The 2025 college football season has finally arrived, which means so has our Friday Locks feature. Each week our crew will each take three games, break down the matchups, and tell you how we’d play them against the spread — usually serving as a reminder of why none of us are professional gamblers.
Week 0 comes with a unique slate — from a Big 12 showdown in Ireland to a Mountain West underdog traveling into Lawrence, and even a late-night clash in Honolulu. If there’s one theme across our picks, it’s that we’re not afraid to back strong defenses, trust veteran quarterbacks, and put some faith in home-field advantages that can stretch across oceans. Whether you’re riding with Kansas State’s push for a statement win, Fresno State’s ability to hang with Power Five talent, or Hawaii’s edge on the islands, we’re starting this season with a little bit of everything.
So buckle up — the 2025 campaign is here, and so are the Friday Locks.
2025 Season Results
| Name | Last Week | Overall |
| Caleb | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Craig | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Matt | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Zack | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Caleb
Kansas (-13) vs Fresno State | Jalon Daniels looks to start off the season right with win over Fresno State, Fresno State comes in with a new Head coach Matt Entz I’m just not sure coach Entz will have his team ready to come and pull off an upset.
UNLV (-24.5) vs Idaho State | Dan Mullen brought in a lot of former 4-5 stars through the portal. This newly made Last Chance U should have no problem starting off the season hot.
Western Kentucky (-10.5) vs Sam Houston | Sam Houston will need a few weeks to get up to speed with new head coach Phil Longo, WKU QB Maverick McIvor should start off the season hot.
Craig
Kansas State (-3) vs Iowa State | I believe this matchup in Ireland features two of the best the Big 12 has to offer. Kansas State was so close to the Big 12 title game a year ago. I think they come out looking to prove something in this one.
Fresno State (+13.5) at Kansas | This will be a fun one to watch as I think there’s a potential for a lot of points to be scored. The Jayhawks will win this one, but I like the Bulldogs to cover.
Stanford (+2.5) at Hawaii | I’m a little surprised to see Hawaii favored in this one. Maybe due to the home field advantage. Regardless, I like Stanford in this one.
Matt
Iowa State (+3.5) vs. Kansas State | Iowa State’s defense is one of the most disciplined and opportunistic units in the Big 12, consistently forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays — a tough matchup for a Kansas State offense that could still be searching for rhythm. With QB Rocco Becht gaining confidence and a balanced attack emerging, the Cyclones have the tools to keep it tight — and cover the +3.5 spread in a physical, low-scoring battle.
Fresno State (+13.5) at Kansas | Fresno State has a proven track record of playing Power Five opponents tough, with an efficient passing attack and a defense that thrives on creating pressure and turnovers. Kansas has the firepower to win, but the Bulldogs’ experience and ability to control tempo should keep the margin within 13.5 points.
Hawaii (-1.5) vs. Stanford | Hawai’i’s balanced offense, led by Micah Alejado (469 Yards/5 TDs in his lone start last season) downfield passing and a veteran offensive line, matches up well against a Stanford defense still rebuilding under a new regime. Add in the travel factor and Hawai’i’s home-field edge at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex, and the Warriors are well-positioned to cover the -1.5 spread.
Zack
Iowa State vs. Kansas State (-3) | This game feels like it could go either way, and the fact that it’s being played in Ireland adds to the mystery behind the battle. Iowa State had the better year last season, but Kansas State has been consistently on the brink of greatness the last few years. I think the Wildcats have a solid chance at being conference champ, and picking up a big win to start the season will get them rolling towards the Big 12 Championship game early.
Fresno State at Kansas (-12.5) | I think Jalon Daniels is seriously slept on, perhaps because the Big 12 has a lot of quality quarterbacks. I see Daniels opening up his final collegiate season with a bang and leading the Jayhawks to an easy win in front of the home crowd.
Stanford at Hawaii (-2) | A close spread in a Week 0 game means a difficult choice, but I’ll take Hawaii to cover at home.
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