Greg McElroy identifies Top 8 'under-the-radar' non-conference games for 2025 season

ESPN’s Greg McElroy identified the top eight “under the radar” non-conference games for the 2025 college football season. It’s an early look, but McElroy highlighted some of the best ones to watch that people aren’t talking about.

These non-conference games are within the first few weeks of the season, even as early as August 23. Hard to believe we are now less than two months away from the season!

Without further ado, let’s dive into McElroy’s top non-conference games that are under the radar. We start with some potential playoff contenders.

Illinois at Duke (Sep. 6)

This non-conference matchup features two teams who had solid 2024 seasons under Bret Bielema and Manny Diaz. Heck, Duke won nine games last season!

McElroy argued that both of these teams could use this win as a resume builder for the College Football Playoff. Can the ACC get multiple teams in? How about Illinois being likely one of a few Big Ten teams in?

Notre Dame at Arkansas (Sep. 27)

Notre Dame will already see the challenges of Miami and Texas A&M to open the season. They’ll be heavily favored over Purdue before going to Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks certainly need a boost this season. Sam Pittman and crew would love a signature win before SEC play and this could be a chance to make some noise within the first month.

Auburn at Baylor (Aug. 29)

Both coaches in Hugh Freeze and Dave Aranda need a win to open the season to feel good. McElroy mentioned the hot streak by the Bears last season to end the campaign.

One of these rebuilt teams will suddenly think about the playoffs if they win while the other will worry about its head coach’s future. The ESPN analyst cited the overreaction culture and this game is a prime example.

Kansas State vs. Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland (Aug. 23)

These two are among the favorites to win the Big 12. McElroy argued that the conference might not get an at-large, so if either of these squads are CFP bound, you better win early.

It’s always interesting seeing a game of this quality overseas and this early. It might not indicate where they end up, but the QB battle of Avery Johnson and Rocco Becht should be interesting.

Syracuse vs. Tennessee in Atlanta (Aug. 30)

Tennessee had a major transfer saga this offseason, losing QB Nico Iamaleava to UCLA. Both teams are coming off stellar campaigns where the Orange won 10 games, but have to replace a lot. Tennessee has to do the same following a CFP appearance.

This game could be the measuring stick for both coaches Fran Brown and Josh Heupel and where they stand. McElroy already mentioned the ACC could be thin in terms of playoff bids, so this could be a massive early season game.

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina in Atlanta (Aug. 31)

South Carolina was everyone’s darlings last season, per McElroy. They have some of their best players back such as LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart.

Virginia Tech didn’t reach preseason expectations in 2024, but Brent Pry might have something cooking going into 2025. It’ll be interesting to see the game week hype for this neutral site affair.

Tulane at Ole Miss (Sep. 20)

Ole Miss has to figure a few things on the defensive side of things, per McElroy. Tulane has consistently improved over the last couple of seasons.

Look at the coaching battle too. Lane Kiffin has fallen short of some elite seasons but should still have this team in contention in the SEC. On the flip side, Jon Sumrall could be building something special after coming over from Troy.

SMU at TCU (Sep. 20)

SMU just made the playoff last season and made the ACC Championship Game and TCU had a down year. Kevin Jennings returns for the Mustangs and could compete for the conference crown again.

For the Horned Frogs, they’re coming off a down year. But, Eric McAlister should be one of the best wide receivers in the conference this season and they have some intriguing players on defense to make this one competitive within the first month.