2025 Week 1 College Football Best Bets
2025 Week 1 College Football Best Bets
After a handful of games in Week 0, we approach a five-day long weekend of college football. Starting on Thursday night until Monday’s finale featuring the debut of Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill, we have 40+ games between FBS schools. Three top-10 matchups highlight the weekend. College football is officially back. Here are my best bets for Week 1 of the 2025 college football season.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 27th. Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
More: How to Build Your Own Football Projections for 2025: A Guide
(Thursday) East Carolina vs. North Carolina State
North Carolina State -14; O/U 61.5
East Carolina +14 (-112)
This is a heated rivalry in the Tar Heel state. We saw the Pirates come out victorious in last year’s Go Bowling Military Bowl, 26-21. They played in the 2022 opener, with North Carolina State squeaking out a 21-20 on the road. And while they were blown out the two games before 2022, ECU did squeak out another win in 2016.
Blake Harrell took over as head coach after ECU’s 45-28 loss to Army. At the time, the Pirates were 3-4; they won five of their last six to close the year, going 4-2 ATS in that span. They return quarterback Katin Houser, who threw two interceptions in the bowl game last year.
Across the ball, the Wolfpack have two new coordinators while returning 10 starters. They lose two big pieces to the transfer portal in receiver KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) and corner Brandon Cisse (South Carolina). Dave Doeren is 5-10-1 ATS in non-conference, non bowl games since 2021. I like ECU to keep this rivalry game close.
More: 2025 College Football Futures
#1 Texas vs. #3 Ohio State
Ohio State -2.5; O/U 47.5
Under 47.5 (-108)
While these two teams squared off in the College Football Playoff semi-finals last year, a lot has changed for both programs. Both teams will trot out new quarterbacks, and while both five-stars atop their respective classes, have a combined two (2) starts entering this game. Texas’s top three pass catchers – Matthew Golden, Gunner Helm, and Isaiah Bond – are now in the NFL. Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore should be the top pass catchers for Arch this year. Texas’s starting left tackle Trevor Goosby has been battling injury, and could be limited or miss the game.
For Ohio State, you have a completely new offense: new quarterback, new running backs in James Peoples and CJ Donaldson, and offensive coordinator with long time assistant Brian Hartline replacing Chip Kelly. One thing that will remain the same for the Buckeyes is elite receiver Jeremiah Smith. Alongside running mates Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and tight end Max Klare, Julian Sayin will have plenty of options to get acclimated with.
Ultimately, I believe this game comes down to the defenses. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is arguably the most talented player in college football. Steve Sarkisian has done a great job the last few years in reloading the defensive line after players leave for the NFL. He should be able to do the same with home grown talent, along with transfer portal additions in Cole Brevard (Purdue) and Maraad Watson (Syracuse). The defenses should be the best side for both teams, and I believe both teams could start slow on the offensive side of the ball. I’m on the under in this top-5 matchup.
#9 LSU vs. #4 Clemson
Clemson -3.5; O/U 57.5
Clemson -3.5 (-112)
Under 57.5 (-110)
Unlike the Texas/Ohio State game, these two quarterbacks are proven. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier has 14 starts entering his redshirt senior season, while Clemson’s redshirt junior Cade Klubnik has 28 starts. One big difference in this game will be LSU’s offensive line; they lose four starters from a year ago, including both tackles to the NFL. Clemson has two defensive lineman – T.J. Parker and Peter Woods – who are high up on NFL draft boards. Clemson returns 14 starters – eight offensive, six defensive – and have former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen at the same position.
Since 2021, Clemson has played nine SEC opponents. The Under is 6-3 in those games, with the game total averaging 41.7 PPG. Clemson averaged 19.1 PPG in those contests, with the Tigers averaging 23.7 PPG against non-Georgia teams.
Brian Kelly is 0-3 ATS and SU in LSU openers, and LSU averaged 22.3 PPG in those contests. All three were neutral site games; this one comes on the road. Given the gaps on the offensive line for LSU, I’m questioning how effective Nussmeier can be in the opener. For that reason, I’m on Clemson to cover and this game total to fall to the Under.
California vs. Oregon State
Oregon State -1.5; O/U 49.5
Oregon State -1.5 (-115)
Cal was depleted due to the transfer portal. The Golden Bears lost quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), running backs Cadyn Ott (Oklahoma) and Jaivian Thomas (UCLA), tight end Jack Endries (Texas), and linebacker Hunter Barth (Stanford). 11 players caught at least 10 passes for Cal last year; only Trond Grizzell returns.
Oregon State welcomes Duke transfer Maalik Murphy to start at quarterback. Murphy was 11-3 as a starter at Duke, throwing 29 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. The Beavers also return 1,000 yard rusher Anthony Hankerson and top receiver Trent Walker. Oregon State will be more experienced on the defensive side of the ball with defensive minded head coach Trent Bray. I like the Beavers to start 1-0 in 2025.
More: Fantasy Football 2025: Top Players to Avoid in Early Drafts
Outright Underdogs (.5 units)
#1 Texas @ #3 Ohio State +102
Texas has the “experience” advantage at quarterback, but more importantly, continuity in the coaching staff. Ohio State’s loss of Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles could make this a slow start for the Buckeyes. I’m on Texas to win outright in the opener.
#10 Miami (FL) vs. #6 Notre Dame +110
Notre Dame had a true quarterback battle between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, with Carr ultimately winning out. This will be a tough task, as neither have a start under their belt. Miami is reloaded after losing Cam Ward as the 1st overall pick, replacing him with Georgia’s Carson Beck. They also loaded up in the transfer portal on the defensive side of the ball. The last two years with Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has had an experienced quarterback in Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard. I think this is a tough task for your first career start, and am riding with the Hurricanes for that reason.
What is your favorite 2025 week 1 college football best bets? Let me know on X!
Follow @drewroberts_ and let’s discuss any football topic you’d like
