Following an intriguing slate of Thursday and Friday games, the first full Saturday of the 2025 college football season is set to begin. After several years of dramatic upheaval, the landscape has stabilized, with the Power Four conferences remaining unchanged from 2024 and the College Football Playoff holding at 12 teams. While the transfer portal, NIL, and revenue sharing continue to reshape roster management, the focus now returns to the field for a highly anticipated Week 1.
The schedule is highlighted by two top-10 matchups, including a seismic clash between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State that carries significant national implications. Even a loss won’t derail either team’s playoff hopes, but the game presents a major opportunity for an early statement. Elsewhere, several other ranked programs face tough tests against formidable Power Four opponents.
Here is a guide to the must-see games of Week 1.
All times Eastern
The Best Games
No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State — Noon, Fox
In a rematch of a College Football Playoff semifinal, two of the sport’s premier brands and legitimate national title contenders will face off. The game marks the full-season starting debut for Texas quarterback Arch Manning and the first career start for Ohio State’s new signal-caller, former five-star prospect Julian Sayin.
Syracuse vs. No. 24 Tennessee (Atlanta) — Noon, ABC
Syracuse aims to build on a breakout 10-win season under coach Fran Brown, who has elevated the program’s recruiting but must now replace key players. Tennessee is also navigating change after incumbent quarterback Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA. The Volunteers turn to former Appalachian State star Joey Aguilar to lead an offense that has struggled in the passing game in recent years.
Nevada at No. 2 Penn State — 3:30 p.m., CBS
Expectations are soaring in Happy Valley, where Penn State enters with its highest preseason ranking since 1997. The Nittany Lions are led by returning quarterback Drew Allar and feature the nation’s top running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, in addition to a formidable defense.
No. 8 Alabama at Florida State — 3:30 p.m., ABC
Both storied programs have much to prove in this high-stakes nonconference contest. Florida State is looking to bounce back from a disastrous 2024 campaign, while Alabama seeks to meet the high standards set by Nick Saban after a nine-win debut season for coach Kalen DeBoer. New Seminoles quarterback Thomas Castellanos has added intrigue with his offseason comments directed at the Crimson Tide.
No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson — 7:30 p.m., ABC
Clemson, the reigning ACC champion and a College Football Playoff participant last season, looks to continue its success with quarterback Cade Klubnik and a battle-tested roster. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for LSU coach Brian Kelly, who has yet to win a championship or reach the playoff in Baton Rouge and is looking to avoid a third consecutive season-opening loss.
Utah at UCLA — 11 p.m., Fox
In an intriguing late-night matchup between former conference foes, Utah will unveil a completely new offense under coordinator Jason Beck, who brought quarterback Devon Dampier with him from New Mexico. The Utes’ salty defense will be tested by UCLA and the much-anticipated debut of Nico Iamaleava, the top-rated player from the transfer portal.
Best of the Rest
- Mississippi State at Southern Miss — Noon, ESPN
- Northwestern at Tulane — Noon, ESPNU
- VMI at Navy — Noon, CBS Sports Network
- Marshall at No. 5 Georgia — 3:30 p.m., ESPN
- South Dakota at No. 22 Iowa State — 3:30 p.m., Fox
- Bucknell at Air Force — 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
- Coastal Carolina at Virginia — 6 p.m., ACC Network
- New Mexico at No. 14 Michigan — 7:30 p.m., NBC
- UTEP at Utah State — 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
