“Discover today’s college football games, Week 0 schedule, key matchups, rankings & TV guide to kick off the 2025 NCAA season”.
College football games are more than just sporting events; they are traditions that unite fans, schools, and entire communities across the United States. As the season opener approaches, excitement builds around the NCAA football schedule, giving fans a first look at rising stars, powerhouse teams, and fresh rivalries.
From thrilling college football kickoff games to underdog stories that shape the bowl eligibility race, Week 0 sets the stage for months of nonstop action. Fans eagerly track early performances, knowing that even the smallest victory or loss can carry major conference implications. This early energy makes Week 0 unforgettable and one of the most talked-about weekends of the year.
College Football Week 0: Today’s Full Schedule and Kickoff Times
The college football TV schedule for Week 0 gives fans several options across different conferences. Games are spread across ESPN, Fox, CBS, and streaming services like Peacock.
| Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming |
| Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones | Dublin, Ireland | 12:30 PM | Fox |
| Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks | Lawrence, KS | 3:30 PM | ESPN2 |
| Sam Houston Bearkats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | Bowling Green, KY | 6:00 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Stanford Cardinal vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors | Honolulu, HI | 10:30 PM | Peacock |
These four games highlight both Power Four conference battles and clashes in the C-USA Conference and Mountain West football. Fans who subscribe to the student discount Peacock streaming will especially enjoy the late-night clash between the Stanford Cardinal and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Top 25 AP College Football Rankings Before Week 0
The preseason college football rankings always spark debate, and the AP Top 25 for 2025 is no different. Fans want to know which teams will dominate, who could surprise, and which matchups today feature ranked programs.
Teams like Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas dominate the top of the chart, while programs such as the Kansas State Wildcats appear in the middle tier after strong preseason buzz. Analysts remind us that these early polls are only college football preseason analysis, but they shape the playoff conversation from day one.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Georgia | 0-0 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 0-0 |
| 3 | Texas | 0-0 |
| 10 | Oregon | 0-0 |
| 14 | Kansas State Wildcats | 0-0 |
| 20 | Iowa | 0-0 |
Seeing Kansas State already inside the Top 15 means that the Farmageddon rivalry has extra weight in shaping conference title implications within the Big 12 Conference.
Key Matchups to Watch in College Football Week 0
The headline matchup is clearly the Kansas State Wildcats vs. the Iowa State Cyclones, played in Dublin, Ireland. This battle brings Big 12 tradition overseas and gives fans a unique cultural stage for the Farmageddon rivalry. Key players include Avery Johnson at quarterback for Kansas State and Rocco Becht leading the offense for Iowa State. Their performances could swing the outcome dramatically.
Another must-watch clash is Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks. The Bulldogs, coached by Matt Entz, are looking to prove they belong in conversations beyond the Mountain West Conference. Quarterback E.J. Warner, son of NFL legend Kurt Warner, brings excitement, while the Jayhawks count on Jalon Daniels to push toward bowl eligibility and challenge for higher ground in the Big 12 standings.
How to Watch College Football Games Today (TV & Streaming Guide)
Fans have more ways than ever to enjoy today’s college football matchups. Traditional broadcasts are still strong, with Fox, ESPN, and CBS covering most of the action. For example, the Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones game airs on Fox, while Fresno State vs. Kansas streams on ESPN networks.
For fans preferring online access, Peacock is a must. The Stanford Cardinal vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors is exclusively available on Peacock, making the student discount Peacock streaming option especially valuable. This shift in media reflects how college football TV schedules now adapt to younger, digital-first audiences.
Best Bets, Odds, and Predictions for Week 0
Sportsbooks have already released college football betting odds for Week 0. The spread favors the Kansas State Wildcats slightly over the Iowa State Cyclones, given their preseason strength and quarterback play.
| Matchup | Spread | Prediction |
| Kansas State vs. Iowa State | KSU -4.5 | Kansas State by 7 |
| Fresno State vs. Kansas | KU -3.0 | Kansas in a close game |
| Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky | WKU -7.5 | WKU by 10 |
| Stanford vs. Hawaii | STAN -6.0 | Stanford pulls away late |
Upset watchers should keep an eye on Sam Houston Bearkats, where new coach Phil Longo could surprise the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, led by Tyson Helton and quarterback Maverick McIvor.
