The 2025 college football week 1 slate gets rolling on Thursday night with a sneaky-fun matchup as the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Cincinnati Bearcats head to Kansas City to play at Arrowhead Stadium. Both programs have a lot to prove this year: Nebraska is looking to finally break through under Matt Rhule, while Cincinnati wants to show it belongs in the Big 12 conversation after a rocky 2024.

It’s not the flashy “top 10 showdown” you’ll see later this weekend, but don’t overlook this one. Nebraska is a program on the rise, and both teams see this opener as a chance to set the tone for the year. Let’s break down the Nebraska vs. Cincinnati predictions, best bets, odds, and how you can get in on the action with a bonus from Rebet with promo code ALARM.

 

 

 

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati Predictions For College Football Week 1, Thursday, 8/28

Nebraska fans have been waiting a long time for the program to feel “back,” and Rhule has them trending in the right direction. The Cornhuskers’ defense was legitimately nasty last year, finishing among the Big Ten’s best against the run. That physical front seven returns, and they’ll be the toughest test Cincinnati faces in Week 1.

The question, as always with Nebraska, is whether the offense can hold up its end of the bargain. If the quarterback play is just steady — not spectacular, just steady — this team has the tools to grind out wins. A balanced rushing attack, a defense that creates pressure, and a coaching staff committed to discipline all travel well, even in a road opener.

On the other side, Cincinnati’s got a lot of new pieces. The Bearcats dipped into the transfer portal to reload at wide receiver, and if they can hit on a couple of those additions, their offense instantly becomes more dangerous. Playing at Arrowhead shouldn't have any advantage, but you can bet that the student section will be loud and ready for Nebraska’s first snap. But the Bearcats’ defense remains a bit of a question mark, especially against physical run-heavy teams like Nebraska.

This feels like a grinder — both teams trading punches, neither running away early. In the end, Nebraska’s defensive depth and Rhule’s emphasis on toughness should tip things in their favor.

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati Free Pick & Best Bet

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati Free Pick: Nebraska -6.5

The Huskers are just better built for this type of game. Their defense is the most reliable unit on the field, and their running game should wear Cincinnati down as the night goes on.

Cincinnati will have moments — a big play here or there, especially if those new receivers get loose — but Nebraska’s ability to control the line of scrimmage is the difference. A field goal spread is short enough to back the Huskers with confidence.

 

 

 

How to watch Nebraska vs. Cincinnati College Football Week 1

  • Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
  • Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
  • TV: ESPN
  • Live stream: ESPN app / FuboTV

Primetime on ESPN, a great stadium atmosphere, and two hungry programs? Not a bad way to kick off your college football weekend on a Thursday.

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Odds courtesy of Rebet promo code ALARM:

  • Point Spread: Nebraska -6.5 (-110), Cincinnati +6.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Nebraska -250, Cincinnati +200
  • Total (Over/Under): 51.5 (O -110, U -110)

Oddsmakers clearly expect a tight contest. Nebraska is just a slight road favorite, and the total under 50 suggests both defenses will have their say. If you like gritty football with field position battles and fourth-quarter drama, this line is telling you to tune in.

 

 

 

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati Injury Report & Latest News

Nebraska’s main concern is depth at wide receiver. They’ve got some talent, but not much proven production, and staying healthy at that spot will be critical as the season wears on.

Cincinnati’s bigger worry is the secondary. A couple of camp injuries thinned the rotation, and that could make them vulnerable if Nebraska finds any rhythm in the passing game. The Bearcats are also relying heavily on transfers to fill immediate roles, which is always a bit of a gamble in Week 1.

Check injury updates ahead of game time — one key absence on either side could swing this line.

How To Bet On Nebraska vs. Cincinnati At Rebet & Claim Your $100 Bonus

If you’re ready to jump in on Thursday night’s action, Rebet has a great new-user offer: Get a 100% purchase match up to $100!

  1. Here’s how it works:
  2. Sign up for a free Rebet account with bonus code ALARM.
  3. Make your first purchase/deposit.
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So if you load up $100, you’ll start with $200 to play. That gives you a chance to bet Nebraska to cover, sprinkle the Cincinnati moneyline as a home underdog, or even test the total if you think points will be tough to come by.