The 2025 college football season kicks off with a Friday night fireworks show when the Auburn Tigers storm into Waco to face the Baylor Bears in a Week 1 clash that promises high-stakes drama from the opening whistle. Both programs enter this prime-time showdown (8:00 PM ET) with everything to prove—Auburn looking to announce its SEC contender status early, while Baylor aims to defend its home turf against a power-conference foe in what could be a statement win for the Big 12. The Tigers bring their trademark physicality to McLane Stadium, but the Bears’ explosive offense, fresh off a summer of hype, will test whether Auburn’s defense is truly ready for the bright lights of a new campaign.

With no preseason baggage and everything still on the table, this matchup carries the electric unpredictability that only Week 1 can deliver. Auburn’s road warriors will need to silence a Baylor crowd hungry for an upset, while the Bears must prove they can hang with SEC muscle in a game that could set the tone for their entire season. The stage is set for a battle of wills—where one team’s opening-night dreams will survive, and the other’s will face an immediate reality check. Buckle up: this isn’t just a game, it’s the first major plot twist of 2025.