It wouldn’t be Week 1 without five straight days of college football headlining the season’s true beginning. The latest college football odds indicate strength for some teams — notably Utah over Florida — while a few more lines and spreads give pause to expectations for others. The full schedule with their latest lines is below.
College Football Odds, Spreads, Lines, Schedule for Week 1
We’ve made it past Week 0 and were scintillated with a terrific opening slate of games from across the globe, literally, this past weekend. What kicked off in Dublin, Ireland, between Notre Dame and Navy led the way to a great Week 0 that only opened the doors to the five-day Week 1 slate of games for the college football schedule.
Detailing every game below, here’s the full schedule, including marquee matchups and their latest spread, moneyline, and totals. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook, but find the best live odds from every game this weekend here.
And before you get started, make sure to check out the best promo codes below and take full advantage of all these sportsbooks have to offer, if applicable in your state.
[tallysight url=”https://tallysight.com/widget/offers/college-football-network/sportsbooks:betrivers,tipico,unibet,sports-interaction,betano,northstar-bets,points-bet-canada/promos:3/sport:cfb?id=bc11b479-0bf3-4929-ac64-75a7a9aa6b59″]
Thursday Week 1 College Football Spreads
Kent State @ UCF (-36.5), 7:00 p.m. ET
The Knights kick off their inaugural Big 12 season with a cupcake against a depleted Kent State team. The Golden Flashes lost virtually everyone who contributed on offense last year and their head coach (Sean Lewis) and their roster is a complete unknown at this time.
UCF enters with John Rhys Plumlee gaining hype over the offseason and a stable of talented skill players. How will they overcome losses at key positions (C, CB) from the transfer portal is the biggest question in this one.
NC State (-15) @ UConn, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Wolfpack travel north to UConn as the Brennan Armstrong era begins. NC State has the talent to run the ball well against UConn’s front seven, but the question is how much will we see Armstrong in the passing game given his need to learn a new playbook.
We saw Notre Dame slowly usher their veteran quarterback (Sam Hartman) into the offense against Navy, leaning on their rushing game first. That could be the blueprint here.
Florida @ Utah (-7), 8:00 p.m. ET
The Utes got a boost when their initial depth chart was posted, citing Cameron Rising as the QB1. Will he actually play is the real question as he returns from an ACL injury.
The Gators head to Salt Lake City with head coach Billy Napier on the hot seat (even if UF fans don’t want to admit it). How they perform away from home, against the two-time defending Pac-12 Champions will be very telling of their season.
Nebraska @ Minnesota (-7.5), 8:00 p.m. ET
A Big Ten clash on a Thursday night headlines the slate as the Matt Rhule era begins for the Cornhuskers. Jeff Sims vs. Athan Kaliakmanis is the QB matchup that dreams are made of for a Thursday night.
What does this Minnesota offense look like without Tanner Morgan & Mo Ibrahim is just as intriguing as what Nebraska’s looks like, if we’re being honest. The stable of receivers for the Gophers is as good as any. Can they utilize them all?
Friday Week 1 College Football Spreads
Central Michigan @ Michigan State (-14.5), 7:00 p.m. ET
A battle of the Michigans kicks as Central Michigan heads to East Lansing to take on whatever is left of the Spartan QB room. Michigan State disappointed last season and will need to improve in what is Year 2 of the ridiculous contract Mel Tucker received after his dominant first season with the program.
Miami (OH) @ Miami (FL) (-17), 7:00 p.m. ET
Brett Gabbert fired some words about who the “real Miami” is entering this game, but Vegas hasn’t backed up what he’s saying. The RedHawks have a competent roster but are they good enough to travel to “the other” Miami and run with the South Florida boys?
Odds are: No.
Louisville (-8) @ Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m. ET
An ACC clash lands as the meat of the Friday night schedule as the Jeff Brohm era begins for Louisville. The famous Cardinal alum returns and gets a favorable conference foe to work on the install of his offense in game situations.
MORE: CFB Week 0 Team of the Week
Georgia Tech is still a few pieces away from a complete puzzle on offense, but their defense has shown to have the pass-rushing prowess to give any ACC offensive line fits. Can they compete for all four quarters with Zach Pyron at QB?
Stanford (-6.5) @ Hawaii, 11:00 p.m. ET
Hawaii’s second game in six days sees them return to the Big Island and host Stanford. The Rainbow Warriors were a few errant decisions from Brayden Schager from upsetting Vanderbilt as the run ‘n’ shoot offense looks like it’s drastically improved from last season.
