WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 28
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0-0) vs. UCF Knights (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL
Broadcast: ESPN+
Team Form & Trends
Jacksonville State finished 2024 with a 9–5 record, averaging 36.0 points per game (11th in FBS) while allowing 26.1 (77th). They closed the season with a Cure Bowl loss but boast a high-powered offense led by dual-threat QB Tyler Huff and workhorse RB Tre Stewart. The Gamecocks covered the spread in eight of 14 games last year but went winless ATS as underdogs of 20.5 points or more.
UCF went 4–8 in 2024, scoring 30.4 points per game (49th) and conceding 26.9 (82nd). They failed to reach a bowl for the first time since 2015 and struggled to finish drives, converting only 40% of third downs. The Knights posted a 5–7–0 ATS mark, going unbeaten as big favorites but hitting the over in eight of 12 games last season.
Jacksonville State will aim to dictate tempo with RPO reads and get big chunks from Huff’s legs, while UCF must establish the run to open play-action shots and test a young JSU secondary.
Players to Watch
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
QB Tyler Huff: Threw for 2,542 yards (61% comp.) with 14 TDs and added 1,345 rushing yards and 15 scores in 2024.
RB Tre Stewart: Rushed for 1,633 yards (5.9 YPC) and 25 TDs, plus 17 receptions for 233 yards.
UCF Knights
RB Robert Harvey: Led the team with 1,577 rushing yards and 22 TDs, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
QB K.J. Jefferson: Completed 59.3% passes for 1,012 yards, 7 TDs, and chipped in 193 rushing yards with 2 scores.
Key defensive playmakers: UCF DE Nyjalik Kelly (5.5 sacks) vs. JSU LB Cam Vaughn (team-high 80 tackles).
GAME ODDS
Jacksonville State Gamecocks 53
UCF Knights – 20.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
UT Martin Skyhawks (0-0) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
TV: ESPN+
Team Form & Trends
UT Martin Skyhawks
UT Martin closed 2024 at 9–5, won the Ohio Valley Conference title and advanced to the FCS playoffs, beating New Hampshire before falling to Montana State. Their defense ranked 32nd in FCS, allowing just 334.6 yards per game, and excelled against the run while forcing turnovers through a ball-hawking secondary led by corners JaMichael McGoy and LaMarion Pierce.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
After a disappointing 3–9 campaign in 2024, OSU overhauled its staff, hiring Doug Meacham (offense) and Todd Grantham (defense) as coordinators. The Cowboys boast a 29-game home-opener win streak—the nation’s longest active—and have won their last 12 Thursday matchups. TCU transfer Hauss Hejny will start at QB, with Zane Flores spot-duty in a two-quarterback rotation.
Tactical Breakdown
UT Martin aims to lean on its stout front seven, limiting big plays and flipping field position. Oklahoma State will test that front with quarterback draws and quick RPO reads, then attack seams in the Skyhawks’ zone.
Players to Watch
UT Martin Skyhawks
CB JaMichael McGoy: Anchored a top-30 FCS pass defense and excelled at creating turnovers.
CB LaMarion Pierce: Dynamic cover man credited with multiple pass breakups in 2024.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
QB Hauss Hejny: TCU transfer whose dual-threat skill set will power Meacham’s RPO attack.
RB Kalib Hicks: Oklahoma transfer expected to spearhead OSU’s ground game behind a veteran line.
DE Jaleel Johnson: Returning sack leader tasked with disrupting UT Martin’s run-heavy approach.
GAME ODDS
UT Martin Skyhawks 55.5
Oklahoma State Cowboys – 20.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (0-0) vs. Houston Cougars (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
Broadcast: ESPN
Team Form & Trends
Houston enters year three under coach Willie Fritz looking to rebound from a 4–8 finish in 2024. The Cougars went 3–6 in Big 12 play but flashed potential with upset wins over Kansas State and TCU. A massive transfer haul—led by former Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman (2,694 yds, 19 TDs, 60% comp) and tight end Tanner Koziol (1,507 yds, 18 TDs)—gives Houston one of the conference’s most explosive offenses.
