Week 1 excitement continues! College football fans, get ready for more action as the Week 1 schedule extends into Sunday, August 31, 2025, with a doubleheader featuring compelling matchups with national implications. After an exciting opening weekend, two nationally televised games take center stage, offering a glimpse into the early contenders and storylines of the season.
Sunday’s College Football Schedule
Here’s a detailed look at the Sunday, August 31, 2025, college football schedule, including game times, locations, and key storylines:
Aflac Kickoff Game: Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina
The first game of the Sunday doubleheader is the Aflac Kickoff Game, featuring the Virginia Tech Hokies against the No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks. According to FBSchedules.com, the game is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This matchup marks the renewal of a series that hasn’t been played since 1991.
Virginia Tech, led by head coach Brent Pry in his third season, will be looking to make an early statement with a revamped coaching staff and roster. As noted by Sports Illustrated, Pry aims to showcase the team’s progress and establish a winning culture. South Carolina, coming off a strong 2024 season, will feature quarterback LaNorris Sellers, a highly touted NFL prospect, according to NFL News. Sellers’ performance will be crucial for the Gamecocks’ success in this early-season test.
Top-10 Showdown: Miami vs. Notre Dame
The evening game promises even more excitement as the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes host the No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This marquee matchup, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, renews a storied rivalry with significant College Football Playoff implications, as stated by CBSSports.com.
The game is highlighted by the debut of quarterback Carson Beck for the Miami Hurricanes. According to FOX Sports, Beck’s performance will be a key factor in determining Miami’s ability to compete with the highly-ranked Fighting Irish. Notre Dame, entering the game as a slight favorite, will rely on their strong ground game, which is expected to be a key factor in controlling the clock and wearing down the Miami defense. Sports Media Watch confirms that the game will be nationally televised, drawing significant viewership.
ACC in the Spotlight
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is prominently featured on Sunday, with both Virginia Tech and Miami facing top-15 ranked opponents. According to theACC.com, this places the conference in a national spotlight, providing an opportunity to showcase the strength and competitiveness of ACC football.
The outcomes of these games could significantly impact the ACC standings and the perception of the conference’s top teams. A strong showing by Virginia Tech and Miami would bolster the ACC’s reputation and potentially influence College Football Playoff considerations later in the season.
Early Season Implications
These Sunday matchups are crucial for shaping the early landscape of the 2025 college football season. The outcomes will immediately influence early season rankings and the College Football Playoff aspirations for the involved teams. According to 506 Sports, the national television coverage ensures that these games will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and coaches alike.
For fans, these games offer a continuation of the excitement and competitive spirit that defines the opening weeks of college football. The opportunity to see top teams and emerging stars in action on a national stage adds to the anticipation and drama of the early season.
Game Day Details
To ensure you don’t miss any of the action, here’s a quick recap of the Week 1 Sunday schedule:
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks (Aflac Kickoff Game, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA)
- 7:30 p.m. ET: No. 10 Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL)
Rivalry Renewed
Both games on Sunday feature renewed rivalries, adding an extra layer of intrigue and excitement. The Virginia Tech-South Carolina series, dormant since 1991, provides a fresh matchup between two programs with rich histories. Similarly, the Miami-Notre Dame rivalry, known for its intensity and memorable moments, is back on the national stage. According to Wikipedia, these rivalries often bring out the best in both teams, leading to highly competitive and entertaining games.
The renewal of these rivalries not only adds to the historical context of the games but also provides an opportunity for new traditions and memorable moments to be created. Fans can expect passionate play and a heightened sense of competition as these teams battle for bragging rights and early-season momentum.
In conclusion, the Week 1 Sunday college football schedule offers a compelling mix of intriguing matchups, renewed rivalries, and significant early-season implications. With two nationally televised games featuring top teams and emerging stars, fans are in for an exciting day of college football action. The outcomes of these games will undoubtedly shape the early landscape of the 2025 season and set the stage for the battles to come.