Stanford has a lot of questions we’re looking to get answered in the start of the Troy Taylor era for the program. How many of them will the east coast get to watch with this late of a kick on a Friday is up for debate, but one thing is for sure, we at CFN won’t miss a snap.
Saturday Week 1 College Football Spreads
ECU @ Michigan (-36), 12:00 p.m. ET
A noon kickoff for the Michigan Wolverines against lesser competition to open the season. Color us SHOCKED.
Okay, maybe not shocked at all, as the Wolverines kick off their Big Ten defense with a cupcake in ECU. The Pirates replace a ton on offense and certainly don’t look to have the horsepower to keep up with or limit this Michigan roster in any facet.
Virginia @ Tennessee (-28), 12:00 p.m. ET
The Virginia Cavaliers had to deal with the worst situation possible last season and as heart-warming as a victory against de facto rival Tennessee would be, it’s just not in the cards for them, on paper. The Cavs are turning to a new face at quarterback and a host of new, potential stars at seemingly every position.
Tennessee, on the other hand, is handing the reigns to Joe Milton at quarterback. The big-armed gunslinger wowed with his arm strength to those unaware of his abilities this offseason, but can he maintain enough accuracy to actually harness that power in 2023?
Colorado @ TCU (-20.5), 12:00 p.m. ET
Everyone will be watching the Deion Sanders era kick-off for the Colorado Buffaloes at noon on Saturday. There is no reason to even discuss what the Buffs looked like last season, especially in their season-opening matchup against TCU from 2022, as the roster is nearly 100% different.
How quickly will this group of transfer-portal athletes mesh together against the Horned Frogs, who made it to the College Football Playoff a year ago?
Arkansas State @ Oklahoma (-34.5), 12:00 p.m. ET
Oklahoma was porous against the pass last season and you better believe head coach Brent Venables knows it. They’re ready to compete for the Big 12 in 2023 and receive a lay-up, so to speak, in Arkansas State to open the campaign.
Arkansas State was just as poor, if not worse, against the pass a season ago and hasn’t done much to sway any opinion there. Could be a short afternoon for Dillon Gabriel and the 1’s for the Sooners.
Utah State @ Iowa (-25.5), 12:00 p.m. ET
A lot to do around the state of Iowa football programs gets put aside when the Hawkeyes return to action. Utah State has fallen off since claiming the Mountain West Championship in what feels like a decade ago.
This Aggies offense can score with the best of the Group of Five teams when they’re humming, but the Hawkeyes have the pieces to limit them as you’d expect.
Ball State @ Kentucky (-26), 12:00 p.m. ET
The Kentucky Wildcats brought in former NC State QB Devin Leary as their bridge quarterback in 2023. But he’s hardly the only transfer to get to know, as Re’Mahn Davis also comes over from Vanderbilt.
This backfield duo should be able to impress Wildcat fans as the Ball State front seven lacks in the way of star power. They do have some pieces in the secondary for the Cardinals to make it interesting, but these weapons at the disposal of Leary should have a field day.
Bowling Green @ Liberty (-10), 12:00 p.m. ET
Liberty heads to the Conference USA this season but opens up the Jamey Chadwell era against MAC foe Bowling Green. How quickly does the Chadwell offense take in Lynchburg is the question we’re hoping to get answered here.
BGSU has a potent defense and Connor Bazelak has the top duo at receiver in Odieu Hiliare and Abdul Fatai-Ibrahim. Can the Falcons’ offensive line keep Bazelak clean long enough to find the receivers downfield against Liberty?
Fresno State @ Purdue (-4.5), 12:00 p.m. ET
Ryan Walters enters from Illinois as a heavy defensive guy. How quickly can he turn around this Purdue defense and what does Hudson Card bring to the table against a talented Fresno State secondary?
Fresno State is one of the favorites to win the Mountain West and the spread here is indicative of that. The Bulldogs are potent on offense and have the secondary to limit any passing attack. Are they big enough up front?
Louisiana Tech @ SMU (-19), 12:00 p.m. ET
Expect fireworks and a ton of plays in this one. We saw how fast Louisiana Tech wants to go against FIU in Week 0 and we can only expect SMU to go as fast with Rhett Lashlee at the helm.
In a game of speed vs. speed, it’s clear that the Mustangs have more of it, but how much of an advantage will Louisiana Tech’s season-opening, come-from-behind victory give them here?
