Hey there, fellow college football fans—can you feel that electric buzz in the air? It’s August 23, 2025, and we’re finally kicking off the season with Week 0. I still remember my first taste of this early action back in college, tailgating under the sun with buddies, debating rankings over burgers. It wasn’t a packed slate, but that one game hooked me for life. Today, as the games unfold, let’s dive into the top 25 rankings, the schedule, and any emerging scores, all while keeping things real and exciting. Whether you’re a die-hard or just dipping in, this is where the road to the playoffs begins.
What is Week 0 in College Football?
Week 0 is like the appetizer before the main feast— a handful of games that jumpstart the season a week early. It gives teams an extra matchup, often thanks to rules like the “Hawaii exemption” for squads playing far-flung games.
This year, it’s all about building momentum without overwhelming the calendar. Think of it as a teaser that lets fans ease back into Saturdays filled with cheers, upsets, and that sweet smell of fresh-cut grass.
Preseason Top 25 Rankings for 2025
The preseason AP Top 25 poll sets the stage, and boy, is it stacked with powerhouses ready to rumble. Texas tops the list after a strong offseason, but don’t sleep on underdogs like Arizona State climbing the ranks.
These rankings aren’t set in stone—they’ll shift as games play out, rewarding grit and exposing weaknesses. I’ve seen polls flip faster than a bad call on replay review, so buckle up.
| Rank | Team | Record | Points | First-Place Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 0-0 | 1552 | 25 |
| 2 | Penn State | 0-0 | 1547 | 23 |
| 3 | Ohio State | 0-0 | 1472 | 11 |
| 4 | Clemson | 0-0 | 1398 | 4 |
| 5 | Georgia | 0-0 | 1331 | 1 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 0-0 | 1325 | 0 |
| 7 | Oregon | 0-0 | 1236 | 1 |
| 8 | Alabama | 0-0 | 1179 | 0 |
| 9 | LSU | 0-0 | 1174 | 0 |
| 10 | Miami (FL) | 0-0 | 889 | 0 |
| 11 | Arizona State | 0-0 | 791 | 0 |
| 12 | Illinois | 0-0 | 713 | 0 |
| 13 | South Carolina | 0-0 | 667 | 0 |
| 14 | Michigan | 0-0 | 662 | 0 |
| 15 | Florida | 0-0 | 626 | 0 |
| 16 | SMU | 0-0 | 565 | 0 |
| 17 | Kansas State | 0-0 | 512 | 0 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | 0-0 | 463 | 0 |
| 19 | Texas A&M | 0-0 | 434 | 0 |
| 20 | Indiana | 0-0 | 423 | 0 |
| 21 | Ole Miss | 0-0 | 370 | 0 |
| 22 | Iowa State | 0-0 | 309 | 0 |
| 23 | Texas Tech | 0-0 | 274 | 0 |
| 24 | Tennessee | 0-0 | 192 | 0 |
| 25 | Boise State | 0-0 | 191 | 0 |
Week 0 Schedule: Games to Watch Today
Today’s lineup features nine games, blending FBS and FCS action, with kickoffs spreading from noon to late evening. Only one involves top 25 teams, but each could spark early-season drama.
As someone who’s missed sleep over these openers, I know even “small” games deliver big moments—like that time a underdog FCS squad nearly toppled a ranked foe. Keep an eye on weather in Dublin; it might add some slippery fun.
Highlighted Matchup: No. 17 Kansas State vs. No. 22 Iowa State in Dublin
This Big 12 clash abroad is the crown jewel of Week 0, pitting two ranked teams in Ireland’s Aviva Stadium. Kansas State brings a balanced attack, while Iowa State boasts a stingy defense.
Expect a gritty battle—think low-scoring with key turnovers deciding it. I once watched a similar international game turn into a comedy of errors with jet lag; here’s hoping these squads shake it off quick.
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- TV/Stream: ESPN (live updates on ESPN’s college football scoreboard)
- Key Players: Kansas State’s QB Avery Johnson vs. Iowa State’s DB Beau Freyler
- Prediction: Kansas State edges it 24-21, but don’t bet the farm—early games are wild.
Other Notable Games on the Slate
Beyond the ranked showdown, the day packs variety from coast to coast—and even overseas vibes without leaving your couch.
Fresno State at Kansas could showcase high-flying offenses, while Stanford at Hawaii screams late-night drama under the lights. I’ve pulled all-nighters for less; these often reveal teams’ true grit before the hype builds.
