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College Football Today: Week 0 Kicks Off the 2025 Season with Exciting Matchups

Hey football fans, the wait is finally over! College football is back today, August 23, 2025, marking the start of the 2025 season with Week 0 action. If you’re like me, you’ve been counting down the days since last year’s championship game. Today brings a slate of nine games, blending FBS and FCS teams, international flair, and some intriguing storylines. Whether you’re tailgating, streaming from home, or just catching highlights, here’s everything you need to know about college football today – from the full schedule to key games, previews, and the latest buzz.

This Week 0 isn’t packed wall-to-wall like a typical Saturday, but it’s got quality over quantity. We’ve got a Big 12 rivalry kicking things off overseas, stadium renovations making headlines, and even some under-the-radar gems that could produce upsets. Let’s dive in and get you ready for the gridiron grind.

Today’s College Football Schedule: Games, Times, and How to Watch

Here’s the complete lineup for August 23, 2025. All times are in Eastern Time (ET), and I’ve included TV channels or streaming options where available. Note that some games feature FCS teams, but they’re still worth tuning into for that pure college football vibe.

• Kansas State vs. Iowa State – 12:00 PM ET, ESPN, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland This one’s already underway or just wrapping up by now – a historic opener in Ireland as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Ranked No. 17 Kansas State faces No. 22 Iowa State in a “Farmageddon” rivalry usually saved for later in the season.
• UIW at Nicholls – 1:00 PM ET, ESPN2 An FCS clash between Incarnate Word and Nicholls State – expect high-scoring fun if you’re into smaller-school ball.
• Idaho State at UNLV – 4:00 PM ET, SSSEN/Mountain West Network UNLV hosts Idaho State in Vegas – a chance for the Rebels to build momentum early.
• Tarleton State at Portland State – 4:30 PM ET, ESPN2 Another FCS matchup out west, perfect for afternoon viewing.
• Fresno State at Kansas – 6:30 PM ET, FOX Kansas unveils its renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium against Fresno State. The Jayhawks are looking to bounce back from a 5-7 record last year, and tickets are sold out – talk about hype!
• UC Davis vs. Mercer – 7:00 PM ET, ESPN, Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL This neutral-site FCS game in Alabama could be a defensive battle or a shootout – either way, it’s classic college football.
• Sam Houston at WKU – 7:00 PM ET, CBSSN Western Kentucky hosts Sam Houston in a Conference USA tilt – keep an eye on the Hilltoppers’ potent offense.
• NC Central vs. Southern – 7:30 PM ET, ABC/ESPN3, Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge goes primetime on ABC for just the third time in its 20-year history. This HBCU showdown is always electric with bands, traditions, and hard-hitting play.
• Stanford at Hawaii – 7:30 PM ET (1:30 PM local), CBS/Paramount+ Closing out the night, Stanford travels to Honolulu under new leadership with Andrew Luck as GM and interim coach Frank Reich. Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors are in their last Big West season before joining the Mountain West next year.

If you’re scrambling for streams or updates, check ESPN, FOX, or CBS apps – most games are accessible with a basic cable login or streaming service like YouTube TV.

Must-Watch Games and Previews: What to Expect Today

Not all games are created equal, so here are the top three to prioritize if you’re juggling channels:

1. Kansas State vs. Iowa State (The Ireland Opener) This is the marquee matchup – the first Week 0 game between two AP Top 25 teams since 2002. Kansas State’s defense is stacked, but Iowa State’s quarterback Rocco Becht could steal the show. Why it matters: It’s a Big 12 preview with playoff implications. Prediction: K-State edges it 28-24 in a thriller. Fans on X are buzzing about the international vibe, with one post calling it “College Football is BACK” straight from high places.
2. Fresno State at Kansas Kansas is trending after stadium upgrades, and coach Lance Leipold has the Jayhawks hungry for a bowl berth. Fresno State’s Bulldogs bring a tough Mountain West edge. This could be a high-scoring affair if Kansas’ offense clicks. Prediction: Kansas wins 35-21, but don’t sleep on an upset.
3. Stanford at Hawaii Stanford’s rebuilding with NFL legend Andrew Luck calling shots – intriguing storyline alert! Hawaii always plays tough at home, especially late-night (for us mainlanders). Expect fireworks under the lights. Prediction: Stanford pulls away late, 31-17.

These games highlight the diversity of college football today: from global spectacles to regional rivalries.

Latest College Football News and Trending Topics

Beyond the field, here’s what’s making waves in college football circles as of today:

• Playoff Projections Heating Up: Early buzz has Ohio State, Clemson, Texas, and Penn State leading the pack for the expanded 12-team playoff. With automatic bids for conference champs, today’s games could shift odds early.
• Live Updates and Scores: As games unfold, check for real-time highlights – like that incredible FCS touchdown mentioned in updates. Kansas State vs. Iowa State is already delivering drama, with posts on X hyping the action.
• Preseason Top 25 Vibes: Texas tops many lists, followed by Ohio State and Clemson. Keep an eye on dark horses like Penn State.
• Fan Excitement on Social: X is lit with memes and reactions – from defensive coaches replaying classic videos to fans celebrating the return. One user summed it up: “Welcome back college football!!”

Trending hashtags like #CollegeFootballToday and #Week0 are blowing up, so join the conversation.

Why College Football Today Matters for the 2025 Season

Week 0 might feel like an appetizer, but it sets the tone. Wins here build momentum, while losses expose weaknesses early. With conference realignments (hello, super conferences) and the playoff expansion, every snap counts. Plus, it’s just fun – bands blaring, crowds roaring, and that crisp fall air (even if it’s still summer).

If you’re betting or fantasy-ing, totals are fun today with unknowns like new coaches and transfers. But remember, it’s about the love of the game.

Stay tuned for more updates as the day progresses, and catch next week’s full slate. What are your predictions? Drop them in the comments below. Go team – whoever yours is!