Week 0 is wrapping up and college football fans are gearing up for a season full of marquee matchups. After teasing the 2025 slate on his show, Josh Pate revealed his top 10 games to watch, headlined by a Week 1 showdown that has fans buzzing around the sport’s landscape. Here’s a closer look at Pate’s picks and why they matter.
Texas at Ohio State – Week 1
The countdown starts in Columbus, where Texas visits Ohio State in a Week 1 showdown that doubles as a national statement game. It’s not only a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl, but also Arch Manning’s first full-time start for the Longhorns. The atmosphere should be electric with College GameDay planned for the Horseshoe for Lee Corso’s final show. This game is framed as the season’s official kickoff and a potential early indicator of the national championship race.
LSU at Clemson – Week 1
A true hinge game for the opening weekend, LSU travels to Clemson to test Brian Kelly’s rebuilt Tigers against Dabo Swinney’s squad. With both programs looking to reestablish themselves as ACC and SEC contenders, this Week 1 matchup could set the tone for both programs’ seasons and serve as a barometer for where each program stands in their respective conferences.
Notre Dame at Miami – Week 1
Rivalry vibes and high stakes headline the Sunday night slot as Notre Dame visits Miami in what’s shaping up to be a Top-10 clash. The Fighting Irish are coming off a run to the national championship game last season and will aim to prove that it wasn’t a one-year flash, while Miami has reloaded aggressively to reinsert itself into ACC and national title discussions.
Clemson at Georgia Tech – Week 3
This ACC tilt is one of the more under-the-radar but consequential games on the early calendar. Clemson’s return to form after a roller-coaster 2024 and Georgia Tech’s expected progress with their powerful rushing attack make this a meaningful early conference test and a potential indicator of where the league stands heading into late season battles.
Auburn at Oklahoma – Week 4
A return to Norman for former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold adds intrigue to this matchup. Beyond personal narratives, the game carries implications for both programs’ confidence and positioning ahead of a grueling league slate that could determine their postseason destinies.
USC at Illinois – Week 5
A pivotal moment in the Big Ten race, USC’s trip to Champaign could reshape perceptions of the Trojans’ ceiling, especially after a bye following the matchup. A strong performance could generate momentum heading into games against Michigan and Notre Dame, while Illinois could further cement itself as a true conference title contender with a favorable schedule beyond Ohio State.
Alabama at Georgia – Week 5
A rematch of last season’s thriller, this game in Athens promises substantial consequences for both programs. A Georgia win would extend its recent dominance, while an Alabama victory would raise questions about the defending champs’ readiness and depth as the season progresses.
Texas at Florida – Week 6
Pate calls this “the most underrated game in the SEC this year.” Texas visits The Swamp in a hostile environment, with Arch Manning facing a fresh test from DJ Lagway in Gainesville. It also marks the start of SEC play for both teams and could set the tone for a competitive league schedule and early conference positioning.
Penn State at Ohio State – Week 10
This game has Big Ten title implications written all over it. By Week 10, the winner could be positioned for a Big Ten Championship appearance, and Ohio State’s eight-game winning streak over Penn State adds a layer of rivalry tension. It’s a true hinge moment for both programs as the regular season nears its end.
Ohio State at Michigan – Week 14
No calendar of top games would be complete without The Game. Ohio State’s visit to Michigan remains one of college football’s defining rivalries, with recent history adding extra weight. The outcome could influence division standings and playoff chatter as the season winds down.
Week 0 and Week 1 bring a slate packed with star quarterbacks, pivotal conference battles, and programs looking to set the tempo for the year. Josh Pate’s list emphasizes games that could shape conference races, national rankings, and the broader playoff picture, making these matchups must-watch television.
What to watch for and why it matters
– Arch Manning’s development at Texas will be under the microscope in a Week 1 fever dream in Columbus. Early performance could set the tone for the Longhorns’ season and national perception.
– LSU and Clemson kicking off the year with high stakes could signal who has the chops to contend in the ACC and beyond.
– USC’s matchup at Illinois offers a lens into the Trojans’ ability to navigate a demanding schedule with eyes on late-season clarity.
– Alabama vs. Georgia remains a litmus test for dominance in the SEC and potential title contention.
– The late-season Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and the Penn State-Ohio State showdown in Week 10 are positioned to be pivotal for division titles and playoff seeding.
Overall, the 2025 season looks set to feature a robust blend of home-and-away thrillers, conference-defining battles, and quarterback showdowns that should keep fans engaged from Week 1 through the final stretch. If these games deliver on the hype, the college football landscape could look markedly different as the season unfolds, offering a promising path toward a competitive and exciting year for aligned programs and their supporters.