Stephen F. Austin closed 2024 at 7–5 overall and 4–3 in Southland play, finishing third in the league. The Lumberjacks combined a balanced ground game with play-action passing and ranked in the top half of FCS in third-down defense. As an FCS-to-FBS opener, they’ll lean on veteran leaders across the trenches and aim to force turnovers in a hostile environment.
Tactical Breakdown
Stephen F. Austin will look to shorten the field with power runs and catch Houston in nickel looks on passing downs.
Houston must establish quick RPO reads to keep SFA’s front off-balance and unleash deep shots to new transfer targets.
Players to Watch
Houston Cougars
QB Conner Weigman: Former five-star transfer with 2,694 passing yards and 19 TDs at Texas A&M.
TE Tanner Koziol: Ball-winning tight end who hauled in 163 catches for 1,507 yards and 18 TDs in three seasons at Ball State.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
RB Elijah Mitchell: Lead back with 1,100+ rushing yards and 12 TDs last season.
LB Devin Franklin: Defensive captain who recorded 95 tackles and 4 sacks in 2024.
GAME ODDS
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 55.5
Houston Cougars – 22.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Broadcast: ESPN
Team Overview & Trends
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska finished 2024 with a 7–6 record and a Pinstripe Bowl victory, averaging 23.5 points per game (103rd nationally) while allowing just 19.5 (17th) on defense. The Cornhuskers went 8–4–1 against the spread last season and covered in five of seven games as at least 6.5-point favorites.
Strengths: Disciplined run game, improved secondary under new defensive coordinator
Concerns: Offensive line cohesion, turnover margin (–2 in 2024)
Key Returners:
QB Dylan Raiola: Completed 67.1% of his throws for 2,819 yards, 13 TDs and 11 INTs as a true freshman.
RB Emmett Johnson: Rushed for 598 yards (5.1 YPC) with one TD and added 286 receiving yards and two scores.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati closed 2024 at 5–7, scoring 25.2 points per game (89th) and conceding 24.6 (62nd). The Bearcats went 4–7–1 ATS and lost all three games as 6.5-point underdogs last year but boast an experienced roster with 18 returning starters.
Strengths: Dynamic aerial attack, veteran secondary playmakers
Concerns: Defensive line depth, third-down stops (ranked bottom third in FBS)
Key Returners:
QB Brendan Sorsby: Completed 64% of his passes for 2,813 yards, 18 TDs and 7 INTs; added 447 rushing yards and 9 scores.
RB Evan Pryor: Averaged 7.5 YPC on 418 carries with six TDs and logged a 100-yard game receiving.
Tactical Breakdown
Nebraska will aim to lean on its run game to open play-action opportunities, while Cincinnati must attack seams in the Cornhuskers’ new-look defense with quick-tempo passing.
Players to Watch
Nebraska Cornhuskers
QB Dylan Raiola: Poised to make the leap in Year 2 with added weapons via the transfer portal.
WR Jahmal Banks: Emerged late last season with 587 yards and 3 TDs on 44 catches.
LB John Bullock: Defensive leader with 65 tackles, 7 TFL and 4 sacks last year.
Cincinnati Bearcats
QB Brendan Sorsby: Dual-threat playmaker capable of breaking big gains on the ground.
WR Joe Royer: Future NFL tight end with 715 yards and 2 TDs after transferring from Kentucky.
DL Dontay Corleone: Anchor of Bearcats’ front, tasked with disrupting Nebraska’s run game.
GAME ODDS
Nebraska Cornhuskers – 6.5
Cincinnati Bearcats 51.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Friday, August 29
Wagner Seahawks (0-0) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Broadcast: ESPN
Team Form & Trends
Wagner Seahawks
2024 Record: 4–8 (2–4 NEC), tied for fifth in conference.
Struggled in FBS matchups, with losses to FAU (10–41) and UMass (7–35); collected conference wins over Virginia University of Lynchburg, Delaware State, Stonehill and Saint Francis. Defense forced three turnovers in a narrow 24–21 loss at Bucknell, but the offense averaged just 18 points per game over its final four outings.
Kansas Jayhawks
Opened 2025 with a dominant 31–7 win over Fresno State. Jalon Daniels completed 18-of-20 passes for 176 yards and three TDs, while the Jayhawks’ defense limited the Bulldogs to 37 rushing yards and generated a +3 turnover margin. First home game in over a year after stadium renovations; covered a 14.5-point spread and cashed the under in Week 1.
