College football is back and Week 1 reminded us why Saturdays in the fall are unmatched! Explosive openers, breakout freshmen and early shakeups in the Heisman race set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a thrilling season.
Now, Week 2 gives us a slate of marquee non-conference clashes with playoff implications. There’s devy and dynasty intrigue, plus plenty of betting opportunities.
Let’s dive into the biggest games and storylines!
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2025 College Football Week 2 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines
Week 2 Games of the Week & Devy Storylines to Watch
Michigan Wolverines @ Oklahoma Sooners
Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla. — Saturday, Sept. 6
Betting Odds: Oklahoma -2.5 | Total: 47.5
Two blue-blood programs will collide under the lights in Norman, Oklahoma. Michigan enters with championship aspirations, while Oklahoma hopes to announce their return to national prominence behind a revamped roster and new quarterback play.
Michigan’s Freshman QB Bryce Underwood & Transfer RB Justice Haynes
All eyes will be on the Wolverines’ five-star true freshman quarterback. Week 1 gave us a first taste of his talent, and Bryce Underwood finished with 21 completions on 31 attempts for 251 yards and a TD. Now, he faces a hostile road environment and a defense stacked with SEC-level speed.
Michigan’s transfer running back Justice Haynes should play a crucial role. Once considered a top devy asset, Haynes’ stock slipped after limited usage last season. However, he reminded us just what he’s made of last week and absolutely crushed, gaining 159 yards on 16 carries and logging three touchdowns. Follow it up with another performance like that, and Justice Haynes should remind evaluators why his skill set still belongs in the upper tier of running backs.
John Mateer’s Big Test
After putting the FCS on notice in Oklahoma’s opener against Illinois State, John Mateer will get his first real challenge since transferring from Washington State. Last year, Mateer was a revelation for college fantasy football and one of the most exciting gunslingers in the country.
His transition into 2025 looked seamless in Week 1, picking up where he left off, albeit on a new team. He made 30 completions on 37 attempts, totalling 392 yards and three TDs, whilst rushing for another 24 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Can he replicate that success against a Michigan defense known for shutting down high-powered passing games?
Deion Burks’ Bounce Back
Electric slot wide receiver Deion Burks is looking to prove he’s fully healthy after last year’s injury setback. He certainly appeared that way against Illinois State, with 7 receptions for 88 yards, a touchdown and one of the best catches of Week 1.
His explosiveness and after-the-catch ability make him a Round 1 NFL Draft candidate if he can string together consistent performances. The chemistry between Burks and Mateer will be one of the game’s swing factors.
My Picks
Total: Over 47.5
John Mateer: Passing Yards Over & Anytime Rushing TD
Arizona State Sun Devils @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Miss. — Saturday, Sept. 6
Betting Odds: Arizona State -6.5 | Total: 58.5
This cross-conference battle pits one of the Big 12’s rising programs against a steady SEC squad. Arizona State’s offense features one of the most exciting duos in the country, while Mississippi State leans on physical defense and a hostile home crowd to tilt the edge in their favor.
Sam Leavitt & Jordyn Tyson Connection
The Sun Devils’ QB–WR tandem of Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson has the potential to be the best returning duo in college football. At least, they certainly looked the part in Week 1 against NAU.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt went 25 for 39, gaining 257 yards and scoring two passing touchdowns. His rushing prowess was also on show, as he clocked 73 yards on 7 carries and another pair of touchdowns on the ground.
Receiver Jordan Tyson, who provided seemingly weekly viral highlight catches through fall camp, was also dominant in Week 1, with 12 catches, 141 yards and two TDs. Easy.
Both players carry Round 1 NFL Draft aspirations, and this stage against an SEC opponent provides a prime showcase opportunity. Tyson’s route running and ball tracking are elite, while Leavitt’s arm strength and command of the offense make him a dark horse for 2026 draft buzz.
