NCAAF: Top Week 1 Predictions and Odds via Bet105

• The 2025 college football season kicks off in less than a month.
• Week 1 brings some key matchups with potential CFP implications.
• We’ll break down the best games with a can’t-miss Bet105 promo.

Take advantage of our exclusive promo code OSB105 to get the very best odds available and your deposit matched at Bet105. Here are the best college football games in Week 1 to put that promotion to good use!

Iowa State vs Kansas State

Iowa State reached a program-record 11 wins last season, following their thrilling win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl over Miami. The Cyclones are still seeking their first Big-12 championship, though, which they’ll have their eyes on this season. Unfortunately, they were hit pretty hard in the offseason, losing key players on both sides of the line. It’ll be an uphill climb to reach double digit wins again, even with QB Rocco Becht staying.

Kansas State continues to perform well under now 7th-year head coach Chris Klieman, though they have taken a minor step back over the last two 9-4 seasons. Hoping to return to the Big-12 title game for the first time since 2022, the Wildcats brought in some solid recruits. At the same time, their offensive line was also hit hard, leaving QB Avery Johnson with a tougher task. The Wildcats should have a slight edge in this one.

Pick:

• Kansas State Wildcats (-3.0)

Texas vs Ohio State

Texas saw major results in the 3rd and 4th years of the Steve Sarkisian era, making the CFP in each of the past two seasons. On the other hand, the Longhorns came up short in the semifinals both times. Looking to make their first Championship Game in the CFP era, Texas will hand over the reigns to highly-touted young QB Arch Manning. Starting against Ohio State is a tough ask, so don’t be surprised if he starts slow.

Speaking of Ohio State, the Buckeyes are the defending national champions. Having won the first ever 12-team CFP, Ohio State enters the season with high hopes once again. It’s worth noting that Ohio State will be forced to replace QB Will Howard and a bevy of offensive talents that departed in the offseason. Even so, the Buckeyes are nothing if not consistent. Look for their new faces to earn a statement win against Texas.

Pick:

• Ohio State Buckeyes (-2.5)

Alabama vs Florida State

It’s starting to feel like a long time since Alabama was the clear #1 team, as the Nick Saban era fades further into the past. The Crimson Tide should still be in good shape to make the expanded CFP this season, but it’s hard not to overlook them landing in the ReliaQuest Bowl instead of the 12-team field in their first year under Kalen DeBoer. A lot of their success rests on the shoulders of QB Ty Simpson, who will likely start.

Florida State had a disasterclass of a season last year. After rightfully missing the 4-team CFP despite being 13-0 in 2023, the Seminoles lost to Georgia 63-3 in the Orange Bowl. They brought that losing mentality into the following season, going 2-10 and finishing 17th of 17 in the ACC, despite opening the year ranked #10 in the country. Somehow, head coach Mike Norvell is still around in Tallahassee. Don’t expect much this year.

Pick:

• Alabama Crimson Tide (-13.5)

LSU vs Clemson

LSU enters this season with much of the same story as years past. Head coach Brian Kelly brought in an impressive recruiting class, but it’s hard to predict if the Tigers will perform up to their level of talent. They finished with a Texas Bowl win over Baylor and an unranked 9-4 record last year, which may still be where they stand in 2025. QB Garrett Nussmeier will need to take a step forward to break LSU into the CFP field.

There are a lot of excited rumblings surrounding Clemson this season. After returning to the CFP for the first time since 2020 last year, the Tigers retained the majority of their starters. Still, their level of play over the last 5 years has been a far cry from their dynasty in the late-2010s. The experience of Clemson’s offense sets them up for a big year, but I can’t help but feel like the hype is once being overstated ahead of results.

Pick:

• LSU Tigers (+3.5)

Notre Dame vs Miami

Notre Dame came up just short of a title last year, but took major steps forward in the third season under head coach Marcus Freeman. Wins over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State en route to the Finals showed off how suffocating Notre Dame’s defense was. Unfortunately, they’ll be replacing a variety of defensive assets, including Benjamin Morrison, Xavier Watts, and Jack Kiser. Still, Notre Dame remains in overall great shape.

Miami has the biggest hole to fill of any team. QB Cam Ward was selected 1st-overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, after helping to finally return the Hurricanes to relevance. QB Carson Beck transferred from Georgia to fill those shoes, but there are still a lot of question marks about his surgically repaired throwing arm. With some key talent on the defense also departing, it’s likely that Miami takes a bit of a step back this season.

Pick:

• Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-2.5)