Labor Day weekend marks the start of an exciting sports season, with college football kicking off and the NFL set to begin the following week. In 2025, seven teams from the ACC will launch their season by facing off against Power 4 non-conference opponents in Week 1. Throughout the year, ACC teams are slated to compete in 26 games against other Power 4 Conference teams and Notre Dame, leading all conferences by a significant margin of at least eight games.

Here’s a quick overview of the ACC football action lined up for Labor Day Weekend in 2025, kicking off with Friday’s exciting game between Colorado and Georgia Tech!

Friday, August 29

ESPN 8pm: Georgia Tech at Colorado

The Yellow Jackets kick off their season in Boulder against a revamped Colorado Buffaloes team. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter absent, several new players will need to rise to the occasion. Georgia Tech will look to QB Haynes King and RB Jamal Haynes to lead the charge. Although Colorado and Georgia Tech have never faced each other on the football field, they share a notable chapter in college football history as co-champions of the 1990 National Championship. The Associated Press crowned the Buffs as national champions, while the UPI/Coaches poll awarded the title to the Yellow Jackets. This split decision sparked significant controversy, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Bowl Coalition, which paved the way for the Bowl Championship Series and, eventually, the College Football Playoffs.

Saturday, August 30

ABC Noon: Syracuse vs #19 Tennessee (in Atlanta, GA)

The highly anticipated week one matchup will serve as an early challenge for head coach Fran Brown in his second year with the team. The Vols have an impressive record of 30-9 over the last three seasons, thanks to head coach Josh Heupel’s ability to instill stability and success. Both teams wrapped up the 2024 season with a 10-3 record, earning spots in the top-20 of the final AP Poll. Coach Brown faces the task of filling the shoes of QB Kyle McCord and RB LeQuint Allen, who were key players for the Orange last season. Historically, the Orange have struggled against the Vols, holding an 0-3 record, with their last encounter dating back to 2001.

ABC 3:30pm: #9 Alabama at Florida State

This year is crucial for Norvell, who was a top contender to take over for Nick Saban at Alabama in early 2024. After his team fell short of the final four-team playoff in 2023, they struggled significantly in 2024, managing just one win against FBS opponents. However, this year’s squad has seen improvements with new roster additions and changes around the head coach. It would be hard to imagine the Seminoles finishing with a 2-10 record again, and expectations are definitely set to be much higher. The Crimson Tide are looking to return to the playoffs this year, hoping to build on their last appearance when they were chosen over the undefeated Seminoles during the 2023 season.

ABC 7:30pm: #6 LSU at #2 Clemson

An exciting matchup is set as No. 6 LSU faces off against No. 2 Clemson under the bright lights of Memorial Stadium. LSU head coach Brian Kelly is still searching for his first win in season openers, holding an 0-3 record since taking the helm. Both teams are eyeing postseason glory, boasting rosters that look strong enough to secure a spot in the playoffs. This clash is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated games on the non-conference schedule.

Sunday, August 31

ESPN 3pm: Virginia Tech vs #13 South Carolina (in Atlanta, GA)

The Virginia Tech Hokies and South Carolina Gamecocks are set to clash for the first time in 34 years, kicking off their 2025 seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium over Labor Day Weekend. South Carolina is coming off a solid 9-4 season in 2024, while Virginia Tech finished with a 6-7 record. The Gamecocks lead the series against the Hokies 11-7-2 record in a series that dates back to 1905. “The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game has often become a showcase for the ACC and the SEC to face off in a high-profile contest to start the season,” said Bob Somers, Peach Bowl, Inc. chairman. “This matchup looks to continue that tradition and renew an old rivalry between two historic programs.”

ABC 7:30pm: #7 Notre Dame at #21 Miami (FL)

Two storied programs are set for a high-stakes clash. After an impressive run to the national championship game, Notre Dame aims to capitalize on their successful 2024 season. Meanwhile, Miami, which finished last year with a solid 10-3 record and narrowly missed the College Football Playoffs, is eager to make its mark. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 18-8-1, but Miami dominated their last encounter in 2017 with a decisive 41-8 victory. ESPN’s Taylor Tannebaum bluntly stated: “Carson Beck is not Cam Ward. But if he can lead the right way and play to his strengths, he can still elevate this team.”

Monday, September 1

ESPN 8pm: TCU at North Carolina

The opening week wraps up with North Carolina hosting TCU on Labor Day, September 1, marking Bill Belichick’s coaching debut on a night filled with tradition. TCU, coming off a solid 9-4 season that ended with a convincing victory over Louisiana in the New Mexico Bowl, will rely on record-setting quarterback Josh Hoover to lead their offense this fall. On the defensive side, All-Big 12 safety Bud Clark will be key in fortifying TCU’s lineup. Meanwhile, UNC will focus on stopping the run, hoping to extend their perfect 3-0 record against TCU.