The long wait is finally over, as college football has returned with a full slate of games for Week 1. Fans across the country will see fresh faces, bold matchups, and the start of storylines that could shape the playoff race months from now.
From powerhouse programs defending their reputations to underdogs eager to make a statement, the opening week is always loaded with intrigue and unpredictability.
Saturday will bring stadiums back to life, rivalries back into focus, and the roar of tradition back onto campuses. Today, we focus on two top-ten matchups that are going down this weekend.
Texas (#1) vs. Ohio State (#3)
- Spread: Longhorns -1.0 (-105), Buckeyes +1.0 (-115)
- Moneyline: Longhorns -115, Buckeyes -105
- Over: 46.5 (-110)
- Under: 46.5 (-110)
The much-anticipated clash between #1 Texas and #3 Ohio State is shaping up to be one of the marquee early-season matchups. Oddsmakers have installed Texas as a razor-thin favorite, with the Longhorns projected to win by a point.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters the season as the most likely Heisman Trophy winner according to the odds at college football sportsbooks. The Buckeyes’ Justin Sayin will be making his first start at quarterback.
Ohio State head coach Brian Day’s message to Sayin is “just win.” Will Day employ a conservative game plan, or cut loose with Sayin and air it out?
While there is no denying the game’s importance and magnitude, the reality is that it is not a must-win game for either program. There are no conference implications whatsoever, and the team that loses has an entire season to make up the difference.
Our Prediction: Texas Covers
LSU (#9) vs. Clemson (#4)
- Spread: LSU +4.0 (-110), Clemson -4.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: LSU +155, Clemson -180
- Over: 57.5 (-110)
- Under: 57.5 (-110)
Also this Saturday, the No. 4 Clemson Tigers host the No. 9 LSU Tigers for a critical early-season showdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
Both teams are looking to make a statement after solid 2024 seasons: Clemson finished 10-4 and reached the College Football Playoff, while LSU posted a 9-4 record capped by a Texas Bowl victory.
Clemson’s offense is led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw for over 3,600 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, with dynamic weapons like Antonio Williams at receiver and Phil Mafah in the run game. The Tigers’ defense returns key playmakers such as linebacker Barrett Carter, aiming to slow LSU’s balanced attack.
LSU counters with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who passed for over 4,000 yards last year, supported by emerging talents like running back Caden Durham and receivers Kyren Lacy and Aaron Anderson. LSU’s success will hinge on protecting the ball and stopping Clemson’s explosive plays.
Expect a battle of offensive firepower and resilience as each team kicks off its campaign with playoff aspirations on the line.
Our Prediction: LSU Covers
