What to watch in week 0 and week 1 before Kentucky football takes the field
The long wait is almost over. College football is back, and the Kentucky Wildcats are set to kick off their 2025 season at Kroger Field on Saturday, August 30th, against the Toledo Rockets. While we eagerly await that home opener, there's a full slate of games in Week 0 and the days leading up to UK's first game to whet your football appetite.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Kentucky opens as a 7.5-point favorite over Toledo. But before the Cats take the field, here’s your guide to the best action to get the season started right.
Week 0 appetizers: Saturday, Aug. 24
- No. 20 Kansas State vs. No. 21 Iowa State (Noon ET, ESPN): The season kicks off in Dublin, Ireland, with a ranked Big 12 matchup. It's meaningful football right out of the gate and it is football in Ireland.
- Fresno State at Kansas (6:30 p.m. ET, Fox): A potentially tricky non-conference test for a Kansas team looking to prove last year was no fluke.
- Sam Houston at Western Kentucky (7 p.m. ET, CBSSN): A regional C-USA battle that could be the most entertaining, high-scoring game of the day.
- Stanford at Hawaii (7:30 p.m. ET, CBS): Late-night football is back! A crucial opener for two teams needing a positive start to their seasons.
Midweek Madness: Your Full TV Schedule
Get through the work week with a healthy dose of college football before the main Saturday slate.
Thursday, August 28
- Boise State @ South Florida (5:30 PM, ESPN2)
- Ohio @ Rutgers (6:00 PM, BTN)
- East Carolina @ NC State (7:00 PM, ACCN)
- Jacksonville State @ UCF (7:00 PM, ESPN+)
- Nebraska @ Cincinnati (9:00 PM, ESPN)
- Miami (OH) @ Wisconsin (9:00 PM, BTN)
Friday, August 29
- Western Michigan @ Michigan State (7:00 PM, FS1)
- App State @ Charlotte (7:00 PM, CBSSN)
- Auburn @ Baylor (8:00 PM, FOX)
- Georgia Tech @ Colorado (8:00 PM, ESPN)
Enjoy the opening week of games, get your tailgate plans ready, and we'll see you at Kroger Field!
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premiere League soccer. #UpTheAlbion