Former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay suffered three overdoses over the final five years of his life and was prescribed ketamine from a ‘luxury’ doctor, who signed Irsay’s death certificate in California when he died in May at 65, according to a report in The Washington Post.

The Post cited interviews with five people who spoke anonymously because of fear of retribution from the Colts and also obtained prescription records, flight data and law enforcement reports.

Open about his addiction to alcohol and opioids, Irsay maintained he was clean for years. But the Post found evidence he suffered three overdoses from 2020 on. First, he was airlifted from Turks and Caicos in February 2020. The next came in December 2023 at his home in suburban Indianapolis and then again 12 days later at a resort in Florida, according to the Post.

Jim Irsay jersey patch: How Colts will honor late owner during 2025 NFL season

Irsay’s public appearances declined with his health and he noticeably had difficulty walking or standing during the 2024 season.

Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a prominent addiction specialist based in southern California, treated Irsay with ketamine in the final months of his life, according to the Post. There was no toxicology report or autopsy performed, per the Post.

“I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him . . . as a brother,” Haroutunian told the Post. “We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.”

The team is now owned by Irsay’s three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson. Irsay-Gordon will be the team’s governor at league meetings and is the CEO.

“Our Dad was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect,” Irsay’s daughters wrote in an email to the Post. “The media is not the place to address inquiries about information which is disputed, lacks essential context, or involves private medical matters.”

Irsay and the Colts launched ‘Kicking The Stigma,’ a charity based on being transparent about addiction and health issues, in 2022.

“We can either be an example through death, or an example through living,” Irsay told the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network, in 2022.

Irsay became the youngest general manager in league history (24) in 1984 when his father Robert, who previously owned the Colts and moved them from Baltimore to Indianapolis, and inherited the Colts after Robert’s death in 1997. Indianapolis won the Super Bowl following the 2006 season.

Several experts predict Clemson or Texas will win the national championship, with Alabama and Penn State also receiving votes.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is the popular pick for the Heisman Trophy.
Experts are divided on which team will be the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment.

It’s a glorious time of year for college football fans. The official return of the game we love comes in Week 1 after months of speculation about how the season will play out.

There’s been changes galore with movement in the transfer portal to weigh, plus additions from the high school ranks and potential emergence of players already on the roster. Coaches have been on the move, too, with a new face at North Carolina that made his name in the NFL and a familiar one at West Virginia among the hires.

There’s also the matter of unpredictability that makes the sport so great. Last year, nobody was thinking about Indiana or SMU as serious College Football Playoff contenders. Yet, the Hoosiers and Mustangs were in the field when and Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina were all left out on the final day.

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Put this all together and trying to forecast in August how the season will play out over the next three months can be quite the challenge. But the college football experts at USA TODAY Sports are here to give it their best shot. Our predictions for the biggest questions ahead of the season.

Who makes the College Football Playoff?

Who will win the national championship?

Matt Hayes: Penn State. We’ve seen coach James Franklin’s infamous troubles against Top 10 opponents (4-20), and that the Lions had the easiest road to the CFP final last season — and couldn’t close out Notre Dame to get there. A motivated quarterback (Drew Allar) with some new weapons, and a nasty defense under new coordinator Jim Knowles, does it this time around.

Jordan Mendoza: Georgia. The Bulldogs won’t be perfect, but much like Ohio State last season, the offense clicks at the right time. The defense remains strong and Kirby Smart cements himself as one of the best coaches this century.

Paul Myerberg: Texas. The Longhorns are one of only a very few teams with the talent and depth to survive the playoff. Even if Texas doesn’t win the SEC, it can follow Ohio States’s path from last season. 

Erick Smith: Alabama. With so many unproven quarterbacks among the other top contenders, it’s been interesting how most people are overlooking the Crimson Tide and new starter Ty Simpson. There’s plenty of skill people and offensive line talent to have a very good offense, and the defense should be one of the country’s best. Sounds like perfect recipe to win a title.

