving the Yellow Jackets a boost and setting the tone for their debut together.

Prediction

This matchup promises to be one of the weekend’s most competitive contests, with both teams showing reasons for optimism as the season kicks off. Expect a back-and-forth game where momentum swings repeatedly, with neither side able to pull away early. Georgia Tech will use a balanced offensive approach to keep drives alive, mixing runs and play-action passes to control the clock, while Colorado’s defense will respond with timely stops and pressure, forcing the Yellow Jackets to make adjustments. The Buffaloes, meanwhile, will strike when they can, generating big plays on both sides of the ball to stay within striking distance and keep the crowd engaged in Boulder. In the end, Georgia Tech’s ability to manage the game in critical moments, stay efficient on offense, and make the necessary defensive plays in the fourth quarter will allow them to hold a narrow edge. The game will likely feel like a swing of just a touchdown or two, signaling a hard-fought victory for the team that plays cleaner, more disciplined football. A win here sets Georgia Tech up with confidence and momentum for the ACC season, while Colorado will take key lessons from their struggles and adjust as the Big XII grind begins.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 30, Colorado 23

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Saturday, August 30

#1 Texas @ #3 Ohio State (-1.5) (O/U: 47.5)

Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

Noon, FOX

This Saturday, there won’t be another matchup that’ll be bigger than the CFP Semifinal rematch in Columbus, as Texas travels to Ohio State in a marquee Week 1 showdown, amplified by Lee Corso’s final College Gameday broadcast, and it shapes up as one of the most-watched games of the 2025 season. The Longhorns enter the season as national title contenders under Steve Sarkisian, leaning on Heisman frontrunner Arch Manning to lead a high-powered offense that will feature 1,000-yard rusher Quintrevion Wisner, returning back CJ Baxter, and top receiving targets Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr., while defensive standouts Colin Simmons and Malik Muhammad anchor a unit that ranked among the nation’s best last season. Ohio State, coming off a national championship, faces a steep roster turnover, but they’ll ride off of the national title-winning wave that superstar sophomore Jeremiah Smith led the Buckeyes on last year alongside new redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin and fellow breakout candidate Carnell Tate, with Caleb Downs serving as the cornerstone of the defense and secondary tasked with containing elite opponents. Both teams bring high stakes and elite talent to the field, and the game promises to test leadership, depth, and poise on both sides, offering an early barometer for how each team might navigate a path toward playoff contention in a season where every matchup will be critical.

Best Bet: Texas ML

There were a few different ways I could’ve gone with this pick, but with my lack of knowledge on how much different Ohio State’s defense is going to be without Jim Knowles and their stars, so because of that as well as my uncertainty surrounding what kind of offense Ohio State will have this year, I’m avoiding the total as well as any player props for either team. Instead, I’m just keeping it simple and picking Texas on the moneyline, and it comes down to trust in Arch Manning and what Steve Sarkisian has assembled in Austin. Ohio State is, of course, coming off a national title and one of the most impressive runs in recent memory, but the Buckeyes are starting this season with a lot of questions around roster turnover and how Sayin will handle the spotlight in the first career start and first real test of his career already. I need to be convinced that Sayin and this Ohio State team can bring another championship back to the Shoe immediately, and after last year’s heartbreaking loss to Texas in Arlington, the Longhorns are motivated to start with a statement win, adding a subtle revenge factor to the mix. With so many unknowns in terms of scoring and how the first half will flow, I’m avoiding the total entirely, instead putting my faith in the team I trust most, whose combination of offensive firepower, leadership, and depth makes them the side I believe will come out on top when the dust settles. This feels like a game where momentum, poise, and confidence could make all the difference, and right now, I’m giving the edge to the Longhorns.

Prediction

This matchup is shaping up to be decided by which quarterback will be able to handle the pressure of a big-game environment early on in their first respective seasons as full-time starters, with the ebb and flow of the game likely hinging on which signal-caller can command their offense under the brightest lights. The Longhorns will start fast, feeding off the energy of the crowd and the revenge factor from last year’s close defeat, mixing in timely runs and short passes to keep the Buckeyes off balance while methodically moving downfield. Ohio State will respond with a resilient second-quarter surge, leaning on efficient drives and defensive stops to claw back into contention, but their lack of continuity on both sides of the ball will make sustaining momentum difficult. As the second half unfolds, Texas’ more complete offense will find a rhythm, converting critical third downs and making key plays in the red zone, while the Buckeyes struggle to overcome missed opportunities and stalled drives. The game will ultimately be tight, with the Longhorns pulling just enough ahead to secure a victory that reflects a measured, hard-fought battle rather than a blowout. This could symbolically become a passing of the torch moment as this result will give this year’s national title favorite Texas a confidence boost and set a tone for their championship aspirations, while the reigning champions Buckeyes will walk away knowing there are still questions to answer and adjustments to make if they hope to defend their title.

