The long college football offseason is upon us, with several months to go until games are played again and teams begin vying for their spots in the College Football Playoff. While fans eagerly await the return of their favorite teams, there’s plenty to keep active minds engaged until then. Who might win the hypothetical matchups? Who does Vegas see as the early favorites?
Early Lines for Key Matchups in 2025
FanDuel recently released a list of early lines for some key college football games in 2025, prompting On3 to compile them and provide a brief rundown. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting matchups on the horizon.
Farmageddon in Dublin
The first game of the season, known as Farmageddon, will take place in Dublin, Ireland, featuring a fierce rivalry between Iowa State and Kansas State. This matchup holds significant stakes, especially for Iowa State, which narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, falling just one win short in the Big 12 Championship Game. Kansas State, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back in its second year with Avery Johnson as the starting quarterback. This game promises to be a thrilling opener for both programs.
Ohio State vs. Texas: A Showdown of Titans
In another highly anticipated early-season clash, Ohio State will enter the fray as the defending national champion, facing off against Texas. The Longhorns know that to achieve their championship aspirations, they must contend with elite teams like Ohio State. With major roster changes on both sides, all eyes will be on Arch Manning as he makes his debut as the full-time starter for Texas. This matchup is sure to be must-see TV for college football fans.
Florida State’s Redemption Against Alabama
Florida State is coming off a disappointing season, managing only two wins. Under the leadership of Mike Norvell, the program aims to regain its former glory in 2025. However, they face a tough early challenge against Alabama, who recently lost athletic quarterback Jalen Milroe to the NFL Draft. How well Kalen DeBoer can adapt the offense in his absence will be crucial in this matchup.
Quarterback Showdown: LSU vs. Clemson
While Brian Kelly’s LSU program fell short of championship aspirations last season, they still managed to secure nine wins and capped off the campaign with a solid bowl victory. With quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returning, the Tigers are poised for a strong 2025. Meanwhile, Clemson will also feature a veteran quarterback, Cade Klubnik, at the helm. This game showcases two of the best quarterbacks in college football, and with Clemson playing at home, the atmosphere will be electric.
Auburn and Baylor: A Historic Clash
In a unique matchup, Auburn will take on Baylor. Historically, these two teams have met only four times, with the Bears holding a slight edge at 2-1-1. The last encounter was back in 1976, making this a highly anticipated reunion nearly five decades in the making. Auburn, under coach Hugh Freeze, is eager to show signs of life, while Baylor looks to carry momentum from a solid 2024 season.
Georgia Tech vs. Colorado: A Test of Depth
Georgia Tech had a roller-coaster 2024 season, finishing with a 7-5 record. The Yellow Jackets will need to find more consistency to make a mark in 2025. Meanwhile, Colorado faces a significant challenge as they lose standout players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. This early-season contest will test how much quality depth Deion Sanders has cultivated in his program.
Tennessee vs. Syracuse: A Battle for the Ages
This clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is expected to be a thrilling encounter. Tennessee currently leads the all-time series against Syracuse 3-0, so the Orange will be searching for their first victory under new head coach Fran Brown. The major difference in this matchup is that Syracuse must replace starting quarterback Kyle McCord, while the Volunteers return Nico Iamaleava, making this an uphill battle for the Orange.
South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech: Sunday Showdown
Another exciting game in Atlanta will feature South Carolina taking on Virginia Tech in a Sunday opener. Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks are favored, returning quarterback LaNorris Sellers along with a talented roster. Virginia Tech, coming off a 6-7 season, has something to prove and will be looking to upset the odds.
Notre Dame vs. Miami: A New Era Begins
The Fighting Irish will be slight favorites against Miami, even though they are replacing significant talent from their recent national championship squad. Miami will also face challenges, notably with the departure of quarterback Cam Ward. The Hurricanes will now look to former Georgia star Carson Beck to lead the offense. How quickly he adapts and whether Miami can shore up its defense will be key factors in this matchup.
TCU and UNC: A New Chapter
The Horned Frogs and Tar Heels had contrasting seasons, with TCU finishing 9-4 and UNC ending at 6-7. The big storyline for UNC is the hiring of Bill Belichick. His arrival in Chapel Hill will undoubtedly be closely watched, as fans are eager to see how his coaching style and expertise will influence the team.
As the college football landscape evolves, these early matchups promise to deliver excitement and intrigue. With teams looking to establish their identities and make a statement, fans can expect a thrilling start to the 2025 season. The anticipation is palpable, and as the countdown to kickoff begins, one thing is clear: college football is back, and it’s going to be an unforgettable ride!