Eddie Timanus: Clemson. A lot has happened since Clemson and Alabama squared off in the championship game – but who wouldn’t sign up for more of that? Well, OK, Ohio State fans wouldn’t to name a few, but we wouldn’t mind seeing another instant classic, even if some of the folks on the sidelines have changed. The Tigers win a close one.

Blake Toppmeyer: Texas. The Longhorns have the quarterback, the roster and the coach to prevail. Their schedule might stand between them and the No. 1 seed, but, as we saw last season, a top seed isn’t essential. Just make the bracket.

Who will win the Heisman Trophy?

Hayes: Cade Klubnick, Clemson. He’s a quarterback, he’ll have huge numbers, he’ll be playing for one of the top two teams in college football. That’s about as perfect a Heisman scenario as you can get. 

Mendoza: Behren Morton, Texas Tech. Texas Tech has put all of its chips into a successful 2025. Morton benefits from it as he puts up ridiculous numbers en route to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Myerberg: Cade Klubnik, Clemson. Texas QB Arch Manning has enormous name recognition and an outstanding supporting cast. But Klubnik could steal Manning’s thunder as a highly productive starter for one of the top contenders for the national championship. His growth from 2023 to 2024 paves the way for a terrific senior season.

Smith: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU. He’s got experience and the wide receiver group to put up big numers, and the Tigers are primed to make a College Football Playoff run. A win in the opener at Clemson would move him to the top of the favorites list and an appearance in the SEC title game might be enough to lock up the award.

Timanus: Cade Klubnik, Clemson. One of these years, my pick of a third-year starting quarterback for the Tigers is going to pan out in this spot. Klubnik looks poised for a big season with the requisite weapons on offense. And the Clemson defense should help keep the title in the title hunt throughout the season.

Toppmeyer: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State. There’s no shortage of quality quarterbacks who will contend for the award, but star Buckeyes wide receiver is the nation’s most incomparable player, and the Buckeyes will win enough to keep him on voters’ radar.

What will be the game of the year?

Hayes: Penn State at Ohio State, Nov. 1. Penn State has lost eight consecutive to the Buckeyes, and the one win under Franklin came with a whole lot of funky to it (big special teams plays, turnovers). Penn State hasn’t won at Ohio State since 2011, but this one will leave no doubt. Knowles’ return to Columbus is the hype, Allar’s big game redemption is the story. 

Mendoza: Alabama at Georgia, Sept. 27. Why not deliver an encore? With several explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs put up another instant classic.

Myerberg: Penn State at Ohio State, Nov. 1. This one should determine the fate of the Big Ten and which team draws an opening-round bye in the playoff. A win in Columbus would also represent one of the biggest moments of the James Franklin era and provide a huge boost heading into the home stretch of the regular season.

Smith: Texas at Georgia, Nov. 15. This should be a decisive game in the SEC race. While Arch Manning will face tough environments at Ohio State and Florida and against Oklahoma in Dallas, this likely will be his toughest assignment. Should he navigate the early schedule, a winning performance here could be the final piece of a Heisman push. However, should the Longhorns arrive with blemishes on their record, it could be a game that knocks them out of the playoff race.

Timanus: LSU at Alabama, Nov. 8. There are a metric ton of games to choose from, but we expect this one will have SEC title and playoff implications by the time Week 11 rolls around. And these two rivals have had some spirited matchups that have been dramatic throughout.

Toppmeyer: Penn State at Ohio State, Nov. 1. Is this the year James Franklin finally beats Ryan Day? He might get multiple chances at achieving that feat, but the game on Nov. 1 in Columbus is the only guaranteed opportunity.

What will be the biggest surprise team?

Hayes: Georgia Tech. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, the top two quarterbacks selected in the 2023 NFL draft, arrived at college the same time as Georgia Tech’s Haynes King. Young and Stroud will begin their third seasons in the NFL, and King will begin his sixth in college football. He’ll do it after coach Brent Key kept coveted offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner in the fold, and added impact players from the portal (WR Eric Rivers, RB Malachi Hosley, DB Jon Mitchell). But this is all about King: if he stays healthy, the Jackets will be the surprise story of the season.