Spotlight Game: Kansas State vs. Iowa State
The Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones meeting in Dublin, Ireland, adds historic flair. This relocation of the Farmageddon rivalry to the Emerald Isle brings global attention to a classic Big 12 Conference clash.
Kansas State depends on quarterback Avery Johnson, running backs, and targets like Jayce Brown and Garrett Oakley. Iowa State brings strong rushing talent in Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III, plus defensive stars like Jeremiah Cooper. With linebacker Austin Romaine anchoring Kansas State’s defense, turnovers could decide this game. The battle promises ground-and-pound football, and whichever team avoids critical mistakes will control their college football playoff path.
Rising Programs and Underdogs to Keep an Eye On
Programs like the Fresno State Bulldogs and Sam Houston Bearkats represent the heart of Week 0 underdogs. Fresno State, under Matt Entz, is quietly building a program capable of competing against Power Four conference opponents. Their quarterback, E.J. Warner, brings leadership that could turn them into a preseason All-America team conversation later in the year.
The Sam Houston Bearkats, transitioning fully into the C-USA Conference, are led by coach Phil Longo, following in the footsteps of KC Keeler. Their matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will show whether they can enter the bowl eligibility race with momentum.
College Football and Peacock: Student Discounts & Access
The late-night clash between the Stanford Cardinal and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors is only available through Peacock. Many fans will take advantage of the student discount on Peacock streaming, which offers affordable access. For students balancing classes and fandom, this package is a valuable addition.
With coach Frank Reich stepping in as interim for Stanford and Timmy Chang continuing to develop Hawaii’s roster, the game offers both a coaching storyline and quarterback intrigue. Ben Gulbranson for Stanford and Micah Alejado for Hawaii will showcase their skills on national streaming, showing why college football is adapting to new viewing habits.
Beyond Week 0: What to Expect This Season in College Football
Week 0 is only the start, but it sets the stage for the college football playoff path. The 2025 season is packed with big games, from SEC rivalries to Power Four conference showdowns. Coaches like Nick Saban, Steve Sarkisian, and Dabo Swinney will dominate headlines, but emerging names in the Big 12 Conference, Mountain West football, and C-USA football could also push for national relevance.
Fans should watch how the conference title implications develop, as even early-season results affect the bowl eligibility race. With so many players named to the preseason All-America team, the season promises nonstop drama and constant reshuffling of the college football newsletter stories fans follow each week.
Final Thoughts: Why College Football Week 0 Matters
Some people think Week 0 is just a warm-up, but the truth is very different. These college football kickoff games matter for the rankings, the conference implications, and the overall college football playoff path. Teams like the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones are already shaping their season before September even arrives.
As fans tune in today, they are not only watching individual games but also witnessing the foundation of the 2025 storylines. With unique venues like Dublin, Ireland, rising players like Avery Johnson, and underdog programs fighting for bowl eligibility, Week 0 delivers far more than just football. It delivers hope, drama, and the beginning of another unforgettable season.
FAQs
What college football games are on today?
A1: Today’s NCAA football schedule includes Week 0 matchups with kickoff times listed by conference and TV networks.
Where can I watch college football games live?
A2: Fans can watch on ESPN, FOX, CBS, and streaming services like Peacock with a student discount on Peacock streaming options.
Why is Week 0 important in college football?
A3: College football Week 0 marks the season opener, setting the tone for rankings and playoff implications.
Which key players should I watch in Week 0?
A4: Stars include Avery Johnson, Rocco Becht, and Jalon Daniels, plus emerging talents in Big 12 Conference play.
How do Week 0 games impact bowl eligibility?
A5: Wins in the season opener boost bowl eligibility race chances and influence conference title implications.
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