The 2025-26 college football season wasted no time delivering fireworks in Week 1. With games running Thursday through Monday, schedule makers set the tone for a season packed with drama — from high-scoring FCS shootouts to early clashes between some of the nation’s best teams.
Not every matchup offers betting value, but with a slate this large, there are always opportunities where the market lags behind.
Advertisement
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
Here are several wagers I’m targeting heading into the weekend.
All odds courtesy of BetMGM.
No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State (-1, 47.5)
One storyline I can’t shake is Texas’ Aug. 9 scrimmage, where the offensive line was dominated in pass protection. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is excellent at in-game adjustments, so I’d expect the Longhorns to lean on quick-developing plays — wheel routes, checkdowns — to help Arch Manning avoid Ohio State’s elite safety Caleb Downs.
That sets up value in a prop market: with those quick throws in the game plan, running back Quintrevion Wisner should be featured.
Advertisement
Best bet: Quintrevion Wisner over 16.5 receiving yards (-115)
No. 8 Alabama (-14, 50.5) at Florida State
New Seminoles QB Tommy Castellanos has long been viewed as a running quarterback, and the stats back it up – six games with double-digit rush attempts last season, and nearly every game in 2023. But that profile doesn’t hold up the same way now.
At Florida State, he’ll have more playmaking talent around him and less need to run. More importantly, his tendency to hold the ball too long will be punished against Alabama’s ferocious front. Many of his “rushes” may end up being sacks, and that makes this number appealing.
Advertisement
Best bet: Tommy Castellanos under 35.5 rushing yards (-115)
Temple (-2.5, 48.5) at UMass
The total in this game has been on a rollercoaster. It opened at 53.5 and steamed all the way down to 47, largely on injury concerns for both offenses. That’s an overreaction.
Neither of these teams is efficient, but inefficiency doesn’t always equate to a game going under. With two struggling defenses and four quarters to work with, I’ll buy in at the key number.
Best bet: Over 47 (-110)
Hawaii at Arizona (-17.5, 52.5)
Not every early-week position works out. I backed Arizona 1H -8.5 (-115) in my article earlier this week after reports suggested Hawaii QB Brayden Alejado was dealing with a serious injury. But with signs pointing to him suiting up, I’ve hedged slightly while keeping some exposure.
Advertisement
Even with Alejado available, Arizona’s home-field edge and offensive firepower make them a strong candidate to strike first.
Best bet: Arizona 1H -8.5 (-115) (reduced staking)
Completed games
Georgia Tech (-4.5, 51.5) at Colorado
We’ve been tracking market movement in Boulder all week, and without any significant buyback on the total, I’m holding tight on my over 51.5 position.
The case is straightforward: Georgia Tech will play faster than the market expects with a healthy Haynes King at quarterback, while Colorado’s defensive changes are still a question mark. New Buffs QB Kaidon Salter underwhelmed last year at Liberty, but with more weapons around him and a scheme designed to open short passing lanes, he’s in position to bounce back.
Best bet: Over 51.5 (-110)
