Avery Johnson #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats reacts after going three and out during the second half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Provo, Utah.
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The annual college football season appetizer is here with a Week 0 that features five matchups including FBS programs on Saturday. Before we get things rolling with a full Week 1 slate, here’s a look at what you need to know about this weekend’s games.
Betting odds are via DraftKings Sportsbook.
1. Iowa State Cyclones Vs. Kansas State Wildcats
The first game of the 2025 college football season is being played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland with a top-25 matchup between Big 12 opponents. Both programs are expected to contend for a conference title, so there’s a ton on the line in the season opener. The best unit on the field is the Kansas State offense, which finished 11th in yards per play in 2024. The Wildcats return Avery Johnson in his second full season as the starting quarterback.
Kansas State is a 3-point favorite with the over/under set at 50.5, and this game will air on ESPN at noon ET.
2. Fresno State Bulldogs Vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas will welcome Fresno State to Lawrence for an intriguing season-opening matchup. The Jayhawks promoted Jim Zebrowski to offensive coordinator, and he’s in charge of an offense that ranked 12th in yards per play last season. The health of Jalon Daniels has been an issue throughout his career, but this is a dangerous offense with him on the field. Kansas will need to do its damage against a Fresno State defense ranked inside the top 15 in 2024.
Kansas is a 12.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 50.5, and this game will air on FOX at 6:30 p.m. ET.
3. Stanford Cardinal Vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Stanford will make the trip to Hawaii in a matchup between two programs looking to hit the ground running after missing a bowl game during the 2024 season. The Cardinal are coming off a 3-9 season, and General Manager Andrew Luck brought in head coach Frank Reich on an interim basis to replace Troy Taylor, who was fired in March. Stanford has a lot to improve after finishing outside the top 100 in yards per play on both sides of the ball last season.
Hawaii is a 2.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 50.5, and this game will air on CBS at 7:30 p.m. ET.
4. Sam Houston State Bearkats Vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Two of the top contenders in Conference USA will compete in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Saturday night. Sam Houston State gave Phil Longo his first shot at a head coaching job this offseason after the Bearkats put together 10 wins in 2024. His first game as a head coach will be against a Western Kentucky program that reached the conference title game last season.
Western Kentucky is a 10.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 61.5, and this game will air on CBS at 7 p.m. ET.
5. Idaho Vandals Vs. UNLV Rebels
The only FBS vs. FCS matchup of Week 0 will take place on Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas. This game features the biggest point spread by far as the Dan Mullen era begins for the Rebels. UNLV is coming off an 11-3 season where it reached the Mountain West Championship Game. Idaho is also coming off a double-digit win season that ended in the FCS Quarterfinals.
UNLV is a 26.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 65.5, and this game will air on Mountain West Network and Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network at 4 p.m. ET.