Here’s the full Week 0 schedule:
- UIW at Nicholls | 1 p.m. ET | ESPN2
- Idaho State at UNLV | 4 p.m. ET | Mountain West Network
- Tarleton State at Portland State | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2
- Fresno State at Kansas | 6:30 p.m. ET | FOX
- Sam Houston at Western Kentucky | 7 p.m. ET | CBS Sports Network
- UC Davis vs. Mercer (Montgomery, AL) | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN
- North Carolina Central vs. Southern (Atlanta) | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Stanford at Hawaii | 7:30 p.m. ET | CBS
Live Scores and Updates as Games Unfold
As of this morning on August 23, games are just kicking off, with the Dublin matchup leading the charge. No final scores yet, but check back for updates—Kansas State and Iowa State are tied at 0-0 early on.
For real-time action, head to trusted sites like NCAA.com’s live scores page. Last year, Week 0 delivered a shocker; who knows what twists await today?
Comparing Top 25 Teams: Who’s Built for a Title Run?
Let’s stack up the top five—Texas, Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia—on offense, defense, and intangibles. Texas shines with depth, but Penn State’s coaching edge could prove clutch.
I’ve followed these rivalries for years; remember when Ohio State steamrolled in playoffs? Comparisons like this help spot sleepers early.
Pros and Cons of the Top Contenders
Every team has strengths and Achilles’ heels—here’s a quick breakdown to fuel your debates.
Texas Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Elite QB play, strong recruiting class, playoff experience.
- Cons: Tough SEC schedule, injury risks to key linemen.
Penn State Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Balanced roster, top-tier defense, home-field magic.
- Cons: Inconsistent road performances, questions at wideout.
Ohio State Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Loaded talent, aggressive scheme, Buckeye passion.
- Cons: High expectations lead to pressure, secondary rebuild needed.
This kind of analysis reminds me of late-night arguments with friends—always passionate, sometimes heated, but what makes the sport addictive.
People Also Ask: Common Questions About Week 0
Drawing from real Google searches, here’s what fans are buzzing about. These questions pop up every year, and answering them keeps the conversation flowing.
- What is the point of Week 0? It’s to allow select teams an extra game, often for travel-heavy schedules like Hawaii trips, easing into the full slate while giving fans early football fixes.
- When does the 2025 college football season really start? Officially today with Week 0, but Week 1 explodes next weekend on August 28-30 with dozens of matchups.
- What’s the deal with Week 0 games? They’re opt-in for teams meeting NCAA criteria, like playing 13 games total, and often feature international flair or neutral-site fun.
- Why are there so few games in Week 0? It prevents burnout early, focusing on quality over quantity—think appetizer, not buffet.
Where to Get Live Streams and Tickets for Week 0 Games
For navigational ease, snag tickets via StubHub or team sites—Dublin’s sold out, but Hawaii’s got seats.
Local bars often host watch parties; I once caught a game in a pub overseas, feeling right at home. For scores, CBS Sports app is gold.
Best Tools and Apps for Tracking College Football Scores
On the transactional side, apps like ESPN or theScore offer free live updates, while premium ones like Yahoo Sports include fantasy integrations.
For betting insights (where legal), DraftKings has sharp odds— but remember, gamble responsibly. I’ve used these to stay ahead; they’re game-changers for die-hards.
FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions
What time is the Kansas State vs. Iowa State game in Week 0?
It kicks off at 12 p.m. ET from Dublin—perfect for brunch viewing. Stream on ESPN or catch highlights later if you’re time-zoned out.
How accurate are preseason top 25 rankings?
They’re educated guesses based on last year and recruiting, but upsets shake them up fast. Last season, half the top 10 shifted by Week 4—keeps things spicy.
Where can I find historical Week 0 scores?
Check archives on NCAA.com or ESPN—great for patterns, like how underdogs often cover spreads in these openers.
Is Week 0 part of the regular season?
Absolutely—it counts toward records and playoffs. Teams use it for tune-ups, but a loss can sting early momentum.
What makes the top 25 poll trustworthy?
It’s voted by media experts with decades of experience, updated weekly for fairness. I’ve trusted it since my undergrad days; it’s rarely way off base.
As Week 0 wraps, the real grind awaits— but today reminds us why we love this sport: the unpredictability, the rivalries, the sheer joy of fall Saturdays. Whether your team wins big or learns hard lessons, it’s all part of the journey. Stay tuned for more; I’ll be glued to the screen, just like you. Go team!
