USF Faces Nation's Toughest 2025 Football Schedule Start

The 2025 college football season presents challenging schedules for several teams, notably South Florida (USF), Florida State (FSU), and North Dakota (UND). USF faces the nation's most challenging start with three consecutive games against preseason AP Top 25 opponents: Boise State, Florida, and Miami, which coach Alex Golesh views as a massive opportunity despite the difficulty. Quarterback Byrum Brown's return and an experienced lineup bolster USF's hopes to advance beyond previous seasons. Florida State's schedule varies from easier games against lower-tier teams like East Texas A&M and Kent State to tougher matchups against teams such as Miami and Virginia Tech, with an emphasis on winning key home games to bounce back strongly. UND, under new coach Eric Schmidt, confronts the toughest FCS schedule nationally, including top-ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference opponents and an FBS opener against No. 17 Kansas State, positioning them for a demanding season. These schedules highlight the competitive landscapes each program must navigate to achieve success in 2025.