Northern Illinois @ Boston College (-9.5), 12:00 p.m. ET
For those unaware, Emmett Morehead is the real deal at quarterback for Boston College. While some may not know his name yet, the Northern Illinois Huskies certainly know his game from watching the tape in preparation for this one.
BC has the offensive line to control the trenches in just about any game they play this season. That’s where the biggest talent gap will be in this one.
Akron @ Temple (-10), 2:00 p.m. ET
What a time it is to be a Temple fan. The expectations are high for both sides of the ball, as E.J. Warner flashed a season ago and they have talent at every skill position.
On defense, the Owls possess a wealth of speedy options at seemingly every position and should be a dark horse to compete in the AAC’s second tier. Akron does possess DJ Irons at quarterback and the talented big man can beat defenses with his arm or legs.
Layton Jordan and Co. will have their work cut out for them, but the Owls should emerge unscathed.
Ohio State (-29.5) @ Indiana, 3:30 p.m. ET
Whoa, that’s a big line for a team without a true answer at starting quarterback opening the season with an in-conference road game. The Ohio State Buckeyes have the most talented receiving room and most talented wide receiver in the country, but that won’t matter if Kyle McCord can’t keep the offense moving.
It’s clear that OSU is arguably the most talented team in the conference, maybe even the country, for the teams with quarterback questions. And it’s clear that they should absolutely roll over this Indiana team, but how quickly will they do so with the new clock rules in college football?
Boise State @ Washington (-14.5), 3:30 p.m. ET
An interesting early kick for the Washington Huskies and Boise State Broncos shouldn’t be overlooked in the mid-day window. Washington is as potent on offense as any team in the country, but the Broncos have proven to field more-than-capable defenses under Andy Avalos.
Michael Penix Jr. and his cast of skill players will certainly need to bring their A-game early on in 2023 against Taylen Green and the potent Boise State offense.
Rice @ Texas (-35), 3:30 p.m. ET
If Texas is really “back,” then they’ll boat race this depleted Rice team by five touchdowns and then some. The Quinn Ewers-led Longhorns are certainly the real deal on paper this season and would do their Big 12 Championship hopes a big service by impressing in Week 1.
Rice does have JT Daniels at quarterback as the well-traveled signal-caller certainly possesses enough talent to scare opposing defenses. But the weapons on offense are far and few between what he had at USC, Georgia, or West Virginia.
Buffalo @ Wisconsin (-27), 3:30 p.m. ET
Luke Fickell’s tenure starts with an intriguing matchup as the Buffalo Bulls come to town. The Bulls have a terrific offense, led by their rushing attack and 3,000-yard passer Cole Snyder.
How quickly does this Phil Longo-led offense take to get rolling with new QB Tanner Mordecai and how much will they rely on the ground game to keep them ahead in this one are the main questions.
UMass @ Auburn (-39), 3:30 p.m. ET
UMass flashed against New Mexico State in Week 0. Taisun Phommachanh is th real deal at quarterback and should only continue to improve. With his arm talent and his legs proving to be too much for the Aggies, Auburn will have to be in midseason form to cover this heavy spread.
USF @ Western Kentucky (-12), 3:30 p.m. ET
A bit of a surprising line here as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are by far the better team than USF. Though expectations are certainly high for new head coach Alex Golesh, the roster was left in shambles as he took over, whereas the Hilltoppers return Austin Reed, Malachi Corley, and a cast of characters across the team that should strike fear into opposing offenses and defenses.
Corley is the YAC king for good reason and USF doesn’t have the depth at this point to keep up with the WKU offense for a full half, let alone a full game.
Cal (-7) @ North Texas, 4:00 p.m. ET
The Cal Bears are seeking answers and head coach Justin Wilcox’s seat couldn’t be hotter. They have to travel to a new-look North Texas team in Denton that recently named Stone Earle as their starting quarterback but said they’ll play both Earle and Chandler Rogers.
MORE: Week 0 Players of the Week
The wrinkle for North Texas is the fact that they have four capable running backs that can stay fresh in the heat, and punish this depleted Cal defense. Samuel Jackson V will need to play mistake-free football and count on Jaydin Ott and Jeremiah Hunter to make plays for him if they want to cover — scratch that, win this game.
Nevada @ USC (-38), 6:30 p.m. ET
We got to see the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in terrific form to start the season against San Jose State (okay, fine, it was on Pac-12 Network so few people saw it, but the point remains).
Caleb Williams landed on the Week 0 Team of the Week and looked to be ready to defend his crown. Good luck, Nevada.
