College Football Week 0: Your Ultimate Preview for the 2025 Season

Get ready, college football fans! The highly anticipated 2025 college football season officially kicks off with Week 0, offering an exciting taste of gridiron action before the full schedule begins. This in-depth preview dives into the crucial matchups, fan predictions, and compelling storylines, drawing insights from *The Athletic’s* “Until Saturday” newsletter and the dedicated Oklahoma State blog, Pistols Firing.

Key Week 0 College Football Matchups to Watch

Though the majority of teams begin their journeys in Week 1, Week 0 provides a crucial early glimpse into the 2025 college football season. The undisputed highlight is the unique international showdown between Kansas State and Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland. This highly anticipated game, with its logistical complexities highlighted by *The Athletic*, adds significant intrigue. Domestically, a pivotal Big 12 clash features Kansas hosting Fresno State, an early test for both programs.

Other important Week 0 matchups to keep an eye on include:

• Idaho State at UNLV
• Sam Houston at Western Kentucky
• Stanford at Hawaii (12:30 a.m. ET Sunday)

These initial contests are vital for teams to fine-tune their tactics and build early momentum for the demanding season ahead, with Stanford's late-night game offering West Coast fans extended college football action.

Fan Predictions: 2025 National Championship Contenders & Surprises

As Week 0 nears, college football enthusiasts have eagerly shared their predictions for the upcoming 2025 season. According to a recent reader poll by *The Athletic*:

• Texas (now a force in the SEC) stands out as the favorite for the coveted National Championship title, followed closely by Penn State, Clemson, and Ohio State.
• Conversely, Miami faces skepticism as a potential underperformer, with Penn State also drawing some surprising doubt.
• For dark horse College Football Playoff contenders, fans are eyeing Utah, Iowa, Tulane, Georgia Tech, and Nebraska, suggesting a belief in potential upset stories this 2025 season.

Coaches Under Pressure and the Most Entertaining College Football Teams for 2025

The 2025 college football season will undoubtedly test the mettle of many head coaches. Fan predictions suggest that LSU’s Brian Kelly is under the most significant pressure, reflecting the notoriously high stakes in the SEC.

On the entertainment front, South Carolina is projected to be among the most thrilling teams to watch, driven by star quarterback LaNorris Sellers and an engaging schedule. Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, and Tulane also received votes for their potential to deliver captivating college football performances.

Bill Belichick's UNC Debut & Essential 2025 College Football Resources

The much-discussed arrival of Bill Belichick at UNC has ignited widespread interest and amusement across the college football landscape. Fan predictions vary widely, from humorous mayo-related pranks (a playful jab at a historical UNC rivalry) to speculations about an early resignation from the coaching legend.

For those seeking comprehensive analysis and continuous updates on the 2025 season, *The Athletic* remains a prime resource, offering:

• Engaging Podcasts such as *The Audible*
• Insightful Mailbags featuring Stewart Mandel's expertise
• An exhaustive ranking of all 136 FBS teams compiled by Chris Vannini

Additionally, for dedicated insights, Pistols Firing delivers essential Oklahoma State coverage, including detailed schedules, team rosters, and a vibrant fan forum, making it a must-visit for Oklahoma State supporters.

As Week 0 sets the stage for the thrilling 2025 college football season, the excitement is palpable. From international matchups and fierce Big 12 rivalries to crucial coach evaluations and bold National Championship predictions, fans have much to anticipate. Stay tuned for all the action as these early games unfold, offering the first real glimpse of what promises to be an unforgettable year in college football.