Week 1 of the 2025 college football season is finally here, and it might be the best one ever, headlined by Texas at Ohio State. But when it comes to betting on college football, we don’t only care about the marquee games; we care about them all equally.

The action starts on Thursday and goes all the way until Monday this week, so there is plenty of time to get in on it. Though it’s smart to remember that a lot of these games have been lined by sportsbooks for quite some time. That means that the betting market has had more time to move these games into the correct range, leaving less value on the board. Combine that with the uncertainty of a lot of these teams — new coaches and/or new rosters through the transfer portal — and it might be best to take things slowly to start.

Last season’s record: 49-60-4, -17.02 units, -13.8% ROI
Record since 2021: 218-222-14, -21.26 units, -4.3% ROI

As you can see, things did not go well last year. In fact, they went horrifically bad. That sparked me to make some changes to how I handle roster turnover — being more reactive sooner to teams that have more turnover — and add some metrics regarding ability to sustain drives on offense and getting off the field on defense.

Another thing that I’ll be trying to do more of this year is get into the market earlier. That likely means that my best bets article will be on Mondays this year, and hopefully that helps. The betting market gets going earlier and earlier every year, and there is no better indication of this than seeing the board light up all morning today.

I’ll be getting into the college football action this week with two plays. There are at least two more that I’ll be betting later in the week, but I’m waiting to see if we can squeak out a slightly better price. A few others are close to being in range, but I’ll need to wait for a move in the direction I want.

As always, shop around for the best price and good luck!

Week 1 best betsBuffalo at Minnesota under 44.5 (-110)

Both of these teams will be heavily reliant on their defense this season, and Minnesota is projected to be one of the slower-paced teams in the country. I actually contemplated splitting the total and Buffalo here, but I’m going to pass — for now — on the dog. If Buffalo can handle the physicality of Minnesota, it should be difficult for the Golden Gophers to win this game by that margin, considering how much they’re replacing on the offensive side of the ball.

Worst line to bet: Under 44 (-110)

Ohio State -2.5 (-110) vs. Texas

I’m selling the Arch Manning hype. I think it will be a rockier start than most are willing to admit, especially heading into a hostile environment. Yes, Ohio State lost a lot, but Texas lost quite a bit from last year, too. Both quarterbacks are relative unknowns. They are inexperienced but were five-star recruits out of high school, so that’s a wash. Ohio State has some issues on the defensive line, but the losses on Texas’ offense from last year make me feel a little better about that. Also, Ohio State has Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. I think the Buckeyes should be a field-goal favorite at minimum on Saturday.

Worst line to bet: Ohio State -3 (-110)

(Photo of Caleb Downs: Jason Miller / Getty Images)