When is it too early to start anticipating the most important games in college football? Naturally, the answer is never, particularly now that all of the big sportsbooks have disclosed the betting odds.
For our top picks for 2025’s biggest college football games, including a rematch of the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game between Oregon and Penn State, continue reading.
College Football s biggest games in 2025
Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (Week 1)
Week 1 of the 2018 college football season will feature one of the most important contests.
The Ohio State Buckeyes, the reigning national champions, will play the Texas Longhorns in a non-conference game in Columbus.
Both of these teams will be among the top five in the country going into this match.
Oregon Ducks vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (Week 5)
Of all, who could overlook the Big Ten Championship Game rematch from the previous season?
With Drew Allar, Kaytron Allen, and Nicholas Singleton as their explosive trio, Penn State will look to exact retribution for their close conference title loss to Oregon.
Can the Ducks repel them and steal a road victory that might define the season?
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines (Week 14)
One of the most important games of the season is always The Game. After all, Ohio State doesn’t call the Wolverines by name the week prior and (for some reason) crosses out every M on campus.
After a lackluster season, Michigan pulled off an unthinkable road shock last season, which surely motivated the Bucks to dominate the College Football Playoffs.
What’s in store for this year?
Best bets for college football s biggest games
Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes best bet
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Moneyline:
Ohio State (-135), Texas (+114)
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Spread:
Ohio State -3 (-105), Texas +3 (-115)
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Point Total:
50.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Julian Sayin’s first game will be against the Texas Longhorns, who boast the finest secondary and linebacker unit in college football, if he is selected as the starting quarterback for Ohio State. Regardless of the skill level of the Bucks receiving corps, that is a difficult situation.
Texas will use Arch Manning, who excelled in his little playing time in the 2024 season, behind center on the opposite side of the football.
Additionally, I don’t think the Bucks defensive line will be as strong as it was the previous season, even though Ohio State’s secondary, which includes standout safety Caleb Downs, will be difficult to manage throughout the season.
One of the top running back units in the nation, which includes Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, Christian Clark, and Jerrick Gibson, may have some opportunities as a result.
Even though Baxter and Clark will be recovering from their injuries, the room’s depth will undoubtedly aid in distributing the workload.
When you factor in Manning’s rushing prowess, Ohio State may also struggle on that side of the ball.
Texas Longhorns moneyline (+114 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook) is the best wager.
Oregon Ducks vs. Penn State Nittany Lions best bet
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Moneyline:
Penn State (-205), Oregon (+170)
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Spread:
Penn State -5.5 (-110), Oregon +5.5 (-110)
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Point Total:
52.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Although I think the Ducks will have a formidable opponent in Penn State, Oregon will once again be among the top teams in the nation.
The three-headed offensive beast that is Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and Drew Allar is back with the Nittany Lions.
The Nittany Lions redesigned the wide receiver room, while Penn State relied largely on standout tight end Tyler Warren last season, which led to a passing offense that was a little one-dimensional.
Trebor Pena (Syracuse), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Kyron Hudson (USC) were signed by Penn State to strengthen that unit, providing Allar with the tools he needs to take the Nittany Lions offense to a new level beyond what it was last season.
There will be times when Oregon’s defense can stop this explosive Penn State offense, but the opposing team is a little more worrisome.
Dante Moore, the Ducks’ top receiver, will miss Evan Stewart, who we have yet to see under center.
Other offensively gifted options for Oregon include wide receiver Dakorien Moore and former Tulane running back Makhi Hughes.
Nevertheless, even if guys like Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith have recently broken the mold, it is risky to depend on a true freshman to be WR1.
The Nittany Lions, who have a 19-3 record at home over the last three seasons, are my pick to win.
The Penn State Nittany Lions moneyline is the best wager (FanDuel Sportsbook offers -188 odds).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines best bet
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Moneyline:
Ohio State (-205), Michigan (+170)
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Spread:
Ohio State -5.5 (-110), Michigan +5.5 (-110)
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Point Total:
47.5 (-110/-110)
The Ohio State Buckeyes are among the top collegiate football teams, although they haven’t beaten the Michigan Wolverines since 2019. Oh no.
Last season, the Bucks dominated everyone in their CFP path after an unranked Michigan team managed to defeat Ohio State on the road.
The road team has won six of the last 11 meetings, despite the fact that it would seem foolish to support them in such a hostile setting.
Additionally, Michigan may be concerned about quarterback play. Bryce Underwood, a true freshman, will have to contend with one of the top college football secondaries and one of the Big Ten’s weakest receiving corps if the Wolverines decide to start him.
In one of the most amazing rivalries in sports, Ohio State will return victorious from this match.
Ohio State Buckeyes moneyline (-200 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook) is the best wager.
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Best bets for college football’s biggest games, including Oregon vs. Penn State
Best bets for college football’s biggest games, including Oregon vs. Penn State
Best bets for college football’s biggest games, including Oregon vs. Penn State