College Football Week 1 Recap: Miami Shines, Ohio State Surprises, LSU Finishes Strong, and Florida State is Back

Miami Tops Notre Dame

Miami kicked off their season with a statement win over Notre Dame. Quarterback Carson Beck, the two-time National Champion transfer from Georgia, looked every bit the star Miami fans hoped for. His elusiveness opened the playbook, giving the Hurricanes' wide receivers room to grow into a real threat in the ACC.

Still, Miami's defense showed cracks in the 4th quarter, giving up 17 points and allowing Notre Dame a spark of momentum. If the Hurricanes want to contend for the ACC crown, discipline on defense—especially avoiding late penalties—will be critical.

Ohio State Edges Texas in a Defensive Battle

In one of the weekend's marquee matchups, Ohio State upset Texas according to both the AP and Coaches Poll. But were these teams truly deserving of their lofty preseason rankings?

The game told the story of two offenses still finding their rhythm. Neither side rushed or passed for more than 200 yards, and defenses dominated most of the night. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin found his groove late, sparking the Buckeyes in the 4th quarter. Texas QB Arch Manning finally connected for a touchdown with just 3:28 remaining, but it wasn't enough.

The verdict? Both Ohio State and Texas remain talented, but Week 1 showed they're still works in progress.

LSU Stops Clemson — and Brian Kelly Breaks Through

For Brian Kelly, Week 1 brought a long-awaited milestone: his first season-opening win with LSU. The Tigers leaned on defense in the second half, shutting out Clemson's attack. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier guided the offense with two late touchdowns, giving LSU a 17-10 victory.

The win sparked buzz, with ESPN's Lee Corso even predicting LSU could capture the National Championship this season. If LSU continues to finish games the way they did against Clemson, they'll be in the Playoff conversation all year long.

Florida State's Redemption Story Begins

No program carried more emotional weight into 2025 than Florida State. In 2023, the Seminoles went 13-0, won the ACC, but were left out of the College Football Playoff—a decision that still stings in Tallahassee. The following year, the team collapsed, winning only two games.

Now, in 2025, Florida State looks reborn. Behind new coordinators Gus Malzahn (offense) and Tony White (defense), the Seminoles stunned Alabama in Week 1. Dual-threat quarterback Tommy Castellanos threw for 152 yards, rushed for 78 more, and scored once on the ground. His energy and versatility set the tone for a team eager to reclaim its place among the ACC elite.

Final Takeaway

Week 1 of the 2025 college football season was filled with surprises, comebacks, and statements. Miami showed flashes of greatness, Ohio State proved resilient, LSU delivered a signature win, and Florida State reminded the nation they won't stay down for long.

If this weekend is any indication, the road to the College Football Playoff is going to be wide open—and filled with drama.