Tactical Breakdown
Wagner will lean on power runs and timely play-action to keep Kansas off-balance. The Jayhawks counter by stretching the field vertically and leaning on a front that throttled Fresno State’s ground game.
Players to Watch
Wagner Seahawks
QB Brett Duggan: Led the NEC with 2,300 passing yards and 14 TDs; excels on intermediate routes.
DL Tai Shaw: Registered 8.5 sacks and forced three fumbles, anchoring a penetration-heavy front.
Kansas Jayhawks
QB Jalon Daniels: Efficient opener with 18-of-20, 176 yards, 3 TDs; his deep accuracy will test Wagner’s single coverage.
LB Cole Ballard: Team-high 11 tackles and a forced fumble; spearheaded a run defense that held Fresno State to 2.1 YPC.
GAME ODDS
Wagner Seahawks 56.5
Kansas Jayhawks – 46.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Auburn Tigers (0-0) vs. Baylor Bears (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: McLane Stadium, Waco, TX
Broadcast: FOX
Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET on FOX, marking a marquee Week 1 SEC vs. Big 12 tilt.
Team Form & Trends
Auburn closed 2024 at 5–7, missing a bowl after averaging 27.8 points per game (71st nationally) and surrendering just 21.3 (27th) on defense. The Tigers went 5–6–0 ATS last season and covered twice as at least 2.5-point favorites. Baylor finished 8–5 in 2024, capped by a Texas Bowl loss but piling up 34.4 points per contest (19th) while allowing 26.7 (81st). The Bears posted an 8–4–0 ATS mark last year and hit the over in nine of 12 games.
Tactical Breakdown
Auburn will lean on its balanced ground game to set up play-action, while Baylor counters with tempo and vertical throws to stretch the Tigers’ defense.
Players to Watch
Auburn Tigers
QB Payton Thorne: Threw for 2,713 yards, 21 TDs and 9 INTs in 2024, adding 283 rushing yards and 2 scores.
RB Jarquez Hunter: Powered Auburn’s ground game with 1,201 rushing yards and 8 TDs, averaging 6.4 YPC.
WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Team leader in big plays with 50 catches for 981 yards and 8 TDs.
Baylor Bears
QB Sawyer Robertson: A true dual-threat, he passed for 3,071 yards, 28 TDs and 8 INTs, plus 230 rushing yards in 2024.
RB Bryson Washington: Broke the 1,000-yard mark with 1,028 rushing yards and 12 TDs, adding 22 catches for 217 yards.
WR Jonathan Brooks: Emerging deep threat whose contested-catch ability will challenge Auburn’s secondary.
GAME ODDS
Auburn Tigers – 2.5
Baylor Bears 58.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (0-0) vs. Colorado Buffaloes (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Broadcast: ESPN
Team Form & Trends
Georgia Tech closed 2024 with a 7–6 record and a Birmingham Bowl loss, averaging 28.9 points per game (55th nationally) while allowing 25.6 (72nd). The Yellow Jackets went 6–6–1 against the spread and covered in two of four tilts as at least 4.5-point favorites. Colorado finished 2024 at 9–4 with an Alamo Bowl defeat, posting 32.9 PPG (30th) on offense and conceding 23.1 (42nd) on defense. The Buffaloes covered nine of 13 opportunities against the spread last season.
Tactical Breakdown
Georgia Tech will seek to control the line of scrimmage, mixing inside runs and play-action to test Colorado’s front. The Buffaloes counter by using tempo and the thin air at Folsom Field to stretch the field vertically.
Players to Watch
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
• QB Haynes King: 2,114 pass yards, 14 TDs, 2 INTs; added 573 rush yards and 11 TDs in 2024
• RB Jamal Haynes: Rushed for 944 yards and 9 TDs, chipped in 27 receptions for 154 yards
Colorado Buffaloes
• QB Kaidon Salter: Liberty transfer set to replace Shedeur Sanders, brings four years of FCS winning pedigree
• WR Travis Hunter Jr.: Emerging playmaker in Deion Sanders’ offense
GAME ODDS
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – 4.5
Colorado Buffaloes 52.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Saturday, August 30
Robert Morris Colonials (0-0) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Location: Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV
Broadcast: ESPN+
Team Form & Trends
Robert Morris Colonials
2024 Record: 7–5 (3–2 NEC), finished third in the Northeast Conference.
Returning Leaders: QB Zach Tanner (453 pass yds, 4 TDs in 2024) and RB Jahiem White, who rushed for 845 yds and four 100-yard games as a freshman.
