College Football 2025: One Game To Watch Each Week
By Simon Carroll
College Football is just ten weeks away!
Well, I tried to be optimisitic. With sixty-six miserable days between now and Week 0, I find myself thinking of creative ways to get excited about a season that never seems to get any closer. And with conference schedules recently released, I’ve come up with a doozy…
Imagine this scenario: You can only watch one Power 4 game of football each week. Worse than that, you can only watch each team ONCE all season – no duplicates allowed. What would your own schedule look like? Well, below is my week by week viewing guide, with a Group of Five game thrown in each week for good measure. 16 weeks, 31 games and 62 teams – if this doesn’t get your College Football juices flowing, I’m not sure what will:
Week 0
Kansas State vs Iowa State (Dublin, Ireland)
In what now seems to be a yearly tradition, College Football kicks off it’s season on the Emerald Isle. This year the Irish faithful get a taste of ‘Farmageddon’, a juicy Big 12 battle between Kansas State and Iowa State. Both these teams have the capability of challenging in a wide-open conference, and securing a playoff berth as a result. And in Chris Klieman and Matt Campbell, these programs are led by two of the best in the business.
GO5: Sam Houston State @ Western Kentucky
With a very small slate of games in Week 0, this was the only choice, if not the obvious one. Look a little deeper though, and this matchup could have significant Conference-USA repercussions. WKU will be targeting another title game appearance in year 7 under Tyson Helton. Meanwhile, the Bearkats are coming off a 10-win season but lost longtime head coach KC Keeler to Temple. His replacement, Phil Longo, is a respected offensive coordinator, but he has a job emulating the work of his predecessor. This has the feel of a ‘must win’ game before the real action even begins.
Week 1
Texas @ Ohio State
No messing about; we jump straight in with the biggest matchup of Week 1. Remember the rules though – this means there’ll be no Texas-Texas A&M, Red River Rivalry or ‘The Game’ on this schedule. So it better live up to it’s billing…
It was only a few months ago that these two battled it out in the Cotton Bowl. It’s probably fair to say that Texas gave Ohio State their toughest test in the playoffs, and it should be another close one in the ‘Shoe. It’s officially Arch Manning time in Austin, and if he passes this test then the Longhorns will likely be the number 1 ranked team in the nation until they make a mistake. There’s a QB competition in Columbus (or so Ryan Day says), but if former Alabama and 5-star recruit Julian Sayin assumes the mantle, he’ll have another strong cast of surrounding talent to work with.
As far as Week 1 games go, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
GO5: UTEP @ Utah State
Now THIS is what college football is all about! UTEP, a team scheduled to join the Mountain West this time next year, taking on a team leaving that very conference for the greener grasses of the Pac-12. Welcome to the mental world of realignment.
The Miners, perennial cellar dwellers not just in C-USA but in the whole of the FBS, have found the feel-good factor under Scotty Walden. Three wins last year doesn’t represent the strongest of platforms, but some innovation on the recruiting trail and no less than NINETEEN transfers coming in – nine of which are seniors, has raised expectations in El Paso. They go up against a Utah State team that hired Bronco Mendenhall this offseason, and expect a bounceback after falling to 4-8 following the removal of Blake Anderson just a month before the season.
If none of that wets your whistle, then tune in for the scenery – based in Logan, UT, Maverik Stadium may have one of the prettiest backdrops in all of college football.
Week 2
Illinois @ Duke
Don’t turn your nose up at this matchup – these two teams have quietly become dark horses within their own conferences, and at the very least have the ability to beat anyone on their day. The job that Bret Bielema has done in Champaign since he returned to the Big Ten is impressive – Illinois’ ten wins in 2024 was the most the program have registered in more than 20 years. Bielema has continuity on his side this year, with his starting QB Luke Altmeyer returning along with almost all of his coaching staff.
Manny Diaz is the ACC’s version of Bielema. Duke’s HC embarks on year 2 with the Blue Devils after a very impressive 9-4 record in his debut campaign. His offensive creativity will be tested after Maalik Murphy bolted to Oregon State in the portal. He’s replaced by the impressive Darian Mensah from Tulane – both of these schools have reasonable schedules, and with a fair wind could have seasons to remember.
