The college football schedule is set for the 2024-2025 season, with a variety of big matchups on tap. Top teams will be circling the biggest games on their calendars as they look to build their resumes for the College Football Playoff committee. Note that the playoff expands to 12 teams this season, opening the door for more programs to get into the mix.
We’re highlighting some of the best college football betting matchups to look for in 2024, with a look at the opening lines and betting markets, along with a preview of the games.
Georgia vs. Clemson, Aug. 31
This could be the matchup on ESPN College Gameday for Week 1, with these programs combining to win three of the past six national championships. Georgia fell short of the College Football Playoff last season after winning back-to-back titles, then demolished Florida State by a score of 63-3 in the Orange Bowl. Clemson finished last season ranked No. 20 with the program’s worst record (9-4) since 2012. Sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik and OC Garrett Riley are entering their second year together under Dabo Swinney. Georgia returns senior Carson Beck at quarterback and is loaded with talent in the defensive secondary. The Bulldogs are the current favorite to win the national title this season.
- Spread: Georgia vs. Clemson
- Moneyline: Georgia vs. Clemson
- Total: Georgia vs. Clemson
Miami vs. Florida, Aug. 31
The opening line indicates that sportsbooks view this as a potential close one, with the host Gators giving 3 points. Miami leads the all-time series, 29-27, but Florida won the most recent meeting, in 2019. Billy Napier’s Gators are coming off a 5-7 season that ended without a bowl game for the first time since 2017, but their offense should be bolstered by the arrival of five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and offensive lineman LJ McCray. Miami went 7-6 last year and is also trending upward, with quarterback Cam Ward, cornerback Mishael Powell, and edge rusher Elijah Alston arriving through the transfer portal.
- Spread: Miami vs. Florida (
LSU at USC, Sept. 1
The Tigers are road favorites in their opener despite graduating Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and top receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Red shirt junior Garrett Nussmeier is expected to replace Daniels, with senior Kyren Lacy taking over as his top target, while junior Chris Hilton and sophomore Aaron Anderson fill out the receiving corps. With Caleb Williams graduating into the NFL draft, USC will hand the keys to Miller Moss, who impressed with 372 passing yards and six touchdowns in a 42-28 win over Louisville in the Holiday Bowl last December. This is only the third meeting between these powerhouse programs, as USC enters its first season in the Big Ten.
- Spread: LSU vs. USC
- Moneyline: LSU vs. USC
- Total: LSU vs. USC
Texas at Michigan, Sept. 7
Michigan enters a new era under Sherrone Moore after Jim Harbaugh steered the program to a dominant national championship run. The Wolverines are home dogs against an excellent Texas program that has joined the SEC and cashed in with three key transfers (Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Blackshire, and Amari Niblack) from Alabama. Highly touted quarterback Arch Manning will back up junior Quinn Ewers, who is one of the early favorites to win the Heisman. The Wolverines have a new defensive staff under Don Martindale, but they’re looking to fill some holes in terms of personnel after several players transferred out when Harbaugh returned to the NFL.
- Spread: Texas vs. Michigan
- Moneyline: Texas vs. Michigan
- Total: Texas vs. Michigan
Georgia at Alabama, Sept. 28
This is only the fifth time in 20 years that these SEC powers have met in the regular season. They’re coming off a thrilling 27-24 Alabama victory in the SEC Championship last December, and five of their last six meetings have been in postseason play. Former Fresno State coach Kalen DeBoer is taking over for the retired Nick Saban and dealing with a rebuilding process after several key players have transferred. Alabama returns a lot of experience in the defensive secondary but will have to find a new top-tier pass rusher following the departure of Dallas Turner.
- Spread: Georgia vs. Alabama
- Moneyline: Georgia vs. Alabama
- Total: Georgia vs. Alabama
Michigan at Washington, Oct. 5
A rematch of the 2023 college national championship game may not feature as much star power, with the Washington Huskies trying to replace a senior class that was full of stars. Will Rogers transferred from Mississippi State and will try to replace Michael Penix Jr. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Hunter transferred from California to fill the No. 1 receiver role held last year by Rome Odunze. The Huskies couldn’t stop Michigan’s power run game in the championship, and the Wolverines should remain formidable up front despite the graduation of workhorse Blake Corum.
- Spread: Michigan vs. Washington
- Moneyline: Michigan vs. Washington
- Total: Michigan vs. Washington
