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Kick Off the 2025 College Football Season with Exciting Matchups

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Quinn Allen
August 24, 2025 1:23 AM
4 min read
Kick Off the 2025 College Football Season with Exciting Matchups
The 2025 college football season has officially kicked off, bringing excitement and high stakes for teams and fans alike. Week 0 opened with a marquee matchup between No. 22 Iowa State and No. 17 Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, marking the fourth consecutive year the Aer Lingus College Football Classic has launched the season from Aviva Stadium. The Cyclones edged out the Wildcats 24-21 in a tightly contested battle that set the tone for an action-packed opening weekend. This international kickoff continues a recent trend where teams starting their season in Ireland have seen their fortunes dramatically shift—Nebraska, Navy, and Florida State all struggled following their losses in previous editions of this game.

In addition to the headline game in Dublin, Week 0 featured several notable clashes, including Fresno State at Kansas and Stanford at Hawaii. These early season games offer a glimpse into potential breakout teams and players, as well as valuable opportunities for bettors and analysts to gauge line movement and team strength.

Looking ahead, the 2025 schedule is stacked with compelling matchups across every conference. According to the NCAA.com full TV schedule, fans can expect wall-to-wall action each week, with games broadcast on ESPN, FOX, CBS, and streaming platforms like Paramount+ and ESPN+. Week 1 promises a legendary slate, but even in Week 0, college football offered five FBS contests, a packed MLB schedule, NFL preseason action, and WNBA games—making it a paradise for sports enthusiasts and bettors.

For those following the betting angles, the Kansas State vs. Iowa State duel was particularly intriguing. College football analyst Josh Nagel, with an impressive record on Kansas State picks, highlighted the Wildcats’ dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson as a difference-maker. Despite a narrow loss, Kansas State’s strong offensive line—bolstered by key transfers—remains a storyline to watch as the season unfolds.

The 2025-26 season also marks the introduction of the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, which is set to reshape the championship race. The playoff schedule features quarterfinals in the Cotton, Orange, Rose, and Sugar Bowls, with semifinals in the Fiesta and Peach Bowls, culminating in the National Championship in Miami. Since the playoff’s inception in 2014, the landscape of college football has shifted significantly, with teams like Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, and most recently Michigan and Georgia, etching their names into history.

Beyond the FBS, the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and Division II/III programs are also underway, providing fans with a comprehensive view of the college football ecosystem. Live scores, up-to-date rankings, and team odds are readily available via the official NCAA scoreboard and major sports media outlets.

As Week 1 approaches, the focus shifts to top-25 showdowns, conference power rankings, and the ongoing evolution of the playoff race. With new stars emerging and established programs defending their turf, the 2025 college football season is already shaping up to be one for the record books. For continuous updates, fans should monitor official platforms like ESPN College Football Scoreboard and follow social channels of teams and conferences for breaking news and analysis.

Author
ДЛ
Quinn Allen
Sport journalist