Week 1 of the college football season has officially kicked off, beginning the most exciting time of the year for football fans at all levels.
With 80 total games throughout the first week of action, there’s a lot to keep track of.
From NIU football’s home opener to the No. 1 and No. 3 ranked teams facing off to start their seasons, here are the Northern Star Sports staff’s predictions for five of the best Week 1 matchups across college football.
HOLY CROSS AT NIU
Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor: NIU — Between breakout-candidate Josh Holst making his first home start as NIU’s quarterback and the offensive/defensive duo of Telly Johnson Jr. and Roy Williams, the Huskies have all they need to run away with this one.
Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter: NIU — The Huskies should be running full steam on offense. The defense looks very promising. Anything less than a two-score win is cause for concern.
Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter: NIU — Telly Johnson Jr. established himself as one of the MAC’s top ball carriers in limited action last season. Paired with Holst in the backfield, the Huskies are poised to take down Holy Cross at home to begin the season.
Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter: NIU — Holy Cross went 6-6 last season with four of their losses coming within three points, which was outrageously unfortunate for them. The Huskies had the better record (8-5) last season, and that combined with home-field advantage is enough for me to declare them the probable winners.
Eric Avila, Sports Reporter: NIU — The Huskies are heavy favorites entering this game and should — in my opinion — win by a minimum of 40 points, well, because I believe in Holst and the Huskies’ chances at a dominant win to open the season.
Logan Whittington, Sports Reporter: NIU — Jacob Finley has established himself as a steady presence at the cornerback position. If he keeps disrupting passing lanes, the Holy Cross offense could struggle to find a rhythm.
NO. 1 TEXAS AT NO.3 OHIO STATE
Schaefer: Texas — Despite being the reigning national champions, Ohio State lost quarterback Will Howard to the NFL. Also, Julian Sayin running the Buckeyes’ offense puts them at a disadvantage, as Texas’s Arch Manning is the better signal caller.
Kisellus: Ohio State — Sure, Arch Manning has god-tier quarterbacking genes, but an early wake-up call from the defending national champion seems almost certain for top-ranked Longhorns.
Segreti: Ohio State — Ohio State is coming off a National Title run where they took down four of the top five teams in the country. Despite losing a lot of talent to the draft, the Buckeyes still have Jeremiah Smith in their offense, who is one of college football’s most dynamic receivers.
Valenti: Ohio State — Although they’ve lost key players to the big time, the defending national champions will show up and show out at home. Life goes on past Will Howard.
Avila: Ohio State — Although Texas has their star quarterback finally starting, I think Ohio State will win in a close game, and the Buckeyes defense will make it a nightmare game for Arch Manning.
Whittington: Texas — Despite having the edge at home, the defending national champions must adjust to life without Howard after losing him to the NFL draft. Facing Heisman Trophy favorite Arch Manning in his first road start, this matchup tilts in Texas’ favor.
TOLEDO AT KENTUCKY
Schaefer: Toledo — Ranked the No. 1 team in the MAC in the coaches’ preseason poll, if any team in the MAC is primed for an upset in the first week of play, it’s Toledo. The Rockets dominated Mississippi State last season, and their talent has only increased since.
Kisellus: Kentucky — I guess I’m not as high on the Rockets as my colleagues, but it’s hard to see Toledo winning two straight SEC matchups. It’ll be close, but I’ll take the team with the QB who led Texas A&M past ‘Bama *checks notes* four years ago.
Segreti: Toledo — Toledo has been a model of consistency in the MAC, posting a 28-13 record over the past three years and a MAC title in 2022. With over 4,000 career passing yards, quarterback Tucker Gleason returns to Toledo. Toledo’s offense also features former NIU standout receiver Trayvon Rudolph.
Valenti: Kentucky — Toledo can’t have it all. The only time the Rockets and Wildcats duked it out, Kentucky came out on top 38-24. To be fair, this was 2019, but it’s good enough for me.
Avila: Toledo — Toledo will win because they are the better team and in the better conference. MAC over the SEC anyday, you will never see Kentucky playing on a Wednesday night in 20 degree weather.
Whittington: Toledo — Tucker Gleason and Rudolph lead a Toledo offense backed by a strong secondary. With the Rockets experience, they look poised to handle Kentucky confidently.
TULANE AT NORTHWESTERN
Schaefer: Tulane — Coming off a 2024 season with nine wins, Tulane’s run-heavy offense is hard to stop. Northwestern’s last season was underwhelming, finishing with a 4-8 record, leaving Tulane as the clear favorite for this game.
Kisellus: Tulane — The Wildcats will be a better team in 2025, but they’ll quickly find out why Tulane is the buzzsaw of the Group of Six. Maybe that will convince Northwestern to schedule NIU again?
Segreti: Tulane — Tulane has been one of college football’s most consistent programs over the past three seasons. Northwestern is a program that has not seen the same success as Tulane over the past three seasons, posting a 13-24 record including a 1-11 campaign in 2022.
Valenti: Northwestern — All signs point to an easy victory for Tulane… but what if? Home-field advantage would be doing the heavy lifting here, but stranger things have happened.
Avila: Tulane — I think Tulane will have a field day at Northwestern. Tulane is known as being one of the best Group of Six schools and this year will be no different.
Whittington: Tulane — With BYU transfer Jake Retzlaff stepping in at the quarterback position, Jon Sumrall’s team looks to build on its recent winning seasons. Tulane’s ability to move the ball more effectively gives them the clear edge in this matchup.
HAWAII AT ARIZONA
Schaefer: Hawaii — Despite Arizona coming in as heavy favorites, Hawaii has nothing but momentum after last week’s upset against Stanford. With quarterback Micah Alejado throwing for 2 touchdowns and a walk-off field goal to win, Hawaii’s momentum will do a lot for them against Arizona.
Kisellus: Hawaii — The only thing I love more than the run-and-shoot offense is a kicker who learned how to kick from YouTube. Hawaii has both. Go ‘Bows.
Segreti: Arizona — The Wildcats, with quarterback Noah Fifita under center, will be able to take care of Hawaii at home to begin their season. Hawaii’s quarterback will be making just his third start in his college career against Arizona and won’t come through on Saturday.
Valenti: Hawaii — Out of the three teams of Wildcats playing this week that we’re talking about here, Arizona is the only group I feel will lose. Hawaii’s recent victory over Stanford should have those Wildcats spooked.
Avila: Hawaii — I think Hawaii will win this game because when you’re trying to pick a vacation spot who says “Lets go to Arizona” no, it’s Hawaii all the way! Let’s go Rainbow Warriors!
Whittington: Hawaii — Arizona found difficulty moving the ball effectively last season, while Hawaii had more success. Both teams are prone to turnovers, but Hawaii’s ability to sustain drives gives them the edge.