Final Score: #1 Texas 27, #3 Ohio State 20

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Syracuse vs. #24 Tennessee (-13.5) (O/U: 51.5)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Noon, ABC

When Syracuse and #24 Tennessee square off in Atlanta to open the 2025 season, the matchup will serve as an early litmus test for two programs aiming to build on major momentum. The Orange enter Fran Brown’s second year with high expectations after a breakout ten-win season, but much of their success hinges on how quickly their new pieces fit in. With Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli set to take over the starting quarterback role, he’s going to have some very big shoes to fill with Kyle McCord now in the NFL after setting several record-breaking marks during his time in western New York, while transfer wideout Johntay Cook is expected to emerge as a go-to target alongside Darrell Gill Jr. and Justus Ross-Simmons. On defense, Duce Chestnut’s return gives the secondary an anchor, but the front seven faces real questions after losing several leaders. Tennessee, on the other hand, must regroup after reaching the CFP for the first time before falling hard to Ohio State. With Nico Iamaleava gone, former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar steps in to run Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense, where Dylan Sampson brings experience in the backfield and Mike Matthews could provide an immediate spark at receiver. Defensively, the Vols expect Arion Carter to be the heartbeat of their front and Jermod McCoy to lock down the perimeter. Each team has plenty of talent to once again make strides in in several different areas, but with much more difficult slates set for this season, this opener will have a lot to do in regards to tone-setting as it’ll be about earning an early marquee win on their respective resumés.

Best Bet: Steve Angeli o244.5 Passing Yards

I didn’t really look at any spreads, moneylines, or point totals here, as it’ll remain to be seen how each team will control the game, so looking into player props one that really caught my eye was for Steve Angeli to go over 244.5 passing yards. While Tennessee’s secondary is loaded with talent and Syracuse’s receiver group looks different than the one Kyle McCord thrived with last season, the game script points heavily toward Angeli needing to air it out. The Orange likely won’t control the game the way they often did a year ago, meaning Angeli should find himself throwing more often than not to keep pace. Even though this will be his first start in a Syracuse uniform after transferring from Notre Dame, he’s shown he can step up when given the chance. In his lone career start with the Irish, Angeli went 15-for-19 for 232 yards in a Sun Bowl rout of Oregon State, displaying both efficiency and composure. This game, however, should give him far more passing volume, and with targets like Cook, Gill., and Ross-Simmons, the opportunities will be there to pile up numbers. Considering McCord eclipsed 280 yards in every start last season, I trust Angeli to clear 245 yards here, especially in a matchup where Syracuse’s chances hinge on his ability to deliver through the air.

Prediction

This game has the makings of a momentum-swinging battle where factors like tempo, talent, talent, and team chemistry will determine what we see out of each team as they start out their campaigns for back-to-back ten-win seasons. Syracuse will come out aggressive through the air as they try to find rhythm behind their new quarterback, and while they connect on a few explosive plays to stay in it early, the Orange find themselves slowed by pressure and timely stops that keep drives from finishing with touchdowns. Tennessee, meanwhile, leans on its balance, using tempo to wear down the Syracuse front and gradually opening up more space as the game progresses. The turning point comes late in the second half when the Volunteers’ defense forces back-to-back stops, giving their offense the chance to extend the margin beyond reach. Syracuse fights to claw back but struggles to finish drives when it matters most, leaving them just short of the breakthrough win they were chasing. For Tennessee, it’s the kind of gritty opening win that validates their ability to reload and compete in the SEC once again, while for Syracuse, it’s a reminder that despite progress, consistency against elite opponents still needs to be developed while moving forward and preparing for a much tougher 2025 slate.

