The college football season officially begins on Saturday, August 23, with a compact five-game lineup that stretches from Dublin to Honolulu.
It’s the appetizer before the massive Week 1 slate, but these games still carry storylines, betting intrigue, and early momentum for the programs involved.
Week 0 starts in Dublin and ends in Hawaii
Iowa State vs Kansas State (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
2024 records: Iowa State 11-3, Kansas State 9-4
The season kicks off in Ireland with a Big 12 clash that should be one of the more competitive Week 0 matchups in recent memory. Iowa State’s defense was one of the most opportunistic units in the nation last season, and the Cyclones will once again lean on forcing turnovers to stay in games. Kansas State brings back a physical run game and one of the conference’s more consistent offensive lines.
The neutral-site setting adds some unpredictability. If Iowa State can win at the line of scrimmage and slow down the Wildcats’ rushing attack, this could be a nail-biter into the final minutes. Kansas State’s edge on the ground gives them the slight advantage, but Iowa State is more than capable of spoiling the opener.
Idaho State at UNLV (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas)
2024 records: Idaho State 5-7, UNLV 11-3
UNLV is coming off one of the best seasons in school history and opens with a comfortable home matchup against FCS foe Idaho State. The Rebels return plenty of offensive firepower, and their balanced attack should overwhelm Idaho State’s defense.
For UNLV, the goal here is efficiency — score early, avoid mistakes, and get younger players valuable reps once the game is in hand. Idaho State showed flashes last year in the Big Sky Conference but struggled defensively against stronger offenses. Unless the Bengals can find explosive plays through the air, it’s hard to see them keeping pace.
MORE: “I Sucked”: How Cade Klubnik turned doubt into Clemson’s playoff push
Fresno State at Kansas (David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium)
2024 records: Fresno State 6-7, Kansas 5-7
Kansas has steadily rebuilt itself into one of the more exciting teams in the Big 12, but 2024 was a step backward after key injuries derailed the season. The Jayhawks return a strong offensive core and will look to start 2025 with a statement win at home.
Fresno State, a perennial threat in the Mountain West, has a history of giving bigger programs fits in early-season games. The Bulldogs may not have the depth Kansas does, but they play disciplined football and can turn this into a four-quarter game if their defense holds up. Kansas’ passing attack gives them the upper hand, but Fresno’s ability to hang around should not be overlooked.
Sam Houston at Western Kentucky (Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium)
2024 records: Sam Houston 10-3, Western Kentucky 8-6
This one should be entertaining for anyone who likes points. Western Kentucky has long been one of the most pass-happy programs in the country, and that won’t change in 2025. The Hilltoppers will look to push tempo from the opening snap.
Sam Houston, meanwhile, is fresh off a strong 10-win season and a bowl victory. Their defense will be tested immediately against WKU’s aerial attack, but the Bearkats have an offense that can trade punches if needed. Expect a high-scoring affair where turnovers could be the difference between a close finish and a Hilltopper pull-away.
Stanford at Hawaii (Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu)
2024 records: Stanford 3-9, Hawai‘i 5-7
The nightcap takes us to Honolulu, where Stanford tries to start fresh after another tough season. The Cardinal are still in rebuild mode under their current staff, but they’ll hope a full offseason of development brings progress.
Hawaii, meanwhile, is always dangerous in home openers. The Rainbow Warriors play fast, feed off the crowd, and often make traveling opponents uncomfortable. Their offense should have opportunities against a Stanford defense that struggled with consistency in 2024.
If Stanford’s young talent shows early improvement, they can make this a grind. But Hawaii's home-field advantage and offensive rhythm in Honolulu give them a legitimate edge.
It's good to be back
Week 0 may not offer dozens of games, but it packs variety: a conference showdown overseas, a Mountain West vs. Big 12 test, and a late-night island clash.
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