2025 School Soccer Week 1 Picks, Preview: What To Anticipate in Texas-Ohio State

School soccer doesn’t ease into the season — it kicks the door down.

Week 1 is right here, and we have got the largest season-opening showdown the game has ever seen: Texas and Ohio State will meet in The Shoe because the No. 1 Longhorns tackle the defending nationwide champion. It actually doesn’t get greater than that, does it? 

I’ll be on the decision for that sport on FOX, but it surely’s simply the beginning. We’ve received two different top-10 clashes, some spicy non-conference showdowns, and sure — Invoice Belichick’s head teaching debut at North Carolina.

So, let’s preview the highest matchups of Week 1. 

Texas vs. Ohio State

Whereas it is a top-three matchup, each groups are introducing new quarterbacks. In fact, with Texas, “Arch Mania” has lastly arrived. Arch Manning has to take a program with lofty expectations and ship. I can’t wait to see him play. We received a style of it when he made two begins final yr, however that is totally different. He’s not solely happening the street in opposition to the defending champion, however he additionally has one of the best defender within the nation staring proper at him: Ohio State security Caleb Downs. Downs’ means to roam round was a game-changer for Ohio State final yr. I’m positive he’ll play an analogous function this yr for the Buckeyes. 

Going again to Manning, I don’t suppose he must be sensational. There’s a superb probability there’s some sloppiness to this sport; there all the time is in Week 1. However I’m sure we’ll see some flashes. He’s not like his uncles, who had been nice. He’s extra like his grandfather, Archie. He’s extra cell than Peyton and Eli Manning. I’ve stated this a bunch, however Manning actually jogs my memory of the Clemson model of Trevor Lawrence: large, tall, can management the sport from the pocket, can threaten the complete subject together with his arm and use his athleticism when he must. 

There’s a motive Texas is No. 1 exterior of Manning, although. The expertise round him is fairly good. I’m actually impressed with Texas’ backfield, which consists of Quintrevion Wisner (SEC’s main rusher) and CJ Baxter (who is likely to be higher than Wisner, however missed all of final yr as a consequence of harm). Texas can be very deep and quick at broad receiver, with Ryan Wingo possible main the cost there. 

The opposite aspect of the Texas offense-Ohio State protection battle is Steve Sarkisian’s playcalling means in opposition to new Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Patricia’s an NFL coordinator, however in case you recall, Sarkisian known as an efficient sport in opposition to Wink Martindale (one other defensive coordinator with an NFL background) when Texas took down Michigan. In that sport, Texas used max safety, with solely three receivers going out on dropbacks. I’d count on Sarkisian to do the identical right here. 

Flipping it round, Ohio State can be introducing a as soon as highly-touted recruit at quarterback: Julian Sayin. After profitable a reasonably aggressive battle in opposition to Lincoln Kienholz, Sayin’s reward is getting the keys to drive a extremely proficient offense. He’s received one of the best participant in faculty soccer at his disposal in Jeremiah Smith, who wants to the touch the ball early and sometimes. It is likely to be troublesome as Texas truly prevented Smith from getting the ball within the CFP semifinal final yr. 

Julian Sayin goals to change into the primary QB to beat the top-ranked workforce in his first begin since Jim Harbaugh in 1984. (Photograph by Ben Jackson/Getty Photos)

Ohio State was in a position to overcome Smith’s quiet evening because of operating backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. These guys are actually gone, although. Along with breaking in a brand new backfield and quarterback, Ohio State can be coping with some modifications alongside the offensive line. 

Due to that, Ohio State shouldn’t ship Sayin on the market and ask him to win the sport. He must play on protected mode. He won’t like listening to that, but it surely’s the reality. To cite my pal City Meyer, simply get two first downs and issues will fall into place from there as a result of they’ll be capable to change the sphere place. 

On high of breaking in new expertise round Sayin, the opposite motive why Ohio State ought to play it protected with its quarterback is fairly easy: Texas’ protection is fairly nice. It has a preseason All-American in any respect three ranges of its protection. Colin Simmons headlines the group of entrance, whereas Anthony Hill is likely to be one of the best linebacker within the nation. Lastly, Michael Taaffe has emerged as a reasonably unimaginable security after being a walk-on. 

I’m anticipating a low-scoring sport, with each offenses operating the ball early as all sides can be welcoming a couple of new faces alongside their defensive traces. It is likely to be a mistake from both Manning or Sayin that finally ends up costing their workforce the sport. 

Clemson was my preseason decide to win the nationwide championship, but it surely’ll get examined instantly in a matchup that is likely to be one of the best quarterback battle we see all season. Cade Klubnik and Clemson are largely constructed from inside, staying out of the switch portal as Dabo Swinney hasn’t taken that trendy model we’ve seen different coaches take.

Heading into this season, that method would possibly repay for Swinney. Sixteen of his starters are coming back from final yr. With that a lot returning expertise, Clemson is likely to be set as much as have probably the most gamers picked within the 2026 NFL Draft. In that case, that’s a superb development to comply with because the groups who had probably the most gamers chosen in every of the final 4 drafts received the nationwide title the earlier yr. Along with Klubnik, the protection has plenty of star energy with defensive sort out Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker main the unit.

Cade Klubnik and Dabo Swinney lead a veteran Clemson workforce getting into 2025. (Photograph by Grant Halverson/Getty Photos)  ( )

LSU, in the meantime, is dealing with plenty of strain, notably Brian Kelly. Kelly is a heck of a coach, however leaving Notre Dame for LSU and watching the Preventing Irish get higher isn’t nice. Kelly has additionally largely struggled in large video games throughout his time in Baton Rouge, shedding three straight season-opening matchups. This opener is likely to be the hardest but for LSU in Kelly’s tenure there. 

