Betting Highlights for Week 1

College football fans can anticipate thrilling matchups during the first week of the season. The spotlight shines on the clash between the No. 1 Texas Longhorns and the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes at noon ET, which could be a precursor to the championship. Other key games include No. 8 Alabama facing off against Florida State at 3:30 p.m. and No. 9 LSU battling No. 4 Clemson at 7:30 p.m.

Clemson is favored by four points at home; however, SportsLine’s model supports LSU to outperform the spread in over 60% of simulations. Additionally, the model endorses Alabama to cover against Florida State, while the under (47.5 points) registers in nearly 60% of simulations for Texas vs. Ohio State. Before finalizing your wagers on your favorite betting platforms, explore SportsLine’s top college football picks.

Key Week 1 Picks

• Under 47.5 points in Texas vs. Ohio State
• Alabama (-13.5) against Florida State
• LSU (+4) against Clemson

Utilizing a combination of these picks on DraftKings for a Week 1 college football parlay could yield a payout of +605 (a $100 risk could bring winnings of $605).

Detailed Game Insights

Texas vs. Ohio State: Under 47.5 Points

Both teams demonstrated robust defenses in 2024 and are expected to exhibit strong defensive capabilities in 2025. Last season, Ohio State held the top scoring defense while Texas ranked third. Given both teams will debut new quarterbacks, offensives may struggle early in this clash. The model predicts a total of 45 points, favoring the under in over 50% of simulations.

Alabama (-13.5) vs. Florida State

The Crimson Tide enter the 2025 season with confidence, having appointed Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback for the Week 1 encounter versus FSU. Simpson has a prime target in Ryan Williams, who performed notably well in his freshman year. Alabama has boasted a strong track record against the spread for Week 1 matchups, while Florida State has struggled historically in this timeframe.

LSU (+4) vs. Clemson

LSU brings back standout quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who amassed over 4,000 passing yards last season. Meanwhile, Clemson has faced difficulties against SEC teams in recent seasons. The model estimates LSU successfully covers the spread in a majority of simulations.

For more week 1 college football insights, follow SportsLine’s expert Thomas Casale for additional picks!