College Football Best Bets: Week 1 Saturday 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 1 Friday Night selections!

Where to Watch Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ballpark: Ohio Stadium
Location: Columbus, OH
Where to Watch: FOX
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Spread: Ohio State -1.5 | Total: 47.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -110 | Texas -110

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

Less than nine months after the Ohio State Buckeyes upended the Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoff, these prestigious programs meet to kick off the 2025 season. Ohio State opened as a short favorite, but the betting lines are quickly shifting in favor of the visiting Longhorns.

Some of that betting love is deserved. The Buckeyes’ offense was gutted. Gone are Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson, who combined for over 6,300 yards last season. Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has promise, and running back James Peoples could grow into their respective roles, but absorbing the workload versus a dangerous Texas defense is a big ask.

The Arch Manning era gets underway for the Longhorns, and the highly-touted signal-caller will have his team raring to go. Manning’s workload is alleviated by Quintrevion Wisner, who totaled 1,064 rushing yards on 226 carries last season. While they saw some turnover in their receivers’ room, the Longhorns have four proven pass-catchers in Emmett Mosley V, Ryan Wingo, DeAndre Moore Jr., and Jack Endries.

Texas has too many weapons, and the Buckeyes have too many holes to fill on both sides of the ball. This game could come down to the last possession, but if Ohio State is trailing, we don’t trust their new additions to pull off the same magic we saw last season. Give us the points with the Longhorns.

Best Bet: Texas +1.5

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Where to Watch LSU Tigers vs. Clemson Tigers

Ballpark: Memorial Stadium
Location: Clemson, SC
Where to Watch: ABC
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: Clemson -3.5 | Total: 57.5
Moneyline: Clemson -178 | LSU +146

The Clemson Tigers are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. Still, there’s a significant gap between the ACC and SEC. While bettors may be naive to those differences early in the season, we expect the LSU Tigers to assert themselves against the hosts on Saturday night.

The SEC contenders head into this season with renewed optimism. Over the past few seasons, Brian Kelly has led LSU to a 29-11 record, including 9-4 with Garrett Nussmeier at the helm last year. Now entering his senior season, Nussmeier is at the forefront of the Heisman conversation and will be an x-factor for the Tigers all year. Surrounded by last year’s leading rusher, Caden Durham, and top receiver, Aaron Anderson, LSU should have no problem churning out yards in 2025.

Clemson’s offense will likely appear more one-dimensional this season, but it still boasts considerable strength in its attack. While Cade Klubnik and the aerial assault will do damage, they will be throwing into the strength of LSU’s defense on Saturday. Louisiana State returns Ashton Stamps and Jardin Gilbert in the secondary, who were two of the top five tacklers last season. With A.J. Haulcy joining in the second half, there is no room for error for Clemson.

LSU knows precisely what to expect from Clemson in the season opener. The SEC foes have a more complete offense, and we trust them to shut down Klubnik and Clemson’s passing attack. Taking LSU to cover is the coward’s play; we bet it cruises to victory.

Best Bet: LSU +146

Where to Watch Utah Utes vs. UCLA Bruins

Ballpark: Rose Bowl
Location: Pasadena, CA
Where to Watch: FOX
Time: 11:00 p.m. ET
Spread: Utah -5.5 | Total: 51.5
Moneyline: Utah -210 | UCLA +172

The Nico Iamaleava era gets underway in SoCal. The highly-regarded signal-caller transferred to the UCLA Bruins this offseason, and he faces a stiff challenge in trying to navigate his squad past the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl.

Iamaleava takes over an offense that is ready to take a big step forward. DeShaun Foster rebuilt his receiving corps while also bringing in Jaivian Thomas to stabilize the backfield. Thomas churned out 626 yards on 100 carries with Cal last season, showcasing breakaway speed and a knack for scoring.

The Utes feature an incoming transfer portal with as much promise as Iamaleava. Devon Dampier is a capable dual-threat quarterback who threw for 2,768 yards and rushed for 1,166 more. Utah’s offense was almost entirely rebuilt, but the Utes will have no problem finding their rhythm against a UCLA defense that has seven new incoming starters on defense.

Points should flow freely in this one. Iamaleava will have the Bruins moving, as will Dampier with the Utes. The total has started to inch higher, so bettors could still get the better part of the number by jumping on the over now.

Best Bet: Utah-UCLA Over 51.5

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