🏈 College Football Week 7: Playoff Race Heats Up with Massive Matchups
The 2025 college football season charges into Week 7 with one of its most exciting slates yet. Twenty teams from the AP Top 25 rankings hit the field this Saturday, and several games could heavily shape the College Football Playoff picture as the season reaches its midpoint.
Top Matchups to Kick Off the Day
The action begins in the Big Ten, where No. 1 Ohio State heads to No. 17 Illinois for what could be a major road test. The Buckeyes have looked nearly flawless this season, but the Illini will be eager to pull off a statement upset in front of their home fans.
Meanwhile, in the SEC, No. 8 Alabama travels to No. 14 Missouri for a battle that carries huge postseason stakes. After taking down Georgia and Vanderbilt in recent weeks, Alabama looks to keep rolling. But Missouri, with one of the nation’s longest home winning streaks, sees this as the perfect chance to earn a signature victory that’s been nearly five decades in the making.
Afternoon Thrillers
The mid-afternoon slot is packed with powerhouse clashes. At 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS, No. 7 Indiana faces off against No. 3 Oregon, marking the only top-10 matchup of the weekend. Both programs have impressed early in the year, and the winner could make a serious claim for the nation’s top ranking.
At the same time, the Red River Rivalry returns as No. 6 Oklahoma battles Texas on ABC. The Sooners might get a boost from quarterback John Mateer, who could return to the lineup after recovering from hand surgery.
Elsewhere, No. 16 Notre Dame hosts NC State on Peacock, while No. 12 Tennessee faces Arkansas in a game filled with emotion and second chances as interim coach Bobby Petrino takes the field again for the Razorbacks.
Prime-Time Showdowns
Saturday night features more heavyweight action across the country. No. 10 Georgia continues its rivalry with Auburn at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, renewing one of college football’s oldest traditions.
At the same time, No. 15 Michigan heads west to battle USC under the bright lights of Los Angeles on NBC, while No. 5 Texas A&M hosts Florida on ESPN in another key SEC matchup that could influence the playoff race.
Key Storylines This Week
- Playoff Push Intensifies: As Week 7 marks the midpoint of the season, every ranked matchup now carries major postseason implications.
- Oregon vs. Indiana for the Top Spot: The winner of this top-10 clash could rise to the No. 1 spot in the next AP Poll.
- Missouri’s Historic Opportunity: The Tigers haven’t won a top-15 home matchup since 1976 — a streak they’re desperate to break.
- Bobby Petrino’s Redemption Arc: Over a decade after his controversial exit from Arkansas, Petrino gets a rare second chance as interim head coach.
- Florida State’s Depth Tested: The Seminoles will play without top receivers Jayvan Boggs and Squirrel White, while tight end Randy Pittman Jr. remains a game-time decision.
Full Week 7 Schedule (All Times ET)
- No. 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois – Noon, FOX
- No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri – Noon, ABC
- Pittsburgh at No. 25 Florida State – Noon, ESPN
- Washington State at No. 4 Ole Miss – 12:45 p.m., SEC Network
- No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon – 3:30 p.m., CBS
- No. 6 Oklahoma vs. Texas – 3:30 p.m., ABC
- NC State at No. 16 Notre Dame – 3:30 p.m., Peacock
- Arkansas at No. 12 Tennessee – 4:15 p.m., SEC Network
- Florida at No. 5 Texas A&M – 7 p.m., ESPN
- No. 10 Georgia at Auburn – 7:30 p.m., ABC
- No. 15 Michigan at USC – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Final Takeaway
Week 7 has all the ingredients of a classic college football weekend — elite matchups, bitter rivalries, and programs fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. As the 2025 season hits its midpoint, every snap, every play, and every upset could reshape the national landscape.
Fans can expect a Saturday packed with emotion, drama, and possibly the game that determines this year’s College Football Playoff favorite.
