College football isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Saturdays are sacred, stadiums are roaring, and rivalries run deep. Every year, fans anxiously wait to circle that date on the calendar: the first kickoff. So naturally, the significant question for 2025 is—when does the college football season start?
Let’s break it all down step-by-step so you’re game-day ready before that first whistle blows.
The Official Start Date of the 2025 Season
The 2025 college football season starts on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This day is called “Week 0.” It gives fans a first look at live college games before the full schedule begins a week later.
What Is “Week 0” in College Football?
How Week 0 Impacts the Start Date
‘Week 0’ may sound unusual, but it’s definitely a thing. They created this to give teams more scheduling options. This is especially helpful for teams playing in Hawaii or other countries. It provides a soft beginning to the season.
Notable Week 0 Games in 2025
The full list of Week 0 matchups isn’t ready yet. However, you can expect some prominent names and thrilling storylines. In past years, marquee matchups and military academy games have highlighted the week.
Regular Season Kickoff Details
Power Five Conference Openers
The SEC, ACC, dominant 12, and Pac-12 are some of the most dominant college athletic conferences. They will all start their seasons on August 30, 2025. Prepare yourselves! That is when things become exciting.
Mid-Major and Group of Five Matchups
Don’t sleep on the Group of Five conferences. These teams often play earlier in the week, sometimes even on Thursday or Friday night, adding an early kick to your football weekend.
Preseason Practice and Fall Camps
When Do Teams Begin Training?
College football teams generally begin fall camp in early August—usually three to four weeks before their first game. That puts camp starting around August 1–5, 2025.
Importance of Spring and Fall Camps
Fall camp focuses on fine-tuning skills. In contrast, spring practices happen months earlier. They are for player development and evaluating new recruits. Both are crucial in shaping championship contenders.
Key Dates Leading Up to Kickoff
Media Days and Preseason Rankings
The summer is packed with preseason hype. From SEC Media Days to Coaches Poll releases, expect a frenzy of bold predictions and hot takes starting mid-July.
Final Roster Cuts and Depth Charts
Most coaches finalize starting lineups and release depth charts during the second week of August. Fans and analysts alike pore over these like treasure maps.
Where to Watch the First College Football Games
Want to catch that first whistle? Week 0 games will broadcast on ESPN, FOX, CBS, and conference-specific networks such as Largest Ten Network and ACC Network. Many games also stream on platforms like ESPN+ and Paramount+.
Who Plays in the First Game of the Season?
While schedules are still locking in, past seasons have seen teams like Notre Dame, Navy, and Florida State kick off Week 0.
Expect the 2025 opener to feature at least one historic program or a neutral-site game abroad.
Must-Watch Matchups of Opening Week
Some early games to keep on your radar:
- Top 25 showdowns
- In-state rivalries
- Neutral-site classics like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Trust us—you’ll want snacks and a clear schedule for that first weekend.
Early Season Rivalries to Watch
Some rivalries spark early. For example, The Florida-Miami area, UNC–South Carolina, or even a USC–Notre Dame opener. These games bring the heat before September even starts.
How the College Football Playoff Timeline Is Set
The College Football Playoff usually starts in late December. Teams play the semifinal games on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. So, yes—every game from Week 0 counts toward that ultimate goal.
How COVID-19 Changed the Start Date in Recent Years
Let’s not forget—2020 brought chaos. Delayed starts, empty stadiums, and mid-season cancellations. However, after the pandemic, things have returned to normal. Could the year 2025 follow the standard format, or will we see something new?
Predictions and Expectations for the 2025 Season
We could see a wild season. New coaches, changes in the transfer portal, and all the chatter about playoff expansion? 2025 is definitely going to be an exciting season. Who’s your early pick for the national title?
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season begins on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This is known as Week 0. Get your team jersey ready and fill the cooler. Make sure to keep your Saturdays free until January. Whether you’re a die-hard or a casual fan, 2025 is shaping up to be one epic ride.
FAQs
When is Week 0 for the 2025 season?
Week 0 kicks off on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with a handful of featured games.
What teams are opening the season in 2025?
The organizers have not finished the full schedule yet. They expect major programs and military academies to be the focus of Week 0.
How is the 2025 schedule different from 2024?
The 2025 season will still start in August as usual. However, new TV deals and possible conference changes could make it more exciting.
When do fall practices start for college teams?
Most teams begin fall camp between August 1 and August 5, 2025.
Is Week 0 considered part of the regular season?
Yes! It is now official. This will count for team records and playoff rules. It includes important details.
