College Football Week 1 Schedule Delivers Blockbuster Saturday Matchups

The 2025 college football season officially launched with a full slate of games on Saturday, August 30. Fans across the nation were treated to a marathon day of action featuring several top-ten teams. The schedule included highly anticipated non-conference clashes with major playoff implications. According to Sports Illustrated, the day promised potential playoff previews.

This year’s opening weekend did not disappoint. It featured two marquee matchups between programs ranked in the preseason AP Top 10. The outcomes of these games will likely shape the national conversation for weeks to come.

Top-Ranked Teams Clash in Early Season Tests

The headline game saw the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns face the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. This was a rematch of last season’s thrilling playoff semifinal. Texas started new quarterback Arch Manning in this high-stakes noon matchup on Fox.

Another major game featured Alabama taking on Florida State on ABC. New Tide coach Kalen DeBoer began his second season with a new quarterback. The Seminoles aimed to rebound from a disappointing prior year.

Reigning national champion Georgia also took the field against Marshall. The Bulldogs, SEC champions, opened their season on ESPN. This was one of several key games that kicked off at 3:30 PM ET.

Full Day of Action Captivates National Audience

The schedule was packed from noon until late evening. Key afternoon games included Nevada at Penn State on CBS. The Nittany Lions entered the season as a popular Big Ten title favorite.

Evening games brought more must-see television. The primetime slot featured a major showdown between LSU and Clemson on ABC. This game showcased two of the country’s most talented quarterbacks.

Michigan also began its title defense against New Mexico on NBC. The Wolverines looked for a smooth start before a tough schedule ahead. Later games on ESPN+ and conference networks rounded out the night.

This college football Week 1 schedule provided a perfect start to the season. Fans witnessed high-stakes drama between national contenders. The results will immediately impact the playoff race.

Info at your fingertips

What was the biggest game in Week 1 of college football?

The matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State was the biggest game. It was a rematch of a previous playoff semifinal and aired on Fox.

Where can I watch replays of the Week 1 games?

Replays are typically available on the network’s streaming platforms, like ESPN+ or the Fox Sports app. Conference networks also often provide replays for their games.

Did any ranked teams play in the evening time slot?

Yes. The LSU vs. Clemson game was a major evening matchup featuring two ranked teams. Michigan also played in the late window on NBC.

How many ranked teams played on Saturday?

Multiple top-25 teams were in action. This included Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Penn State, among others.

Trusted Sources

Sports Illustrated, Associated Press, ESPN