Maryland Football Faces Easiest Nonconference Schedule Since 2019 Season

The 2025-26 college football season is set to begin with Maryland football aiming to improve after a challenging previous year marked by a 3-1 start followed by seven losses in the Big Ten. Maryland opens with a relatively easier non-conference schedule, hosting Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, and Towson, which have historically been favorable matchups for the Terps. Meanwhile, ESPN's Football Power Index identifies the Virginia Cavaliers as having the easiest schedule among major college football programs for 2025, with Virginia avoiding many dominant teams throughout their season. Major matchups to watch in Week 1 include Ohio State vs. Texas, Alabama vs. Florida State, and Clemson vs. LSU, following Ohio State's national championship win in 2024. Tennessee basketball has also revealed its 2025 non-conference schedule, featuring 13 games with five against Power Five opponents, highlighting tough matchups such as a game against Rice and participation in the Players Era Tournament. Overall, the upcoming seasons for these college programs are shaped by strategic scheduling, with teams like Maryland and Virginia hoping to capitalize on their easier non-conference slates to build momentum.