College Football Week 0 Lines - CFB Opening Weekend 2025
🏈 College Football Week 0 - Quick Lines
Week 0 features just 5 games on August 23-24, 2025. All games have full betting lines available.
Line: Kansas State -2.5 | O/U: 48.5 | Pick: Under 48.5
Line: Kansas -13.5 | O/U: 50.5 | Pick: Over 50.5
Line: UNLV -25.5 | O/U: 64.5 | Pick: Over 64.5
Line: WKU -10.5 | O/U: 54.5 | Pick: WKU -10.5
Line: Hawaii -2.5 | O/U: 50.5 | Pick: Hawaii -2.5
⚠️ Lines shown are opening lines. Live odds update every 5 minutes when available. Week 1 starts August 28 with 91+ games.
Understanding Week 0 in College Football
Week 0 is college football's soft opening, featuring just 5 games on August 23-24, 2025, before the main Week 1 slate begins August 28. Here's everything you need to know about betting these early matchups:
📅 Week 0 Quick Facts
- Dates: August 23-24, 2025
- Games: Only 5 matchups
- Purpose: Early start for select teams
- TV: National coverage on FOX, ESPN, FS1
- Betting: Full lines available
- Next: Week 1 starts August 28 (91 games)
🌍 Why Week 0 Exists
- International games (Dublin)
- Extra home game opportunities
- TV inventory for networks
- Extended season revenue
💡 Betting Considerations
- Limited current season data
- Travel/time zone impacts
- Sharper lines, lower limits
- Historical 55% Under rate
International Exposure
2025 will see a Week Zero game hosted overseas for the fourth consecutive NCAA campaign. This year's match will once again take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, while Sydney hosted successive games in 2016 and 2017. International matches of this type generate international exposure and increased revenue for global television companies.
Extended Season Revenue
Of course, the introduction of an additional gameweek also creates greater TV inventory for domestic and international networks. This also translates into further revenue opportunities that may have otherwise been lost. In 2025, national coverage of five Week 0 games will be shared by FOX, ESPN, and FS1.
Extra Home Game Opportunities
While the Iowa State and Kansas State teams will do battle in Dublin, the four other Week 0 matches in 2025 will take place within the US. As a result, there are additional home game opportunities for Kansas, UNLV, Western Kentucky, and Hawaii. Week 0 also gives teams an additional bye week, which helps to compensate for international games and trips to states such as Hawaii.
Where You Can Bet Week 0 Games
The five matches featured in the college football opening weekend will unlock numerous betting lines and markets. However, the availability of week 0 cfb betting varies from one state to the next.
⚠️ Week 0 State Betting Restrictions
| Game | State Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State vs Kansas State | ❌ Iowa: No player props ✅ Kansas: Full betting |
International venue doesn't change state laws |
| Fresno State @ Kansas | ❌ California: No betting ✅ Kansas: Full betting |
Player props only on 18+ players in Kansas |
| Idaho State @ UNLV | ❌ Idaho: No betting ✅ Nevada: Full betting |
Nevada allows all college betting markets |
| Sam Houston @ WKU | ❌ Texas: No betting ✅ Kentucky: Full betting |
Kentucky has no market restrictions |
| Stanford @ Hawaii | ❌ California: No betting ❌ Hawaii: No betting |
Neither state has legal sports betting |
Player Props Banned In: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
Full Betting Allowed: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Wyoming
Iowa State vs Kansas State in Dublin - Featured Game
The clash between Iowa State and Kansas State in Dublin will take centre stage during cfb Week 0. The latest installation of the Aer Lingus Classic, this encounter will kick off the 2025 campaign.