GO5: Liberty @ Jacksonville State
Rich Rodriguez may have established unreasonable expectations in East Alabama. He led the Gamecocks to the Conference-USA title in 2024 – only the second season the program had competed at the FBS level. After heading back to West Virginia, Jax State brought back one of their own to pick up the mantle in Charles Kelly; the longtime assistant spent five years at the school in the early 90’s. His first head coaching role at 58 years old, he has big shoes to fill.
This is a storyline that his opposite number in this contest is familiar with. Jamey Chadwell took over from Hugh Freeze at Liberty, another hard act to follow. Chadwell however has made it look easy, winning 21 games in his first two years in charge – probably unsurprising considering his dominant run with Coastal Carolina before he arrived in Lynchburg. Despite the success, Liberty will be itching to get back into conference contention, and going to AmFirst Stadium and coming home with a win would be a big first step.
Week 3
Florida @ LSU
Yep. I could have had Texas A&M – Notre Dame here. The rules of this exercise mean that some decisions may look foolish. Just know that, if I didn’t squeeze LSU in here, then I would have struggled to fit them in anywhere. All their big games clashed with bigger ones. Besides, both the Aggies and Fighting Irish make the list later…
And include LSU we must, as Brian Kelly will be hoping he can gatecrash the playoffs this season. The Tigers have one of the best returing QB’s in college football in Garrett Nussmeier, and have surrounded him with talent. The knives may be out in Baton Rouge if an improvement isn’t seen in 2025.
One man who knows what that feels like is Billy Napier. He was on the hottest of hotseats this time last year, but somehow survived. The ascension of DJ Lagway and some serious recruiting has given the Gators hope – are Florida back?
GO5: UConn @ Delaware
In the never-ending world of college football realignment, two more programs joined the FBS ranks this offseason. So it’s well worth taking in a game from each of them if you can. The Fightin’ Blue Hens are led by head coach Ryan Carty, who has won 26 games in three years and would have gone to the FCS playoffs every season would they had not been ineligible this past year due to their jump to the big leagues. I expect them to be competitive in Conference-USA almost immediately.
UConn, meanwhile, is now the only team not called Notre Dame that doesn’t have a conference affiliation – despite overtures from the Big 12, ACC and PAC-12 the past few years. Their independent status has served them well in basketball, less so in football – but Jim Mora is finally bucking that trend, winning nine games and beating North Carolina in a bowl game last year. Keep this up, and they’ll be able to list their own demands for any Power 4 conference who wants them.
Week 4
Auburn @ Oklahoma
If things don’t improve for either coach by Week 4 of this season, then this contest could be pivotal in the futures of both Hugh Freeze and Brent Venables. The loser of this SEC matchup will doubtlessly be looking at another year in the wilderness, watching on as their respective arch rivals make a big push for the playoffs.
This game is also significant for another reason; quarterback Jackson Arnold left Oklahoma this offseason to go to Auburn. Once a top-ten recruit and the highest ranked high school star in Texas, his Sooners career stalled midway through last campaign, when he was benched by Venables. An SEC revenge game this early into the season? Sign me up.
GO5: Fresno State @ Hawaii
An interesting Mountain West showdown stands out in Week 4. Matt Entz is the new man in charge at Fresno State, a school that prides itself on it’s football program. There was a modest decline in 2024 as the health of Jeff Tedford saw him step back just before the season began; Tim Skipper got them to a bowl game at least, but more will be expected of Entz. Former Temple and Rice QB EJ Warner comes in to operate the offense, and has a homegrown talent in Josiah Anyon to target, transferring home after dominating at the FCS level.
Going to Hawaii and winning is never easy. And Timmy Chang’s outfit know they need to win for their head coach this season. Chang is a legend on the islands harking back to his playing days, but his air raid offense is yet to really take flight through three seasons at the helm. Football just feels better when the Rainbow Warriors are relevant – if they get off to a quick start in 2025, this is a game not to miss.
Week 5
Alabama @ Georgia
There’s some big matchups lined up for Week 5 this coming season. LSU – Ole Miss, Oregon – Penn State; but none quite as huge as Alabama heading to Georgia. When these two meet, it usually results in one being crowned SEC Champions.
