Week one of the 2025 college football season delivered no shortage of marquee matchups and statement victories. In Columbus, No. 3 Ohio State edged out No. 1 Texas by a 14-7 margin, as the Buckeyes’ defense stifled Arch Manning’s 2025 debut in a game that set the tone for what should be a classic Big Ten-Big 12 rivalry this fall. Sportsvival was on the edge of our seats as OSU’s secondary forced multiple three-and-outs, proving that even preseason Heisman favorites aren’t invincible.
The upset bug bit early, with unranked Florida State knocking off No. 8 Alabama 31-17 in Tallahassee. The Seminoles’ revamped transfer-loaded roster leaned on Gus Malzahn’s balanced attack, while the defense held Ty Simpson and company in check despite a furious late rally attempt. Meanwhile, in prime time, No. 9 LSU traveled to Death Valley East and came away with a 17-10 win over No. 4 Clemson, sending early tremors through the ACC and SEC power structures as both programs hunted for national title validation.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Michigan showcased its revamped offense in a 34-17 win over New Mexico. Bryce Underwood’s debut saw the Wolverines pile up 452 total yards, hinting at the ceiling this unit can reach once the kinks are ironed out. And in the SEC, No. 5 Georgia rolled past Marshall 45-7 behind a relentless ground game, reminding us that the Bulldogs remain the standard-bearers in the conference despite offseason quarterback questions.
Beyond the headlines, there were standout performances that flew under the radar. Tennessee opened with a 45-26 victory over Syracuse, and Penn State built an early CFP résumé by dismantling Nevada. Upsets, big plays, and defensive stands made Week 1 a microcosm of everything we love about college football—unpredictability, passion, and the dawning realization that every game from here on out matters.
Sportsvival’s First Impact HVAC Player of the Week
Sportsvival is proud to introduce our inaugural Impact HVAC Player of the Week: Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King. In a gritty 27-20 road win at Colorado, King completed 13 of 20 passes (65.0 percent) for 143 yards and a 115.06 passer rating, then tacked on 19 carries for 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns, accounting for 299 total yards of offense. We’re thrilled to watch Haynes develop over the rest of the season, and we can’t wait to see how many more big moments he delivers for the Yellow Jackets.
Looking ahead, Sportsvival will break down key matchups, spotlight emerging stars, and deliver the analysis you need to navigate this wild college football season. Stay tuned for more insider coverage, player spotlights, and our weekly top performances
Here are some players who also had an impact for their teams in week one:
Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson: hauled in 12 catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns in ASU’s 38-19 opener over Northern Arizona, pacing the Sun Devils’ aerial attack with efficiency and big-play flair.
Arkansas QB Taylen Green: completed 24 of 31 passes (77.4 percent) for 322 yards and six TDs with zero interceptions, added a long of 35 yards, absorbed two sacks for a 12-yard loss, and finished with a 228.5 passer rating and 363 yards of total offense in the Razorbacks’ 52-7 win over Alabama A&M.
Navy QB Braxton Woodson: went 3-for-7 passing for 26 yards before bursting loose for 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns, totaling 206 yards of offense and a pair of scoring plays in the Midshipmen’s 52-7 rout of VMI.
Penn State Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton: tormented Nevada’s backfield with five tackles (2.5 for loss), recorded one sack and forced two fumbles that directly led to Nittany Lion scores in a 46-11 victory.
Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun: totaled 10 tackles (four solo) and broke up one pass in OSU’s 14-7 upset of No. 1 Texas, showcasing tight coverage and physicality on virtually every snap.
(photo courtesy of Yardbarker)