By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports activities
Wise is the fan who consults Nick’s No-Nonsense predictions earlier than watching this weekend’s video games.
All through the 2025 faculty soccer season, I offer you my just-for-fun picks for contests involving the most effective groups within the West throughout 5 conferences.
These groups embody Arizona, ASU, BYU, Colorado, and Utah within the Huge 12; Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington within the Huge Ten; Cal and Stanford within the ACC; Oregon State and WSU within the Pac-12; and all the Mountain West.
I went 8-2 within the 10 Week 1 video games, lacking on Colorado, San Jose State, Oregon State, and UCLA. That brings my total document to 16-7 on the season, good for 70%.
This week, I make picks for the next 10 video games:
- Colorado at Houston
- Kansas State at Arizona
- New Mexico at UCLA
- Oregon at Northwestern
- Washington State at North Texas
- Oregon State at Texas Tech
- Air Drive at Utah State
- Minnesota at California
- Boston School at Stanford
- Texas State at Arizona State
Additionally, you will need to learn my previews of ACC and Pac-12 video games, Stephen Vilardo’s preview of the Mountain West and Huge Ten matchups, and Dane Miller’s previews of the Huge 12 contests.
As all the time, my picks include my greatest game-score guesses and simply sufficient commentary to maintain me from ingesting an excessive amount of espresso right here within the South Shore District of Seattle.
I’m already on my second cup, so let’s get on with the picks!
Colorado at Houston
Friday, September 12
4:30 pm PT, ESPN
Colorado received their first victory of the yr final week in opposition to Delaware. They have been in a position to beat the Fightin’ Blue Hens simply.
CU has the most effective mascot in faculty soccer, however there may be a lot on which they’ll nonetheless enhance. The primary space of concern is permitting Delaware to throw for 312 yards on 18 completions.
The Buffs can not enable explosive performs in opposition to Houston. Additionally they received torched on the bottom within the Georgia Tech sport.
One other factor to contemplate is that the Buffaloes can have a brand new beginning quarterback. Kaidon Salter has began the opening two contests, however Ryan Staub carried out nicely in opposition to Delaware and earned the nod in opposition to Houston.
Staub was 7-10 and threw for 157 yards in opposition to the Blue Hens, including two touchdowns. Salter is a greater dual-threat possibility, so it must be attention-grabbing to see how Deion Sanders manages this case.
The Cougars seemed good of their first two outings, profitable comfortably, however this must be their first examination of the season.
Houston is led by its protection, which has solely allowed 9 mixed factors this yr. Though CU’s in a transitional stage, they have been 4-2 on the highway a yr in the past.
Buffs smash the Cougs.
Colorado 31, Houston 20
Kansas State at Arizona
Friday, September 12
6:00 pm PT, FOX
Arizona has gotten off to a strong begin this season, however they haven’t performed anybody but. They confronted Hawaii, however Micah Alejado was harm within the contest.
The Wildcats struggled of their first yr underneath Brent Brennan, making this sport extraordinarily necessary. Noah Fifita has seemed strong of their first two outings, however this could show to be his first check with out Tetairoa McMillan.
Fifita has thrown for 534 yards, six touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. This contest may also enable us to see if UA’s protection has improved.
The Tucson Wildcats allowed over 6.3 yards per play and ranked 109th in factors allowed per sport final season.
Kansas State is coming off an embarrassing loss in opposition to Military. The Black Knights outscored the Manhattan Wildcats 10-0 within the fourth quarter and snagged a three-point victory.
The purple Cats are gonna be temperamental. Avery Johnson’s been airing it out this yr, however he’s harmful together with his toes. Johnson’s thrown for 763 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception.
Arizona could also be house, however Kansas State is battle-tested.
Staff purp will get the nod.
Kansas State 38, Arizona 35
New Mexico at UCLA
Friday, September 12
7:00 PM PT, Huge Ten Community
Nico Iamaleava might have turned out to be one of many greatest flops in latest reminiscence. The loss to UNLV final week is a big step again for this system.
The Bruins fell behind early and weren’t in a position to pull off the comeback. They haven’t been capable of finding any manufacturing exterior of Iamaleava, which has made issues worse.
UCLA doesn’t have a working again with greater than 60 yards speeding. They’re additionally struggling to search out manufacturing at wideout. Kwazi Gilmer leads the workforce with 118 yards receiving, 87 of which got here final week in opposition to UNLV.
If the Lobos bounce out to an early lead, they might win. UNLV performed Michigan robust on the highway earlier this yr, shedding by 17 factors.
UNM’s greatest weapon on offense is Dorian Thomas, who has 15 catches and two touchdowns on the season. He had 10 receptions, 71 yards, and two touchdowns in opposition to Michigan.
