5 Must-Watch College Football Games in August 2025

Aug. 23, Aviva Stadium (Dublin, Ireland)

The season kicks off with a conference game played internationally, as Iowa State and Kansas State meet in Week 0 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 

While the Aer Lingus College Football Classic has featured non-conference games in recent years, this year’s edition brings two familiar Big 12 opponents across the Atlantic.

Iowa State finished 11–3 last season and returns starting quarterback Rocco Becht, along with a veteran roster that showed steady improvement in 2024. Kansas State enters 2025 with expectations of contending in the Big 12 and remains one of the league’s most consistent programs under Chris Klieman.

This is the earliest conference matchup on the calendar, and the outcome could factor into the race for a spot in the Big 12 title game later in the year.

Alabama at Florida State

Aug. 30, Doak Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Two tradition-rich programs meet in one of the most high-profile games of opening weekend. Alabama enters its second season post-Nick Saban with questions on offense but a deep, physical roster that remains among the SEC’s most talented. Florida State is coming off a disappointing 2–10 season and will try to reset with a mix of returning starters and transfer additions.

Mike Norvell is still leading the Seminoles and has added Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, along with Tony White, to overhaul the defense. Their roster includes several key transfers, including quarterback Thomas Castellanos and playmakers like Squirrel White and Duce Robinson.

This game offers Florida State an opportunity to show some early progress while Alabama looks to reassert itself nationally after a transition year under Kalen DeBoer. 

Texas at Ohio State

Aug. 30, Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)

This is one of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the season. Both teams are projected to open inside the top 10 and feature rosters capable of contending for a national title.

Texas returns quarterback Arch Manning and much of its core from last season’s Playoff run. 

Ohio State enters 2025 with a retooled offense and a defense that should once again be one of the strongest in the country.

In the new 12-team playoff format, a loss would not be fatal. But with so much attention on early résumé-building, the winner will gain a valuable edge in the race for seeding and national momentum.

Notre Dame at Miami

Aug. 31, Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.)

A historic rivalry returns to the national spotlight on Sunday night. Notre Dame opens the season with a trip to Miami, where the Hurricanes are looking for a breakthrough season under Mario Cristobal.

The Irish remain independent but face the same pressure as playoff hopefuls in major conferences. A win on the road would help set the tone for a schedule that also includes games against USC and Texas A&M. Miami will rely on returning experience and portal talent to take a step forward after an inconsistent 2024 season.

This matchup could be one of the more competitive games of the weekend and may serve as a national barometer for where both programs stand early in the year.

Syracuse vs. Tennessee

Aug. 30, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.)

Tennessee and Syracuse open their 2025 seasons in the Aflac Kickoff Game, with both programs coming off 10-win campaigns and aiming to take the next step.

While Tennessee enters as the heavy favorite, Syracuse has the offensive firepower to test one of the SEC’s most experienced defenses.

Fran Brown begins his second year as head coach after guiding the Orange to a 10–3 record and a Holiday Bowl victory in 2024.

Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, aims to build on a College Football Playoff appearance and enters the season with lofty expectations.