The standards these two have set themselves are so high, that both will have considered 2024 a disappointment. For the Crimson Tide, that was barely missing out on the playoffs in Kalen DeBoer’s first season in charge. For the Bulldogs, it was Kirby Smart’s program getting bounced in their first knockout game by Notre Dame. Whilst they may seem like first world problems to most, this matchup will go a long way to determining who ‘bounces back’ the quickest.
Both schools are moving on from high-level quarterbacks too. Will Gunner Stockton be able to step into the shoes vacated by Carson Beck? And has Ty Simpson won the race to replace Jalen Milroe? A lot of questions should be answered before and after this heavyweight contest.
GO5: Marshall @ Louisiana
This is a game that, for the uneducated, has some interesting narratives. Firstly, current Sun Belt champs Marshall enter 2025 with a new head coach at the helm after Charles Huff took a sideays (at best) step to Southern Miss. Earning a conference title for the first time in a decade, Huff didn’t feel wanted enough by the Herd and headed elsewhere. Officially it was a ‘mutual decision’, but money – or the lack thereof – probably played a big part.
It will be interesting to see how they bounce back. And there’s no bigger test on their conference schedule than the Cajuns, who they beat handily in the title game back in December. Louisiana HC Michael Desormeaux is Lafayette through and through after playing QB there in the early 2000’s before working his way up the ranks at the school since 2016. He took over one of the best GO5 programs in the nation, but struggled until last year where he hit ten wins in a hotseat season. Win this conference, and you have a shot at the playoffs – and both these teams have the talent to to top the Sun Belt.
Week 6
Clemson @ North Carolina
Many of you may be wondering why I passed on Clemson – LSU in Week 1. I’d argue the Texas – Ohio State game answers that itself, but this exercise will throw up some curveballs as you battle getting as many blue blood programs in as possible – with big matchups obviously a key factor too. Regardless, this isn’t a bad ‘second prize’ considering the appointment of Bill Belichick as UNC’s head coach. In Belichick & Dabo Swinney, the ACC might not have seen two gigantic program leaders go head to head like this Week 6 clash delivers…
After a few down years where Dabo had to adjust to the modern world of NIL and the transfer portal, it looks like Clemson is officially back. The ascension of Cade Klubnik has everyone thinking the Tigers are on course for a title run, a conclusion that’s hard to argue with. As for the Tar Heels, it’s difficult to tell what we’ll get from them in 2025. Belichick might have similar star power to Deion Sanders and all eyes wiill be on Chapel Hill this year – although I’d imagine a lot less fireworks than there was in Boulder the last couple of seasons. This matchup has the makings of a conference decider.
GO5: South Alabama @ Troy
As far as in-state Alabama rivalry games go, this might not have the pizzazz as the Iron Bowl. But it’s only a two-hour drive between Mobile and Troy, who have been competing in ‘The Battle for the Belt’ since 2012. The name derives itself from the Sun Belt, the conference the two schools compete in. Since then, a wrestling-style belt has been used as a trophy for the occasion – a series that the Trojans lead 9-4 all time.
The Jaguars reclaimed bragging rights last season though, ending a six year skid. 2024 was Major Applewhite’s first year in charge after being promoted from offensive coordinator when Kane Wommack left; a winning season and bowl victory injecting optimism that this program, situated in one of the hottest of football hotbeds, is on the right trajectory. Troy, on the other hand, suffered a backward step last year as they struggled to get over the defection of Jon Sumrall to Tulane. Four wins when you compare it to the 23 their former HC had in his last two years at Veterans Memorial Stadium left a bad taste in the mouth – they’ll be looking for improvement this season.
Week 7
Arizona State @ Utah
Did anyone do a better coaching job than Kenny Dillingham last year? The Sun Devils, picked by many to prop up the Big 12, ended up going on a tear and winning the conference – booking a spot in the playoffs as a result. That was largely on the back of workhorse running back Cam Skattebo, who has since departed for the NFL. So matching those standards this term may be difficult, but Dillingham’s fingerprints are now all over this offense. Sam Leavitt returns as quarterback after a promising first year in Tempe, and he has a strong receiving corps of Malik McClain, Jordyn Tyson, and three transfers to throw at.