Mendoza: Louisville. Jeff Brohm has quietly put up solid teams in Louisville, but this feels like his best offense yet. Led by Issac Brown, the Cardinals get themselves in the College Football Playoff.

Myerberg: Utah. The Utes are poised for a big-time rebound after a rare misfire in 2025. While there are a bunch of Big 12 teams in the mix for the conference title, Utah’s offseason upgrades at quarterback and elsewhere make them a contender to double last year’s five-win finish.

Smith: Florida State. The Seminoles probably won’t make it to the ACC title game but they’re poised to make a rebound with quarterback Thomas Castellanos taking the helm of the offense and a host of transfers arriving. Getting to eight wins would quadruple last year’s win total, which would be quite the improvement.

Timanus: Iowa State. The Cyclones played for the Big 12 title last year, so they’ll only be a surprise to people who haven’t been paying attention to what Matt Campbell has been doing in Ames. The win against Kansas State in Dublin could be huge as the league race takes shape.

Toppmeyer: Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are an unranked sleeper team to watch with second-year starting quarterback Dylan Raiola. Matt Rhule’s track record in his third year is also another positive.

Who will be the biggest disappointment?

Hayes: LSU. Brian Kelly has talked all offseason about this being the most talented LSU team he has coached. So a disappointment would be not reaching the CFP. The offensive line that struggled to protect last season has been retooled, and QB Garrett Nussmeier — while uber-talented — must prove he can limit turnovers. Does LB Harold Perkins return to freshman form? Does transfer edge Patrick Payton avoid getting lost in games? 

Mendoza: LSU. Brian Kelly loses another Week 1 game (shocker). The Tigers aren’t able to fully recover, losing another slew of games they should win.

Myerberg: LSU. Given all that’s at stake in 2025, failing to make the playoff would make the Tigers the biggest disappointment in the SEC and the Power Four. There are a bunch of things to like, including a potential first-round quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier, but LSU still has to show growth on defense and manage a schedule that kicks off with a bang with a trip to Clemson in Week 1.

Smith: Miami. The notiion that you can just plug in Carson Beck and all will be well with the Hurricanes seems overly optimistic. The former Georgia quarterback coming off a down year and a serous arm injury. And there’s the matter of Miami struggling when the pressure is the greatest. That’s why the Hurricanes will miss the College Football Playoff.

Timanus: Florida. The Gators’ strong 2024 finish has them ranked higher than they perhaps should be.  There’s no disputing they have talent, but their killer schedule will have them out of the Top 25 by season’s end, especially if DJ Lagway can’t stay healthy.

Toppmeyer: South Carolina. The 13th-ranked Gamecocks will fall victim to last season’s success, plus a schedule that includes six games against preseason ranked opponents.

Who will be coach of year?

Hayes: Brent Venables, Oklahoma: A year after the worst conference record at OU in three decades, Venables made critical offseason moves of adding the hottest young offensive coordinator in the game (Ben Arbuckle), and the best quarterback in the portal (John Mateer). The defense will be as salty as last season, and an efficient, big-play offense will bring it all together. OU, not Texas, will be the first Big 12 transfer to win the SEC.   

Mendoza: James Franklin, Penn State. After years of just falling short, Franklin finally fields a team that has a real good shot at a perfect season and a national championship.

Myerberg: Brent Venables, Oklahoma. This honor typically doesn’t go to the coach of the nation’s best team but a coach who exceeds preseason expectations in the flashiest way. That could be Venables, who is on a bit of a warmer seat after a rough SEC debut for the Sooners but has a team capable of earning an at-large playoff bid.

Smith: Kyle Whittingham, Utah. This might be Whittingham’s last season and to make sure it wasn’t a major disappointment he brought in a new offensive coordinator and quarterback that should address the biggest issues from last season. The defense again will be stout, and the Utes will reach the College Football Playoff by winning the Big 12.