Final Score: #24 Tennessee 31, Syracuse 21

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#8 Alabama (-13.5) @ Florida State (O/U: 50.5)

Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

3:30 pm, ABC

Another one of the four headline ACC-SEC clashes in Week 1 takes place on Saturday night in Tallahassee, where Alabama visits Florida State in a game both conferences will be watching closely. For Alabama, Year Two of the Kalen DeBoer era comes with heavy expectations after a rollercoaster 2024 that began with a win over Georgia but ended with stumbles down the stretch, capped by a bowl loss to Michigan. The Tide have a new quarterback in Ty Simpson, who inherits an offense designed by DeBoer and Ryan Grubb that should lean heavily on the explosive Ryan Williams at receiver and a one-two backfield punch of Richard Young and Daniel Hill with Jam Miller sidelined for around a month with an injury. On the other side, Florida State is trying to regroup after one of the most shocking collapses in recent memory, dropping to 2-10 and overhauling both coordinator spots. The Seminoles are pinning their hopes on Boston College transfer Thomas Castellanos, whose dual-threat ability gives them a different dimension at quarterback, while Tennessee transfer Squirrel White looks to provide a spark on the perimeter. The Seminoles’ defense still needs to prove it can slow down an attack like Alabama’s, and that storyline alone could dictate how long they hang in against a program desperate to prove it hasn’t fallen from the nation’s elite.

Best Bet: Alabama -13.5

While the line is large for a season opener on the road against a historically relevant Power Four program, the circumstances point squarely toward Alabama covering. DeBoer’s group has had nearly nine months to stew over last year’s missteps, and now they get an opponent still searching for its identity after a historically disappointing campaign. Florida State’s roster turnover was massive, and while Castellanos has flashed as a playmaker, his recent comments about Alabama no longer being the same post-Saban add fuel to the Tide’s fire. Doak Campbell Stadium will be electric at kickoff, but that noise won’t last long if Alabama comes out with the precision and physicality they’re expected to bring. Even with Simpson still solidifying his hold on the quarterback spot and Miller sidelined, the Tide’s talent should overwhelm the Seminoles before halftime, leaving Florida State playing catch-up in a game they’re not yet equipped to win.

Prediction

I’m expecting less of a back-and-forth battle and more of a showcase of Alabama’s motivation to reset its national perception. Florida State will look to get the legs of Castellanos going early to open up the offense for passing opportunities and play-action plays, but Alabama’s defense has the athletes to contain his improvisation and force him into uncomfortable third-down situations. The Seminoles’ defense will try to hang on for stretches with the backfield inexperience that the Crimson Tide has, who’ll, however, playmakers eventually create separation, especially once the tempo and size of their offensive line take over. By the second half, Alabama will have built a cushion that silences the crowd and leaves Florida State searching for answers, and the final margin feels comfortable, reflecting one team’s stability versus another’s uncertainty. For Alabama, it’s the kind of convincing win that erases doubt about DeBoer’s direction and reasserts the Tide as a playoff-caliber force, while for Florida State, it’s another painful reminder of just how steep the climb back to national relevance will be under Mike Norvell.

Final Score: #8 Alabama 30, Florida State 13

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#9 LSU @ #4 Clemson (-3.5) (O/U: 57.5)

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC

7:30 pm, ABC

Of the four ACC-SEC crossover matchups headlining Week 1, none carries more weight than Saturday night in Death Valley when #4 Clemson hosts #9 LSU in a primetime showdown. The Tigers from the ACC enter fresh off an ACC Championship and a trip to the Playoff, but questions remain about their ability to start fast after dropping three of their last four season openers. Quarterback Cade Klubnik returns for his senior year with national expectations after a breakout 2024, and with one of the deepest receiving groups in the country, Clemson’s offense could be the most explosive it has been since the Trevor Lawrence era. On the other side, LSU is trying to shake off its own troubling trend of slow starts, having lost five consecutive openers under Brian Kelly despite fielding teams that flashed real promise down the stretch. Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier gives LSU its most stable quarterback situation in years, while Harold Perkins Jr. anchors a defense built around disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Both programs know the importance of tone-setting here, as Clemson can once again continue representing the ACC well as its national flagbearer, while LSU can send a statement to all of college football by showing that they’re a force to be reckoned with, showing the SEC’s depth, and proving to the rest of their conference that they’re back in the conference title picture.

