Week 1 of the College Football season is a few weeks away, making it a great time to look ahead at the schedule. Week 0 is the appetizer. Week 1 has value when it comes to betting. These bets feel like a lock for the beginning of the 2025 campaign.

5. Nebraska -6.5 @ Cincinnati 

Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates after a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates after a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Nebraska started hot last season, winning five of its first six games before the season went off the rails. Dylan Raiola has a season under his belt and will come back better in 2025. He is a sleeper to win the Heisman Trophy. The Huskers will cover by a touchdown or more in Cincinnati in Week 1. 

4. Alabama @ Florida State Over 50.5 Total Points

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) carries the ball after a reception against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) carries the ball after a reception against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images

Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos has talked a big game about the season opener against Alabama. He’d better show up. Alabama is going to put up points. If Florida State can fight back, this game can easily reach 51 total points. Following last season, the Crimson Tide will aim to make a statement to begin the 2025 campaign. 

3. Notre Dame -2.5 @ Miami 

Apr 12, 2025; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman waits to run onto the field during the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2025; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman waits to run onto the field during the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Notre Dame has no excuse not to cover three points against the Hurricanes in Week 1. Miami is a good team, but the Fighting Irish defense should be able to turn up the stadium pulse on Carson Beck. After losing the National Championship game, Notre Dame will be on a mission to kick off 2025. Miami will be the first victim. 

2. South Carolina -7.5 Vs. Virginia Tech

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) throws the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) throws the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

South Carolina was a good team last year. They came close to beating LSU and Alabama. LaNorris Sellers will take a massive jump in 2025, and he’s taking the Gamecocks with him. Virginia Tech has no business being in a game with South Carolina. No offense to the Hokies, but the Gamecocks should win by double digits to open the season. 

1. Texas @ Ohio State Over 48.5 Total Points

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith scores a touchdown against Oregon on Jan. 1.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith scores a touchdown against Oregon on Jan. 1.

Texas and Ohio State facing off in Week 1 has fireworks written all over it. The schedule makers knew what they were doing here. The Longhorns and Buckeyes are both top-five teams. Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith will provide the star power. This game will easily exceed 50 points. It will be a great start to the College Football season. 

End Of My College Football Rant

Ohio State fan Sandy Holland of the East Side takes a photo with the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy presented by Dr Pepper at the Grandview Yard Market District on Jan. 23, 2025. The trophy is making the rounds through Columbus after the Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the championship game in Atlanta.
Ohio State fan Sandy Holland of the East Side takes a photo with the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy presented by Dr Pepper at the Grandview Yard Market District on Jan. 23, 2025. The trophy is making the rounds through Columbus after the Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the championship game in Atlanta.

Sports bets are never guaranteed, but these feel inevitable. On DraftKings Sportsbook, the five-leg parlay comes out to +2556. $5 wins roughly $130.  College Football sets the stage for the NFL season, and this year’s Week 1 is quite the appetizer for that entree.