The 2025 college football season is fast approaching, and with it comes a season that could be full of surprises and intrigue. The US LBM coaches poll has given the casual fan a blueprint not just to the mindset of those within the college football landscape, but also a guide to what could be the matchups that could define the season at large. From early non-conference battles to the chaotic nature of the Big Ten, these five games will be the ones to watch this year, whether you are a diehard fan of these programs or just a neutral observer.
5. No. 6 Clemson vs No. 9 LSU, Week 1
Dec 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) takes a bite of the Kinder’s BBQ rib during the post game celebration at NRG Stadium. The Tigers defeat the Bears 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The first Week 1 game on this list, this is also the matchup with perhaps the two most experienced QBs on this list. Cade Klubnik is coming off a breakout campaign and in his third year as the starter, has the second best odds for the Heisman. Garrett Nussmeier though, could be right on his heels. In his second season starting for the Tigers, if he follows in the footsteps of guys like Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, chances are LSU could make a deep run in the CFP. While certainly not the most mouth-watering Week 1 contest, Klubnik vs. Nussmeier is sure to please the neutral viewers. Get your popcorn ready for fireworks in SC.
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4. No. 3 Penn State vs No. 19 Indiana, Week 9
Nov 16, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during warm ups before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
As Penn State fans will soon see, their squad will be heavily featured on this list. That is the result of perhaps the most hyped-up preseason coverage the Nittany Lions have ever received. They have returned the bulk of their starters and a championship game appearance is expected, not desired. The first potential roadblock in that quest(at least on this list) are a pesky Indiana side looking to sustain their stunning success from last season. While Kurtis Rourke and Justice Ellison are no longer in Bloomington, Fernando Mendoza’s transfer from Cal at the very least gives this Hoosiers squad yet another serviceable arm. Mikail Kamara’s return after forgoing the draft also can be impactful on their defensive success. This game won’t be a cakewalk for Drew Allar and Co…especially after a game against the Buckeyes the previous week.
3. No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 7 Oregon, Week 4
Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws out a pass as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Even before Penn State gets to that tough two-game stretch midseason, they have a bone to pick with with the team from Eugene. After losing in heartbreaking fashion in the Big Ten championship game, the Nittany Lions are out for revenge, and this time will have the home field advantage. Even more importantly, this is the Whiteout game and the first Big Ten matchup of the season for the team. Beaver Stadium will be electric, and the team are sure to be amped up by the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Ducks may not be the same squad as last year, but if Dante Moore is just serviceable enough, then Oregon could cause Penn State some problems. Experience will matter a lot in this one and Drew Allar must prove he’s ready to deliver. After a easy three-game slate to start the year, this game starts Penn State’s trial by fire.
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2. No. 3 Penn State vs No. 2 Ohio State, Week 8
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linemen Seth McLaughlin (56), Carson Hinzman (75) and Donovan Jackson (74) block during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Ohio State won 20-13.
Speaking of trial by fire in the Big Ten, this will still prove to be the Nittany Lion’s toughest test. Penn State haven’t beaten the Buckeyes in almost a decade, and it’s beginning to take a psychological toll. They had perhaps their best chance last season to vanquish those demons, but poor red zone execution cost them late. This time around, they will have gained a bit of momentum with four Big Ten games under their belt and a potential home victory under their belt over Oregon. Most importantly, they have the slight experience at almost every position. That does not mean this will be easy sledding. Presumptive starter Julian Sayin still has the best WR corps in the nation to throw to and Caleb Downs will be marshaling one of the scariest secondaries Penn State will see all year. Allar and Co. must prove their mettle yet again here, because unlike against Indiana and Oregon, he won’t have his home support behind him.
1. No. 1 Texas vs No. 2 Ohio State, Week 1
Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
If this game didn’t already have this much hype surrounding it, the coaches poll gave it all the prime billing. A rematch of the CFP semifinal where Texas was one play away from forcing overtime, but with new faces at the helm. The first game of the Arch Manning regime, and it’s on the road in one of the most hostile environments in college sports. Julian Sayin looking to make himself a fan favorite and quick with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Neither team would want it either way. Ever since Sark’s arrival on the Forty Acres, he has made it his mission for Texas to go anywhere in the country and take the scalps of big nonconference foes. He did it to Alabama 2 years ago and Michigan last year. If he can do it this year, with one of the most hyped QB prospects ever, Arch’s legend will only grow. On the other side, Ryan Day will be trying to build off of his first ever championship while slightly retooling his squad throughout the year. While not the biggest game of their season, the Buckeyes are still looking to prove a point. It’s anyone’s guess how this will all turn out come August 30th.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Ranking top 5 matchups based on the US LBM coaches poll