Outlook: Tanner’s command of a new offense and White’s explosiveness will be critical if the Colonials hope to avoid a season-opening blowout.
West Virginia Mountaineers
All-Time vs. FCS: 24–0; Robert Morris has never beaten an FBS team.
2024 Recap: Struggled to a 6–7 finish, leading to the return of Rich Rodriguez and a roster overhaul featuring 70+ newcomers.
Key Question: No clear Week 1 starter at QB—options include Nicco Marchiol, Jaylen Henderson and Max Brown—creates intrigue in coach Rodriguez’s opener.
Tactical Breakdown
Robert Morris will aim to sustain drives with balanced run/pass calls and force WVU into early substitutions.
West Virginia must establish tempo with RPOs and exploit mismatches against an FCS-level front seven.
Players to Watch
Robert Morris Colonials
QB Zach Tanner: Poised to start after closing 2024 with a 268-yd, 2-TD outing; ball security and pocket poise will define RMU’s competitiveness.
RB Jahiem White: Lead back with breakaway speed; breaking a long run early could ignite the Colonials’ sideline.
West Virginia Mountaineers
RB Jahiem White: (Note: This is WVU’s White) Defensive backstop and special-teams weapon expected to set the tone with physical play.
WR Rodney Gallagher III: Speed threat who shined in bowl practices; his ability to stretch the field will test RMU’s secondary.
Special Teams Unit: WVU returns two kickoff-return TDs from last season and should flip field position throughout.
GAME ODDS
Robert Morris Colonials 55.5
West Virginia Mountaineers – 38.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
South Dakota Coyotes (0-0) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 2:30 PM CT / 3:30 PM ET
Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Broadcast: FOX
Team Form & Trends
South Dakota Coyotes
2024 Record: 11–2 (reached FCS semifinals)
Strengths: Dynamic passing attack under QB Aidan Bouman, big-play ability in the return game
Concerns: Replacing three offensive linemen, depth in the secondary against Power Five speed
Iowa State Cyclones
2024 Record: 7–6 (TaxSlayer Bowl appearance)
Strengths: Balanced offense featuring a punishing rushing attack and efficient third-down passing
Concerns: Defensive backfield struggled with big-play prevention, must replace two starting linebackers
Tactical Breakdown
South Dakota will look to strike early through the air and force Iowa State into nickel looks. The Cyclones must establish their ground game to open up play-action and test the Coyotes’ new secondary.
Players to Watch
South Dakota Coyotes
QB Aidan Bouman: Threw for 2,650 yards and 22 TDs in 2024; excels on quick reads
RB Austin Simmons: Powered past 1,100 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns
CB Michael Williams: Ballhawk with five interceptions and 14 pass breakups
Iowa State Cyclones
QB Rocco Becht: Completed 65 % of passes for 1,950 yards and 15 TDs as a freshman
RB Deon Jackson: Rushed for 910 yards and 10 TDs, averages 5.6 yards per carry
WR Xavier Hutchinson: Team leader with 65 catches for 820 yards and eight scores
GAME ODDS
South Dakota Coyotes 46.5
Iowa Hawkeyes – 15.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
North Dakota Fighting Hawks (0-0) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Broadcast: Big 12 Network
Team Form & Trends
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
North Dakota concluded the previous year at 5–7, struggling in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with a 2–6 mark after a promising 5–2 start before ending on a five-game skid. First-year head coach Eric Schmidt retains offensive coordinator Isaac Fruechte and returns his starting quarterback plus five offensive linemen, while running backs Gaven Ziebarth and Sawyer Seidl lead a battle-tested backfield.
Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats finished 9–4 in 2024, capping the season with a 44–41 bowl win over Rutgers. In last weekend’s opener, Kansas State fell 24–21 at home to Iowa State—QB Avery Johnson threw for 273 yards and two TDs but the offense lost two fumbles, managed just 13 first downs and converted only 5-of-13 on third downs. The defense, however, limited Iowa State to just over 300 total yards and held them to a 3-of-14 mark on third downs, showcasing its bend-but-don’t-break mentality.
