A new metric has been introduced to value strength of schedule for the College Football Playoff selection committee.

ESPN unveiled its new college football bug during the season's first Week Zero matchup, a Big 12 rivalry game between Kansas State and Iowa State being contested in Dublin, Ireland. It is a notable change from the graphics unveiled less than a year ago for the 2024 College Football Playoff.

There's no major conference realignment to talk about (for once) ahead of a new college football season. Delaware and Missouri State moved up from the FCS to FBS and will play in Conference USA. But doesn't mean realignment is over. There's more to come for the 2026 season with the rebirth of the Pac-12 and a new-look Mountain West.

The Hoosiers’ schedule for 2025 is not particularly challenging. According to Kyle Wood from Athlon Sports, Indiana has the fourth-easiest schedule in the Big Ten. He ranks the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Michigan Wolverines and Illinois Fighting Illini as having easier schedules than Indiana.

Texas A&M senior CB Will Lee III is ready to prove he's one of the best cornerbacks in the country after his Jim Thorpe Award snub.

“I believe the more multi-faceted team is going to win,” Pate said. “I believe that will be Alabama. Also, Alabama is rested in this scenario (because of the bye). Kalen DeBoer has shown the ability to win big games. So has (Ohio State coach) Ryan Day.

Texas opens at Ohio State in Week as a +2.5 point underdog and in October, the Longhorns do not play a home game. Texas goes to Florida, who is off a bye week, then to Dallas for the red river rivalry with Oklahoma, a trip to Kentucky who is off a bye, and to Mississippi State to end the month.

For cord-cutters, there are a few ways to watch NCAA Football, if you don’t have cable, especially if you want to watch for free. DirecTV has a five-day free trial, while other streaming services, such as Fubo, also offer free trials, so you can watch games for free.