The college football season finally returns, with five FBS games set for Saturday and three Big 12 teams in action. Here’s a quick watch guide and a snapshot of what to expect.
Big 12 spotlight
– No. 22 Iowa State vs No. 17 Kansas State — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN
Kickoff opens with Farmageddon, flipped to an international stage as the Cyclones and Wildcats meet in Dublin, Ireland. It’s the first game of the season, but the result could hint at where the Big 12 title picture might land come November. Kansas State sits as the conference favorite on FanDuel at +500, while Iowa State checks in at +1,300. Iowa State quarterback Avery Johnson, a junior, threw for 2,712 yards and added 605 rushing yards with 32 total TDs last season. Kansas State’s Rocco Becht, a redshirt junior, passed for 3,505 yards with 33 total TDs and added 318 rushing yards.
– Fresno State at Kansas — 5:30 p.m. Saturday on FOX
Kansas opens its newly renovated David Booth Memorial Stadium, a project fans have eagerly awaited as renovations wrapped up with a sold-out home opener. Kansas will lean on Jalon Daniels, entering his sixth season with the program. Daniels has totaled 6,751 passing yards and 45 TDs with 1,041 rushing yards and 19 rushing TDs over his career.
Other notable games on the slate
– Idaho State at UNLV — 3 p.m. Saturday on Mountain West Network
Saturday marks the start of the Dan Mullen era in Las Vegas. The former SEC head coach brings a long track record, including nine seasons at Mississippi State and four at Florida, compiled to a 103-61 coaching ledger.
– Sam Houston at Western Kentucky — 6 p.m. Saturday on CBS Sports Network
Sam Houston is in its third year at the FBS level, rebounding from a 3-9 debut to a 10-3 season in 2024. Western Kentucky has posted solid win totals in recent seasons, typically hovering around the eight-to-nine win mark.
– Stanford at Hawaii — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS/Paramount+
Stanford begins its second ACC season under a new era led by Frank Reich. The Cardinal have gone 3-9 over the past four seasons, while Hawaii has missed bowl eligibility more recently but has been in the hunt the past two seasons.
What to watch and why it matters
– Early indicators for the Big 12 title race will come from the Dublin game between Iowa State and Kansas State, including quarterback play and how each team handles pressure in a high-profile opener.
– Kansas’ demolition of expectations with a renovated home stadium is a storyline to track, along with Jalon Daniels’ continued production in his sixth season.
– The rest of the weekend provides a broader look at how programs are starting the year, including the new era under Dan Mullen at UNLV and the ongoing rebuilds or transitions at Sam Houston, Western Kentucky, Stanford, and Hawaii.
Summary
Five distinct Week 1 games kick off the college football season, spotlighting three Big 12 teams and several intriguing coaching debuts and QB battles. Look for early-season form, quarterback accuracy, and how teams adapt to opening-week pressure as a hint of what lies ahead in conference play.
Positive angle
There’s a palpable sense of renewal with crowded stadiums, high-profile openers, and new leadership across several programs. The weekend offers fans a fresh slate, competitive matchups, and the potential for exciting breakthroughs as teams lay the groundwork for a memorable season.
Notes for readers
– Kickoff times and networks are listed above to help plan viewing.
– Early bets or projections can shift quickly; use this weekend as a barometer rather than a verdict on the season.