College football returns in Week 0, giving fans their first look at live action for the 2025 season. Several games are scheduled ahead of the full slate next week, with matchups taking place both in the United States and internationally.
In Dublin, Ireland, Aviva Stadium will host the Aer Lingus College Football Classic for the fourth year in a row. No. 17 Kansas State will face No. 22 Iowa State in a Big 12 matchup that has attracted nearly 50,000 fans each of the past two years. The event is expected to draw American tourists and local spectators when the game kicks off at noon Eastern time on Saturday.
The rivalry between Iowa State and Kansas State, known as “Farmageddon,” continues this weekend. Iowa State currently leads the all-time series by a margin of 54-50 after winning four out of five recent meetings.
At UNLV, Dan Mullen’s debut as head coach was moved up due to a scheduling change for a championship boxing match at Allegiant Stadium involving Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. As a result, UNLV will now play Idaho State in Week 0 instead of later in September. The NCAA approved this adjustment, and Mullen takes over following an 11-3 record last season under Barry Odom.
Another notable storyline involves E.J. Warner making his start as Fresno State’s quarterback on Saturday against Kansas. Warner is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Kurt Warner and previously started thirty-one games at Temple and Rice before transferring to Fresno State.
Kansas will be unveiling its renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Saturday after $450 million was invested into its improvements.
Western Kentucky opens its season at home against Sam Houston with quarterback Maverick McIvor leading an offense shaped by his transfer from Abilene along with his offensive coordinator.
In Atlanta, North Carolina Central plays Southern University in this year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff, an event featuring conference favorites from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Former National Football League coach Frank Reich begins his tenure as interim head coach at Stanford with an away game against Hawaii. Reich spent two seasons away from coaching after being dismissed midseason from jobs with both Indianapolis and Carolina.
These matchups set the stage for opening week while providing early opportunities for teams to make statements ahead of regular season play starting next week.
