BOK’s Top 10: Week 1
Texas opens the season as the #1 team by most polls, and the national title favorite. Holy expectation! Photo: Jerome Miron, Imagn
Texas, 0-0
The Longhorns face a familiar foe in a difficult road matchup to open the season in Columbus. We’ll learn a lot about both teams from this one, but there will still be a LOT of ball left to play when the dust settles. Arch Manning’s first career road start for Texas.
Next: @ #2 Ohio State
Ohio State, 0-0
The defending national champions host our Longhorns, with a revamped team that includes new offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as breaking in a new highly touted freshman quarterback. #1 vs. #2, it doesn’t get bigger than this.
Next: vs. #1 Texas
Penn State, 0-0
The Nittany Lions team that has its best chance to be great in a long time, returning a lot of experience on offense. If Drew Allar can make a significant leap, this will be a team to beat and a true contender for a national title.
Next: vs. Nevada
Notre Dame, 0-0
I am a believer in Marcus Freeman, after leading the Irish to the national championship game a year ago following the early stunner to NIU. Will have to replace veteran starter Riley Leonard, but the core is there and very solid.
Next: @#9 Miami
Alabama, 0-0
Bama is back and should be geared up for a strong 2025. I peg Kalen DeBoer as one of the elite coaches in the sport, and I expect he’ll have this team in the SEC championship and beyond.
Next: @ Florida State
Georgia, 0-0
It should be an interesting year for Georgia. Coming off a disappointing finish by their standard, they come into this season with uncertainty at quarterback, but Kirby Smart is always going to field a great team. Expect them to contend once again for an SEC title.
Next: vs. Marshall
Clemson, 0-0
Head coach Dabo Swinney has a loaded squad, including experience with Austin native Cade Klubnik at quarterback. I understand the hype around a program with multiple national titles of late, but I’m not ready to anoint them as a national championship contender this year. Opener with the other Tigers should be telling, for both.
Next: vs. #10 LSU
Oregon, 0-0
Dan Lanning has one of the premier programs in college football right now, that’s hard to argue with. Curious to see how this season goes after getting rocked by the Buckeyes to end last season. Dillon Gabriel has departed, at last.
Next: vs. Montana State
Miami, 0-0
It’s no longer the Cam Ward show in south Florida. Carson Beck arrives after an up and down career with Georgia. Expect the ‘Canes to be good, but just how good? Not sure. Notre Dame brings a tall task for game 1.
Next: vs. #4 Notre Dame
LSU, 0-0
As with Clemson above, I’m not as high on LSU this year as some in the media. I understand the experience returning, but I don’t trust Brian Kelly. It’s a difficult conference slate, and a playoff appearance will be the bar.
Next: @ #7 Clemson
Iowa State, 1-0
Might as well throw in the one team to have a quality victory to this point in the season! After a hard fought, sloppy win over Kansas State across the pond in Dublin, Ireland, the Cyclones get a tuneup before their annual CyHawk rivalry game. I’m buying Matt Campbell’s squad this season.
Next: vs. South Dakota
