SALT LAKE CITY — The much-anticipated college football season officially kicks off this week, boasting an exciting lineup of games in the first week of action. To celebrate the return of college football, the annual KSL.com Sports' College Football Pick'em is back for another thrilling season. This article provides a detailed preview of five key matchups, aimed at helping fans gain insight into their game predictions. Get ready for an exhilarating season!
Saturday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. MDT – Ohio Stadium (Fox)
In a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Cotton Bowl, the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes will clash, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown as both teams aim for national championship glory. Last season, Ohio State secured a 28-14 victory against Texas, ultimately leading them to their first national championship since 2015.
Why Texas Will Win: The Longhorns are hungry for revenge following their Cotton Bowl defeat. With an impressive roster and significant hype surrounding their chances this season, Texas is poised to make a strong statement. The team will be led by redshirt sophomore Arch Manning, the highly touted nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. Many experts predict that Manning could be the top pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has assembled a formidable roster, setting sights on winning Texas's first national title since 2005. However, Ohio State will be facing a challenge, as they will be replacing several key players from their championship roster.
Why Ohio State Will Win: The Buckeyes are a dominant force at home, having lost only three games in the Ryan Day era. Even with a rookie quarterback, Julian Sayin, starting his first game against the No. 1 team in the country, the Buckeyes’ defense is expected to swarm Manning early. Ohio State also boasts potential Heisman candidate Jeremiah Smith, who had a standout freshman season, making the Buckeyes a formidable opponent.
Line: OSU -1.5 Over/Under: 47.5
Saturday, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. MDT – Maverick Stadium (CBSSN)
Former BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall returns to Utah as the head coach of Utah State. The Aggies welcome the UTEP Miners, who are looking to improve in Year 2 under head coach Scotty Walden.
Why Utah State Will Win: The Aggies are starting a new era under Mendenhall and have a promising Week 1 matchup ahead of them. With Bryson Barnes starting at quarterback, who accumulated 1,386 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, Utah State aims to capitalize on UTEP’s struggles from the previous season. Mendenhall's experience and strategic play-calling are expected to elevate the Aggies' performance this year.
Why UTEP Will Win: UTEP's starting quarterback, former five-star prospect Malachi Nelson, will look to prove his worth after transferring from USC. If Nelson can harness his potential, UTEP could pull off an upset against Utah State.
Line: USU -5.5 Over/Under: 60.5
Saturday, Aug. 30, 6 p.m. MDT – LaVell Edwards Stadium (ESPN+)
The Portland State Vikings travel to Provo to challenge the BYU Cougars for the second time, following a previous matchup in 2017 where BYU won 20-6.
Why BYU Will Win: The Cougars enter this season with a point to prove after narrowly missing the Big 12 championship game last year. Despite losing key players, BYU has retained enough talent to remain competitive. A significant question looms over how they will fill the gap left by last season’s quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, who transferred late in the offseason. True freshman Bear Bachmeier is set to start, marking the first time since Zach Wilson that a true freshman will lead the team.
Why Portland State Will Win: After a rough 0-42 loss to Tarleton State in their previous game, the Vikings have room for improvement. They are looking to exploit potential weaknesses in BYU’s inexperienced quarterback, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes made by the freshman starter.
Line: N/A Over/Under: N/A
Saturday, Aug. 30, 9 p.m. MDT – Rose Bowl (Fox)
The Utah Utes face off against the UCLA Bruins in a highly anticipated matchup at the iconic Rose Bowl.
Why Utah Will Win: After struggling offensively last season, Utah has made critical changes, including hiring Jason Beck as offensive coordinator and bringing in transfer quarterback Devon Dampier. With a strong offensive line and a robust defense led by head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes are looking to make a significant impact in the Big 12 this season.
Why UCLA Will Win: UCLA is also introducing a new starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee. With a successful prior season under his belt, Iamaleava aims to lead UCLA to a better record after a disappointing 5-7 finish last year.
Line: Utah -5.5 Over/Under: 50.5
Sunday, Aug. 31, 5:30 p.m. MDT – Hard Rock Stadium (ABC)
This primetime Sunday matchup features a classic rivalry, with the Miami Hurricanes hosting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as top-10 opponents.
Why Notre Dame Will Win: Coming off a strong 2024 season where they finished as national championship runners-up, Notre Dame is looking to maintain their momentum. With a roster full of NFL talent, including star running back Jeremiyah Love, the Irish are eager to start the season on a high note. Head coach Marcus Freeman is known for his strategic prowess, and he will have his team prepared for this crucial matchup.
Why Miami Will Win: Historically, Notre Dame has struggled in Miami, with a 0-6 record over their last six trips. Head coach Mario Cristobal is eager to secure a signature win for the program after a promising 10-3 finish last season. With both teams starting new quarterbacks, Miami’s Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia, may have the edge in experience over Notre Dame’s CJ Carr.
Line: ND -2.5
As the college football season unfolds, these matchups promise excitement and drama. Fans are encouraged to participate in the KSL.com Sports' College Football Pick'em for a chance to showcase their predictions throughout this thrilling season.
