The 2025 college football season begins with a full slate of Week 1 games from Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1. The board features top-10 matchups, neutral-site openers, and several heavy favorites. Bettors will see spreads ranging from near pick’em lines to 40+ point favorites.
Several Heisman hopefuls are in action, including Arch Manning (Texas), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Each of these games will help shape the early playoff picture and Heisman race. Get the latest odds and PPH betting tools at WagerHome.
Texas vs Ohio State Odds & Preview
Line: Ohio State -1.5, O/U 47.5
Texas starts the Arch Manning era against defending champion Ohio State in Columbus. The Buckeyes ended Texas’ 2024 playoff run, and Manning looks for redemption. Jeremiah Smith leads the Ohio State offense as a top Heisman candidate.
Pick: Ohio State -1.5
Clemson vs LSU Odds & Preview
Line: Clemson -3.5, O/U 57.5
Two Heisman contenders meet when Cade Klubnik leads Clemson against Garrett Nussmeier and LSU. Both teams have explosive offenses and this game could be a shootout. Clemson has the home-field edge in Death Valley.
Pick: Over 57.5
Notre Dame vs Miami Odds & Preview
Line: Notre Dame -2.5, O/U 49.5
Sunday night features Notre Dame visiting Miami. The Fighting Irish turn to CJ Carr at quarterback, while Miami enters with its most preseason hype in years. The winner positions itself as an early playoff threat.
Pick: Notre Dame -2.5
Alabama vs Florida State Odds & Preview
Line: Alabama -13.5, O/U 50.5
Ty Simpson starts under center for Alabama as the Crimson Tide open against Florida State. The Seminoles are coming off a 2-10 season and struggled to score in 2024. Alabama has won 23 straight season openers.
Pick: Alabama -13.5
Tennessee vs Syracuse Odds & Preview
Line: Tennessee -13.5, O/U 50.5
Joey Aguilar takes over at quarterback for Tennessee in Atlanta against Syracuse. The Volunteers lean on their defense and run game after a quarterback turnover. Head coach Josh Heupel is 9-0 ATS in regular-season non-conference games since 2022.
Pick: Tennessee -13.5
Penn State vs Nevada Odds & Preview
Line: Penn State -44.5, O/U 57.5
The Nittany Lions start the year with a heavy line at home against Nevada. Penn State is ranked No. 2 and enters the season as a playoff contender. Expect a balanced attack with an emphasis on depth in the second half.
Pick: Penn State -44.5
Georgia vs Marshall Odds & Preview
Line: Georgia -39.5, O/U 55.5
Georgia opens at home against Marshall as one of the largest favorites of the week. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 5 and bring back one of the nation’s best defenses. This game could see backups early if Georgia builds a quick lead.
Pick: Under 55.5
Utah vs UCLA Odds & Preview
Line: Utah -6, O/U 50.5
Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava debuts for UCLA against Utah. The Bruins finished strong last season and expect him to boost their offense. Utah is coming off its first losing season in over a decade.
Pick: UCLA +6
South Carolina vs Virginia Tech Odds & Preview
Line: South Carolina -7.5, O/U 50.5
Sunday’s early action has South Carolina meeting Virginia Tech. Both teams enter unranked but looking to make noise in their conferences. The Gamecocks bring more proven talent on both sides of the ball.
Pick: South Carolina -7.5
TCU vs North Carolina Odds & Preview
Line: TCU -3, O/U 58.5
Labor Day wraps up with TCU against North Carolina. Both teams are looking for momentum after up-and-down 2024 seasons. The total suggests this could be one of the higher-scoring games of the weekend.
Pick: Over 58.5
Final Thoughts
Week 1 is loaded with betting opportunities across all conferences. From top-10 battles like Texas vs Ohio State and Clemson vs LSU to heavy favorites like Penn State and Georgia, bettors have plenty of angles to consider. Heisman candidates are also in the spotlight, making these openers even more important.
Get the latest lines, live betting tools, and full pay-per-head services at WagerHome. Build your bookie business and get set for a full season of college football action.