New Mexico @ Texas A&M (-38), 7:00 p.m. ET
Is this Texas A&M team more than just a cast of high-profile high school recruits or are they an actual college football team ready to compete in the toughest conference? New Mexico will hardly give us those answers but like their in-state rival Texas, winning by covering is a good way to write that narrative.
Army (-9.5) @ UL-Monroe, 7:00 p.m. ET
The Black Knights get off to their 2023 campaign by traveling to ULM. The Warhawks have some intriguing pieces at multiple positions, most notably the lengthy and talented Tyrone Howell at wide receiver.
Tellek Lockette is one of the top Group of Five offensive linemen but the depth of Army gives pause for much success for ULM in any facet. Should be an intriguing matchup, nonetheless.
Washington State (-11.5) @ Colorado State, 7:00 p.m. ET
Like their in-state rival Washington, the Washington State Cougars open against a tough Mountain West opponent. But unlike the Huskies, Vegas seems to be down on Washington State.
Colorado State lacks much consistency on offense and though they have Tory Horton as clearly the top WR in the conference, their roster is thin in the trenches and on the backend in coverage. If Cam Ward takes care of the ball, the Cougars have a chance to easily cover.
Texas State @ Baylor (-26.5), 7:00 p.m. ET
It’s the start of the G.J. Kinne era for Texas State and what a way to open. Heading to Baylor, where the offensive and defensive lines are among the best in the country, is a big test.
Baylor, though maybe lacking what they’ve lost to the NFL in the past two seasons, is as talented a team in the Big 12 this season, if they get consistent QB play. If you’re an offensive line fan, this is the game for you. At least the first half will be when Baylor has the ball.
UTSA (-0.5) @ Houston, 7:00 p.m. ET
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise — the two best games of the Saturday slate belong in the south and are only 340ish miles away from one another. Those two games, of course, are UTSA at Houston and South Alabama at Tulane.
After a classic contest last season, the Roadrunners and Cougars renew their series with a season-opening clash for the ages, it appears. Donovan Smith gets the nod at QB for Houston and their defensive front is as talented as ever.
Longtime UTSA QB Frank Harris may be without Zakhari Franklin but he has plenty of options to throw to this year regardless. Oscar Cardenas may be the biggest impact player not getting enough love in this game, and we’ll be watching with bated breath during this contest.
Middle Tennessee @ Alabama (-39), 7:30 p.m. ET
What will the Crimson Tide do at quarterback? The whole world is waiting to figure that out but don’t rule out a similar situation to what Michigan did last year. Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, Tyler Buchner; the options are there, which direction, who sees more snaps, who comes out with the ones for longer, are just some of the questions we hope to get answered in this game.
Oh, and Dallas Turner, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and a host of talented defensive players for Alabama return. Malik Benson is the player to watch on offense as the secret weapon for Alabama could be deployed early.
West Virginia @ Penn State (-20.5), 7:30 p.m. ET
The famous, long-lived rivalry returns to our game for the first time since the early 90s as Penn State hosts West Virginia. The Nittany Lions have the roster — one full of freaks — to go toe-to-toe with any team and this WVU team just doesn’t have enough to strike fear into them.
Drew Allar gets the nod and should be more than prepared after he flashed brilliance a season ago.
North Carolina (-1.5) @ South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. ET
The battle of Carolina supremacy that seems to be overlooked in this Week 1 slate sees two quarterbacks on different ends of the spectrum. Once seen as a high draft pick and favorite for the Heisman, Spencer Rattler hopes to continue his career resurgence while current high draft pick “lock” and Heisman contender Drake Maye looks to get his third (and likely final) season off on the right foot.
Aside from the QB play, there is a ton to watch in this one. The Tar Heels need to start fast with their new offensive scheme because, as we saw last year against Tennesee, this Gamecocks offense can get rolling in a hurry.
Toledo @ Illinois (-9), 7:30 p.m. ET
Illinois surprised some a season ago with their prowess on both sides of the ball. With a ton of lost talent on defense and a new quarterback in Luke Altmyer, what this team will look like in 2023 remains to be seen.
On the other hand, Toledo knows what they have in Dequan Finn at quarterback and the talent they have on the defensive line and in the secondary could give Illinois potential fits.
Texas Tech (-14) @ Wyoming, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a scary team as they continue to improve under Joey McGuire. Wyoming, on the other hand, is exactly what we’ve come to expect under legendary head coach Craig Bohl.
