College Football Predictions 2025: Week 0 Picks For G5 Teams

College football has returned, and there’s already important games being played between Group of Five teams early in the season.

There’s a ton of great G5 programs this year, and all will be vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Here’s my predictions for G5 games in Week 0.

Stanford vs. Hawaii Prediction

I predict Hawaii will win and cover the 2.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 50.5 total points.

The Rainbow Warriors, in my opinion, are going to be much better than they have been. That’s in part because they should be better on defense this year. 

They were in the top half of the Mountain West in terms of total defense (376.92 yards per game allowed) and scoring defense (26 points per game allowed). But they also return their top six tacklers from a year ago.

That includes three all-conference honorable mention players. Defensive backs Peter Manuma and Elijah Palmer are both back. Manuma totaled 43 tackles and three pass breakups with one forced fumble in 2024. Palmer added 32 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception, and 4.5 tackles for loss. Defensive end Elijah Robinson is also returning after leading the team with five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss to go with 51 tackles and a forced fumble.

And even though former quarterback Brayden Schager moved on, I think fans have reason to be excited about Micah Alejado. Last season against New Mexico, he threw for 469 yards and five touchdowns while completing 37 of 57 passes and rushing for 54 yards. He was the first QB in program history to throw for at least 450 yards and rush for 50 in a single game. His 523 total yards of offense was the second most by anyone in the FBS last year.

Hawaii also returns two Group of Five Preseason All-Americans at wide receiver. Nick Cenacle caught 63 passes for 721 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Pofele Ashlock added 629 yards and six scores on 61 catches a year ago.

I’m expecting Hawaii to put up plenty of points in this game. But after thinking about it, I also think the Rainbow Warriors will be strong enough on defense for this contest to be decided by double digits.

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Prediction

I predict Western Kentucky will win and will cover the 10-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 61.5 total points.

I don’t think Sam Houston is going to be bad this season, even if the Bearkats will be without former head coach KC Keeler for the first time in a decade. I just think WKU is going to be better.

Yes, the Hilltoppers lost some talent, including star quarterback Caden Veltkamp. But I still think WKU has some standout players on the offensive side of the ball.

Maverick McIvor joined the team as a graduate student after previously playing at Abilene Christian and Texas Tech. In three years at Abilene Christian, he threw for 8,012 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. His final season there, he threw for 3,828 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while leading his team to a United Athletic Conference title and an appearance in the FCS playoffs.

The Hilltoppers also have the top-ranked transfer class this year, according to 247Sports. So while they don’t have many players back from last season, especially on defense, I also don’t think this team will take much of a step back.

In fact, WKU is my preseason pick to win Conference USA. And I think the Hilltoppers start the season on a high note with a two-touchdown win at home over Sam Houston.

Fresno State vs. Kansas Prediction

I predict Kansas will win but Fresno State will cover the spread at +13.5. I also project the game will go Under 50.5 total points.

In Fresno State’s very first game under a new coaching regime – against a Power Four opponent on the road – I don’t think it would be fair to expect the Bulldogs to pull off an upset. But I do think it’s reasonable to think Fresno State will keep this thing close.

And I say that in part because I believe in the Bulldogs’ offense with EJ Warner at quarterback. He’s thrown for 8,814 yards and 58 touchdowns over the past three years at Temple and Rice. But he’s also thrown for at least 12 interceptions each of the past three years, and turnovers may prove crucial in a contest like this.

But I especially like Fresno State’s defense. It was top four in the Mountain West in terms of yards and points given up last season, and it’s possible Entz only improves that unit with his defensive background.

I’m anticipating Kansas will ultimately win, but even with a new coach, Fresno State has the talent to keep this matchup close.

Idaho State vs. UNLV Prediction

I predict UNLV will win but Idaho State will cover the spread at +27.5. I also project the game will go Under 65.5 total points.

At the end of the day, UNLV has more talent and is playing at home. Idaho State also isn’t exactly an FCS powerhouse. The Bengals haven’t had a winning season since 2018, as they’ve gone 15-48 since then.

But I could also see this game being closer than some may anticipate early on. Idaho State was capable of putting up some points last season, and this is a new-look UNLV team that may take a quarter or two to settle in.

I think UNLV will win, and I also expect this game to ultimately be one-sided. But it also wouldn’t surprise me if the Bengals kept the lead to within two touchdowns going into halftime.

I expect UNLV will be 1-0 after Week 0. But I also think the Rebels will identify some weak spots before traveling to take on Sam Houston later this month and then hosting UCLA a week later.