If Week 4 was billed as a turning point in the 2025 College Football season, it more than delivered. We saw thrilling finishes, seismic upsets, breakout stars and even the end of one of the sport’s longest coaching tenures.
Michigan edged out Nebraska at their home in Lincoln 30-27, surviving a late scare as the Cornhuskers nearly pulled off a shocker. Meanwhile, Clemson’s season lies in tatters after a devastating 34-21 home loss to Syracuse. A team that many, including myself, were eying for a national championship now finds itself out of playoff contention before October. Indiana came out as a serious contender with a jaw-dropping 63-10 demolition of top-ten ranked Illinois. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza stole the show with five touchdown passes, instantly entering the Heisman conversation. And in Stillwater, an era ended. After 21 years at the helm, Oklahoma State parted ways with Mike Gundy following the sluggish start.
Now we shift our focus to Week 5, where the slate doesn’t just promise fireworks; it guarantees them. With heavyweight clashes happening across the country, this could be the weekend that reshapes the playoff picture.
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2025 College Football Week 5 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines
Week 5 Games of the Week & Devy Storylines to Watch
Alabama Crimson Tide (17) @ Georgia Bulldogs (5)
Sanford Stadium (Athens, Ga.) — Saturday, Sept. 27
Betting Odds: Georgia -3.5 | Total: 53.5
The quarterback duel between Ty Simpson and Gunner Stockton takes center stage and their stat lines are nearly identical entering the match. Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson has completed 64 of 89 passes for 862 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton is 63 of 89 for 721 yards and four TDs, however, the narratives around them are different. Stockton steadied Georgia against Tennessee, but it was Simpson’s statement game versus Wisconsin that drew national buzz. Kirby Smart himself called Simpson “the hottest quarterback in college football,” and a repeat performance here could rocket his devy value.
Alabama’s run game has been stagnant, but there’s cautious optimism surrounding the return of their lead RB Jam Miler, who warmed up in Week 3 but did not suit up. A healthy return could also help tilt this matchup.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s receiver trio of Colbie Young, London Humphreys and Zachariah Branch has emerged as a verified vertical threat, each producing explosive plays of over 30 yards against Tennessee. If they stretch the field again, it will open the ground game, keep the Crimson Tide defense guessing and get the Bulldogs the win.
My Pick
Spread: Georgia -3.5
Oregon Ducks (6) @ Penn State Nittany Lions (3)
Beaver Stadium (State College, Pa.) — Saturday, Sept. 27
Spread: Penn State -3.5 | Total: 53.5
This game hinges on Drew Allar. His tools are undeniable, but his history in big games raises doubts. The Nittany Lions invested heavily in the portal to give him weapons, especially after losing Tyler Warren, but he’s yet to prove he can put it all together under pressure. This week’s test against Oregon could be Allar’s chance.
On the other side, Oregon has its own offensive storylines. Transfer running back Makhi Hughes, once viewed as a breakout devy gem, is struggling to carve out snaps in a crowded backfield. His situation is a reminder that jumping to a bigger school doesn’t guarantee opportunity. Instead, Oregon’s true freshman WR Dakorien Moore has become the centerpiece. With Evan Stewart sidelined for the year, Moore has already piled up 207 yards, flashing the five-star pedigree that made him one of the most hyped recruits in the country.
My Pick
Spread: Oregon +3.5
Ohio State Buckeyes (1) @ Washington Huskies
Husky Stadium (Seattle, Wash.) — Saturday, Sept. 27
Spread: Ohio State -8.5 | Total: 52.5
This is a clash of future first-round quarterback talent, with Julian Sayin versus Demond Williams Jr. Sayin’s polish and pedigree as a former five-star and Elite 11 finals winner will meet Williams’ dual-threat dynamism. Both are eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft and could define the QB landscape for years to come.
Washington RB Jonah Coleman has been sensational, racking up 347 yards and nine touchdowns, but the Buckeyes’ defense is a different animal. A breakout here would cement his place among 2026 draft darlings. Ohio State’s running back rotation is equally intriguing. Senior CJ Donaldson leads in touches, but freshman Bo Jackson has been the most explosive, averaging 12.1 Yards Per Carry (YPC). That leaves James Peoples, once hyped for a breakout, now struggling to carve out a role.
On the outside, Jeremiah Smith remains a superstar, but keep an eye on Carnell Tate (OSU) and Denzel Boston (Washington). Both are NFL-bound talents in 2026 with mid to late first-round draft projections and either could steal the spotlight in this one.
My Pick
Total: Over 52.5
Devy Spotlight
Bryant Wesco Jr. (WR, Clemson Tigers)
Amid Clemson’s struggles, Bryant Wesco Jr. is breaking out. A lanky, fluid receiver, he thrives at creating late separation and tracking deep balls. His run-after-catch ability blends suddenness with deceptive long speed, making him a nightmare in space. While more of a build-up runner, he consistently wins contested catches and redzone battles. With added mass and polish, Bryant Wesco projects as a multi-year college star and eventual early-round NFL draft pick.
Cam Coleman (WR, Auburn Tigers)
A prototypical size-speed athlete, Cam Coleman is redefining Auburn’s passing attack. His burst off the line and vertical prowess make him a constant deep threat, but the sophomore is also refining his route tree. He attacks the football with leaping ability that few can match, excelling in contested situations and yards after catch. Already playing like a WR1, Cam Coleman projects as an immediate college star and a future Day 1 NFL Draft pick.
Ryan Wingo (WR, Texas Longhorns)
The hype around Ryan Wingo is real and so far, he’s living up to it. A dynamic playmaker, the Longhorn receiver combines long speed with rare short-area elusiveness, turning routine catches into chunk plays. His contested-catch skills and return-game upside further add to his profile. Still polishing his route-running, Wingo is more of a “run-by-you” weapon than a technician, but his raw traits, size, speed and athleticism scream NFL starter. His relationship with Arch Manning needs to continue developing, but if they get it right, the upside together is massive.
2025 Heisman Trophy Outlook
- Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) | +800
- John Mateer (QB, Oklahoma) | +900
- Carson Beck (QB, Miami) | +1300
- Dante Moore (QB, Oregon) | +1300
- Gunner Stockton (QB, Georgia) | +1400
The meteoric rise belongs to Fernando Mendoza, whose five-touchdown demolition of Illinois has vaulted him into contention. A road test in Iowa now offers him the chance to back it up.
Gunner Stockton is currently the value play at +1400, but if Georgia takes down Alabama, expect his odds to crash. Similarly, Dante Moore could be in for a big shift depending on the Week 5 outcomes, as he faces a huge test against Penn State and Carson Beck’s odds will be along for the ride while he’s on bye.
Thanks for reading my article on “2025 College Football Week 5 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines”. For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Gary Cosby Jr. – USA TODAY Sports*
