Best Picks for Week 1 of the 2025 College Football Season

Best Moneyline Pick: Ohio State vs. Texas (Ohio State −2.5)

Ohio State opens as a 2.5‑point favorite over No. 1‑ranked Texas—a rare underdog spot for the Longhorns. Experts note this is the first time a preseason No. 1 enters Week 1 as the underdog. The Buckeyes bring experience from their championship run and have the edge in continuity. Texas, while electric behind Arch Manning, has raw leadership and elevated hype, which often overvalues preseason lines. A conservative spread here reflects uncertainty. Locking in Ohio State on the moneyline gives you the win even if they don’t cover the spread—smart leverage on SEC hype.

Best Spread Pick: Washington State vs. Idaho (WSU −9.5)

Washington State opened at −11.5 but has seen line movement to −9.5 against Idaho . That drop hints at value before public bettors push it back up. WSU brings a revamped roster under a new coach and has momentum from an 8-5 season. Idaho, despite a solid 10-4 record, lost its coach and leans on overperformance from last season. WSU’s talent infusion and rhythm make them well-positioned to cover a 9.5-point spread. That gap between opening and current line? That’s your signal—hop in early, ride the value.

Best Totals: Texas vs. Ohio State (Over 48)

The total for Texas–Ohio State is set at 48 points . Both teams boast dynamic offenses and new signal-callers—one an elite rookie (Arch Manning), the other a rising star receiver (Jeremiah Smith) . With high-powered schemes, early-season energy, and little pressure on defenses thus far, there’s room for a fast, high-scoring affair. Betting the over leans into Week 1 unpredictability and offensive fireworks—play the pace.

Our Parlay Picks

Safer Parlay: Ohio State ML, WSU −9.5, Over 48 (Texas–Ohio State)

This 3-leg parlay blends a smart underdog moneyline, a value-rich spread, and a high-tempo total. Ohio State ML capitalizes on preseason hype. WSU −9.5 is an under-the-radar spread value. The Over 48 targets offensive upside in that marquee clash. Combined, this parlay is a balanced approach for a boosted payout with grounded logic.

Riskier Parlay: Texas ML, TCU ML, Utah + Margin

Want excitement? Texas ML grabs you upside if Arch Manning lives up to the hype. Toss in TCU ML against UNC—Belichick’s debut adds drama, while TCU returns a potent passing attack . Finally, landing a Utah spread or moneyline leg gives you a full-stack of high-reward plays. All high variance, but that’s the price for a bigger rush.

Final Whistle

Week 1 is an unpredictable playground with early lines shaped by hype and curiosity. Texas enters as a rare No. 1 underdog, WSU looks underrated, and totals are buoyed by fresh QB storylines and offensive promise . Use this betting guide to cut through noise, stay sharp on college football injuries that could shift value, and always bet responsibly. Week 1 is just the kickoff—play smart, enjoy the chaos, and keep those bragging rights ready.