Week 5 of the 2025 College Football season did not disappoint. Alabama and Oregon both secured massive statement road wins, shaking up the national landscape. The Crimson Tide survived a late rally in Athens, escaping Georgia 24–21 in a game that will be remembered just as much for jaw-dropping receiver drops (Ryan Williams and Talyn Taylor) as it will for the final score. Meanwhile, Oregon outlasted Penn State in double overtime, aided by Drew Allar’s costly interception and the continued rise of Dante Moore, who looks more polished each week.
Ohio State flexed its defensive muscle in a statement win over Washington. Despite losing eight starters to the NFL draft, the Buckeyes may boast the best defense in college football under new coordinator Matt Patricia. Elsewhere there were more coaching changes, with Arkansas firing Sam Pittman after a lopsided home defeat to Notre Dame behind Jeremiyah Love’s monster performance.
With the playoff picture starting to take shape, Week 6 brings another slate of games with heavy implications. Let’s dive into the matchups!
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2025 College Football Week 6 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines
Week 6 Games of the Week & Devy Storylines to Watch
Vanderbilt Commodores (16) @ Alabama Crimson Tide (10)
Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) — Saturday, Oct. 4
Betting Odds: Alabama -10.5 | Total: 57.5
A year ago, Vanderbilt shocked the college football world by upsetting Alabama 40–35 in Nashville, with Diego Pavia playing the game of his life. Now, the undefeated Commodores roll into Tuscaloosa with no illusions of sneaking up on anyone. Pavia remains the engine of this team and his dual-threat ability, particularly on third down, will test Alabama’s ability to contain broken plays. His top target, tight end Eli Stowers (22 catches, 301 yards), is building legitimate NFL draft buzz as a versatile mismatch weapon.
The Crimson Tide, however, appears to have stabilized after its Week 1 loss to Florida State. Ty Simpson has grown into the job, spreading the ball to a deep receiver room that includes Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton and freshman Lotzeir Brooks. Look for Jam Miller to take on a larger rushing workload this week after making key plays in the Georgia win, his first appearance of the season.
This feels like the week Alabama puts together a full four quarters. If they can control the clock and limit Diego Pavia’s chances, revenge over Vanderbilt may be in the cards for Alabama.
My Pick
Alabama -10.5
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Miami Hurricanes (3) @ Florida State Seminoles (18)
Doak Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, Fla.) — Saturday, Oct. 4
Betting Odds: Miami -4.5 | Total: 54.5
Florida State’s season has been a rollercoaster. After shocking Alabama in Week 1, the Seminoles stumbled in a double-overtime loss at Virginia, sparking questions about whether they’re really “back.” Duce Robinson has emerged as the offensive centerpiece, a wideout in a tight end’s body creating matchup nightmares, but consistency has been elusive.
Miami, meanwhile, enters with one of the deepest rosters in the country and well-rested off a bye week. Their defense, led by Rueben Bain Jr., is ferocious up front. Offensively, they have the luxury of dictating game flow, whether through Mark Fletcher Jr. on the ground or Carson Beck’s precision passing to Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels.
This matchup could swing the ACC title race, and the Hurricanes look built to handle the pressure. Florida State won’t roll over, but Miami’s balance gives them the edge.
My Pick
Miami -4.5
Honorable Mentions: Other Games to Watch
Washington Huskies @ Maryland Terrapins
Texas Longhorns (9) @ Florida Gators
Devy Spotlight
Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana Hoosiers; 2026)
Fernando Mendoza has steadily developed from an afterthought in California into a legitimate Day 1 NFL draft prospect in Indiana. At 6’ 5” and 225 pounds, he blends classic size with a quick, compact release and excellent touch at all levels. His ability to marry velocity with touch throws makes him a polished pocket passer. Though not a true rushing threat, Mendoza also moves well outside the pocket and delivers accurately on the run.
The redshirt junior’s biggest area for growth is decision-making; at times, he trusts his arm too much, forcing balls into traffic. Still, with three years of starting experience across two Power 5 programs, he projects as one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in college football. With Indiana facing stiffer Big Ten competition in 2025, Fernando Mendoza’s growth against elite defenses will determine whether he cements himself as a top-ten pick, but so far, so good.
Makai Lemon (WR, USC Trojans; 2026)
USC’s Swiss Army knife, Makai Lemon is thriving both inside and outside, but shining most in the slot. He’s a nuanced route runner with sharp pacing, head fakes and the ability to uncover quickly against zone coverage. His toughness over the middle and willingness to battle for contested catches give him a reliable floor.
The question mark surrounding the receiver is top-end athleticism, as he isn’t a burner and may profile primarily as a slot option at the next level. Still, Lemon’s versatility, IQ and polished skill set make him one of the safest prospects at the position in the 2026 class. Makai Lemon looks like an early-round selection who can contribute immediately in a spread-heavy NFL offense.
Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State Nittany Lions; 2026)
Kaytron Allen has carved out a role as Penn State’s bruising, no-nonsense runner. He thrives as a one-cut back, getting downhill with urgency and punishing defenders with low pad level and balance. His ability to consistently fall forward makes him invaluable in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Allen will be a prospect to monitor this season.
2025 Heisman Trophy Outlook
- Dante Moore (Oregon) | +650
- Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) | +950
- Ty Simpson (Alabama) | +950
- Carson Beck (Miami) | +1000
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) | +1400
Dante Moore is the new front-runner after conquering Penn State in Happy Valley. Ty Simpson joins the list for the first time, fresh off his heroics in Athens, Ga., while Carson Beck’s odds continue to improve despite a bye. Fernando Mendoza slides slightly, though his production remains impressive.
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*Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports*
