As the 2025 college football season approaches, Week 1 betting lines offer an exciting glimpse into some of the most anticipated matchups. These early betting lines, set for games spanning August 23 to September 1, reflect oddsmakers’ initial assessments of team strengths, offseason developments, and historical rivalries. Let’s dive into the odds and explore what they suggest about the upcoming season.
🏈 College Football Week 1 Lines
📅 Saturday, August 23
🔹 Iowa State +3 (-110)
🔹 Kansas State -3 (-110)
📅 Thursday, August 28
🔹 Nebraska -6.5 (-110)
🔹 Cincinnati +6.5 (-110)
📅 Saturday, August 30
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 LSU +2.5 (-110)
🔹 Clemson -2.5 (-110)
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 Alabama -9.5 (-110)
🔹 Florida State +9.5 (-110)
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 Georgia Tech -3.5 (-110)
🔹 Colorado +3.5 (-110)
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 Utah -3 (-110)
🔹 UCLA +3 (-110)
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 Texas +3 (-110)
🔹 Ohio State -3 (-110)
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 Auburn -1.5 (-110)
🔹 Baylor +1.5 (-110)
🔸 12:00 PM
🔹 Tennessee -14.5 (-110)
🔹 Syracuse +14.5 (-110)
📅 Sunday, August 31
🔸 3:00 PM
🔹 Virginia Tech +10.5 (-110)
🔹 South Carolina -10.5 (-110)
🔸 7:30 PM
🔹 Notre Dame -2.5 (-110)
🔹 Miami (FL) +2.5 (-110)
📅 Monday, September 1
🔸 7:30 PM
🔹 TCU +2.5 (-110)
🔹 North Carolina -2.5 (-110)
Starting on Saturday, August 23, Iowa State faces Kansas State with the Cyclones listed as +3 underdogs. This tight spread indicates a closely contested Big 12 opener, with Kansas State’s slight edge likely tied to home-field advantage and a potentially stronger returning roster. Both teams have built reputations for gritty, physical play, making this a game where the under might also be worth a look if totals are released early.
Fast forward to Thursday, August 28, where Nebraska takes on Cincinnati. The Cornhuskers are favored by -6.5, a line that suggests confidence in their offseason improvements under coach Matt Rhule. Cincinnati, transitioning in the Big 12, could keep it competitive, but Nebraska’s talent edge and home crowd might justify the spread.
Saturday, August 30, is packed with marquee matchups, all kicking off at noon. LSU at +2.5 against Clemson pits two perennial powerhouses against each other. Clemson’s -2.5 favoritism could stem from their home-field edge at Death Valley, though LSU’s explosive offense might test that line. Alabama, a -9.5 favorite over Florida State, reflects the Crimson Tide’s dominance under new leadership post-Saban, while the Seminoles aim to prove their ACC title hopes aren’t overstated. Georgia Tech at -3.5 over Colorado hints at the Yellow Jackets’ rising stock, while the Buffaloes, under Deion Sanders, remain a wild card with upside.
Utah (-3) versus UCLA is another intriguing Pac-12 clash, with the Utes’ physical style favored slightly over Chip Kelly’s Bruins. The blockbuster of the day, Texas at +3 against Ohio State (-3), promises a clash of titans. Ohio State’s home advantage and loaded roster justify the narrow spread, but Texas’s SEC-ready squad could easily cover or even steal an outright win.
Auburn (-1.5) versus Baylor and Tennessee (-14.5) versus Syracuse round out Saturday’s slate. Auburn’s slight edge over Baylor suggests a toss-up, while Tennessee’s massive spread reflects their SEC firepower against a rebuilding Syracuse team. Bettors might eye the Volunteers to cover if their offense clicks early.
On Sunday, August 31, Virginia Tech (+10.5) takes on South Carolina (-10.5), where the Gamecocks’ home dominance could overwhelm the Hokies. Later, Notre Dame (-2.5) versus Miami (FL) (+2.5) offers a classic rivalry with national title implications. The Irish’s slight edge might hinge on quarterback play, but Miami’s speed could keep it close.
Finally, on Monday, September 1, TCU (+2.5) faces North Carolina (-2.5). This tight line suggests a balanced matchup, with the Tar Heels’ home advantage tipping the scales slightly.
These Week 1 spreads highlight a mix of heavyweight showdowns and intriguing underdog opportunities. Bettors should monitor roster changes, injuries, and public betting trends as August nears, but these early lines set the stage for a thrilling kickoff to the 2025 season.
