Northern Illinois and Holy Cross will kick off their 2025 college football season with a Week 1 matchup on Saturday at Huskie Stadium. The game is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, as the Huskies aim to make a strong impression in front of their home fans.

Fans can watch the game on ESPN or stream it through the ESPN app, as well as through the ESPN, Hulu, and Disney+ bundle.

The Huskies plan to establish their ground game early, leveraging their size and depth to challenge the Crusaders' defensive line. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be crucial for Northern Illinois as they seek to build momentum before entering Mid-American Conference play.

Holy Cross, known for its consistent performance in the FCS, enters the game with confidence. The Crusaders will focus on a strong offensive start and efficient execution to remain competitive on the road. They hope to capitalize on any turnovers to shift the momentum in their favor.

While Northern Illinois is favored to win, Holy Cross's experienced roster adds an element of intrigue to this season opener. Fans can expect an exciting matchup as both teams look to set the tone for their respective seasons.

In another matchup on the same day, Temple will face UMass in a non-conference game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, also starting at 3:30 p.m. ET. Temple is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season, focusing on improving consistency on both offense and defense. The Owls will rely on their veteran defense to take charge early, while their offense seeks to find its rhythm with a revamped unit.

UMass, under head coach Don Brown, is in the midst of a rebuilding phase. The Minutemen have made progress in depth and competitiveness, viewing the game as a chance to measure their growth. If UMass can establish a successful ground game and minimize turnovers, they hope to remain competitive against Temple.

Both teams see this opener as an opportunity to start fresh and gain momentum for the season ahead. Temple aims to defend its home turf, while UMass hopes to make a statement with a road victory.