Best Bet: Cade Klubnik o34.5 Rushing Yards

Much of the pregame chatter has been about Klubnik’s arm and how Garrett Riley’s scheme maximizes Clemson’s loaded receiver room, but his ability as a runner could end up being just as vital. Klubnik ran for 463 yards and seven touchdowns last season, topping 35 rushing yards in six different games, and he consistently extended drives with his legs in critical moments. LSU’s defense, for all of its strengths, struggled most against mobile quarterbacks a year ago, most notably when Jalen Milroe shredded them for 185 rushing yards and four scores in Baton Rouge. Even when Perkins was back in the lineup, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers found success before exiting with an injury. With so much defensive attention bound to be on Clemson’s receivers, Klubnik will have space to escape pressure and pick up yardage on designed runs and scrambles. Given how important keeping LSU’s front honest will be, it’s hard to imagine Klubnik not tucking it and running multiple times. If this game stays close or in Clemson’s favor, expect him to finish well above the 34.5 mark as his legs become a key difference-maker in keeping drives alive.

Prediction

In what feels like the most important ACC-SEC duel of the year, Clemson ultimately finds a way to outlast LSU in a game defined by momentum swings and defensive stands. Early on, both teams trade scores as Nussmeier pushes LSU down the field through the air while Clemson counters with a balanced mix of tempo and chunk plays. As the night wears on, though, the difference comes in red zone execution: Clemson’s defense tightens in key spots, forcing LSU into field goals rather than touchdowns, while Klubnik’s dual-threat ability helps extend drives that end with points. The game remains in reach until the fourth quarter when Clemson’s defensive line finally asserts itself, creating the stops that give their offense room to play with a lead. LSU fights back with urgency but comes up just short on a late drive, leaving Kelly’s team still searching for a season-opening breakthrough. For Clemson, it’s a gritty win that reinforces their place in the playoff race and strengthens the ACC’s case in the year’s biggest interconference matchup, while LSU heads back to the drawing board knowing it must fix its September woes to stay in the CFP picture and SEC title hunt.

Final Score: #4 Clemson 28, #9 LSU 24

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Sunday, August 31

Virginia Tech vs. #13 South Carolina (-7.5) (O/U: 52.5)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

3 pm, ESPN

The final ACC-SEC battle of the weekend is a Sunday afternoon battle that will also take place in Atlanta between Virginia Tech and #13 South Carolina. For the Hokies, Brent Pry enters Year Four knowing the clock is ticking to push the program back toward national relevance, and with quarterback Kyron Drones returning alongside weapons like Ayden Greene and Bowling Green running back transfer Terion Stewart, there’s cautious optimism despite heavy losses on defense. South Carolina, on the other hand, rides into 2025 with its confidence sky-high after last year’s breakthrough College Football Playoff appearance, as Shane Beamer has the Gamecocks squarely in the SEC mix with LaNorris Sellers stepping into a starring role, Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison finally being granted eligibility and taking over a solid running back room, and star edge rusher Dylan Stewart filling Kyle Kennard’s role from last year as the defensive anchor. Beyond the personnel, this one carries a unique subplot, as Beamer will be coaching against the program his legendary father, Frank, once made a household name, a team he himself worked for as an assistant in Blacksburg. A win here would give South Carolina another statement for a league already loaded with contenders, while for Virginia Tech, stealing one in primetime would buy Pry valuable momentum and silence talk about his warming seat. With pride on the line for both conferences, this feels like the spotlight game of Week 1.

Best Bet: Nyck Harbor o49.5 Receiving Yards

While South Carolina has plenty of intriguing pieces on offense, Nyck Harbor looks like the most natural breakout candidate in this matchup. At 6’5” with world-class track speed, he’s the kind of receiver who forces defenses to account for him on every snap, and against a Virginia Tech secondary that lost its top playmakers from a year ago, the opportunities will be there. Whether it’s stretching the field on deep shots or working in red-zone situations, Harbor’s physical profile makes him almost impossible to defend in single coverage. Gamecock fans have been waiting for this kind of impact since he arrived, and there’s no better stage than a national spotlight against an ACC opponent with question marks in coverage. With a line set at 49.5, the number feels modest given his potential role, and if Sellers takes even a handful of chances down the field, Harbor should have no trouble clearing that total. This feels like the moment his long-anticipated breakout begins.