Timanus: Kalen DeBoer, Alabama – Big things are expected when you’re the head coach of the Crimson Tide. But year two in Tuscaloosa will go a lot better for the new staff with deep playoff run.

Toppmeyer: Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns winning their first national championship in two decades will cement what Sarkisian has building toward the past few seasons: Texas is back.

One of the NFL’s biggest offseason storylines has been resolved after the Dallas Cowboys decided to trade linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

Parson wanted a contract extension after being a ‘hold in’ throughout the offseason.

The standout edge rusher attended the mandatory events with the team but did not practice.

He has reportedly agreed on a four-year extension with the Packers on Thursday. The Packers sent defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to Dallas.

Here’s how the NFL world reacted to the news on social media.

Micah Parsons trade reaction

The 2025-26 Champions League draw has set up an enticing first round of what is widely regarded as soccer’s biggest tournament for club sides.

The giants of the European game all found out who they’ll be playing in the League Stage, a first round that will sort all 36 participating teams in one giant set of standings. Every team will play eight games (four at home, four away), with the top 24 sides advancing to the knockout rounds.

Teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich have been joined by no fewer than six clubs from the English Premier League, a tournament record for one nation made possible by Tottenham’s victory in last season’s Europa League. For Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, advancement is a prerequisite, while Spurs and Newcastle will be hoping to do the same.

Thursday’s event in Monaco did not set a schedule, but rather paired teams up and dictated hosts for each game. Per UEFA, the final Champions League schedule will be released no later than Saturday, August 30, with the confederation saying that it wants to ensure that there aren’t conflicting games in the Champions League and its other two major club tournaments, the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Now that we know the matchups, here are 10 games in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League’s first round that you can’t miss:

UEFA Champions League schedule: 10 must-watch games

Thursday’s UEFA Champions League draw set up the matchups for the League Stage, during which each team will play eight games. However, the schedule was not set in stone, with UEFA planning to announce the full slate of times and dates no later than Saturday, August 30.

Regardless, there are 10 games that jump out for various reasons as must-watch material. In alphabetical order based on the host team, here are the games you should clear your schedule for:

Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich

This is a high-stakes game, particularly for Bayern (who will also have to play difficult road games at Paris Saint-Germain and PSV).

For Arsenal, this is a serious test over whether they’re ready to take a step up from simply being a contender to win things, as Mikel Arteta’s side hasn’t lifted a major trophy since the 2019-20 FA Cup. A win over Bayern would be a statement, but they’ll have to deal with longtime foe Harry Kane (an ex-Tottenham star now leading the line for the German power).

Atlético Madrid vs. Inter Milan

These are two clubs with big ambitions, but also sides that rely on emotion to power them through on the biggest occasions. U.S. men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who joined Atléti this summer, could be in line for a major test if he can keep ahold of a starting job under demanding manager Diego Simeone.

Expect fireworks.

Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Two of Europe’s bluebloods will meet … somewhere in Spain. Barça’s legendary home at Camp Nou is undergoing a massive renovation, and despite club officials spending over a year talking a big game about playing this season there, permits to play games there have not been approved.

Regardless, Barcelona vs. PSG is blockbuster stuff wherever you stage it, and this could be one of the games of the season.

Bodø/Glimt vs. Manchester City

On paper this is a huge mismatch: Man City is one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs, and Bodø/Glimt is the first team from Norway to qualify for the Champions League main stage in 17 seasons.

However, Bodø/Glimt made an incredible Cinderella run to the semifinals of last year’s Europa League, and are the northernmost club to ever qualify for the Champions League. Man City’s trip to the 8,270-seat Aspmyra Stadion will be a special occasion, but Pep Guardiola’s side cannot expect an easy win in the Arctic Circle.

Chelsea vs. Pafos FC

Chelsea will welcome Pafos — a first-time qualifier, and just the fourth Cypriot team to ever enter the Champions League proper — as massive favorites.

