The wait is nearly over—college football’s first full weekend is right around the corner. The 2025 season gets rolling on a Thursday night and carries right into Friday with two matchups that headline the opening stretch.
Thursday, August 28 – Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City)
Photo Cred: Bearcats
While Ohio–Rutgers and Boise State–South Florida provide intriguing appetizers, the main course on Thursday night comes from Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Nebraska and Cincinnati will meet in the only Power Four–vs.–Power Four matchup of the evening, giving fans an early look at two programs aiming to make noise in 2025.
All eyes will be on Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, the prized recruit who has already drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes as he takes the field in Mahomes’ own stadium. Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule shook things up this offseason by promoting Dana Holgorsen to offensive coordinator, hoping a streamlined scheme will allow Raiola to thrive right out of the gate.
On the other sideline, Cincinnati continues its quest to find firm footing in the Big 12 after a bumpy transition from the American Athletic Conference. A primetime stage against a traditional powerhouse like Nebraska provides a golden opportunity for the Bearcats to prove they belong. A win in Kansas City could go a long way toward setting the tone for their season.
Friday, August 29 – Georgia Tech at Colorado
The action shifts west on Friday night as Colorado hosts Georgia Tech in Boulder for one of Week 1’s most intriguing nonconference showdowns. The Buffaloes enter a new era after losing two of their biggest stars, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter, to the NFL. Still, Deion Sanders returns to the sidelines with a roster heavily reloaded through the transfer portal, aiming to build on last season’s 9–4 finish.
Photo Cred: Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech, meanwhile, is riding a wave of confidence after a strong 2024 campaign in which the Yellow Jackets nearly stunned Georgia and pulled off a signature win over Miami. Quarterback Haynes King leads a feisty and balanced offense that’s proven it can hang with the nation’s best. Tech also has recent experience under the bright lights, opening last season in Ireland with a dramatic 24–21 win over Florida State.
Colorado knows it can’t afford a slow start after narrowly escaping FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in last year’s opener. Both teams enter with something to prove: Georgia Tech looking to show it can contend in the ACC, and Colorado seeking to prove it’s more than a flash under Coach Prime. With two hungry programs colliding under the Friday night lights, this matchup has all the makings of an early-season thriller.
