2025 College Football Picks and Predictions for Week 0

Somehow, my friends, we did it again. We managed to survive the cold, dreary weeks without any college football to watch on Saturdays.

That's about to change in a hurry, though.

To kick off the 2025 campaign, Week 0 brings an interesting five-game slate. The marquee tilt is a Top 25 clash between Big 12 contenders Iowa State and Kansas State across the pond in Dublin, Ireland.

In addition, we'll see Dan Mullen's debut at UNLV, two matchups with Power Four programs and an early showdown in Conference USA.

While plenty more drama awaits on the horizon, Week 0 is an ever-appreciated appetizer to another fun season of college football.

When: Noon ET on ESPN (in Dublin)

To close the 2024 regular season, Iowa State notched a 29-21 victory over Kansas State to ultimately earn a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.

However, K-State is favored to get a little revenge.

Led by dual-threat QB Avery Johnson, the Wildcats return a bunch of experience on both sides of the ball. Their offensive line has been retooled and is a modest concern, but Iowa State's defensive front is rebuilding, too. The timing of the matchup, in theory, works in K-State's favor.

If the Wildcats' versatile rushing attack ends up stalling, though, Iowa State will have a great opportunity to snag a third straight win in Farmageddon.

Prediction: Kansas State 24, Iowa State 20

When: 4 p.m. ET

Barry Odom turned UNLV into a solid Mountain West contender, and he parlayed that success into an opportunity at Purdue.

In his place, the Rebels snagged Dan Mullen. Formerly the coach at Mississippi State and Florida—with a 103-61 combined record at those jobs—he's returning to the sideline after spending three years as a TV analyst.

And expectations aren't low.

The challenge for Mullen and his staff is taking a transfer-heavy roster and turning it into a cohesive group that can legitimately compete for a Mountain West title. Inevitably, there will be growing pains as players adapt to new schemes, new teammates and, for many, a new school.

But to begin the year, Idaho State—which finished 5-7 last season—probably won't be able to keep up with the Rebels.

Prediction: UNLV 41, Idaho State 17

When: 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox

Fresno State has been a competitive team lately, but a down season in 2024 led to a string of major transfers in the offseason.

This is not a game Kansas can afford to lose.

Last year, the Jayhawks saw a promising year rapidly turn into a disappointment. They sprung three straight Top 25 upsets in November, but a dismal 1-5 start put KU on a path to missing a bowl despite that late surge.

Because the schedule looks a bit unforgiving down the stretch, the Jayhawks must capitalize on early winnable games to get back to a bowl.

Prediction: Kansas 31, Fresno State 20

When: 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network

Everything about Week 0 is a projection.

No matter how much research you do, the mental notes you take, the conversations you have—it's all a projection. As Florida State reminded us last season, any well-intended analysis can look foolish right away.

I say that to say this: Western Kentucky added more than 40 transfers after the 2024 season ended. This is a completely overhauled team.

Maverick McIvor—who transferred from Abilene Christian as WKU hired his coordinator, Rick Bowie, to the same role—is set to guide the Hilltoppers' scoring attack. The veteran QB's presence allows for a semblance of confidence in saying the Toppers can navigate this mountain of change.

But, whew, we're set to learn an awful lot about WKU's new-look roster.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 31, Sam Houston 23

When: 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS

After spending the 2010s as a regular Pac-12 contender, the Stanford program has devolved into a mess.

This year, former NFL coach Frank Reich has stepped in for a one-year interim assignment. The school fired Troy Taylor after a pair of 3-9 seasons and investigations into allegations of hostile behavior.

Hawaii, meanwhile, is entering 2025 with optimism.

Backed by an experienced defense, the Warriors are turning to Micah Alejado at quarterback. He dazzled in the 2024 finale with 523 total yards and five touchdowns, sparking hope of a much-improved offense this season.

Stanford is probably still the more talented team, but we'll cautiously buy the Alejado hype in a home game for Hawaii.

Prediction: Hawaii 24, Stanford 20