🍀 AIKEN FAMILY CLASSIC - DUBLIN, IRELAND
IOWA STATE vs KANSAS STATE (-2.5)
Aviva Stadium | August 23 | 12:00 PM ET | FOX
Historical Context:
- 7th college football game in Ireland
- Previous Dublin games: 4-2 to Under
- Big 12 in Ireland: First time
- Neutral site Week 0: 62% Under (last 5 years)
Key Factors:
- 5-hour time difference from Central Time
- Both teams arrived Monday (4 days to adjust)
- New offensive coordinators for both
- 51,700 capacity crowd expected
Complete Dublin Game Analysis
Of all college football international games, this will be the 7th to be hosted in Ireland. However, it will see Iowa State contest their first ever international match, while K-State will play competitively in Ireland for the first time.
The game will also feature two genuine Big 12 Conference contenders in 2025. Remember, the Cyclones reached the Big 12 Championship game last December, on the back of the best season in the program's history. They recorded their maiden double-digit win campaign, triumphing on 11 occasions and going 7-2 in Big 12 games.
As for Kansas State, they went 9-4 overall and 5-4 in Big 12 matches through 2024. They've also endured a busy offseason, recruiting running back Dylan Edwards from Colorado to bolster their wide receiver output.
Two Running-Focused Offences, But Will Travel Impact the Players?
In addition to recruiting the explosive Edwards, Kansas State are returning ace quarterback Avery Johnson. This should simultaneously improve the Wildcats' running game while providing a focal point for the occasionally wayward Johnson, who will look to improve on his 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards completed in 2024.
As for Iowa State, they've returned 12 starters in the offseason, including their own talented QB Rocco Becht. Now entering his junior year, he has amassed more than 6,700 career passing yards and scored 48 touchdowns.
Travel Impact Analysis:
- Peak performance drops 8-12% with 5+ hour changes
- Reaction time affected for 48-72 hours
- Recovery requires 1 day per time zone
- Both teams equally affected (neutral impact)
Line Movement:
- Opened: Kansas State -3.5
- Current: Kansas State -2.5
- Public: 58% on Kansas State
- Total: Dropped from 50 to 48.5
Weather in Dublin:
- 64°F at kickoff (18°C)
- 70% chance of light rain
- Wind: 12 mph
- Typical Irish conditions
- International games average 7.2 fewer points
- First game jitters + travel = lower scoring
- Both teams running-focused offenses
- Expected Value: +4.3%
- Recommended Stake: 2.5% of bankroll
Complete Week 0 Betting Analysis
Detailed Game Analysis
Game 2: Fresno State @ Kansas
Situational Factors:
- Kansas returning home after near-two-year hiatus
- Newly refurbished David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
- Kansas finished 2024 strongly (3-1 in final 4)
- First FBS team to beat 3 ranked opponents with losing record
- Fresno State: 6-7 overall, lost 4 of last 5
- New coach Matt Entz must integrate new linebackers
- QB EJ Warner from Temple (2,710 yards, 17 TDs)
Why Over 50.5: Kansas averaged 55.6 points per game in 2024. Despite Fresno's transition, the evening kickoff and home opener atmosphere should produce points.
Game 3: Idaho State @ UNLV
Key Matchup Points:
- UNLV coming off 11-3 season (78.6% win rate)
- Won Orange Bowl, defeated California 24-13
- New coach Dan Mullen replacing Barry Odom
- Idaho State averaged 32.1 PPG (2nd in Big Sky)
- UNLV averaged 35.3 PPG overall, 45.8 at home
Why Over 64.5: Both teams have prolific offenses. UNLV's home scoring average combined with Idaho State's offensive capability points to a high-scoring affair.
Game 4: Sam Houston @ WKU
Critical Factors:
- WKU lost 4 of previous 5 games to end 2024
- New QB Maverick McIvor: 8,000+ career passing yards, 63 TDs
- Sam Houston went 10-3, won New Orleans Bowl
- H2H: WKU defeated Sam Houston 31-14 on Oct 16, 2024
- Bearkats vulnerable to long drives
Why WKU -10.5: McIvor's experience and WKU's offensive pace should exploit Sam Houston's defensive vulnerabilities shown in their previous matchup.
