College football is returning with a thrilling lineup this Saturday. After enticing games earlier in the week, the first complete Saturday of the 2025 season is set to bring excitement. After various seasons marked by unwarranted changes, the college football landscape is stabilizing as autumn approaches.
All Power Four conference structures remain intact from the previous year, and the College Football Playoff is still 12 teams deep, though further expansion is anticipated. Despite the complexities introduced by the transfer portal and new marketing strategies affecting athlete’s compensation, coaches have had time to adapt.
Fans can anticipate engaging matches in Week 1. Notably, No. 1 Texas is facing No. 3 Ohio State in a game that carries significant national weight. While a loss won’t eliminate either team from the playoff hunt, it’s a chance to make a bold early statement.
The matchup between the Longhorns and the Buckeyes is just one of two marquee top-10 showdowns this Saturday, as other ranked teams will challenge against fierce unranked opponents.
Key games:
- No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State – noon on Fox (fuboTV: try for free)
- Syracuse vs. No. 24 Tennessee (Atlanta) – noon on ABC (fuboTV: try for free)
- Nevada at No. 2 Penn State – 3:30 p.m. on CBS (CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App [Free]): Expect brilliant plays in Happy Valley as Penn State, with high expectations, takes on Nevada.
- No. 8 Alabama at Florida State – 3:30 p.m. on ABC (fuboTV: try for free): Both teams are looking to prove their mettle following recent disappointments.
- No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson – 7:30 p.m. on ABC (fuboTV: try for free): Clemson is on track for another successful season while LSU is under pressure to shine.
- Utah at UCLA – 11 p.m. on Fox (fuboTV: try for free): This late-night game features new offensive strategies for both sides.
All times are in Eastern.
