It’s time to make College Football Week 0 predictions! Opening weekend features nine Division I games on Saturday, August 23rd, with the marquee matchup being a rare ranked battle overseas.
The only top-25 showdown pits No. 22 Iowa State against No. 17 Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, with the Wildcats favored by 3.5 points and a total set at 49.5.
College Football Week 0 Predictions
It’s the first time since 2002 that a Week 0 game will feature two ranked teams, ensuring the season starts with a bang.
The AP Top 25, released on Monday, sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting “Farmageddon” clash – the fourth consecutive year college football has kicked off overseas.
Let’s dive into the analysis.
No. 22 Iowa State vs. No. 17 Kansas State
The Cyclones and Wildcats renew their “Farmageddon” rivalry at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, bringing together two agricultural powerhouse programs.
Iowa State finished last season on a high note with a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory, while Kansas State concluded a solid 9-4 campaign with a Rate Bowl win over Rutgers.
Kansas State enters as the Big 12 preseason favorite, with many experts picking Chris Klieman’s squad to capture the conference title.
The Wildcats return dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who impressed in their bowl victory, going 15-of-30 for just under 200 yards and three touchdowns against Rutgers. His Underdog projection is currently set at 205.5 passing yards.
Johnson’s mobility adds another dimension, as evidenced by his 64 rushing yards (including a 21-yard scamper) in their previous meeting.
Iowa State, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back in the conference after falling to Arizona State 45-19 in last year’s Big 12 Championship game. The Cyclones return quarterback Rocco Becht, who has thrown for 6,690 yards and 48 touchdowns over his two seasons as a starter.
In the November meeting between these teams, Iowa State prevailed 29-21 in a game where both teams were ranked, though Johnson outdueled Becht with 220 passing yards and three touchdowns compared to Becht’s 135 yards and two scores.
Both programs have strong agricultural ties as land-grant universities, giving this rivalry its unique “Farmageddon” nickname.
Expert Pick: Iowa State +3.5 – The Cyclones have owned this rivalry recently and should be motivated after last year’s championship game disappointment. Playing on neutral ground in Dublin levels the field, and Iowa State’s experience in big moments gives them the edge in what should be a close, defensive battle.
CFB Week 0 Predictions: Other FBS Matchups
- Fresno State at Kansas (6:30 p.m. ET) – Odds: Kansas -12.5, O/U 50.5
The Bulldogs get new leadership under head coach Matt Entz, who arrives from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. He has named EJ Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, his starting QB. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels returns to lead a Jayhawks team that went 5-1 ATS down the stretch last season.
Expert Pick: Kansas Moneyline – Both teams face significant roster turnover, but Kansas has the home-field advantage and a deeper talent pool.
- Sam Houston at Western Kentucky (7:00 p.m. ET) – Odds: WKU -10, O/U 60.5
The Bearkats (10-3 last season) welcome back head coach Phil Longo in a familiar reunion, having coached the team previously in 2014. Western Kentucky lost four of its final five games last year, including the C-USA championship and its bowl game.
- Stanford at Hawaii (7:30 p.m. ET, CBS) – Odds: Hawaii -2, O/U 52.5
The Cardinal begin the Frank Reich era after Andrew Luck (Stanford GM), fired Troy Taylor following back-to-back 3-9 seasons. Reich takes over on an interim basis and faces a Hawaii program that’s struggled to four straight losing seasons under Timmy Chang. Stanford has won all four previous meetings, including a 37-24 victory in 2023.
Complete CFB Week 0 Schedule:
The season officially begins with these nine games, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2025 college football campaign that starts with international flair in Ireland.
- No. 22 Iowa St. vs. No. 17 Kansas St.
- Fresno State vs. Kansas
- Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky
- Stanford vs. Hawaii
- UIW vs. Nicholls
- Tarleton State vs. Portland State
- Southern vs. NC Central
- UC Davis vs. Mercer
- Idasho St. vs. UNLV (FCS vs. FBS)