The Cowboys, however, need a few more horses to compete with this receiving corps the Red Raiders are bringing to Laramie.
South Alabama @ Tulane (-6.5), 8:00 p.m. ET
Here we are. The game of the week. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Okay, fine, the game of the Saturday. South Alabama and Tulane are absolutely set to battle it out as the top Group of Five team this season and how appropriate that they get to open the season against one another.
South Alabama’s Carter Bradley and Tulane’s Michael Pratt are among the top quarterbacks in the country, not just at the Group of Five level, and they have the talent to elevate their rosters around them all the same.
This game is the game to watch, as it’s likely that either one of these teams will be the Group of Five’s representative in the New Year’s Six Bowl.
Old Dominion @ Virginia Tech (-15.5), 8:00 p.m. ET
After last year’s disappointing performance against Old Dominion, the Virginia Tech Hokies will look to exact some revenge on the Monarchs. Going right for the Hokies in this one: They grabbed the Monarch’s top target in Ali Jennings from the portal and have a viable WR1 for the first time in what feels like years.
Sam Houston @ BYU (-21), 10:15 p.m. ET
Welcome to FBS, Sam Houston. And what a way to be welcomed. BYU hosts the Bearkats in their first game as a member of the FBS in Provo, with what should be a raucous crowd of Cougar fans.
In a potential QB matchup for the ages, it’s Texas High School great Grant Gunnell vs. Arizona High School great Kedon Slovis. In an intriguing matchup at just about every position, this one has the chance to show off both quarterback’s strengths, most notably Slovis, against a thin secondary for Sam Houston.
Coastal Carolina @ UCLA (-15), 10:30 p.m. ET
The late kick on Saturday belongs to UCLA hosting the Chanticleers from Conway, South Carolina. What a travel this is for the Chants as they hope to do what South Alabama couldn’t quite finish at UCLA last season, knock off the Bruins in an early-season upset.
Coastal has a new look at head coach but returns one of the greatest college football quarterbacks of all time in Grayson McCall, giving them a distinct advantage over the youthful and inexperienced QB room from Chip Kelly’s squad.
Does Coastal have enough firepower to stick with the Bruins through four quarters, though?
Sunday Week 1 College Football Spreads
Northwestern @ Rutgers (-6), 12:00 p.m. ET
A Big Ten game on a Sunday only feels right, especially when it’s the Northwestern Wildcats and their pro-style offense being featured. Their roster and their program, however, isn’t quite the professionally-run organization that we all thought and still reeling from the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald after off-field acquisitions were brought to light.
Rutgers, on the other hand, are hoping to compete in the Big Ten once again under Greg Schiano and were a few pieces away in 2022. Will the offense continue to be their issue going through 2023 or do we get that figured out in front of a national TV audience here?
Oregon State (-17) @ San Jose State, 3:30 p.m. ET
The San Jose State offense moved the ball well against USC in Week 0. Most notably, converted QB Nick Nash is a viable pass-catching option and Chevan Cordeiro may have taken the next step in his passing game.
However, the Oregon State Beavers have the best offensive line in the Pac-12 and are built to compete against the top-tier teams in the conference. Do we see the resurgence of the career of D.J. Uiagalelei this season is something we’ll all be watching for.
LSU (-2.5) @ Florida State*, 7:30 p.m. ET
The game of the weekend for some may be this matchup, a rematch of last year’s dramatic victory by Florida State. While we tend to prefer the Group of Five games from Saturday, we’ll concede that this game means more to the national picture than any other game on the Week 1 slate and should be the most-viewed game of the weekend.
Two Heisman candidates at quarterback lead two programs that just simply make college football better when they’re at their best. Jayden Daniels vs. Jordan Travis is the stuff movies are made and the Tigers and Seminoles each have a path to the College Football Playoff.
A win here from either program will go a long way at buying into their own hype that each has built this offseason.
Monday Week 1 College Football Spreads
Clemson (-12.5) @ Duke, 8:00 p.m. ET
A close out to the five-day Week 1 slate heads to Durham, North Carolina, as the Clemson Tigers come to town against Duke. The Blue Devils surprised everyone a year ago as Riley Leonard took the ACC by storm with his talents.
Clemson, on the other hand, has officially given the keys to the offense to Cade Klubnik and the young quarterback has just as much talent as any QB in the conference. Is this the year that Clemson returns to their status as a powerhouse of the conference, or will they eek by as they did a year ago?
