If you’re a pervert like me (and you are, because you’re reading this), you’ve been waiting all summer for college football season to start. Now it’s finally here! Sort of.
Week 0 remains a fun aspect of college basketball, as every team in the country comes together for the first 14 days of the season. Week 0 rarely has standout matchups, but there is some exciting NFL Draft intrigue to keep an eye on.
All times listed are Eastern Time.
Fentrell Cyprus, cornerback, Florida State vs. Georgia Tech (Saturday, 12 p.m. on ESPN)
FSU used to be the benchmark when it came to sending talent to the NFL. After a few bad years, the Noles are once again a kind of feeder to the professional league. In 2024, nine FSU players were drafted, including six players in the first three rounds.
The 2024 roster has a lot of new faces, of course, but also a lot of potential. Fentrell Cyprus was All-ACC at Virginia before transferring to Tallahassee. While his first year was nothing special, another offseason in the system means he could make a big jump. This first game against a combative Georgia Tech offense is a great test for the talented cornerback.
Haynes King, quarterback, Georgia Tech vs. Florida State (Saturday, 12 p.m. on ESPN)
It’s been a long time since Georgia Tech was a contender in the ACC, and even longer since they had a quarterback to write home about. That could change this year with Haynes King and this new team. After three lackluster years at Texas A&M, Haynes King has found his rhythm in Atlanta, leading the Yellowjackets to a bowl appearance and victory. King is a dual-threat quarterback who ran for over 700 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns last year. Turnovers were a problem in year one, but if they can be eradicated this season, King could get into the NFL draft conversation. His first test will be a well-coached FSU defense.
Preston Stone, quarterback, SMU vs. Nevada (Saturday, 8 p.m. on CBSSN)
SMU has an outstanding young quarterback named Preston Stone. In his first year as a starter, Stone led the Mustangs to 11 wins while throwing 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He is an accurate passer who has an excellent handle on the football. This year, the quarterback discussion is still wide open. Stone can get off to a fast start with a great game against Nevada.
