College football is back, and with it comes packed stadiums, fierce rivalries, and the promise of unforgettable Saturdays. From Dublin to Dallas, the season kicks off with high-stakes matchups, new faces ready to prove themselves, and playoff dreams already on the line. Every snap counts, every upset matters, and the chase for the national title begins now..
Matchups And High Stakes
The first handful of matches are set for August 2025. The most interesting, yet exciting game coming up is between No. 22 Iowa State and No. 17 Kansas State, taking place in Dublin, Ireland, as both these teams are considered contenders in their wide-open conference. With betting odds heavily favoring Texas, fans will be turning to sportsbooks based offshore and locally, which is a major part of the sport’s culture.
These sites offer various betting types and competitive odds not only for football, but basketball, hockey, and more. These odds can give you a glimpse into which teams many think could win or lose.. For example, last season, Kansas State entered a matchup favored by 10 points with a money line of -356, while Iowa State was a narrow favorite in another contest with a spread of -2.5 and a money line around -130. This shows who fans, sportsbooks, and punters think are expected to win. This season's Dublin opener between No. 22 Iowa State and No. 17 Kansas State is already drawing attention in that same way.
What to Watch
This season is going to be extremely exciting with great games coming up and plenty of rematches that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Starting the first week, Texas Vs. Ohio State is one of the marquee Week 1 games. LSU Vs. Clemson, again, features two teams ranked in the top 10. Another interesting game to keep your eyes open for is No. 7 Oregon Vs. No. 2 Penn State on 27 September, which feels like a rematch of last season’s Big Ten title game. In December last year, No. 1 Oregon defeated No. 2 Penn State 45 - 37. This win earned Oregon the conference title, giving them a first-round bye.
2025, 12 Teams, A Significant Tweak
Like 2024, the college football season will continue with the expanded 12-team playoff; however, there is a twist that reshapes the chase for the national title. Unlike last year, there are no guarantees for conference champions to receive first-round byes, giving them a week’s rest and automatically moving into the quarterfinals.
With these changes, the four highest-ranked teams overall, regardless of conference affiliation, will claim the coveted first-round byes. Conference champions will, however, still be considered, but not solely tied to their league title. These new changes could make that one single stumble, the difference between enjoying a much-needed week off or having to push through another round of playoff football.
The football committee is now emphasizing national rankings and strength of schedule more so than that of automatic rewards.
Texas, Ranked No. 1 Team In College Football
Texas has claimed the top spot in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 preseason poll for the first time since 2008. This achievement has lifted the program’s resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Texas Longhorns edged out Penn State, receiving 25 first-place votes and 1.552 points, which is the closest preseason vote since 1998.
With Arch Manning at the helm, as a highly praised recruit, he entered his sophomore season as an undisputed starter, with leadership skills and great performance, which are vital to Texas’s aspirations this year. Manning will start his first road game with tough teams and different environments like Ohio State’s Horseshoe and Georgia’s Sanford Stadium. Texas, however, has the skill and knowledge to overcome any venue.
Drama, Upsets, Unforgettable Moments
As the energy around the many campuses starts heating up, so does the player enthusiasm and team spirit. As teams can no longer rely solely on lifting a conference trophy to secure the inside track, they must continually prove themselves against top competition throughout the season. This makes grabbing a win a little tougher. National recognition and seeding advantage is the name of the game, making each player and team their priority to prove they belong among the elite. With this new change, drama and upsets are on the cards as fans closely watch their favourite teams and players.
The time has come, and everyone across the country is waiting and anticipating the season of a lifetime. Saturdays will be lit up with unforgettable moments as rivalries are reignited, and new heroes will emerge. Every turnover, touchdown, and game won will carry only the energy college football can offer. This season promises jaw-dropping, heart-pounding drama and passion at every turn.
