Here’s your Week 1 college football preview for the weekend of August 29–31, 2025—highlighting the must-watch games, emerging storylines, and why this opening slate already feels historic:
Game of the Week: Texas vs. Ohio State
-
Matchup: No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET on FOX)
-
Why It’s Epic: Arch Manning’s debut as Texas’s starting quarterback adds even more weight to this early-season juggernaut clash—already dubbed the national Game of the Week. ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Columbus for Lee Corso’s final appearance, adding emotional significance.
Weekend’s Top Matchups
-
Clemson vs. LSU (#4 vs. #9) – Saturday evening: A rematch dusted with history, pitting Clemson’s emphasis on roster continuity against LSU’s transfer-fueled revamp. Coach Dabo Swinney’s cultural approach tests LSU’s firepower.
-
Notre Dame vs. Miami (#6 vs. #10) – Sunday evening: Two new quarterbacks, revamped defenses, and revamped rosters meet in what promises to be a tactical thriller. Louisiana’s high-octane offense meets South Bend’s balanced approach. Notre Dame’s special teams remain a key concern.
Thursday Spotlight
-
Boise State vs. South Florida: Boise State enters with playoff ambitions despite missing star RB Ashton Jeanty—relying instead on depth behind quarterback Maddux Madsen. USF’s improving roster and big-play potential create an intriguing early G5 battle.
-
Nebraska vs. Cincinnati: A tone-setting Thursday night clash in Arrowhead Stadium kicks off the Big Ten–AAC storyline—setting the stage for conference power struggles.
Season Opener Snapshot
With three top-10 matchups featuring during opening weekend, this marks one of the most highly anticipated premieres in college football history.
-
Thursday: Boise State vs. South Florida; Nebraska vs. Cincinnati
-
Friday: Auburn @ Baylor; Georgia Tech @ Colorado; Illinois opens vs. Western Illinois; Michigan State hosts Western Michigan
-
Saturday’s Heavyweights: Texas @ Ohio State; Clemson @ LSU; Notre Dame @ Miami; Alabama @ Florida State; Penn State vs. Nevada; Michigan vs. New Mexico; Tennessee vs. Syracuse
-
Sunday: Notre Dame @ Miami concludes the weekend slate
Why This Weekend Matters
-
Narrative-Rich Matchups: Titles debates start early—with top contenders tested from the get-go.
-
Storylines Galore: Arch Manning’s debut, Corso’s farewell, and QB transitions make every game buzzworthy.
-
Broadcast Drama: A near blackout was averted thanks to a Fox–YouTube TV deal, ensuring wide visibility for marquee matchups.
Quick View: Must-Watch Games
| Date | Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, 8/28 | Boise State vs. South Florida | G5 battle with playoff implications |
| Fri, 8/29 | Auburn @ Baylor | High-power conference opening |
| Sat, 8/30 | Texas @ Ohio State | Largest Week 1 showdown |
| Sat, 8/30 | Clemson @ LSU | Culture vs. transfers rematch |
| Sun, 8/31 | Notre Dame @ Miami | Game-ending headline clash |
