The 2025 college football season has finally arrived, so it’s time to place our best bets.
It’s always tough to place wagers in the opening week of a season, but if you look carefully, you can find an edge with some favorable numbers on underpriced teams.
With that in mind, let’s dive into my NCAA football Week 1 predictions.
College football odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
CFB Week 1 Best Bets
South Carolina -7.5 (-108) vs. Virginia Tech
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
South Carolina opens up their season at home against Virginia Tech.
I’m riding with the Gamecocks because I’m a huge fan of their quarterback, LaNorris Sellers. This is my top pick in 2025 Heisman odds.
I’m betting that Sellers carries South Carolina’s offense all year with his dual-threat ability.
While we need them to beat a good Virginia Tech team by eight or more, the good news is we’re getting a favorable number at DraftKings, since this is -8 at BetRivers.
With that in mind, ride with South Carolina as my top college football bet this week.
LSU +4 (-112) @ Clemson
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
LSU enters the 2025 college football season with title aspirations. In 2025 National Championship odds, they’re one of the dark horses, offering great value.
This is a well-rounded team led by senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is also one of the favorites to win the Heisman this year.
While Clemson is also considered one of the best teams and has the benefit of home-field advantage, I’ll take a shot on the Tigers to cover the spread here.
We’re getting past the key number of three, which makes it much more appealing to take a shot on Nussmeier and company.
Notre Dame -2.5 (-115) @ Miami
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Here we have two of the best teams in the nation, but I think that the spread speaks volumes here.
Despite playing on the road, Notre Dame is favored by 2.5 points against Miami. The Hurricanes have high expectations, but they’re in a state of transition right now, trying to adapt to life without first overall pick Cam Ward.
Quarterback Carson Beck joins the team from the transfer portal. While we all know how experienced he is, this is a clear downgrade from Ward.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame boasts a dangerous pass rush that can force Beck into turnovers. Look for them to put Beck under duress consistently here, en route to a road victory.
Texas ML (-102) @ Ohio State
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Last but not least, we’ll throw in a wager on the marquee matchup of the week.
We’ve got the current odds-on favorite to win the National Championship in Texas, taking on the defending champions in Ohio State.
This is a bet on Arch Manning putting together a statement win as he takes over the reins as Longhorns’ starting quarterback.
Manning is the favorite to win the Heisman for good reason — he’s got all the physical tools.
Give me the Longhorns as short road underdogs in this spot.
🏈 Keep tabs on all our NCAAF odds for games to find the top angles to bet:
