The anticipation is building for the 2025 college football season, and fans are eager to discover which games promise the most excitement and drama. Analyst Josh Pate has teased an early list of can’t-miss matchups and potential surprises. Here’s a look at the key showdowns on his radar.
Josh Pate Names Week 1 Heavyweights and Hints at Possible Underrated Gems In College Football 2025
As the 2025 college football season approaches, fans are already circling the biggest games on the calendar- and few voices shape that conversation like Josh Pate. On his latest episode of ‘Pate State,’ the analyst pulled back the curtain on his early tour schedule draft, teasing a slate that features some of the sport’s most iconic matchups.
“Week one, Texas goes to Ohio State, okay, that’s got to be one of the big ones. But LSU is at Clemson as well, and Notre Dame’s at Miami. Bama’s at Florida State, Florida… that one’s probably along with Auburn at Baylor-really random game-those two I would imagine are in the back seat, but they’ve been to several of them so maybe I need to stay away from that one,” Pate explained, highlighting the embarrassment of riches awaiting fans this fall.
But Pate isn’t just focused on the obvious headliners. He’s also got his eye on games that could become season-shaping surprises. “Auburn at Baylor, really random game… those two I would imagine are in the back seat, but they’ve been to several of them so maybe I need to stay away from that one,” he noted, suggesting that even less-hyped matchups could deliver drama and significance.
This approach reflects his philosophy: “Part of my job is I get to pick a game every Saturday and go to it, no strings attached… I do it for all of us, I’m serving for all of us,” Pate said, emphasizing his commitment to capturing the sport’s best stories as they unfold.
As Pate admits, the challenge is akin to “routing a concert tour.” With so many compelling options, he and his team weigh not only the marquee value but also the potential for unexpected stakes.
“There is a chance Auburn at Oklahoma is all of a sudden a huge game, like if Auburn beats Baylor, if Oklahoma beats Michigan, we’ve got Hugh Freeze against Brent Venables there, we got Jackson Arnold going back to Norman-this is me selling myself on going to Norman,” he mused, underscoring how quickly narratives can shift and elevate a matchup into must-see territory.
| Game | Conference Matchup |
| Texas at Ohio State | Big 12 vs. Big Ten |
| LSU at Clemson | SEC vs. ACC |
| Notre Dame at Miami | Independent vs. ACC |
| Alabama at Florida State | SEC vs. ACC |
| Auburn at Baylor | SEC vs. Big 12 |
The Art of Picking the Perfect Game
For Pate, the tour is about more than just attending the biggest games- it’s about being present for the season’s defining moments, wherever they might emerge. His flexible, week-by-week approach ensures he can pivot as storylines develop, maximizing the chance to witness college football history in real time. As he put it, “This is like routing a concert tour… you quickly see how tough this is.”
KEEP READING: Pate Crowns Arizona State as ‘America’s College Football Team’
In a season loaded with heavyweight clashes and the promise of breakout surprises, Josh Pate’s early picks offer a roadmap for fans eager to experience the very best of college football in 2025. Whether you’re drawn to the obvious blockbusters or hoping to catch a hidden gem, this fall’s schedule has something for everyone.
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