The 2025 college football season? Wild. Upsets, insane plays, playoff drama—fans got it all. Even with all the noise about playoff sizes and media rights, the games themselves kept everyone glued to the screen.
Let’s jump into some of the season’s most unforgettable games. There were underdog heroics, big-name clashes, and plenty of moments you just had to see to believe.
Smaller-School Gems
Powerhouses get the headlines, but smaller schools brought their own brand of chaos. You never really knew what was coming next.
Kent State vs. Merrimack
Kent State looked comfortable with a 14-3 lead, but Merrimack flipped it to 17-14. Then Da’Realyst Clark ripped off a 100-yard kick return, swinging the game back for the Golden Flashes.
That play? Pure college football magic. You can’t write this stuff.
Delaware’s First FBS Campaign
Delaware’s move to FBS was a rollercoaster. Their first bowl win in the 68 Ventures Bowl—against Louisiana, no less—showed grit.
Louisiana made a late push, but Delaware hung on for a 20-13 victory. And don’t forget their overtime upset of UConn, sealed by Nick Minicucci’s 13-yard keeper.
Top 25 Games of the Season
The schedule was packed with edge-of-your-seat finishes. Comebacks, wild swings, and more than a few heart-stoppers.
Baylor vs. Kansas State
Kansas State was cruising, up 31-17 with nine minutes left. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson wouldn’t let it end there—he fired a TD to Bryson Washington, then ran in a 2-point conversion.
Jacob Redding’s 66-yard interception return gave Baylor the lead. Kansas State hit a late field goal, but Connor Hawkins answered with a 53-yarder to win it for Baylor.
Illinois vs. USC
Illinois held the lead most of the way against undefeated USC. Then Makai Lemon flipped the script with two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion, putting USC up 32-31.
Illinois wasn’t done. They marched 51 yards, and David Olano drilled a 41-yard field goal as time expired. Illini fans went nuts.
Top 5 Games of the Season
Some matchups just felt bigger. These were the ones people will talk about for years—epic performances, wild swings, and moments that stick with you.
Oklahoma vs. Alabama
Oklahoma’s playoff run was a nail-biter, especially against Alabama. The Sooners were outgained, but Eli Bowen’s 87-yard pick-six turned the tide.
Oklahoma hung on for a 23-21 win, thanks to a clutch fourth-down stop late. Sometimes, it’s all about one or two plays.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss
Top-10 showdown: Georgia’s Gunner Stockton versus Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss. Ole Miss opened with five straight touchdown drives—seriously, five.
But Georgia clawed back, scoring, forcing stops, and capping it with a field goal to win 43-35. The conference race shifted right there.
Epic Bowl Games
Bowl season always delivers something extra. 2025 was no different—just a parade of chaos and clutch moments.
ECU vs. Pitt
Pitt owned the first half but only led 7-3. ECU answered with two bombs to Anthony Smith, even after a TD run was wiped out by a whistle.
Pitt made a late push, but ECU’s defense stood tall in the final minute. Sometimes you just have to survive.
New Mexico vs. Minnesota
New Mexico’s dream season ended in the Rate Bowl against Minnesota. Damon Bankston’s 100-yard kickoff return sent it to overtime—talk about drama.
But Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey found Jalen Smith for a touchdown, clinching their ninth straight bowl win. Tough way for New Mexico to go out, but what a ride.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season was a wild ride. There were so many unforgettable moments and games that just stuck with you.
From those under-the-radar matchups to the big-name showdowns, fans really got a bit of everything. It’s funny how, even with all the off-field noise, the sport still finds ways to keep us hooked.
If you’re curious about the top 100 games from this season, take a look at ESPN’s comprehensive list.
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