However, what makes this game interesting is that it will mark the return of cult figure David Luiz, who spent six seasons at Chelsea gracing Blues fans with his … let’s say, unique approach to defensive play. Fans may be shocked to hear this, but the 38-year-old is still playing, having signed with Pafos earlier this month.

Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund

This rematch of the 1996-97 Champions League final (won 3-1 by Dortmund) should feature USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie in familiar territory. The Texas native began his European career at Dortmund’s archrival Schalke 04, and would likely enjoy putting one over on Die Schwarzgelben.

Beyond that, this figures to be a battle between two of Europe’s most well-supported clubs, and a game that both teams may end up needing in this tournament’s highly competitive ‘Swiss Model’ system.

Kairat Almaty vs. Real Madrid

Mighty Real Madrid will have to travel 3,986 miles to Almaty to face Kairat, the defending champions from the Kazakhstan Premier League.

Kairat is the easternmost team to ever qualify for the Champions League, and while Real Madrid will be expected to pile on the goals in this one, this may be the longest away day in tournament history. The longest prior trip that USA TODAY Sports could identify came in 2015, when Portuguese giants Benfica traveled to face FC Astana, the only other Kazakh club to qualify for the Champions League. However, that trip was around 156 miles shorter.

Liverpool vs. PSV

There’s a certain old-school charm to Liverpool and PSV, two clubs with huge support who are back competing at the top of the game in Europe. PSV may enter as underdogs, but their recent exploits in continental play point to this being a good match.

For USMNT fans, seeing PSV’s Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi potentially test themselves in the world’s best competition, on the road against the Premier League champions at a legendary venue like Anfield will be a treat.

Marseille vs. Newcastle

Speaking of the USMNT, winger Tim Weah and Marseille will host Newcastle in a game between two teams that realistically will be battling for the final openings to advance to the knockout stages.

Marseille and Newcastle both have well-earned reputations for fan support in their respective countries, and this match will take place at the Stade Vélodrome, one of the sport’s true cauldrons. With both sides missing the Champions League more often than not, expect everyone involved to put it all on the line.

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Beyond pairing two of Europe’s biggest clubs, who can both call on absolute superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, this game is a rematch of a quarterfinal epic from two seasons ago. During the 2023-24 competition, these sides battled to a 4-4 aggregate scoreline, with Real Madrid advancing on penalties. The teams also met in last year’s knockout round playoffs, a 6-3 aggregate win for Real Madrid.

After a disappointing 2024-25 season in England, Man City could scarcely offer a bigger reminder of what they’re capable of than going to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and claiming three points.

Champions League first round schedule 2025-26

League stage

Matchday 1: Sept. 16-18
Matchday 2: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
Matchday 3: Oct. 21-22
Matchday 4: Nov. 4-5
Matchday 5: Nov. 25-26
Matchday 6: Dec. 9-10
Matchday 7: Jan. 20-21, 2026
Matchday 8: Jan. 28, 2026

How to watch UEFA Champions League

The CBS family of networks will broadcast the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League from start to finish. While a full schedule was not settled at the time of publication, matches throughout the tournament (including a live ‘whiparound’ show jumping to the most exciting games and goal highlights) will be on Paramount+.

Watch the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League on Paramount+

Billions, with a capital ‘B’.

With the dawn of a new season on the horizon, the NFL team valuations are out ahead of the Week 1 kickoff. As is tradition, Forbes has released those numbers for 2025.

Each of the league’s 32 teams are worth at least $5 billion for the first time – evidence that the NFL is a money-making machine and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

It comes as no surprise that the Dallas Cowboys top the list at $13 billion, followed by the Los Angeles Rams ($10.5 billion) and New York Giants ($10.1 billion) as the only franchises to eclipse the $10 billion mark. The Cincinnati Bengals check in at No. 32 with a valuation of $5.25 billion.

More importantly, success on the field doesn’t appear to correlate with an increase in valuation. The Kansas City Chiefs ($6.2 billion), Baltimore Ravens ($6.1 billion) and Buffalo Bills ($5.95 billion) have been three of the best teams in the league for almost a decade, but still land in the bottom third of the league, according to Forbes.