Tactical Breakdown
North Dakota will seek to establish its veteran running game to open up play-action, while Kansas State counters with tempo and quick-strike passing against an FCS-level front, trusting its secondary to limit chunk plays.
Players to Watch
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Gaven Ziebarth (RB): Rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024 and adds pass-catching upside.
Sawyer Seidl (RB): Breakaway threat who posted five 100-yard rushing games as a freshman.
Kansas State Wildcats
Avery Johnson (QB): Season opener yielded 273 yards and two TDs; his efficiency will drive the K-State attack.
Jayce Brown (WR): Kansas State’s primary deep threat, demonstrated in last weekend’s opener.
GAME ODDS
North Dakota Fighting Hawks 55.5
Kansas State Wildcats – 25.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions (0-0) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 6:30 PM CT / 7:30 PM ET
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX
Broadcast: ESPN+
Team Form & Trends
Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions
– 2024 Record: 3–9 overall, 2–6 in SWAC play.
– Offense struggled to sustain drives, averaging just 17.8 PPG, though RB B.J. Curry returned from injury to post 509 rushing yards as the team’s leading back. WR Za’Marion Webber added 334 yards on the ground and figures to handle goal-line work. On defense, veterans Zach Williams and Amyrion Mingo anchor a secondary that forced 14 turnovers last season but was burned by big plays.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
– 2024 Record: 8–5 overall, 6–3 in Big 12, capped by a Liberty Bowl appearance.
– Offense led by QB Behren Morton (3,335 pass yards, 27 TDs), supported by returning receivers Caleb Douglas and Coy Easkin and newcomer Terrance Carter via the portal. The Red Raiders went 7–4–1 ATS last year and ranked in the top half of Power 5 teams in explosive plays. Texas Tech opens as a 52.5-point favorite—the largest Week 1 spread nationwide.
Tactical Breakdown
Arkansas–Pine Bluff will aim to chew clock with inside runs and quick-game passing to mitigate Texas Tech’s pass rush.
Texas Tech will leverage tempo—mixing RPO reads and vertical shots—to force mismatches against an FCS-level defense.
Players to Watch
Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions
RB B.J. Curry: Returned to post 509 rushing yards in 2024, goal-line workhorse.
RB Za’Marion Webber: Versatile back who added 334 rush yards and will handle early-down duties.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
QB Behren Morton: Power-arm transfer threw for 3,335 yards and 27 TDs in 2024.
WR Caleb Douglas: Team leader in receptions and contested catches; key downfield threat.
DE David Bailey: Transfer portal addition who led the team in pressures during camp; vital for setting the edge.
GAME ODDS
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lions 61.5
Texas Tech Red Raiders – 52.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Portland State Vikings (0-0) vs. BYU Cougars (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 8:00 PM MT / 10:00 PM ET
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Broadcast: ESPN+
Team Form & Trends
Portland State opened its season with a 42–0 home loss to Tarleton State, surrendering 301 rushing yards and committing three turnovers in a worst-case debut against an FCS top-10 opponent.
BYU enters its 2025 opener under head coach Kalani Sitake, who owns an 8–1 mark in season openers. Last year the Cougars averaged 31.2 points per game (40th nationally) and allowed just 19.6 (18th), showcasing a balanced attack and stingy defense at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Players to Watch
Portland State Vikings
QB Gabe Downing: Completed 10 of 17 for 91 yards and two interceptions in Week 1; must protect the football vs. a fierce BYU front.
RB Delon Thompson: Led PSU with 63 rushing yards; his burst will be key to sustaining drives.
BYU Cougars
QB Bear Bachmeier: First true freshman to start a season opener at BYU, earning the job in fall camp and bringing dual-threat upside.
WR Chase Roberts: Returning 854-yard receiver and Bachmeier’s go-to target in the short to intermediate game.
