Earliest Test for College Football's Top Contenders in 2025 Season
Any numbers of factors will shape the results of a college football team's season, but the schedule undeniably is a big one.
During the 2024 campaign, for example, Indiana and SMU capitalized on some favorable slates to reach the College Football Playoff. It certainly isn't their job to apologize for rattling off 11-win regular seasons.
Where might a similar story happen again in 2025?
One helpful way to gauge that is by identifying where a perceived contender's first major test may come. The list features the 14 teams with championship odds of +5000 or shorter, according to DraftKings.
Week 1: Texas at Ohio State
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On the first big weekend of the season, we won't be waiting long for a showdown. This clash in Columbus is slated to kick at noon ET.
And it might be No. 1 vs. No. 2.
The initial Coaches Poll pegged Texas and Ohio State in those respective spots, and it's entirely likely the AP Top 25—the ranking of record—will follow suit. Even if that doesn't happen, it won't change the magnitude of this matchup.
Arch Manning is set to make his debut as Texas' full-time starter, and Ohio State will unveil its new starter. Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz are still battling for that label in fall camp.
Though both teams are expected to make the CFP regardless of the result, this can be a tone-setting kind of victory for the season.
Week 1: LSU at Clemson
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As the game between Ohio State and Texas wraps up, attention will quickly shift to a battle featuring LSU and Clemson.
Most recently, the teams met in the national championship of the 2019 season. They played in three previous bowl games, as well. Despite their relative proximity, however, this is the first-ever regular-season tilt.
And it's happening at a great time.
Each program returns an experienced roster with a veteran quarterback, those being Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Cade Klubnik (Clemson). Anything short of a CFP trip would be considered a failure for either team in 2025.
Again, the loser won't be eliminated from a title pursuit by any means, but picking up a marquee win right away is always ideal.
Week 1: Notre Dame at Miami
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Taking advantage of the NFL-less opening slate, Notre Dame and Miami will be owning the spotlight on Sunday night in Week 1.
It's not the "Catholics vs. Convicts" heyday of the rivalry, but it's still a huge game.
After finishing as the national runner-up last season, Notre Dame is turning to a new quarterback—CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey—on what's otherwise a sturdy roster. Miami revamped a few positions in the transfer portal, also bringing in former Georgia starter Carson Beck to steer the offense.
For both programs, there are plenty of questions to answer. One marquee win isn't going to determine if either team has enough in the receiving corps, for example, to truly contend with the best of the best in the country.
Yet on this night, a victory will be one step closer to the CFP.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Weeks 1-2
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Week 1: Alabama at Florida State
Based on the 2-10 nightmare for Mike Norvell's team in 2024, you wouldn't call Florida State an early test. But it's a fresh year, Alabama will have a new quarterback, FSU hosts the game etc. Bama assuredly is not glossing over a trip to Tallahassee to kick off the season.
Week 2: Oklahoma State at Oregon
Similarly, last year's results would suggest a different story. Oregon went 13-0 to earn the No. 1 seed in the CFP, and Oklahoma State flailed to 3-9. Oregon has to reshape its offense this season, though, and Mike Gundy just overhauled the OSU roster in the portal. Maybe it'll be a blowout for Oregon? But I would not discount the possibility of a resurgent year for the Pokes.
Week 2: Michigan at Oklahoma
The conveniently timed two-game suspension for Michigan coach Sherrone Moore kicks in after a marquee trip to Oklahoma, which is also his alma mater. While defense has been Michigan's strength lately, the unit must be prepared to handle OU dual-threat John Mateer after his standout year at Washington State.
Week 2: Ole Miss at Kentucky
Ole Miss hosts LSU to close September, and that contest will attract plenty of eyes. But last season, you may recall, Kentucky took down Ole Miss in Oxford. All four matchups between UK and Ole Miss since 2017 have included a winning margin no greater than three points, too. Don't overlook this one.
Weeks 3-5
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Week 3: Florida at LSU
With respect to South Florida's trip to Florida in Week 2, Gators fans are bracing for a rivalry date in Death Valley. The good news for Florida? It upset LSU last season. The less-good news? That was at home in Gainesville, and quarterback DJ Lagway has dealt with an injury-riddled offseason. Florida will be the underdog, but that would only make another win over LSU sweeter.
Week 3: Texas A&M at Notre Dame
UTSA and Utah State are no slouches, yet Texas A&M's schedule heats up with a trip to South Bend. Notre Dame won last season's tilt 23-13 in a defensive struggle, but Aggies QB Marcel Reed watched that one from the sideline. Will he make a winning difference for his team in 2025?
Week 3: Georgia at Tennessee
Among the programs with a new signal-caller, Georgia has the luxury of a less dramatic start to the campaign. The first two games are at home against Marshall and lower-division Austin Peay. Presumably, those will be tune-up opportunities for Gunner Stockton prior to a Week 3 showdown at rival Tennessee in what doubles as the SEC opener for both schools.
Week 5: Oregon at Penn State
In case you needed more reasons to buy the Penn State hype, check the schedule. The team starts with Nevada, Florida International and lower-division Villanova before an idle weekend that precedes a home clash with Oregon. So, the Nittany Lions don't leave the state for a whole month. Barring injury, Penn State has no excuse not to be prepared for this prime-time kickoff in Week 5.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