Prediction

This matchup sets up as a tone-setter for both sides, but South Carolina’s physicality on both lines of scrimmage could be what separates them as the game wears on. Virginia Tech will move the ball well on the ground at times with Drones extending plays and Stewart grinding out tough yards. However, the Hokies’ passing game will be overwhelmed by the talent of the Gamecock secondary and their new-look defense will be tested immediately by the tempo and power of South Carolina’s attack. Expect an early back-and-forth where Tech keeps it close with a couple of timely stops, but as the night progresses, the Gamecocks’ balance begins to wear them down, with Sellers creating just enough explosive plays to tilt momentum, as he can take over any game by himself at any moment. By the fourth quarter, South Carolina is dictating pace, forcing Virginia Tech to press offensively in ways that lead to empty drives and stalled possessions. The Hokies might show some grit here, but I don’t think they’re capable of making the necessary plays to pull them through all four quarters, resulting in coming up short of the kind of statement they desperately need, while South Carolina walks away with a comfortable, hard-earned victory that only boosts their reputation as one of the SEC’s fastest-rising powers. For Beamer’s team, it’s validation of his team’s playoff credentials, and for Pry’s Hokies, it’s a reminder that the climb back to national prominence still has plenty of steps ahead.

Final Score: #13 South Carolina 27, Virginia Tech 16

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#6 Notre Dame (-2.5) @ #10 Miami (O/U: 49.5)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

7:30 pm, ABC

Of all the top-ten matchups opening the 2025 college football season, Sunday night’s clash between #6 Notre Dame and #10 Miami stands out as one of the most compelling, bringing the “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry back to the national spotlight. Notre Dame enters following a historic run to last year’s College Football Playoff National Championship, giving Marcus Freeman’s program a renewed sense of identity, but with key departures like quarterback Riley Leonard, defensive tackles Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III, linebacker Jack Kiser, and safety Xavier Watts, there are significant questions about how the Irish will sustain their success. Despite that, star running back Jeremiyah Love returns to carry the load, complemented by reliable targets Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison in the passing game, while Chris Ash takes over a talented yet reshaped defense. Miami, meanwhile, looks to build on its breakout ten-win campaign under Mario Cristobal, with Georgia transfer Carson Beck stepping in at quarterback, solid skill players around him, an elite offensive line led by Francis Mauigoa ready to set the tone in the trenches, and a defensive unit anchored by edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. that’s poised to challenge any opponent and give the Hurricanes a foundation for both the ACC title and playoff aspirations. With both teams ranked inside the top ten and eyeing early statement victories, this matchup is a marquee opener in what promises to be one of the deepest opening-week slates in recent memory, carrying significance for both programs and their conferences.

Best Bet: Miami ML

When looking at the matchup closely, the experience that Miami has appears better positioned to execute its game plan from the start, while Notre Dame’s turnover in key leadership roles leaves some uncertainty about consistency on both sides of the ball. The Irish still have playmakers to create explosiveness of their own, but with a new quarterback, a reshaped defensive front, and an offensive line that will be tested, questions remain about their ability to impose themselves in the trenches, and with Cristobal’s offensive front built to be one of the nation’s best, Bain and the defensive front could also even create a consistent challenge of their own for Notre Dame’s rebuilt offensive line, making it difficult for the Irish to establish rhythm. Miami’s strength in the lines, especially on offense, should lead into giving Beck and the Hurricanes’ skill players the positioning, space, and time to make plays while controlling the pace of the game. Playing at home in Miami Gardens adds another layer of advantage, allowing the Hurricanes to operate in a controlled environment without the distractions of travel or an unfamiliar crowd. For all of these reasons, Cristobal needs this game much more than Freeman, and Miami feels like the team more likely to take control of this game early and sustain it, giving them a subtle edge in what promises to be a tightly contested, physical opener.

