By Mark Pszonak
With the 2024 season now concluded, it is never too early to take a peek at 2025. There are several interesting non-conference games to look forward to, with these five leading the pack:
1. Texas at Ohio State (August 30th)
This game is basically a movie script. The defending national champions will be playing their first game of the season, at home, against Texas, the team they defeated in the semifinal. And someone named Arch Manning will be starting for the Longhorns.
2. LSU at Clemson (August 30th)
Clemson had begun to lose some of its national luster but managed to regain it with a trip to the Playoffs. A win here would continue that upward trend. For LSU, and more specifically head coach Brian Kelly, this is a huge game. The Kelly haters will be out in full force if LSU starts the season at 0-1, especially with games against Florida and Ole Miss looming in September.
3. TCU at North Carolina (August 30th)
Safe to say that this game wouldn’t be on the list if it wasn’t for North Carolina’s head coaching hire. Everyone will have their eyes on Chapel Hill to see how Bill Belichick’s first game with the Tar Heels goes.
4. Michigan at Oklahoma (September 6th)
This is a very important early season test for both storied programs. Michigan is hoping to regain its 2023 national championship form, while Oklahoma and head coach Brent Venables need to prove that they are heading in the right direction.
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5. Alabama at Florida State (August 30th)
Similar to the Michigan/Oklahoma game, this is a measuring stick for both programs. Tide fans are already disgruntled with head coach Kalen DeBoer after only one season, while Seminole fans are still numb and/or drunk after their painful 2024 season. A victory will go a long way in righting the ship for both programs.
