Best Week 0 Bets According To RyderStoolie

Disclaimer: I was writing this article before I saw Coach Day's article previewing the entire Farmaggedon game. If you haven't yet, check that article and his plays out here.

College football is back and Week 0 is serving up the perfect appetizer to kick off the 2025-26 season. The action starts overseas with Iowa State and Kansas State squaring off in Ireland, setting the stage for a day full of opportunities on the board. From Idaho State taking on UNLV in Vegas, to Fresno State traveling into Big 12 country against Kansas, to Sam Houston State looking to make noise at Western Kentucky, there are plenty of edges to attack. And when the sun sets, all eyes turn to the islands as Stanford battles Hawaii in primetime. We’re locked in and ready to break down the lines, find the value, and fire on the best plays to start the year strong.

Second disclaimer: Please make sure to bet using DraftKings if possible and gamble responsibly.

KANSAS STATE VS. IOWA STATE (LINE: KANSAS STATE -3, O/U 50.5, MONEYLINE: KANSAS STATE -155): We’ve seen this line bounce around from 3 to 3.5 throughout the summer, and I believe both of these teams have a chance to be competing for a Big 12 title at the end of the year when it comes down to it. The worst part about both of these teams are their fanbases to be honest. However, I am an Avery Johnson believer and a doubter of Rocco Becht. I won't harp on this preview too much because you can read Coach Day's article and get the same information. Both running backs are going to be studs in one of the top conferences in college football this season, but I think Kansas State manages to squeak one out at the end. This should be a great environment and a fun way to kick us off for the 2025-26 season.

RYDERSTOOLIE'S BET: Kansas State moneyline -155, over 50.5

IDAHO STATE VS. UNLV (LINE: UNLV -26.5, O/U 66.5): UNLV begins a new era under Dan Mullen, the former head coach at Florida and Mississippi State, and there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding what his retooled roster will look like in the opener. The Rebels are expected to rotate quarterbacks, with Michigan transfer Alex Orji and Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea both set to see time, while the ground game should be anchored by returning standout Jai’Den Thomas, They’ll be facing an Idaho State defense that struggled in 2024, allowing nearly 38 points per game, but the Bengals have the offensive firepower to keep pace. Idaho State averaged 32 points per game last season behind a veteran offensive line that gave up only 10 sacks, and quarterback Jordan Cooke brings valuable experience. I wouldn't mess with the spread here, unless you just believe 26.5 is just too big of a number

RYDERSTOOLIE'S BET: Over 66.5

FRESNO STATE VS. kANSAS (LINE: kansas 13.5, O/U 50.5): kansas returns to its home stadium after a year spent on the road during renovations, eager to reset following a 5–7 campaign that was defined by close losses and fleeting momentum. kU Head coach Lance Leipold brings back an experienced roster that should be well-positioned to compete in the Big 12, with quarterback Jalon Daniels steering an offense built around the run game. Even with NFL-bound Devin Neal gone, backs Daniel Hishaw and Iowa transfer LeShon Williams give the Jayhawks proven production behind a solid offensive line. Fresno State must settle their quarterback situation with EJ Warner and Carson Conklin competing, while running back Bryson Donelson provides stability in a reworked offense that lost much of its receiving firepower. kansas' new look high school stadium atmosphere will be enough to prevail kU to a 1-0 start as they head into Columbia for the Border War showdown in week 2. (Lowercase k for kansas always by the way in case you're wondering about that. MIZ)

RYDERSTOOLIE'S BET: Under 50.5

SAM HOUSTON STATE VS. WESTERN KENTUCKY (LINE: Western Kentucky -10, O/U 61.5): Sam Houston State kicks off its 2025 campaign against Western Kentucky in what promises to be a compelling Conference USA opener. The Bearkats, coming off an impressive 10‑3 season as a relatively new FBS program, will look to bounce back from a narrow loss that ended their chances at the CUSA title last year. Western Kentucky, meanwhile, enters with momentum and control, having delivered that painful defeat via a clutch 50‑yard field goal in last year’s finale . With revenge on their minds and adjustments underway under new coach Phil Longo, Sam Houston faces a familiar foe in a game steeped in recent history and packed with stakes. I actually have been studying up on my CUSA knowledge this year because of my former alum Missouri State joining the conference. I love the Hilltoppers in this matchup.

RYDERSTOOLIE'S BET: Western Kentucky -10

STANFORD VS. HAWAII (LINE: Hawaii -2.5, O/U 50.5, MONEYLINE: HAWAII -135): Nothing says Week 0 like a Hawaii nightcap game to bring us back into the football mood. Stanford and Hawaii enter Week 0 from very different trajectories. The Cardinal endured a crushing offseason, parting ways with coach Troy Taylor and losing several key playmakers to the transfer portal, including top talents Emmett Mosley and David Bailey. Hawaii, on the other hand, seems poised for an offensive breakthrough with Micah Alejado taking over at quarterback after a dazzling season finale performance. Surrounded by proven receivers Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cenacle, plus a sturdy offensive line core, the Rainbow Warriors’ Run-n-Shoot attack could finally flourish. This line opened at Stanford -2.5 and has flipped to Hawaii -2.5, if you're new to betting, there's nothing more telling that sharps are backing a team than a good ole fashion line flip.

RYDERSTOOLIE'S BET: HAWAII -2.5