LSU introduced in among the finest portal lessons within the nation and it’s a playoff-caliber workforce, however profitable this sport is a troublesome ask. 

Choose: Clemson wins, 27-21 (Clemson -3.5)

This won’t be the late-80s model of this rivalry, but it surely must be fairly unimaginable. Contemporary off a nationwide championship sport look, Marcus Freeman has Notre Dame positioned to make one other run in 2025. He’s recruited higher than Notre Dame has had in latest reminiscence, with Jeremiyah Love being the operating again in my thoughts getting into the yr. 

On high of getting high-end expertise, Notre Dame does the stuff you basically have to do in an effort to win on the high stage. It’s bodily and wins on the high stage, which is obvious in its victories over Georgia and Penn State within the CFP. 

That may also enable quarterback CJ Carr to lean on the offensive line in his first profession begin. The Preventing Irish are additionally higher at broad receiver than individuals suppose, with Jaden Greathouse popping late final yr. Due to that, I feel there’s an opportunity Notre Dame takes a step ahead within the passing sport this yr. 

Jeremiyah Love enters the 2025 season as arguably among the finest operating backs within the nation. (Photograph by Edward Diller/Getty Photos)

However happening the street in opposition to an excellent Miami workforce is troublesome. The Hurricanes even have a brand new quarterback, however an skilled one. Carson Beck hasn’t had plenty of follow time at Miami, although, because of the elbow harm he suffered within the SEC Championship Sport at Georgia final season. He’s largely throwing to transfers on the surface, which is my large query. Notre Dame has a proficient secondary, too. Miami does have operating backs and Mario Cristobal, true to its nature, has recruited effectively alongside the offensive line.

Finally, which of those two coaches do you belief extra in large video games? It must be Freeman. Cristobal hasn’t received an enormous sport but at Miami, and the playcalling has been shaky at instances. What Notre Dame does effectively ought to journey, too.

Choose: Notre Dame wins, 24-17 (Notre Dame -2.5)

After we first heard about this matchup a yr in the past, we thought, “Oh man, what a sport.” Now, it’s a bit extra lopsided, and the unfold is indicative of that, as Alabama is a 13.5-point favourite on the street. 

The oddsmakers are proper to really feel that means with the Crimson Tide. It’s been a quiet season in Tuscaloosa as we’ve been speaking about all the opposite top-10 groups. Positive, Kalen DeBoer’s first yr wasn’t nice. However I belief DeBoer. His monitor document speaks for itself, going 113-16 to date in his profession as a head coach. I do know that is tougher than his different stops, however he’ll have his right-hand man again with him at offensive coordinator this yr. After a year-long dalliance with the Seattle Seahawks, Ryan Grubb is working with DeBoer once more, which is nice for quarterback Ty Simpson. 

Jalen Milroe had 10 turnovers in Alabama’s 4 losses, so Simpson has to enhance on that. Simpson may also have among the finest broad receivers within the nation with Ryan Williams, however operating again Jam Miller is out for a bit. Finally, I feel Simpson develops simply positive and Alabama turns into potent on offense.

Ryan Williams returns for Alabama after shining as freshman in 2024. (Photograph by Jason Clark/Getty Photos)

If that occurs, be careful as a result of Alabama’s loaded on protection. This protection is likely to be among the finest in all of America as DeBoer has continued to assist the Tide recruit at a excessive stage. It won’t be Nick Saban operating the present, however this could nonetheless be an amazing program that contends for the SEC title. 

I feel we see that on this sport as Florida State overhauled the roster and its coordinators this offseason. Sooner or later, Mike Norvell has to see what’s happening right here, which is that he’s had extra shedding than profitable seasons in his first 5 years at Florida State. That is additionally a program that’s caught within the portal, and I don’t suppose you’ll be able to construct a workforce that means.

Choose: Alabama wins, 34-17 (Alabama -13.5)

It is a actually under-the-radar sport in Week 1. I additionally suppose it is a powerful activity for Auburn. Baylor quietly received eight video games final yr, happening a six-game profitable streak to shut the common season. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson returns for the Bears with plenty of expertise returning alongside him. 

Sawyer Robertson was statistically among the finest quarterbacks within the Huge 12 final season. (Photograph by Alex Slitz/Getty Photos)

Hugh Freeze is admittedly dealing with some strain as he enters his third yr at Auburn, posting shedding data in every of his first two seasons. I do know incoming quarterback Jackson Arnold didn’t have an amazing state of affairs round him at Oklahoma final yr, however he didn’t do a lot to contribute both. Nonetheless, he’ll have some proficient move catchers round him at Auburn. 

I count on this sport to be tight, so I’m going with the quarterback I belief extra and the house workforce.

Choose: Baylor wins, 31-28 (Baylor +2.5)

Invoice Belichick, welcome to school soccer. 

I’m truly a believer in Belichick in his first yr at North Carolina and past. I feel UNC can have a high quality yr and win eight video games. A part of it’s as a result of I don’t love the ACC, which ought to enable Belichick to work his magic in one-score video games. This workforce must also enhance at holding onto the soccer and in situational play, which helps you win tight matchups. Nonetheless, that is UNC’s second-toughest matchup of the season because it assessments out practically a totally new roster. 

TCU, in the meantime, has been missed within the Huge 12 title race. I blame myself as a result of this Horned Frogs workforce is admittedly proficient. Quarterback Josh Hoover helped them win 9 video games final yr, throwing for over 300 yards per sport. That offense actually took off within the second half of the season. 

Choose: TCU wins, 27-20 (TCU -3.5)

Joel Klatt is FOX Sports activities’ lead faculty soccer sport analyst and the host of the podcast “The Joel Klatt Present.” Observe him at @joelklatt and subscribe to the “Joel Klatt Present” on YouTube.

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