Our crew is back for another round of Friday Locks after going 6–6 last week, with three of the four of us finishing with winning records. Now that the college football season is officially in full swing, the stakes (and spreads) are getting bigger.
Week 1 delivers a slate full of marquee matchups — from Ohio State vs. Texas in Columbus, to Alabama vs. Florida State in Atlanta, and the much-anticipated Oklahoma season opener against Illinois State in Norman. Alongside those headliners, we’re also keeping an eye on some key games we all seem to agree on, like Iowa State vs. South Dakota, where the Cyclones’ defense has the chance to continue setting the tone for the year.
Below, each of us breaks down our favorite plays for the weekend — from big-name clashes to sneaky value spots. Take a look at our picks, let us know what you think, and don’t forget to drop your own locks in the comments section.
2025 Season Results
| Name | Last Week | Overall |
| Caleb | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Matt | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Zack | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Craig | 0-3 | 0-3 |
Caleb
Oklahoma (-35.5) vs Illinois State | The sooners should be back stronger than last season. With a new and improved offense and the defense growing stronger the sooners should make quick work of the Redbirds.
Iowa State (-16.5) vs South Dakota | ISU looked really solid last week against Kansas State. The cyclones should be able to handle business against South Dakota.
South Carolina (-7.5) vs Virginia Teach | South Carolina looks to open up their season with a solid win over VT. Shane Beamer will have his boys ready to go against a Virginia Tech team who is coming off a not so hot season a year ago.
Craig
Ohio State (-1.5) vs Texas | There’s much to look forward to in this matchup. How will Arch Manning hold up against the best of the best? The difference maker here is the home field advantage for the Buckeyes.
Iowa State (-14.5) vs South Dakota | South Dakota is no slouch of an FCS team. They won 11 games last year and won’t shy away from the higher level of competition. However, the Cyclones defense is the real deal. I believe the defense of Iowa State will be the reason they cover this spread.
LSU (+4) at Clemson | LSU could be one of those sneaky good SEC teams this season. I know a lot of people are high on Clemson, but I’m taking LSU to win this one on the road.
Matt
Syracuse (+13.5) vs. Tennessee | I like Syracuse to cover against Tennessee because the Orange enter the season with proven playmakers who have thrived on big stages. Quarterback Steve Angeli brings championship-level poise from Notre Dame and he’ll be throwing to Darrell Gill Jr., a dynamic receiver who ended 2024 with explosive back-to-back performances. That combination of experience and firepower gives Syracuse enough juice to keep this game within two touchdowns.
Indiana (-24.5) vs. Old Dominion | Indiana has too much talent and depth to let this one stay close, and I expect the Hoosiers to come out with something to prove after hearing the “fluke” talk all offseason. Even if there’s some early rust, this group is stronger and deeper than last year’s CFP squad, and Old Dominion doesn’t have the same roster it once did to push P4 teams. With the chip on their shoulder and the firepower to back it up, Indiana should have no trouble covering the big number.
Florida State (+13.5) vs. Alabama | Florida State may not be in position to knock off Alabama outright, but the combination of a retooled roster and Alabama’s mounting injury concerns makes this matchup much closer than the spread suggests. The Seminoles should have enough playmakers to hang around and keep the Tide from pulling away, making a two-touchdown cover feel too generous to pass up.
Zack
South Dakota at Iowa State (-14.5) | The Cyclones looked great last week against a quality team in Kansas State. I don’t see any type of hangover here, plus they’re playing in Ames, so don’t be surprised if this is a traditional FCS trouncing.
Alabama (-13.5) at Florida State | Two years ago, Florida State had an incredible season before Georgia embarrassed them in the Orange Bowl. Last year, the Seminoles tanked hard, winning just two games. I think they’re somewhere in the middle this season, but not good enough to keep this one close with Bama.
North Dakota at Kansas State (-25) | The Wildcats came up just a little short against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, last weekend, so I expect them to bounce back in front of the home crowd against a lesser North Dakota team.
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