The wait is over for college football fans, as week zero will give us our first taste of televised football since the end of the UFL spring league. This weekend, five college football games will air across various networks, a few predicted close matches, and a couple of games that should be lopsided.
Below, we will discuss this weekend’s games, look at the college football odds offered by online sportsbooks, and provide our opinion on who might reign victorious.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas State Wildcats (-3)
In one of the closer competitions of the weekend, the Kansas State Wildcats will host the Iowa State Cyclones. This matchup is razor-close, with the Wildcats slightly favored by 2.5 points on most online football betting sites.
The current line at -3 offers minimal value, making this one of the toughest calls of the week. Our money is on the Wildcats; however, we do admit this game could go either way.
Point Spread:
Iowa State: +3.0 (-105)
Kansas State: -3.0 (-115)
Moneyline:
Cyclones: +135
Wildcats: -160
Total (O/U 49.5):
Over: -115
Under: -105
UNLV Rebels (-25.5) vs. Idaho State Bengals
UNLV is preparing for a new era under head coach Dan Mullen, following a strong 11-win season in 2024. Mullen has loaded up on transfer players, adding QB Alex Orji (Michigan), RB Keyvone Lee (Penn State), WR JoJo Earle (Alabama), and DB Jake Pope (Georgia). However, after losing nearly 20 players during the offseason, the Rebels will look like a completely different team.
The Rebels are heavy favorites in this Week 0 matchup and should steamroll the Bengals, barring a total collapse.
Point Spread:
UNLV: -25.5 (-110)
Idaho State: +25.5 (-110)
Total (O/U 63.5):
Over: -110
Under: -110
Kansas Jayhawks (-13) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
Kansas looks to bounce back from a 5–7 season that included five narrow losses. With a few breaks, the Jayhawks could’ve flipped their record. They’re favored by nearly two touchdowns against Fresno State in 2025.
The Jayhawks will win the competition; however, the game will likely be close in the first half as both programs try to lock in with their new additions.
Point Spread:
Fresno State: +13.0 (-115)
Kansas: -13.0 (-105)
Moneyline:
Bulldogs: +370
Jayhawks: -510
Total (O/U 50.5):
Over: -110
Under: -110
Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (-2.5) vs. Stanford Cardinal
Head coach Timmy Chang enters his fourth season with a roster that finally reflects his vision. With 14 returning starters, Hawai’i is poised for a breakout year and opens as slight favorites against Stanford.
We are putting our money on the Rainbow Warriors as the fourteen returning starters’ experience should prevail over the young Cardinals squad.
Point Spread:
Stanford: +2.5 (-110)
Hawai’i: -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
Cardinal: +110
Rainbow Warriors: -130
Total (O/U 52.5):
Over: -115
Under: -105
Sam Houston State vs. Western Kentucky (-10)
Western Kentucky is expected to dominate, but Sam Houston could surprise if it capitalizes on key moments. The Sam Houston State Bearkats enter the competition as 10-point underdogs. Last year, Sam Houston finished with a 10-3 record, and the Wildcats finished 8-6, but one of their wins was over Sam Houston, 31-14.
Point Spread:
Sam Houston: +10.0 (-115)
Western Kentucky: -10.0 (-105)
Moneyline:
Bearkats: +295
Hilltoppers: -390
Total (O/U 61.0):
Over: -105
Under: -115
How To Bet On Week 0 College Football
For the 2025 College football season, fans have numerous ways to bet on the competitions, including domestic and online sportsbooks. There are currently 38 states, plus Washington, D.C., that have authorized online sports betting sites. However, all states have access to offshore sportsbooks operating legally from outside of the US.
If you plan on betting online, we suggest that you shop the odds from numerous sportsbooks, as slight differences do occur and can add value to your bets. It is also a good practice to set season limits and not chase losses, as football is unpredictable.