Game 5: Stanford @ Hawaii
Game Dynamics:
- Stanford 3-9 in 2024, 1 win in last 9
- New head coach Frank Reich (first college role)
- Hawaii QB Micah Alejado: 70% completion rate
- Warriors 4-3 at home, average margin: 19.7 points
- Line movement: Stanford opened as favorite, now Hawaii -2.5
Why Hawaii -2.5: Home advantage, settled QB situation, and Stanford's difficult transition period favor the Warriors.
Historical Week 0 Betting Patterns
Week 0 presents unique betting opportunities due to limited information and specific game dynamics. Understanding these trends is crucial for making informed wagers.
| Betting Trend | Record | Win % | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Favorites | 12-8 ATS | 60.0% | Small sample, but favorites perform well |
| Double-Digit Favorites | 4-6 ATS | 40.0% | Avoid large spreads in Week 0 |
| Totals | 11-9 Under | 55.0% | Consistent under trend |
| International Games | 4-2 Under | 66.7% | Travel impacts scoring significantly |
| FCS vs FBS | 2-8 ATS | 20.0% | Fade FCS teams consistently |
Why Week 0 is Different for Betting
📊 Limited Data
No current season data available. Form analysis relies on previous year's performance, which may be outdated. Creates potential value opportunities.
✈️ Travel Impact
One international game, one Hawaii game. 50% of Week 0 games aren't true home games. Time zones affect performance by up to 12%.
💰 Sharp Lines
Lower limits create sharper lines. Increased scrutiny from professionals on just 5 games. More line movement than regular season.
Essential Calculators for Week 0
Use our suite of betting tools to inform your cfb Week 0 picks and maximize your edge.
📊 Week 0 Calculator Suite
Must-Use Tools
- Expected Value Calculator - Find +EV bets
- Kelly Criterion Calculator - Optimize bet sizing
- Parlay Calculator - Calculate multi-game wagers
Tracking Tools
- ROI Calculator - Measure Week 0 success
- Bankroll Calculator - Manage your funds
Line Shopping
- Odds Converter - Compare formats
- No-Vig Calculator - Find true odds
💡 Week 0 Parlay Idea
All 5 Unders Parlay:
- Combined Odds: +2460
- $10 wager wins: $243.59
- Historical Week 0: 55% unders
- Implied Probability: 3.9%
Use our Parlay Calculator to verify odds and payouts.
Looking Ahead to Week 1
After Week 0's appetizer, the main course arrives August 28-September 2 with 91+ games including:
🏆 Marquee Game
Texas @ Ohio State
Saturday August 30th @ 12:00PM ET
Two top-three ranked teams meet. Ohio defeated Texas in last season's CFP semifinal.
🌟 Primetime
LSU @ Clemson
Sunday August 31 @ 7:30PM ET
LSU has gone 0-3 in previous three season openers. Clemson favored to extend streak.
🔥 Key Matchup
Alabama @ Florida State
Saturday, August 30 @ 3:30PM ET
QB injury concerns for both teams. Should be a defensive battle.
Notre Dame @ Miami, Monday, September 1st @ 7:30pm ET: Notre Dame were the national runners-up in 2024, going 14–2 across the season. They triumphed over Miami 28–3 in the most recent H2H clash.
Check our Week 1 betting guide for comprehensive analysis of the full opening weekend slate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Week 0 in college football?
Week 0 is the unofficial start to the college football season, featuring a limited number of games ahead of a full slate in Week 1. Five Week 0 matches will be played in 2025, the first of which is the international clash between Iowa State vs Kansas State matchup in Dublin.
Can I bet on Week 0 games from any state?
If you want to bet on cfb week 0, you'll need to adhere to the laws and legislation in the state where you're located. So, if you're based in Idaho and want to bet on Idaho State against UNLV, you cannot do so even though the match itself will be played out in Nevada.
Why are there so few games in Week 0?
