The 2025 college football season kicks down the front door with a series of marquee non-conference games in Week 1, starting with a high-profile pairing of two of the top teams from the Big Ten and SEC.
That would defending national champion Ohio State and Texas, last seen matching wits in the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win in College Football Playoff semifinals at the Cotton Bowl.
This postseason system, especially with the expanded format, has removed the do-or-die nature of this season openers. Even still, the game in Columbus will color the perception of both teams and both leagues as the Big Ten and SEC jockey for position in the playoff race.
But that’s not the only cross-conference matchup with postseason ramifications. There’s also the Death Valley bragging-rights matchup between LSU and Clemson and a historic rivalry renewed between Notre Dame and Miami, not to mention Alabama’s road trip to Florida State to kick off coach Kalen DeBoer’s second season. Ending the weekend on Labor Day is the start of the Bill Belichick era at North Carolina.
We’re just weeks away from this buffet-style feast to get things started in the Bowl Subdivision.
Here are the 10 games you can’t miss from Week 1:
Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (in Kansas City, Missouri), Aug. 28
The only Power Four-only matchup of the first Thursday of the regular season pits a trendy contender in Nebraska against a Cincinnati program struggling to gain a foothold under third-year coach Scott Satterfield. A convincing Nebraska win combined with a strong game from sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola will support the increasing faith in the Cornhuskers’ chances of finally earning a Top 25 finish.
Auburn at Baylor, Aug. 29
It’s make-or-break time for Hugh Freeze at Auburn. He’s stockpiled some major talent via traditional recruiting and the portal, including former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, and there are no more excuses as he starts his third year. But Baylor could be a beast in the Big 12 after winning its last six games of the regular season in 2024. A victory by the Bears in this Friday matchup would give the league’s national reputation a much-needed boost.
Georgia Tech at Colorado, Aug. 29
Colorado is in a state of transition after losing Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. What will the Buffaloes look like in 2025? Can Deion Sanders continue to build on last year’s nine-win campaign. Starting with a victory won’t be easy. Georgia Tech is highly physical and very tough to handle in the trenches, putting the focus in this opener on Colorado’s defensive front.
No. 1 Texas at No. 2 Ohio State, Aug. 30
This is one of the most anticipated season openers in years with the top two teams in the preseason Coaches Poll. Arch Manning will be making his debut as the Longhorns’ full-time starter. The Buckeyes will break in their own new starter, likely Julian Sayin. The result will color the perception of both teams and both leagues while impacting how the selection committee ranks the 12 playoff teams in December.
Alabama at Florida State, Aug. 30
This one feels bigger for Alabama despite FSU’s desperate need for a rebound after last year’s nightmare. Losing in Tallahassee would be a dreadful way to start DeBoer’s second year and force a reevaluation of the Crimson Tide’s place in the SEC pecking order.
LSU at Clemson, Aug. 30
If not for Ohio State and Texas, this would be the defining game of Week 1 and maybe the biggest non-conference game of the season. LSU needs a big year to take the pressure off Brian Kelly, and breaking the streak of three consecutive losses in openers would help. Clemson has immense expectations thanks to one of the nation’s top passers in Cade Klubnik and a roster built to win the ACC and the national title. A win by Dabo Swinney’s bunch could rocket Clemson back to the top of the Bowl Subdivision.
Utah at UCLA, Aug. 30
Nico Iamaleava makes his UCLA debut against a Utah team that will be dramatically improved heading into what may be coach Kyle Whittingham’s final season. The Utes have reimagined their offense with new offensive coordinator Jason Beck and new quarterback Devin Dampier, both brought in from New Mexico. UCLA isn’t a realistic Big Ten contender, but the Bruins play hard, tough football under coach DeShaun Foster and will get much more at quarterback thanks to the addition of the Tennessee transfer.
Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina (in Atlanta), Aug. 31
The Hokies are treading water at best under coach Brent Pry. They need to make a move up the ACC standings to take him off the hot seat. Much will ride on the health of quarterback Kyron Drones. Tech will have its hands full from the start against the Gamecocks and highly touted sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who might be the most underrecognized young star in the FBS.
Notre Dame at Miami, Aug. 31
This should be our first look at new Miami starter Carson Beck, if he’s fully recovered from the injury suffered in last year’s SEC title game. It should also be the first glance at new Notre Dame passer C.J. Carr, the favorite to claim the starting job. The Irish are loaded for another run at the national title; going unbeaten in the regular season isn’t out of the question. Miami is also looking to take the next step.
TCU at North Carolina, Sept. 1
Belichick will get started in Chapel Hill with a matchup against a true Big 12 contender in TCU. Facing off against the Horned Frogs’ highly productive offense will help paint a picture of where the Tar Heels stand in Belichick’s debut and whether this team is capable of building on the gains made under former coach Mack Brown and competing in the ACC.