Penn State Nittany Lions

Swing game: vs. Oregon, Sept. 27 Penn State's first major test comes against Oregon in a rematch of the 2024 Big Ten championship game. A win here could establish them as the team to beat in the Big Ten.

Clemson Tigers

Swing game: vs. LSU, Aug. 30 Clemson opens the season against LSU, a game that will test their hype and set the tone for their season. A strong performance is crucial for their playoff aspirations.

Texas Longhorns

Swing game: vs. Oklahoma at Cotton Bowl, Oct. 11 The Red River Showdown is always unpredictable and pivotal. Texas will look to continue their recent dominance over Oklahoma in this crucial SEC matchup.

Georgia Bulldogs

Swing game: at Tennessee, Sept. 13 Georgia faces an early SEC road test at Tennessee. A win here would solidify their status as a national title contender.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Swing game: vs. Texas, Aug. 30 Ohio State's opener against Texas is a chance to prove they remain a national title threat. A win would give them an early edge in the playoff race.

LSU Tigers

Swing game: at Clemson, Aug. 30 LSU needs a strong start against Clemson to set the stage for a national championship push. A win here would be a statement of intent.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Swing game: at Miami, Aug. 31 Notre Dame's season opener at Miami will be a tough test for their new starting quarterback. A win could set them on a path to the playoff.

Oregon Ducks

Swing game: at Penn State, Sept. 27 Oregon's rematch with Penn State is one of the biggest games of their season. A win in Happy Valley would solidify their national title credentials.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Swing game: at Georgia, Sept. 27 Alabama's trip to Georgia is a crucial early-season test. A win here would give them a significant edge in the SEC race.

BYU Cougars

Swing game: vs. West Virginia, Oct. 3 BYU's game against West Virginia could swing their season momentum. A win here would be crucial for their playoff hopes.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Swing game: at Indiana, Sept. 20 Illinois faces a tough road test at Indiana. A win here could set the tone for their season in the Big Ten.

Arizona State Sun Devils

Swing game: at Baylor, Sept. 20 Arizona State's trip to Baylor is a key early-season test. A win here would be crucial for their Big 12 title defense.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Swing game: at Texas A&M, Nov. 15 South Carolina's game at Texas A&M is a pivotal moment in their playoff push. A win here could solidify their position in the top 12.

Iowa State Cyclones

Swing game: vs. Arizona, Sept. 27 Iowa State's game against Arizona is a crucial early-season test. A win here would set the tone for their Big 12 campaign.

SMU Mustangs

Swing game: at Clemson, Oct. 18 SMU's trip to Clemson is a chance for revenge and a statement game. A win here would solidify their status as an ACC contender.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Swing game: at Arizona State, Oct. 18 Texas Tech's game at Arizona State is a key Big 12 matchup. A win here would be crucial for their conference title hopes.

Indiana Hoosiers

Swing game: at Iowa, Sept. 27 Indiana's trip to Iowa is a tough early-season test. A win here could set the tone for their Big Ten campaign.

Kansas State Wildcats

Swing game: vs. Iowa State at Dublin, Aug. 23 Kansas State's season opener against Iowa State in Dublin is a crucial early-season test. A win here would set the tone for their Big 12 campaign.

Florida Gators

Swing game: at LSU, Sept. 13 Florida's trip to LSU is a tough early-season test. A win here would be a statement of intent for their SEC campaign.

Michigan Wolverines

Swing game: at Oklahoma, Sept. 6 Michigan's trip to Oklahoma is a crucial early-season test. A win here would set the tone for their playoff push.

Miami Hurricanes

Swing game: vs. Notre Dame, Aug. 31 Miami's season opener against Notre Dame is a crucial early-season test. A win here would set the tone for their playoff push.

Louisville Cardinals

Swing game: at Miami, Oct. 17 Louisville's trip to Miami is a crucial mid-season test. A win here would solidify their playoff credentials.

Texas A&M Aggies

Swing game: at Notre Dame, Sept. 13 Texas A&M's trip to Notre Dame is a crucial early-season test. A win here would set the tone for their SEC campaign.

Ole Miss Rebels

Swing game: vs. LSU, Sept. 27 Ole Miss's game against LSU is a crucial early-season test. A win here would solidify their SEC credentials.

Oklahoma Sooners

Swing game: vs. Michigan, Sept. 6 Oklahoma's game against Michigan is a crucial early-season test. A win here would set the tone for their playoff push.