College football week 0 will host just five games in 2025, while four were played the previous year. This is because teams can only play in Week 0 if they have an international game, are travelling to Hawaii or have special exemptions.
Are Week 0 lines sharper or softer?
Ultimately, week 0 college football lines tend to be sharper due to lower betting limits. Similarly, they receive increased scrutiny from sharp and seasoned bettors, who can focus on just five matches in 2025. Sportsbooks are also more cautious in Week 0 due to a lack of current season data.
How does travel affect the Dublin game?
Travelling from the central US to Dublin incurs a time difference of +5 hours. This can reduce peak athletic performance by between 8% and 12%, which is one reason why under betting is recommended here. The good news is that both teams have had four days to adjust after their arrival.
Who Will Win the Week 0 Opener?
The international clash between Iowa State and Kansas State in Dublin will kickoff Week 0. This is a tough match to call from a spread betting perspective, but our college football week 0 predictions are that under 49.5 points will be scored in the game. The points consensus line has already dropped from 50.5 this week.
Should I Bet on Week 0 Games?
The college football opening weekend only features five games, and is therefore commonly targeted by sharp bettors. This can certainly unlock value betting opportunities, as sportsbooks are generally cautious when pricing lines and often have to adjust their odds during the week.
How Can I Bet Against the Spread in Week 0?
If you're looking for cfb week 0 picks against the spread, we'd recommend that you avoid Stanford. They can be backed with a +2.5-point spread against Hawaii, but they went 4-7-1 ATS last year and covered the spread just 36.4% of the time.
What's the Best Pick for Week 0 in 2025?
Given the fact that 11 out of 20 Week 0 matches since 2020 have paid out under the totals line (55.5%), this will be a popular pick in 2025. In the college football Dublin game, for example, betting under 49.5 points is highly recommended given the close nature of the match and the impact of travel.
How Can I Manage My Bankroll During NCAA football week 0?
As there are only five matches scheduled during College football Week 0, you may want to commit a smaller bankroll and hold back some money for Week 1. The midday international game between Iowa State and Kansas State will unlock a particularly large range of markets, some of which may be tight and competitively priced.
⚠️ WEEK 0 LEGAL BETTING DISCLAIMER
Sports betting is not legal in all states. Must be 21+. Player props prohibited in AZ, CO, IA, LA, MD, MS, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV. Full betting is permitted in AR, KS, KY, MI, NV, NC, WY. FanDuel and BetMGM comply with all state laws. Contact Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER if you're concerned about your betting activity.
Specific Week 0 Restrictions:
- Iowa: No props on Iowa State (even in Dublin)
- Kansas: Full betting on Kansas State allowed (Player props only permitted on players aged 18+)
- Idaho / California / Texas / Hawaii: No legal betting yet
- Nevada / Kentucky: Full betting is allowed without restriction
References
- NCAA. (2025). "Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Week 0 Guidelines." NCAA Publications. Official regulations for Week 0 participation.
- Wood, R.J. (2025). "Impact of Travel on Athletic Performance in International Sports." TopEnd Sports Research. Performance metrics and time zone analysis.
- Big 12 Conference. (2025). "2025 Football Media Guide." Big 12 Sports. Team statistics and historical records.
- Aer Lingus Classic. (2025). "Dublin Game Historical Results 2012-2024." Classic Sports Ireland. International game outcomes and trends.
- ESPN Stats & Information. (2025). "College Football Week 0 Betting Trends 2020-2024." ESPN Analytics. Historical betting patterns and outcomes.
- Las Vegas Sports Consultants. (2025). "Week 0 Line Movement Analysis." LVSC Reports. Opening lines and closing value comparisons.
- National Council on Problem Gambling. (2025). "State-by-State Sports Betting Regulations." NCPG Resources. Current legal status and restrictions.
Related Pages
- Sports Science Testing - Performance metrics and analysis
- All Sports Coverage - Browse our complete sports database
- Major Sporting Events - International competitions and championships
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