In Week 7 they go up against the team that should have challenged for conference honors last year was it not for paralysing injuries. It’s a new era in Salt Lake City, with Cam Rising retiring after what seemed like a decade as the Utes’ QB. Utah respnded by snagging Devon Dampier from the portal, an electric dual threat QB who put up 3,400 all-purpose yards and 31 TD’s for New Mexico last season. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has mulled retirement the last couple of years – I’m sure he’d like to see his program back amongst the best before he departs.
This game has shootout written all over it.
GO5: Rice @ UTSA
Rice were very patient with head coach Mike Bloomgren; the former Owls head coach enjoying six full seasons at the helm without ever winning more than five games in a campaign. Last year proved to be the end, however, a 17-10 loss at UConn meaning Bloomgren departed with a 24-52 record. It’s hard to win in this basketball-centric part of Houston, and that task will now be bestowed upon Scott Abell – a head coach who has shown an ability to recruit at schools with high academic standards. All his nous will be needed to have the Owls competitive in the tough American Athletic Conference.
No conference game will be tougher in 2025 than a trip to in-state rivals UTSA in Week 7. Roadrunners HC Jeff Traylor has never won less than 7 games in any of his five seasons in charge in San Antonio, and all signs point to another strong campaing this year. Quarterback Owen McCown – son of NFL QB and coach Josh McCown – returns to lead the offense, but their defense last year struggled, holding opponents to less than 24 points in just three games. That offers enough hope for a competitive battle in the Alamodome.
Week 8
Louisville @ Miami
As far as first seasons go, Jeff Brohm couldn’t have asked for much more on his return to Louisville. The former Cardinals QB headed back to his alma mater as head coach after impressing in Purdue – and promptly won nine games. In fact, all of his four losses were by one score, including to a strong Miami team and two playoff participants in Notre Dame and SMU. Brohm will have to contend with the loss of some talent, namely Tyler Shough who headed to the NFL. The repsonse to this was to bring in ten transfers on offense, five of which are slated to start including former USC QB Miller Moss. The Cards think they have a playoff window, and are all in on 2025.
The same could be said of Miami – every year if we’re honest, but certainly this coming season. After getting out the checkbook to bring in Carson Beck from Georgia, the famous Hurricane boosters will be expecting results. Mario Cristobal has no problem attracting talent to Coral Gables, and his recruiting prowess is unmatched. Why then, can the ‘Canes not get over the hump? They were so close again last year, slipping up at the end with two close losses to unranked opponents. The ACC is looking very strong this year – I would argue that the loser of this contest is probably going to miss out on a title game appearance.
GO5: UNLV @ Boise State
There is a feeling of bitterness from UNLV fans when it comes to Boise State. Geographically these two Mountain West programs aren’t rivals – but Rebels fans feel the only difference between themslves and the Broncos last year was a superstar running back. Ashton Jeanty’s exploits took Boise all the way to the playoffs, including two tough wins over UNLV on the way. This time, things should be even tighter.
The Rebels do have to overcome the loss of both their head coach and offensive coordinator. Barry Odom left for Purdue, whilst Brennan Marrion – author of the explosive ‘Go Go Offense’ – gets a HC gig with Sacramento State. In comes Dan Mullins to steer the ship, with former Tulsa OC Corey Dennis working under him. If they can maintain the standards set by their predecessors, they’re in good shape.
Boise, meanwhile, will be MWC favourites once again, even without Jeanty in the backfield. Adding further spice is their decision to leave the conference for the remodelled PAC-12 in 2026, whilst UNLV stay loyal. The Broncos know how to win on the blue turf – but the chip on the Rebels’ shoulder should hopefully help deliver a feisty showdown in Week 8.