GAME ODDS
Portland State Vikings 62.5
BYU Cougars – 44.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (0-0) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:00 PM MST (9:00 PM ET)
Location: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ
Broadcast: ESPN+
Team Overviews & Trends
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Northern Arizona enters as an FCS program making the step up, led by first-year head coach Brian Wright, who turned around a 5–6 squad into an 8–4 team in 2024 before an opening-round playoff exit. The Lumberjacks boast a dynamic spread attack under returning quarterback Ty Pennington and a ball-hawking secondary that forced 14 turnovers last season. Concerns include a thin offensive line against Power Five speed and inexperience in hostile road environments.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State closed 2024 at 11–3 and captured the Big 12 championship, returning nine starters on offense and a defense that ranked top 25 nationally in yards allowed. QB Sam Leavitt and a deep wide-receiver corps headline an explosive aerial attack, while a veteran front seven looks to dominate the line of scrimmage. ASU is 28.5-point favorites as the Sun Devils seek to maintain their season-opening dominance.
Tactical Breakdown
Northern Arizona will try to keep the chains moving with quick-game throws and tempo to mitigate ASU’s pass rush. Arizona State will look to establish three-man fronts early to open play-action and attack seams with deep shots.
Players to Watch
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Ty Pennington (QB): Returning starter who threw for 2,650 yards and 22 TDs in 2024.
Jalen Smith (WR): Top target with 68 catches for 912 yards and 8 scores.
Marcellus Harris (LB): Led the team with 98 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Sam Leavitt (QB): Dual-threat playmaker who accounted for 30 total TDs last season.
DeAndre Tate (WR): Vertical weapon with 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024.
Marcus Daniels (DE): Anchor pass rusher tied for team lead with 9 sacks.
GAME ODDS
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 52.5
Arizona State Sun Devils – 28.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors (0-0) vs. Arizona Wildcats (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:30 PM MST
Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
Broadcast: TNT
Team Overviews & Trends
Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors
Hawaiʻi kicks off 2025 riding the momentum of a 23–20 upset over Stanford in Week Zero, paced by Micah Alejado’s 210 yards and two touchdowns through the air and Cam Barfield’s 45 rushing yards and Pofele Ashlock’s nine-catch, 69-yard, one-score performance last week.
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona enters looking to rebound from a 4–8 finish in 2024, when the Wildcats averaged 21.8 points per game (114th nationally) while surrendering 31.8 per contest (109th). They went winless ATS as heavy favorites and will lean on returning stars Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan to spark the offense in Year 2 under center.
Tactical Breakdown
Hawaiʻi will aim to replicate its special-teams-driven recipe for upsets, while Arizona must establish the run to open play-action for Noah Fifita’s arm and take pressure off its young secondary.
Players to Watch
Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors
Micah Alejado (QB): 27-for-39 for 210 yards and two TDs vs. Stanford; added 36 rush yards.
Cam Barfield (RB): Rushed six times for 45 yards in Week Zero.
Pofele Ashlock (WR): Caught nine passes for 69 yards and a touchdown vs. Stanford.
Arizona Wildcats
Noah Fifita (QB): Threw for 2,958 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs as a redshirt freshman in 2024.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR): Posted 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight TDs last season.
Quali Conley (RB): Rushed for 745 yards and eight TDs, plus 245 receiving yards in 2024.
GAME ODDS
Hawai’I Rainbow Warriors 56.5
Arizona Wildcats – 13.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Utah Utes (0-0) vs. UCLA Bruins (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 7:30 PM MST (10:30 PM ET)
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Broadcast: FOX
Team Form & Trends
The Utah Utes (0-0) finished 2024 at 5–7, bouncing back from a 1–7 conference finish with an upset over UCF in the finale. Utah returns an elite defense that ranked fourth in opponent success rate last year and integrates OC Jason Beck’s up-tempo scheme with dual-threat QB Devon Dampier, who rushed for 1,166 yards and 19 TDs at New Mexico. The UCLA Bruins (0-0) also went 5–7 in 2024 under DeShaun Foster. Their biggest addition is Tennessee transfer Nico Iamaleava, who completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,616 yards and 19 TDs last season. UCLA’s front seven returns seven starters, and the Bruins were 6–5–1 ATS as underdogs of 6.5 points or more in 2024.
Tactical Breakdown
Utah will look to establish its ground-heavy tempo behind Dampier’s legs and keep UCLA’s new QB off schedule. UCLA counters by mixing power runs and quick vertical shots to test Utah’s secondary.