Prediction

Sunday night’s hard-nosed, possession-by-possession battle will give football fans a lot to be excited about, as it’ll be a fiercely competitive opener that sets the tone for both programs as they pursue conference supremacy and national relevance. With that in mind, I think Miami will assert itself more in the trenches while Notre Dame manages just enough explosive plays to remain within striking distance. Like I mentioned before, the Hurricanes methodically chew up the clock and sustain drives, testing the cohesion of the Irish’s reworked offensive line, while Notre Dame’s defense responds with timely stops that prevent the game from tipping too far in Miami’s favor early on. As the game progresses, Miami’s balance of running and short passing keeps the Irish on their heels, and their defensive front consistently pressures the new quarterback, forcing Notre Dame to rely less on Love and more on a young, inexperienced Carr for critical chunks of yardage in the pass game, even with guys like Greathouse, and Faison at his disposal as well. In the final minutes, Miami’s ability to extend key drives while Notre Dame struggles to finish possessions gives the Hurricanes a narrow but decisive edge. The game is a physical, back-and-forth duel that leaves Notre Dame with lessons about depth and leadership that will shape their approach in the early stretch of the season and potentially start another season-long run that can very well lead them back into the 12-team CFP field, and ultimately, Miami is able to validate its place as a top contender in the ACC and a legitimate playoff-caliber team as well.

Final Score: #10 Miami 24, #6 Notre Dame 20

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Monday, September 1

TCU (-3.5) @ North Carolina (O/U: 56.5)

Keenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC

8 pm, ESPN

Few opening-week matchups carry as much intrigue as TCU’s Labor Day trip to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina, not just because the Horned Frogs are a Big 12 power, but because it marks the highly anticipated collegiate debut of Bill Belichick. TCU enters under Sonny Dykes after a nine-win rebound season in 2024, relying on quarterback Josh Hoover to lead the Air Raid attack and connect with top receiver Eric McAlister, while the trio of Jeremy Payne, Kevorian Barnes, and Trent Battle provides a versatile, three-headed rushing attack capable of controlling the clock and keeping the defense off balance. On defense, edge rusher and 2024’s team leader in sacks, Devean Deal, is the player most capable of shifting momentum with a big play up front, and defensive backs Bud Clark and Washington transfer Elijah Jackson anchor a back end that could determine the game’s outcome. North Carolina will turn to South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez to guide the offense, supported by running back Davion Gause, whose ability to establish the ground game will be crucial in a balanced attack. Defensively, standout defensive end Pryce Yates gives the Tar Heels a force on the line to pressure Hoover and disrupt TCU’s rhythm, and they’ll also have an excellent defensive back duo leading with a Washington transfer of their own in cornerback Thaddeus Dixon as well as returning nickel Kaleb Cost. With elite coaching headlines and a handful of game-changing players on both sides, Monday night promises a high-stakes clash as Belichick officially takes the college stage.

Best Bet: Under 56.5

While TCU has been associated with high-scoring affairs in the past, there’s reason to believe this game could produce a more measured outcome, making the total points a key storyline. Hoover’s offense may experience some early rust as he adjusts to life without Bech and Williams, while North Carolina’s approach under Kitchens and Belichick will likely emphasize ball control and a balanced run game with Lopez and Gause. The Tar Heels’ defense, particularly their talented back seven, could keep explosive plays in check, while the front line may allow just enough movement for TCU to push the ball on the ground more than usual. TCU still possesses the ability to produce big plays, but this early-season matchup could lean toward more methodical drives, shorter possessions, and a contest where both teams test each other in the trenches. With North Carolina looking to establish discipline and TCU aiming to assert its speed and passing rhythm, the game is likely to be decided less by sheer volume of points and more by execution and control of key situations.

Prediction

Monday night in Chapel Hill turns into a game defined by strategy and execution, with North Carolina’s players eager to impress under one of the most legendary coaches in NFL history. The Tar Heels maintain control for stretches of the game, showing disciplined execution and flashes of promise, but TCU remains patient, looking for openings to turn momentum in their favor. North Carolina will continue to fight, but TCU’s composure and opportunistic approach prevent the Tar Heels from mounting a meaningful comeback, helping the Horned Frogs capitalize with a couple of key scoring drives in the fourth quarter to pull ahead, firmly take control, and effectively play the spoiler in Belichick’s highly anticipated debut. The outcome provides TCU with plenty of momentum to keep their season rolling on a high note, signaling their readiness to compete against top competition and showing they can take advantage of high-pressure situations. For North Carolina, on the other hand, the game is a valuable learning experience, offering insights into adapting to a legendary coach’s systems and handling the mental challenges of tight, high-stakes contests as the season progresses.

Final Score: TCU 31, North Carolina 17

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Make sure to stay tuned this weekend as we learn a little more about some of the top teams in a stacked Week 1 slate to kick things off for the 2025-26 college football season!