Welcome to our College Football Week 1 predictions! Last Saturday, we saw Iowa State beat Kansas State in the Dublin game, with Avery Johnson turning in the top passing performance—273 yards and two touchdowns despite the loss.
Top DFS Apps in All States
College Football Week 1 Predictions
This week, the slate truly explodes with big games and betting opportunities. The fireworks begin before Saturday even arrives, with some intriguing matchups on Thursday and Friday night – and then continue into Sunday.
Let’s dive in—this is your College Football Week 1 Betting Guide to the most important, best games to watch and bet on.
Editor’s Note: Join the conversation! Head over to our Discord to chat with our experts and fellow bettors, get your questions answered, and connect with our growing community of sharp minds!
College Football Week 1 Betting Guide: Thursday, August 28
No. 25 Boise State vs. South Florida
- Spread: Boise -5.5
- Total: 62.5
This is the only Top 25 matchup on Thursday, and it comes with real upset potential. Boise State is ranked, but they lost their do-everything back Ashton Jeanty to the NFL (Raiders).
Meanwhile, USF is coming off back-to-back six-win regular seasons and home-field advantage in Tampa.
Pick: Take USF on the moneyline. The Bulls are poised to pull the shocker against a Boise squad still finding its offensive identity.
Other Thursday Games:
- Elon at Duke
- Nebraska at Cincinnati (Nebraska -6.5, Dylan Raiola’s 2025 debut)
- Miami (OH) at Wisconsin
- Wyoming (-5.5) at Akron (the only single-digit spread besides Boise-USF and the Nebraska game)
- Delaware State at Delaware (the “Battle of Delaware”)
While most of these are tune-ups, the Nebraska vs. Cincinnati game is worth monitoring for Raiola’s debut.
College football Week 1 Predictions: Friday, August 29
No. 12 Illinois vs. Western Illinois
- Spread: Illinois -45.5
- Total: 63.5
This is more of a blowout watch than a contest, with Illinois expected to cruise.
Colorado vs. Georgia Tech
- Spread: Georgia Tech -4
- Total: 51.5
This is the flashy pick of the night. Deion Sanders begins Year 2 of the Colorado experiment, but it won’t be Shedeur Sanders under center—he’s gone. Instead, Kaden Salter takes the reins.
The Liberty transfer brings three years of starting experience, nearly 6,000 passing yards, 56 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, plus 2,000+ rushing yards. He’s been sharpened by OC Pat Shurmur and volunteer coach Byron Leftwich.
Colorado did lose multiple receivers (Will Sheppard, Jimmy Horn, Travis Hunter), but Salter gives them stability, and the home crowd should keep them in this one. Don’t be surprised if five-star freshman Julian Lewis sees snaps too.
Pick: Colorado +4. Expect a field-goal game, with upset potential.
UNLV at Sam Houston
- Spread: UNLV -9.5
Dan Mullen’s squad escaped with a 38-31 win over Idaho State last week despite being heavy favorites. They’ll look sharper on the road, but it’s one to monitor rather than a lock.
Saturday Headliner: No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State
Location: Columbus, OH
Kickoff: Prime Time (FOX Big Noon Kickoff crew on site… but with drama)
This is the game of the week—and maybe of the entire season opener. One of two Saturday matchups featuring two ranked opponents pits No. 1 Texas against No. 3 Ohio State at the Horseshoe.
The off-field headlines have already been buzzing. Dave Portnoy of Barstool was originally slated to be part of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff coverage, but was reportedly banned from entering the stadium due to his well-documented Michigan fandom. FOX and Barstool have announced a new partnership this season, but unclear what Portnoy antics will take place on Saturday.
On the field, though, this is all about the quarterbacks:
- Texas: Arch Manning, the legacy quarterback, officially takes the reins after Quinn Ewers was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. While Manning hasn’t played full-time at this level yet, he does have meaningful college reps under his belt and steps in with the confidence of a veteran.
- Ohio State: Former Alabama transfer and five-star Julian Sayin leads the Buckeyes. Sayin has all the pedigree, but this will be his first true test in one of college football’s most hostile environments.
The Buckeyes bring one of the nation’s deepest receiver rooms yet again, but Manning’s slight edge in experience—and the overall balance of Texas’ roster—make the Longhorns feel just a tick more reliable in a game this massive.
Lean: Texas. Arch Manning may not be perfect, but he’s better positioned for this stage than Julian Sayin right now.
College Football Picks: Sunday, August 31
With the NFL still a week away, Sunday belongs fully to college football. Two strong matchups highlight the day, including one of the weekend’s biggest Top 10 showdowns.
Virginia Tech at South Carolina
- Spread: South Carolina -7.5
- Total: 52.5
Notre Dame at Miami (FL)
- Spread: Notre Dame -2.5
- Total: 49.5
- Moneyline: ND -130 / MIA +110
“Catholics vs. Convicts” renewed. A Top 10 showdown, as Marcus Freeman officially names CJ Carr the starter. Carr, ESPN’s No. 2 pocket passer in 2024 and grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, is making his first career start.
While he saw minimal action last year (no stats recorded), he won a tight QB competition in camp and now steps into the spotlight.
Miami brings plenty of athleticism, but the stability of Notre Dame’s defense plus Carr’s confidence should give the Irish a slim edge.
Pick: Notre Dame -2.5. Even with a newer QB, the Irish are better positioned for the grind of a four-quarter battle.
