As the college football season begins in earnest, the CFB picks for 2025 Week 1 are present and ready to go.
Last week, we had a slate of five FBS games which served as an appetizer for the main event. Week 1 is definitely the entrée, as we have 91 FBS games spread out over five days (and they can afford to do that this week, as they usually do, since the NFL has not kicked off yet). Thursday features 17 games, there are 11 on Friday, Saturday is the big day with 60, and then Sunday has two and Monday has one.
This means lots more games from which to choose. Since college football has a lot more games, moving forward, Bracket Yard will select 10 each week and announce our picks.
Picks Standings: 2025 Season through Week 0
CFB Picks, 2025 Week 1: Before Saturday
Nebraska (-6.5) vs. Cincinnati | Thursday 9pm ET
It’s not that I have a ton of faith in Nebraska (even though they were in our preseason Top 50), but Cincinnati enters this season inspiring even less confidence.
Straight-Up: Nebraska | ATS: Nebraska -6.5
Auburn (-2.5) at Baylor | Friday 8pm ET
Auburn is probably coming into this season more highly-regarded, but I can’t help but think that this game is going to be neck-and-neck. Edge to the home team.
Straight-Up: Baylor | ATS: Baylor +2.5
Georgia Tech (-4.5) at Colorado | Friday 8pm ET
Georgia Tech, as a program, seems to be moving in the right direction, while Colorado just lost its two most important offensive players. Yet, they are at home and looking to prove their worth. This seems like a case where we should split the picks.
Straight-Up: Georgia Tech | ATS: Colorado +4.5
CFB Picks, 2025 Week 1: Saturday
Texas at Ohio State (-1.5) | 12pm ET
This is the game of the week, and if it’s fun enough, could be one of the games of the year. Texas might be the higher-ranked school, but it’s hard to pick against the Buckeyes at the Shoe.
Straight-Up: Ohio State | ATS: Ohio State -1.5
Syracuse vs. Tennessee (-13.5) | 12pm ET
Syracuse can probably hang with the Vols for a little while, but if Tennessee is as good as people suggest, then they will pull away late.
Straight-Up: Tennessee | ATS: Syracuse +13.5
Alabama (-13.5) at Florida State | 3:30pm ET
You know the Tide are going to roll on, which is what they do. Florida State is in the position where they have to prove to all of us that they care again. Normally, I would not bite on a two-touchdown spread, but FSU has to show something before I’ll pick them again.
Straight-Up: Alabama | ATS: Alabama -13.5
LSU at Clemson (-3.5) | 7:30pm ET
This battle of Heisman contenders should be a great game. A tough one to pick, so when in doubt, go with the home team.
Straight-Up: Clemson | ATS: Clemson -3.5
CFB Picks, 2025 Week 1: Later in the Week
Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina (-8) | Sunday 3pm ET
The Gamecocks should win, all things being as they should. Will they cover? Again, they should, if they are as good as we think they are.
Straight-Up: South Carolina | ATS: South Carolina -8
Notre Dame (-2.5) at Miami | Sunday 7:30pm ET
Miami is forging ahead with its new quarterback, and should be a good team. However, Notre Dame has the potential to be a great team.
Straight-Up: Notre Dame | ATS: Notre Dame -2.5
TCU (-3) at North Carolina | Monday 8pm ET
Bill Belichick might eventually get UNC back to competitiveness, but I’m not sure it’s going to be in Week 1. TCU is a sneaky tough opponent.
Straight-Up: TCU | ATS: TCU -3
