Week one of the 2025 College Football season has concluded, showcasing a mix of expected triumphs and surprising defeats across the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Notably, LSU emerged victorious against Clemson, positioning themselves as early contenders in the league. Conversely, traditional powerhouses Alabama and Texas stumbled, falling to Florida State and Ohio State, respectively.
With several teams securing significant wins, including South Carolina and Auburn, the stage is set for an exciting second week, featuring intense matchups and renewed rivalries. This weekend promises thrilling games, including a rematch that could impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) aspirations for some teams.
Key Matchups for Week 2
Among the highlights, No. 7 Texas (0-1) faces San Jose State (0-1) with a hefty spread of 36.5 points. The Longhorns, led by quarterback Arch Manning, aim to recover from their lackluster performance against Ohio State. The Spartans, who narrowly lost to Central Michigan, will look to capitalize on Texas’s vulnerabilities.
The matchup between No. 19 Texas A&M (1-0) and Utah State (1-0) is another key game to watch. The Aggies need to address defensive concerns after allowing 203 rushing yards against UTSA. With a return trip to face Notre Dame looming in week three, A&M must shore up their defense.
In what promises to be a gritty contest, No. 4 Georgia (1-0) takes on Austin Peay (1-0). Georgia’s strong start included a dominant victory over Marshall, and they hope to maintain momentum as they set their sights on a critical match against Tennessee in week three.
Rivalries and Expectations
The encounter between Kentucky (1-0) and No. 20 Ole Miss (1-0) adds another layer of intrigue. Kentucky’s previous victory against Ole Miss last season effectively ended the Rebels’ CFP dreams, raising the stakes for this rematch. Quarterback Austin Simmons will need to perform well under pressure to secure a win against a formidable Wildcats defense.
No. 22 Tennessee (1-0) is also in action this week, facing ETSU (1-0). The Volunteers have shown promise with quarterback Joey Aguilar, who has stepped up following a competitive preseason. Tennessee looks to build on their momentum as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Georgia.
Even with the excitement surrounding these matchups, attention remains on the results from week one. Alabama (0-1) will take on UL Monroe (1-0) after their shocking loss to Florida State, while Arkansas (1-0) faces off against Arkansas State (1-0). This game marks the first time in history that Arkansas has played their in-state rival, adding an extra layer of significance to the contest.
With the second week of SEC football underway, teams are eager to solidify their standings and turn their season around. The outcomes of these games could have lasting implications on rankings and playoff possibilities as the season progresses.