As expansion into international markets continues, it stands to reason that those numbers will only grow over time. Here’s a look at the full list for 2025.

NFL most valuable teams 2025

Dallas Cowboys: $13 billion
Los Angeles Rams: $10.5 billion
New York Giants: $10.1 billion
New England Patriots: $9 billion
San Francisco 49ers: $8.6 billion
Philadelphia Eagles: $8.3 billion
Chicago Bears: $8.2 billion
New York Jets: $8.1 billion
Las Vegas Raiders: $7.7 billion
Washington Commanders: $7.6 billion
Miami Dolphins: $7.5 billion
Houston Texans: $7.4 billion
Denver Broncos: $6.8 billion
Seattle Seahawks: $6.7 billion
Green Bay Packers: $6.65 billion
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $6.6 billion
Pittsburgh Steelers: $6.5 billion
Cleveland Browns: $6.4 billion
Atlanta Falcons: $6.35 billion
Tennessee Titans: $6.3 billion
Minnesota Vikings: $6.25 billion
Kansas City Chiefs: $6.2 billion
Baltimore Ravens: $6.1 billion
Los Angeles Chargers: $6 billion
Buffalo Bills: $5.95 billion
Indianapolis Colts: $5.9 billion
Carolina Panthers: $5.7 billion
Jacksonville Jaguars: $5.6 billion
Arizona Cardinals: $5.5 billion
Detroit Lions: $5.4 billion
New Orleans Saints: $5.3 billion
Cincinnati Bengals: $5.25 billion

The first full weekend of college football is at hand, and that means it’s time for our panel of experts to offer our picks of weekly winners – risk of public humiliation notwithstanding.

Some of the Top 25 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll will be feasting on cupcakes to kick off the season, so we’ll concentrate on the ranked squads competing against actual Bowl Subdivision competition. The slate features three pairings of top-10 combatants, and a few other high-profile clubs facing road challenges.

The highlight is No. 1 Texas traveling to No. 2 Ohio State in the first matchup of top-ranked teams in Week 1. The other big showdowns are No. 6 Clemson hosting No. 9 LSU and No. 5 Notre Dame visiting Miami.

Here’s how our experts think those games will go. Feel free to check back on a weekly basis to see how we’re doing.

Don’t get distracted with No. 1 vs. No. 2 right out the gate. Tantalizing eye candy, no doubt. 

But this demolition derby of a College Football Playoff beauty pageant goes much deeper. Or 25 games, to be specific.

Every game matters has been replaced by every week matters. More to the point, every week contains a game that will, in one way or another, shape the College Football Playoff race. 

Hands and feet inside the car, kids. We’re off on a wild, white-knuckle ride through the college football season with 25 can’t-miss games. And a final CFP predicted order of finish.

Aug. 30

Texas at Ohio State: A rematch of last year’s national semifinal, and the beginning of the Arch Manning era at Texas. Or is that the Julian Sayin era at Ohio State? 

Notre Dame at Miami: The Hurricanes wasted a Heisman Trophy-worthy season from QB Cam Ward in 2024. They’ll waste another with Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck if the defense doesn’t get straightened out by new DC Corey Hetherman. 

Sept. 6

Michigan at Oklahoma: Sooners and Wolverines get cupcakes to begin the season, before we find out if both (or either) are CFP-worthy. A true freshman QB (Michigan’s Bryce Underwood) vs. the most-sought QB in the transfer portal (John Mateer). 

Sept. 13

Florida at LSU: The first real test for Florida QB DJ Lagway, who has been protected all offseason with any number of injuries (shoulder, core, calf). How does he handle Death Valley — and a potentially desperate LSU team? 

Sept. 20

Florida at Miami: If the Hurricanes beat Notre Dame, beating Florida could all but lock up a CFP spot. Because the ACC schedule is about as difficult as finding the beautiful people on South Beach.

