College Football Best Bets: Week 0 Top Picks and Predictions

College football is back, baby! From now until the start of December, we will be keeping a close eye on all the action, sharing our expert analysis and betting insights every week. Stay up to date with the top picks, predictions, and betting advice for all things college football.

Check out what bets we’re targeting with our Week 0 selections!

Where to Watch Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas State Wildcats

Ballpark: Aviva Stadium
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Where to Watch: ESPN
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Spread: KSU -3.5 | Total: 50.5
Moneyline: KSU -162 | ISU +134

Note: All odds are subject to change after article publication. Get the most up-to-date odds here.

The Big 12 is wasting no time getting down to conference action, kicking off the 2025 college football season with a game in Dublin. The 17th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats take on the Iowa State Cyclones, with the victor staking a claim to an early lead atop the conference standings.

Avery Johnson is back under center for the Wildcats, looking to improve upon his sophomore campaign. Still, there are some underlying concerns. A dual-threat, Johnson has never been a reliable pass-thrower. He has a career 58.0% completion percentage and threw ten interceptions last season. Now dealing with a depleted receiver corps, we don’t like his chances of improving his standing early in 2025.

Undoubtedly, the Cyclones are facing similar issues in their passing game. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel both departed for the NFL, but Iowa State was able to offset those losses via the transfer portal. Chase Sowell is looking to build off his 678 receiving yards campaign last season, while Xavier Townsend is looking to recapture his 2023 form, when he averaged 9.8 yards per reception.

Defensively, these teams stack up well, meaning the victor will be determined by which team can capitalize on their offensive opportunities. On that basis, we like the Cyclones’ chances of scoring more points and coming away victorious.

Best Bet: Iowa State +134

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Where to Watch Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks

Ballpark: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
Location: Lawrence, KS
Where to Watch: FOX
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Spread: KU -13.5 | Total: 50.5
Moneyline: KU -610 | Fresno State +440

After a dismal performance last season, the Kansas Jayhawks are hoping to get back to their winning ways from 2023. Standing in their way is an underappreciated Fresno State Bulldogs squad that is capable of putting up points with the best of them.

In 2024, Kansas was one of the worst defenses in the country. The Jayhawks gave up 409.9 yards per game, ranking them 98th in the country. The departure of several key defenders puts them at a disadvantage in 2025. While Kansas was able to replace its lost assets with upperclassmen via the transfer portal, we still have serious concerns with its ability to defend.

Low-key, Fresno State’s defense is nothing to reckon with. They ranked 38th in the country in total defense last season, translating to 24.4 points per game. While the rushing attack remains an afterthought, E.J. Warner should have no problem moving the ball on Saturday. The senior is a three-year starter, going from Temple to Rice and completing 60.0% of his passes through the first three seasons of his collegiate career. Interceptions have been an issue, but this Kansas team gave up 8.4 yards per pass attempt last season, a benchmark that is unlikely to improve.

We have two plays keyed up in this non-conference showdown. Considering the Jayhawks’ defensive woes, points should flow freely at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Further, the spread has tilted too far in favor of the home team. Fresno State can move the ball, and staying within +13.5 is easily achievable.

Best Bet: Over 50.0, Fresno State +13.5

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