Week 9
Michigan @ Michigan State
With ‘The Game’ off the table thanks to watching Ohio State in Week 1, we have to find another home to pencil Michigan into. And as far as rivalries go, The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy is a more than acceptable alternative. Leading the series 74-38-5, Michigan have historically had the upper hand over their noisy neighbours, and are currently enjoying a four-game winning streak. But I wouldn’t be surprised if that changed this year…
Jonathan Smith had a tough first year in East Lansing, the Spartans on the end of some heavy Big Ten defeats. That being said, he was lauded for the building project he did at Oregon State, and Michigan State did show flashes in 2024. I expect a big jump this term, regardless of the incredible competition they face in their own conference. Michigan, meanwhile, fell off a cliff after their Natty Win in 2023, and with suspensions still looming from Spygate, could feel this hangover for a little longer. I smell an upset.
GO5: Missouri State @ New Mexico State
After welcoming Delaware to the FBS fold, we now introduce the second new team to the elite ranks of college football. Missouri State joins Conference-USA on July 1st, and Springfield, MO is a big city that is ready to dedicate resources to football. That said, they’ve enjoyed middling performances under head coach Ryan Beard, and year three in his tenure might be a lot tougher integration to this level than I predict for the Fightin’ Blue Hens.
One game they may have a shot in is against New Mexico State in Week 9. The Aggies were an entertaining watch in 2023, with Jerry Kill at the helm and Diego Pavia torching defenses. Those two left, and NMSU reverted to type, winning just three games in Tony Sanchez’s first season in charge. Almost forty players hit the portal, with a similar number coming in – experienced OC David Yost takes over the offense, and will work with QB Logan Fife, who comes in from Montana. This could be a wooden spoon battle that has a bit of intrigue about it.
Week 10
USC @ Nebraska
In a scenario that everyone saw coming, USC did not particularly enjoy their start to life in the Big Ten. The only road victory all season did technically come in the conference, but was against their neighbours UCLA – showing that the air miles and playing in adverse weather are two factors that the Trojans need to address if they want success going forward.
They did beat Nebraska though. This year, USC travel to Lincoln in early November – both 7-6 last year, these are two intriguing programs who won’t need much to go their way to get back to what their respective fanbases expect. Dylan Raiola throwing to Dane Key? Or Jayden Maiava linking up with Prince Strachan? Matt Rhule vs Lincoln Riley is a heavyweight matchup not to be missed.
GO5: Old Dominion @ Louisiana-Monroe
Casual college football fans are likely to be unfamiliar with Old Dominion and ULM, and that alone is reason enough to watch this Sun Belt matchup. Let’s start in Norfolk, VA, home to the Monarchs, who will be entering their fourth season at this level; head coach Ricky Rahne really hasn’t got the accolades deserved for how quickly he’s got ODU acclimated to the FBS. Despite shocking Virginia Tech in their first game since switching conferences, a winning record has so far proved elusive – and a bowl game will undoubtedly be the target in 2025. Optimism is high that sophomore QB Colton Joseph is set for big things after stepping in for the injured Grant Wilson last season.
ULM have only won more than six games once since they joined the Sun Belt in 2001. They hit the reset button last year after three abject seasons under Terry Bowden, and immediatelyy went 5-7 in Bryant Vincent’s first year in charge, despite being predicted to prop up the conference. Bettering that record will be a challenge, with star running back Ahmad Hardy moving on to Missouri. But this is an experienced depth chart with only one sophomore expected to start in 2025, and I could see them being dark horses in the conference. With the same applying to Old Dominion, there could be serious implications on the line.
Week 11
Indiana @ Penn State
Indiana’s fairytale run to the playoffs remains fresh in the memory for those in Bloomington and beyond. But Curt Cignetti is doing his level best to make sure 2024 wasn’t just a flash in the pan; the head coach has a chip on his shoulder about how long he had to wait for a Power 4 opportunity, and is making up for lost time with the Hoosiers. Many would expect regression with QB Kurtis Rourke going pro, but Cignetti raided Cal for Fernando Mendoza, a shrewd addition to his offense. Indiana haven’t been shy when it comes to using the portal – they should still be relevant in the Big Ten this season.
That said, it’s not a cupcake schedule like some thought they got last year. And a matchup with Penn State, at this point in the season, has the feel of an eliminator when it comes to playoff hopes. The Nittany Lions had their best year yet under James Franklin, winning a playoff game and pushing Notre Dame close in the Semi Finals. Drew Allar returns and Happy Valley will have high expectations for a quarterback many expect to be one of the best in the nation in 2025. More ominous; a defense that held opponents to 14 points or less TEN TIMES last year bolstered their pass rush with additions from Texas A&M and Michigan. Both these schools have no intention of fading away – this might be my favourite Big Ten matchup of the year.