Sept. 27

Oregon at Penn State: Ducks have a two-game season: at Penn State, and at bitter rival Washington to finish the season. Other than that, there’s nothing preventing Oregon from another unbeaten regular season. 

Alabama at Georgia: I gotta be honest, I’m not feeling it. Remember Alabama-LSU in 2011 (the first game)? Yeah, here comes 9-6. 

Oct. 4

Texas at Florida: Gators coach Billy Napier has been saying “spot the ball” all offseason in reference to a difficult schedule. After a stretch of games at LSU, at Miami, Texas and at Texas A&M, we’re going to see if this team is legit — or Napier was whistling through the coaching graveyard. 

Oct. 11

Ohio State at Illinois: I know what you’re thinking: Illinois? But what’s not to like? A big, experienced offensive line, a three-year starter at quarterback and a top five defense in the Big Ten. And a dangerous game for Ohio State.   

Oklahoma vs. Texas: I could bore you with particulars, but let’s face it: you don’t take a 31-point knot on your head (like OU did in 2024) and not come back the following season with your hair on fire. Not in this series.

Oct. 18

Texas Tech at Arizona State: There are no more excuses for Tech coach Joey Maguire. We’re going to find out if money truly can buy a (Big 12) championship. And more.  

Oct. 25

Alabama at South Carolina: Gamecocks are the toughest team in the entire field to figure out. With elite play from QB LaNorris Sellers, they can beat anyone (including Alabama). Without it, they could lose to Virginia Tech in Week 1.

Nov. 1

Penn State at Ohio State: I could make excuses for Penn State coach James Franklin before the fact (Ryan Day lost to Michigan and still won it all), but let’s not kid ourselves: It has to happen. This game, this season.  

Georgia vs. Florida: The last time Florida beat Georgia in 2020, the Gators did things to a Kirby Smart defense few have. The talent level is there again in Gainesville, and if Lagway stays healthy, this could be Georgia’s first loss of the season. 

Nov. 8

LSU at Alabama: Let’s imagine, for a moment, LSU beats Clemson and Florida and everyone else, and this really is Kelly’s most talented team. This game suddenly becomes an early line in the sand for the Kalen DeBoer era at Alabama. 

Nov. 15

Texas at Georgia: Admit it, you can’t forget the deer in the headlights moment for Manning in this game last season. I’m going out on a limb here: playing the Georgia defense in Athens may be a teeny-weeny bit different. If you know what I mean.   

Oklahoma at Alabama: If the Sooners truly are a legit threat to win the SEC, it begins here. The Texas game will be pure emotion. This one is pure will and want, and taking a stand.

Nov. 22

Southern California at Oregon: Fans are restless, and the university desperately wants to avoid a huge buyout. Forget about the elite recruiting class USC coach Lincoln Riley is building for 2026. He may need this game to save his job.  

Nov. 28

Georgia at Georgia Tech: Renovations at Bobby Dodd Field forced Georgia Tech to move the game to Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Which means 16,000 more fans will see the Yellow Jackets win in the series for the first time since 2016 ― and secure a CFP spot.   

Texas A&M at Texas: Aggies coach Mike Elko has been talking all offseason like a guy who knows he has a good team. Then again, all that bravado could get you stumbling around Sixth Street after another ugly loss, searching for late night Thanksgiving leftovers. 

Nov. 29

Ohio State at Michigan: If you think Ohio State fans have eased up on coach Ryan Day after last year’s national championship, wait and see what a fifth consecutive loss to Michigan brings. 

Clemson at South Carolina: This could be the difference between Clemson earning the No.1 overall seed in the CFP, and/or South Carolina making the CFP. And, you know, they hate each other. That’s all.

College Football Playoff field prediction

1. Penn State 

2. Clemson

3. Notre Dame

4. Oklahoma

5. Texas

6. Ohio State

7. Georgia

8. Iowa State

9. Oregon

10. Alabama

11. Georgia Tech

12. South Florida

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.