Aug 29, 2025
·Emily Kho
College football is officially back, and fans are wasting no time making sure they’ve got seats for the biggest games of the year.
Opening weekend is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand stretches we’ve ever tracked at SeatGeek, with prices soaring for several high-profile matchups. For fans, it’s not just about watching their team’s debut. It’s about being part of a cultural moment where tradition, rivalry, and playoff hopes collide on the first snap.
The clear standout? Texas at Ohio State on August 30, 2025. With resale tickets averaging $739, it’s already the most expensive home game ever recorded for the Buckeyes. And that’s saying something, given the history of blockbuster matchups in Columbus.
Below, we’ll break down the numbers, what’s driving demand, and how this weekend’s slate stacks up against other historic college football showdowns.
The most-anticipated college football opening weekend games
Fans have circled several marquee matchups on the opening weekend calendar.
Based on SeatGeek’s ticketing data, here are the top five games driving demand:
Texas at Ohio State: $739 average resale price
LSU at Clemson: $519
Alabama at Florida State: $400
Notre Dame at Miami: $398
Auburn at Baylor: $218
It’s no surprise these games top the list. Each features powerhouse programs with national championship aspirations, rabid fan bases, and a long tradition of delivering high-stakes drama on the field.
Ohio State’s most in-demand home game in over 10 years
While ticket prices often spike for rivalry games, especially the annual Michigan showdown, the Texas at Ohio State matchup has already set a new standard.
To put this weekend’s demand in context, it helps to look back at how Ohio State games have historically set the bar for ticket prices. From “The Game” against Michigan to high-profile nonconference matchups, Buckeye fans have consistently proven willing to pay top dollar.
Here are the top five most expensive Ohio State home games on SeatGeek’s record:
Texas at Ohio State (8/30/25): $739
Michigan at Ohio State (11/26/22): $684
Michigan at Ohio State (11/30/24): $658
Notre Dame at Ohio State (9/3/22): $570
Michigan at Ohio State (11/24/18): $525
That means the Texas game has already eclipsed several editions of “The Game” against Michigan, which is no small feat.
More buyers are from Texas for the Ohio State game
One interesting wrinkle: despite the game being played in Columbus, more tickets have been purchased by fans in Texas than in Ohio.
For Texas, the draw is obvious: a chance to make a statement against one of the most storied programs in college football, in one of the sport’s most iconic venues. The travel numbers reflect just how eager Longhorn fans are to turn Columbus into a burnt-orange showcase.
For a game of this magnitude, the atmosphere promises to be electric, and maybe even a little unpredictable.
Last-minute tickets for opening weekend might be cheaper
Prices for big games don’t always move in a straight line, and this week has shown that timing matters. While the average resale price remains a staggering $739 overall, tickets sold over the past week have averaged a more modest $647.
For fans still hunting for seats, that’s a reminder that waiting it out can sometimes pay off, though with demand at this level, there’s no guarantee that trend will continue.
What’s driving the demand?
So, why are ticket prices reaching new heights this year? A closer look at the schedule and fan behavior helps explain the surge.
Several key factors are contributing to the record-breaking demand:
High-profile matchups out of the gate. Instead of easing into the season with tune-up games, many top programs are starting with playoff-caliber opponents.
Expanded playoff implications. With the new 12-team College Football Playoff format debuting, early statement wins are more valuable than ever. Fans know that every game counts.
Travel-ready fan bases. Texas, LSU, and Alabama in particular boast national fan networks willing to travel anywhere to support their teams.
Historic venues. Games at Ohio Stadium, Clemson’s Death Valley, and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium add to the allure, blending tradition with spectacle.
Taken together, these elements are creating a perfect storm for demand. Fans aren’t just buying tickets to watch football. They’re investing in experiences that could shape the playoff picture from the very first weekend.
Texas at Ohio State isn't the only game to watch this weekend
While Texas at Ohio State is stealing the headlines, other opening weekend matchups are nothing to overlook. LSU at Clemson will pit two national champions from the last decade against each other in Death Valley, while Alabama-Florida State and Notre Dame-Miami revive rivalries with long histories of defining the college football landscape.
Meanwhile, Auburn at Baylor may be the best value buy of the bunch, with tickets averaging just $218, a relative bargain compared to the other marquee games.
These early-season matchups also carry heavy implications for the playoff race. A win on opening weekend doesn’t just build momentum. It can shift national rankings and recruiting narratives, adding extra weight to every play.
College football season is shaping up to be one of the hottest ever
If opening weekend is any indication, the 2025 college football season is going to be one for the books. With ticket prices breaking records and fans traveling across state lines to pack stadiums, demand for the sport is as high as it’s ever been.
Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeye, a traveling Longhorn, or just a fan looking for the best atmosphere on the schedule, one thing is clear: college football’s biggest games remain the hottest tickets in sports.
As fans flood stadiums and secondary markets alike, the passion surrounding college football proves as strong as ever. Even in an era of expanded TV coverage and streaming options, the in-person experience is unmatched, especially when history is on the line.
And if you’re still looking to score a seat, keep an eye on SeatGeek, because even in a record-setting market, the right deal might pop up at just the right time.