GO5: Tulane @ Memphis
Often considered the strongest of the Group of Five conferences, the American looks to be packed full of programs hoping to challenge for a title game spot in 2025. Tweo of the traditional heavyweights in this league are Tulane and Memphis, and when they face each other there’s usually fireworks. The Tigers have a comfortable series lead, and took home bragging rights last year too, but the Green Wave are looking formidable again under Jon Sumrall…
How Tulane bounces back from the loss of Darian Mensah to Duke will be key to their season. They’ve brought in a quartet of QB’s to replace him, and the battle between TJ Finley, Donovan Leary, Kadin Semonza and Brendan Sullivan will be interesting. Heading to Memphis in early November will be a tough out this year, as Ryan Silverfield has the Tigers flying; their defense was strong in 2024, but has had a full rebuild with eighteen players coming in. Keep an eye out for run-stuffing behemoth Pooda Walker, who joins after impressing at Kennesaw State.
Week 12
South Carolina @ Texas A&M
LaNorris Sellers might be the most exciting quarterback in college football this season, and I just had to shoehorn the Gamecocks into this schedule somewhere. Shane Beamer did another outstanding job with South Carolina last year, missing out on the playoffs by a hair’s breadth; You can feel the confidence coming out of Columbia that they’re ready to shock the SEC.
Shocking the SEC is something Texas A&M have been threatening to do since Johnny Manziel left town. They’ve thrown a lot of money towards achieving that endeavour without any form of success – but there was definite signs of life under Mike Elko his first year in charge. Standards won’t have dropped an inch in College Station, and a matchup like this is a true barometer of how close they are to becoming a part of the elite in the SEC and beyond. A matchup between the great pretenders? Maybe. But it should be entertaining nonetheless.
GO5: App State @ James Madison
There’s a healthy amount of Sun Belt football on this list – that’s because it’s a sneaky good conference. Which is apt for this matchup, because these are both sneaky good football programs too. App State have made the title game twice in the last four years, and so a losing record in 2024 failed to live up to expectations and meant the end of Shawn Clark. Dowell Loggains, maybe more familiar to NFL fans, comes in to get the Mountaineers back to the summit (sorry not sorry).
Following in the footsteps of Curt Cignetti, who won 52 games in five years at James Madison and took the Dukes to the Sun Belt title game both seasons the first two seasons they were in the conference, is no mean feat. But Bob Chesney won nine games in his debut season and will be looking for more in year two. He’s had to rebuild on the fly as Indiana poached their talent – I’m excited to see Arrion Concepcion (brother of NC State receiver KC Concepcion) at receiver – he has a shot at being one of the best playmakers in the conference.
App State have won the last two against JMU, but they’re always close contests and well worth four hours of your Saturday.
Week 13
Syracuse @ Notre Dame
Notre Dame fans can stop panicking now. After the incredible year they just had, they were always a must-watch in 2025; I imagine a matchup with Syracuse doesn’t quite have the same allure as some teams on their early slate, but it’s at the business end of the season when things can go wrong – and just ask Miami how facing the Orange in November can derail your season…
How Fran Brown backs up 2024 is a tricky challenge, and replacing Kyle McCord with a QB who has thrown five career passes doesn’t answer a lot of questions. It’s hard to explain how close Syracuse were to a playoff spot last year, two regrettable losses to Stanford and Boston College by a combined 8 points scuppering an otherwise impressive debut campaign for their head coach. It’s a tough schedule too, and heading to South Bend in their penultimate game is daunting.
Notre Dame is once again a machine destined to be relevant at the highest levels of college football for the forseeable future. That’s a testament to Marcus Freeman, who has had to learn a little on the job, and overcome some surprising losses each year. He’ll be wary of the banana skin game that facing Syracuse could be.
GO5: UMass @ Ohio
I can’t believe I waited this long for my dose of #MACtion.