My Picks
Spread: Mississippi State +6.5
Total: Under 58.5
Fluff Bothwell: Anytime TD
Devy Spotlight
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Ryan Williams (WR, Alabama Crimson Tide)
One of the most hyped wide receivers in the nation, Ryan Williams combines elite speed with polished route-running. He’ll see plenty of looks this week against Louisiana Monroe. That is, if he is good to go.
Alabama and Williams were well out of sorts in an opening day loss to Florida State last weekend. The Crimson Tide receiver had 5 receptions for 30 yards before sustaining a concussion in the third quarter and leaving the field. He’ll be monitored throughout the week, but if there are any doubts, he may be kept out of this one for bigger games in subsequent weeks.
For Williams, the key evaluation point this season will be whether he expands his role beyond being just a vertical threat. Dynasty managers want to see more intermediate and short-area usage that translates to sustained NFL value.
Talyn Taylor (WR, Georgia Bulldogs)
The Bulldogs landed a gem in Talyn Taylor, a five-star freshman who already looks poised to contribute early. Scouts rave about his fluidity, separation skills and competitive toughness.
He failed to haul in his only target in Week 1, a deep shot over the middle, but he’ll be hoping to get more involved this week. With Georgia hosting Austin Peay in Week 2, Taylor could see extended reps once the game is in hand. For devy players, this is the kind of matchup where flashes of dominance can boost early stock.
Nick Marsh (WR, Michigan State Spartans)
After a productive freshman season that put him on the 2027 radar, Nick Marsh now has the chance to elevate himself into the next tier of devy receivers.
Marsh was his usual problematic self for the Week 1 defense of the Western Michigan Broncos. He made 5 receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown. On that TD reception, he did a good job of creating separation before adjusting to the ball. His blend of size, strong hands, and contested-catch ability makes him a nightmare for defensive backs. A solid Week 2 performance could solidify his place just below the elite names of his class.
2025 Heisman Trophy Outlook
The first weekend of the college football season brought chaos and the Heisman race looks very different than it did just a week ago.
- Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU) | +800
- LaNorris Sellers (QB, South Carolina) | +1000
- Carson Beck (QB, Miami) | +1100
- Gunner Stockton (QB, Georgia) | +1200
- Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson) | +1400
Arch Manning Falls to +1800
The much-hyped Texas QB struggled in his first start, dropping from preseason favorite to outside the top five. Losing to Ohio State, the defending national champions, isn’t shameful, but his performance didn’t inspire confidence. Oddsmakers may have overcorrected after inflated preseason expectations, so if you still believe in Arch Manning, now could be the time to buy in at longer odds.
Garrett Nussmeier Takes the Lead
The LSU quarterback delivered in a big way, leading the Tigers to a statement road win at Clemson. Garrett Nussmeier’s stock jumps from +900 to +800 and he now sits atop the board. His first game of the year looked poised, polished and more NFL-ready than most of his peers, which is exactly what Heisman voters look for early in the year.
Carson Beck Rises After Win Over Notre Dame
The Miami signal-caller made one of the biggest moves of the week, going from off the radar to +1100. Carson Beck played with confidence behind a rock-solid offensive line and found rhythm with his receivers. With Cam Ward’s success last year still fresh in mind, there’s a growing belief that Beck could follow a similar path from transfer QB to Heisman finalist.
Gunner Stockton In the Mix
Respectfully, Georgia’s QB cracking the top five at +1200 feels like an overreaction. Yes, the Bulldogs rolled past Marshall, but that game didn’t tell us much about Gunner Stockton’s Heisman credentials. For now, his odds reflect Georgia’s winning pedigree more than his résumé.
Cade Klubnik Slips, Jeremiah Smith Drops Out
Cade Klubnik fell to +1400 after a tough loss to LSU, while Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith slid to +1700 after failing to dominate in Week 1’s biggest spotlight game. That leaves us with an all-quarterback top five heading into Week 2.
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*Photo Credit: Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman – USA TODAY Sports*
