10 New Year's Day Football Games 2025 Predictions

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of a new year, and with it, a fresh slate of gridiron battles. The 2025 college football season is set to kick off with a bang, featuring 10 exciting matchups on New Year’s Day. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of college football, examining the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and providing expert predictions for each of the 10 games.
Game 1: Ohio State vs. Georgia
The Buckeyes and Bulldogs are set to clash in a highly anticipated showdown. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, will face off against Georgia’s stingy defense, which allowed just 17 points per game last season. The Bulldogs’ offense, meanwhile, will look to exploit the Buckeyes’ vulnerable secondary. Prediction: Ohio State 31, Georgia 24
Game 2: Michigan vs. Alabama
The Wolverines and Crimson Tide will meet in a battle of two of the nation’s top programs. Michigan’s stout defense, which held opponents to just 14 points per game last season, will look to slow down Alabama’s prolific offense, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe. The Wolverines’ offense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to move the ball against the Tide’s suffocating defense. Prediction: Alabama 24, Michigan 20
Game 3: Clemson vs. USC
The Tigers and Trojans will face off in a thrilling matchup featuring two of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik will look to outduel USC’s Caleb Williams, who threw for over 4,000 yards last season. The Tigers’ defense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain the Trojans’ explosive offense. Prediction: Clemson 38, USC 35
Game 4: Penn State vs. Oregon
The Nittany Lions and Ducks will meet in a intriguing matchup featuring two teams with high-powered offenses. Penn State’s quarterback, Drew Allar, will look to lead his team to victory against an Oregon defense that allowed just 22 points per game last season. The Ducks’ offense, meanwhile, will look to exploit the Nittany Lions’ vulnerable secondary. Prediction: Penn State 28, Oregon 24
Game 5: Florida vs. Notre Dame
The Gators and Fighting Irish will face off in a classic matchup featuring two of the nation’s most storied programs. Florida’s offense, led by quarterback Graham Mertz, will look to outscore Notre Dame’s potent attack, led by quarterback Sam Hartman. The Gators’ defense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain the Fighting Irish’s explosive offense. Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Florida 27
Game 6: Texas vs. Oklahoma
The Longhorns and Sooners will meet in a highly anticipated Red River Rivalry matchup. Texas’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, will face off against Oklahoma’s stingy defense, which allowed just 20 points per game last season. The Sooners’ offense, meanwhile, will look to exploit the Longhorns’ vulnerable secondary. Prediction: Texas 35, Oklahoma 28
Game 7: LSU vs. Tennessee
The Tigers and Volunteers will face off in a thrilling matchup featuring two of the nation’s top teams. LSU’s offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, will look to outscore Tennessee’s potent attack, led by quarterback Joe Milton. The Tigers’ defense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain the Volunteers’ explosive offense. Prediction: LSU 38, Tennessee 31
Game 8: Wisconsin vs. Iowa
The Badgers and Hawkeyes will meet in a classic Big Ten matchup featuring two teams with stout defenses. Wisconsin’s offense, led by quarterback Tanner Mordecai, will look to find a way to move the ball against Iowa’s suffocating defense, which allowed just 15 points per game last season. The Hawkeyes’ offense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to exploit the Badgers’ vulnerable secondary. Prediction: Wisconsin 20, Iowa 17
Game 9: Auburn vs. Ole Miss
The Tigers and Rebels will face off in a highly anticipated SEC matchup. Auburn’s offense, led by quarterback Robby Ashford, will look to outscore Ole Miss’s potent attack, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Tigers’ defense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain the Rebels’ explosive offense. Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Auburn 24
Game 10: Miami vs. North Carolina
The Hurricanes and Tar Heels will meet in a thrilling matchup featuring two teams with high-powered offenses. Miami’s offense, led by quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, will look to outscore North Carolina’s potent attack, led by quarterback Drake Maye. The Hurricanes’ defense, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain the Tar Heels’ explosive offense. Prediction: Miami 38, North Carolina 35
As the 2025 college football season gets underway, these 10 New Year’s Day games are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama. With expert analysis and predictions, we’ve given you the inside scoop on what to expect from each matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, these games are sure to be must-see TV.
What are the most anticipated games on New Year's Day?
+The most anticipated games on New Year's Day include Ohio State vs. Georgia, Michigan vs. Alabama, and Clemson vs. USC. These matchups feature some of the nation's top teams and are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.
Which teams are likely to make a deep run in the playoffs?
+Based on our expert analysis, teams like Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson are likely to make a deep run in the playoffs. These teams have shown strong performances in the past and have the talent and depth to make a serious run at the championship.
What are some of the key storylines to watch on New Year's Day?
+Some of the key storylines to watch on New Year's Day include the battle between Ohio State's high-powered offense and Georgia's stingy defense, the matchup between Michigan's stout defense and Alabama's prolific offense, and the showdown between Clemson's Cade Klubnik and USC's Caleb Williams. These storylines are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.
In conclusion, the 2025 college football season is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. With expert analysis and predictions, we’ve given you the inside scoop on what to expect from each of the 10 New Year’s Day games. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, these games are sure to be must-see TV. So grab some popcorn, gather your friends and family, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team as the 2025 college football season gets underway.
As we look ahead to the 2025 college football season, it's clear that these 10 New Year's Day games will set the tone for the rest of the year. With expert analysis and predictions, we've given you the inside scoop on what to expect from each matchup. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, these games are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.
Step-by-Step Guide to Watching the New Year's Day Games

- Check the schedule: Make sure you know what time each game is being played and what channel it's on.
- Gather your friends and family: Watching the games with others is always more fun, so invite some friends over or gather your family to cheer on your favorite team.
- Get the snacks ready: No football game is complete without some delicious snacks, so make sure you have plenty of food and drinks on hand.
- Find a comfortable spot: Make sure you have a comfortable spot to watch the games, whether it's on your couch, in a chair, or on the floor.
- Cheer on your team: Finally, don't forget to cheer on your favorite team! Whether you're watching at home or at a sports bar, make sure you're loud and proud as you cheer on your team to victory.
Pros and Cons of Watching the New Year’s Day Games

Pros:
- Exciting football games: The New Year’s Day games feature some of the best teams and players in the country, making for exciting and competitive games.
- Social event: Watching the games with friends and family can be a fun and social event, perfect for catching up and having a good time.
- Food and drinks: The games provide the perfect excuse to indulge in some delicious food and drinks, whether you’re watching at home or at a sports bar.
Cons:
- Long day: The games can be a long and tiring day, especially if you’re watching multiple games in a row.
- Expensive: If you’re watching the games at a sports bar or restaurant, it can be expensive, especially if you’re buying food and drinks for a large group.
- Disappointment: If your favorite team loses, it can be disappointing and frustrating, especially if you’re heavily invested in the game.