Despite it being perceived as the weakest conference in FBS football, the MAC has carved itself out a unique selling point of unabashed entertainment, gleefully accepting the midweek timeslots for further exposure. It’s difficult to explain the appeal until you watch it – and once you have, it’s infectious. And I knew that, whatever week I squeezed it in to the schedule, it had to be a game that included UMass, who join the conference on July 1st…
The Minutemen, flying under the radar in the heart of Massachusetts, has always had a MAC feel about it. They have a new head coach for this new era – former Rutgers DC Jon Harasymiak taking over from the legendary Don Brown. Harasymiak is a Springfield native, just 35 minutes south of Amherst, and should give UMass a recruiting boost.
They’ll need it. Because amongst their new peers, they’ll struggle to compete. Hopefully they’ve acclimated by the time they head to Athens to play Ohio – the Bobcats are MAC veterans who are current conference champions. Also led by a new head coach, Brian Smith steps up from OC to replace the departed Tim Albin. Do not go the whole season without sampling at least one game from this compelling band of misfits.
Week 14
Ole Miss @ Mississippi State
Ah, Rivalry Week. The greatest and toughest Saturday for the armchair fan on the college football schedule. How on earth do you decide which games to prioritise? Well fear not – I have the answer.
The Egg Bowl doesn’t get enough shine for my liking. A visceral, heated rivalry game, it has been played since 1901, and 2025 will be the 99th time they’ve fought for the Golden Egg. Never lopsided and always competitive, it took on more significance recently with Lane Kiffin & Mike Leach facing off – in fact, Leach’s 2022 Egg Bowl win was the last of his career before his unexpected death that offseason. Rest in Peace the Pirate, one of the greatest to ever do it.
This year, Ole Miss will head in as favourites, a new era with Jaxson Dart’s departure. Can Kiffin work his magic with new QB Austin Simmons? If so I imagine little dropoff for the Rebels, who are always capable of pushing for a playoff spot.
Mississippi State have had something of a forced reset since Leach’s passing, but they believe they have the right man in Jeff Lebby. Two wins to begin his tenure in Starkville isn’t ideal, and he’ll need progress this season to retain that confidence. QB Blake Shapen had eight TD’s to just one pick in his first four games in 2024 before being ruled out with injury the rest of the year. His return should help the Bulldogs improve – a bowl game might still be out of reach, but shocking Ole Miss would more than make up for it.
GO5: Air Force @ Colorado State
Plenty will be on the line for most games in Week 14. And in the Mountain West, this battle could lead to one of these dark horses making a surprise appearance in the title game. Air Force have never won the MWC in Troy Calhoun’s 18 years in charge. But he’s got an incredible record for a service academy head coach, eleven eight-win seasons and four years of double-digit wins. Could this be the year they get over the hump?
They have both Boise and UNLV on their slate. Survive those, and they’ll need to finish the job against rivals Colorado State. No easy job, as Jay Norvell has galvanised their near neighbours. The Rams won eight games last year as they leaned more into their run game, but junior QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is experienced and capable of dragging his team over the line in a shootout too. Norvell got his first win over Calhoun last year, and will fancy themselves again in 2025 – this is a game that could go either way, with big spoils for the victors.
Week 16
Army vs Navy (Baltimore, MD)
Not much needs to be said about college football’s yearly curtain call. The Army-Navy game, often called ‘Civil War’, is an American and footballing institution, a fitting end to the regular season each year – and besides, is the only game of the weekend. So if you want to watch football in Week 16, this is it.
Both these academies had strong seasons in 2024. In fact, both were undefeated and ranked until they had to play Notre Dame. The Black Knights won the conference and finished #22 in the nation, the Midshipmen not quite hitting those standards. But Navy did take the bragging rights in this matchup last year, which more than made up for watching their rivals hoist the American Athletic trophy.
Jeff Monken has tenure and a record to be proud of, whilst Brian Newberry heads into his thrid season buoyed by ten wins in 2024. It’s a compelling matchup at the best of times, even more exciting when the two programs are on song like they are right now. This year the game is being held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. I guarantee it’s not one to be missed.
SIMON CARROLL
HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST AND COVERS THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FOR SB NATION.