Players to Watch
Utah Utes
Devon Dampier (QB): Threw for 2,400 yards and rushed for 1,166 yards with 19 TDs in 2024, seamlessly fitting Beck’s scheme.
Spencer Fano (OT): Anchor of one of the nation’s best lines, 82.5% pass-block win rate.
Kaelin Clayborn (LB): Led Utes with 112 tackles and 6 TFL, key against UCLA’s run game.
UCLA Bruins
Nico Iamaleava (QB): 2,616 pass yards, 19 TDs and 5 INTs at Tennessee; biggest upgrade under center for the Bruins.
Jayden King (DE): Team leader with 8 sacks and 12 QB pressures in 2024.
Darius Phillips (WR): 58 catches for 789 yards, 7 TDs; primary deep-ball target.
GAME ODDS
Utah Utes – 5.5
UCLA Bruins 51.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Monday, September 1
TCU Horned Frogs (0-0) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0)
Game Details
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Broadcast: ESPN
Team Overviews & Trends
TCU finished 2024 with a 9–4 record and a New Mexico Bowl victory, boasting an offense that averaged 33.5 points per game (23rd nationally) while surrendering 24.6 points (62nd). The Horned Frogs return most of their skill-position talent and eight defensive starters, setting the stage for Sonny Dykes’ best squad since their 2023 championship run.
North Carolina went 6–7 last season, dropping the Fenway Bowl after scoring 30.9 points per game (43rd) and allowing 28.1 (89th). Bill Belichick’s arrival has reshaped the roster via the transfer portal, with more than 60 new faces expected to learn a pro-style attack on the fly.
Tactical Breakdown
TCU will lean on record-setting QB Josh Hoover and a veteran secondary to control pace, while North Carolina must establish run/pass balance under QB Gio Lopez to keep TCU’s defense honest.
Players to Watch
TCU Horned Frogs
QB Josh Hoover: Set the school single-season passing record with 3,949 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024.
WR Eric McAlister: Hauled in over 750 receiving yards and emerged as Hoover’s primary downfield weapon.
North Carolina Tar Heels
QB Gio Lopez: Dual-threat transfer from South Alabama who threw for 2,559 yards and rushed for 463 last season.
WR Xavier Torrey: Newcomer expected to stretch the field early and help a veteran backfield adjust to Belichick’s system.
GAME ODDS
TCU Horned Frogs – 3.5
North Carolina Tar Heels 56.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
CONFERENCE NEWS & NOTES
• The Big 12 Conference will have all 16 of its programs in action in Week One, which features five games against Power 4 opponents. Those matchups include Auburn at Baylor, Nebraska vs. Cincinnati in Kansas City, Georgia Tech at Colorado, TCU at North Carolina and Utah at UCLA.
• Week One will showcase Big 12 teams in action throughout the week with games on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday.
• Saturday’s meeting between Arizona and Hawai’i will be the Big 12’s first game of its TNT Sports partnership. The game broadcast, studio coverage and feature storytelling will be featured on TNT, TruTV and HBO Max as well as Bleacher Report.
• The Conference opened the season with No. 22/21 Iowa State’s 24-21 win over No. 17/20 K-State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland. The thrilling Conference game marked just the second time two ranked FBS teams have played on opening day since 2000.
• Kansas also defeated Fresno State 31-7 in Week 0 in front of a sellout crowd in the first game in reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
• Big 12 QB Club: The Big 12 has nine teams that return quarterbacks who threw for 2,400 yards or more last season, nearly twice the total of any other Power 4 conference. The Conference also bolstered its QB class with talented newcomers.
• The QB trio of ISU’s Rocco Becht, KU’s Jalon Daniels and K-State’s Avery Johnson combined for seven scores and no interceptions, with a nation-leading aggregate passer rating of 165.6 in Week 0.
• 2025 marks the 30th season of Big 12 Football, which held its inaugural season in 1996.
• The Conference has 14 schools playing at home this week, its second most in a single week in conference history. The Big 12 had 15 schools at home in Week 1 last season.
• The Big 12 is a combined 54-0 against FCS programs since the start of 2019. They are the only FBS conference to be undefeated against FCS schools over that time.