Jack Layne performs quarterback for the Lobos. He has struggled to search out his rhythm within the early season. If the Bruins lose this week, they’ll grow to be the Cubs. As unhealthy as LA has seemed this yr, they’ll’t mess this up.
Nico will get his first one.
UCLA 42, New Mexico 13
No. 4 Oregon at Northwestern
Saturday, September 13
9:00 AM PT, FOX
What Oregon did to Oklahoma State final week was humorous. Discuss s*hit, get hit.
The Geese have run by way of everybody on their schedule to date, whereas Northwestern is 1-1 with an opening-week loss to Tulane. The Wildcats misplaced to the Inexperienced Wave by 20.
This contest feels much like UO’s matchup with Purdue final yr. Dante Moore has gotten off to a scorching begin, throwing for 479 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Oregon additionally incorporates a pair of 100-yard rushers in Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar. The Geese have a standout receiver in Dakorien Moore and an awesome supporting forged.
Northwestern did nothing in its opener, however responded final week in opposition to Western Illinois. The Wildcats ran everywhere in the Leathernecks. Preston Stone additionally had a strong outing, throwing for 245 yards and three touchdowns.
If Northwestern’s going to compete on this contest, they’ll must shorten the sport. They’ll in all probability nonetheless get merked, however at the least it’ll be nearer. However nearer than 66 continues to be a whoopin.
The Cats drown in Lake Michigan.
Oregon 45, Northwestern 10
Washington State at North Texas
Saturday, September 13
12:30 PM PT, ESPNU
Washington State seemed like a special workforce in opposition to San Diego State, or did they? It felt just like the Cougars have been going to repeat the sloggy Idaho end result till Jimmy Rogers stepped in.
Rogers punted the ball as a substitute of going for it. Coaches nonetheless try this. The end result was a game-changing security on a sack by Isaac Terrell. This gave WSU a five-point lead.
The Cougs then proceeded to attain touchdowns on their subsequent two drives, and San Diego State couldn’t reply.
This fashion in all probability gained’t work in opposition to North Texas; the Imply Inexperienced have a greater offense than both of WSU’s first two opponents.
UNT is averaging 42 factors per sport of their first two outings, and 33.5 in 2024. Ever since Eric Morris took over, the Inexperienced have had a top-25 offense.
Washington State’s protection has improved, however we’ll learn how actual they’re in opposition to the Eagles. If this have been every other yr, North Texas would get my decide, however the Cougs are completely different underneath Rogers.
The Cougars squeak to 3-0.
Washington State 28, North Texas 27
Oregon State at No. 21 Texas Tech
Saturday, September 13
12:30 PM PT, FOX
Oregon State has had a disappointing begin to the 2025 season, and that’s the understatement of the last decade.
The Beavers wanted to win one in all their first two video games to keep away from combating a steep battle.
The opening loss in opposition to Cal may’ve been defined, however the defeat in opposition to Fresno State is unacceptable. The offense performed lots higher, which makes the loss much more regarding.
The protection struggled in opposition to each the Bulldogs and Golden Bears, two packages not recognized for offense.
If OSU goes to save lots of its season, it’ll want Maalik Murphy to go Tom Brady mode. Murphy performed alright in opposition to the Dawgs, however he missed a pivotal throw on a two-point conversion that price them the sport.
Texas Tech hasn’t performed any noteworthy groups but, however they’ve gained their first two contests by a mixed rating of 129-21. They’re led on offense by the duo of Behren Morton and Adam Hill.
The Beavs misplaced all their momentum, however a workforce with nothing to lose is harmful. However not harmful sufficient.
Raider Purple traps the Beavers.
Texas Tech 38, Oregon State 30
Air Drive Falcons at Utah State Aggies
Saturday, September 13
6:55 PM PT, FS1
This matchup is the Mountain West opener for each squads. Each are hoping to get off to a quick begin.
Air Drive enters this contest with a 1-0 document after defeating Bucknell of their opener. The Falcons dominated your complete contest.
AFA could also be recognized for his or her triple possibility assault, however they discovered some manufacturing on the signal-caller place. Josh Johnson threw for 112 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Air Drive additionally had three gamers end with at the least 50 yards speeding.
Utah State enters this matchup with a 1-1 document. The massive story surrounding this system is how Bronco Mendenhall will do in Logan.
Mendenhall’s Broncos have seemed strong of their first two outings. They misplaced to Texas A&M final week, however beat UTEP of their opener.
USU is led by quarterback Bryson Barnes, who’s a veteran farm hand and quarterback as nicely. Barnes has thrown for 402 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Air Drive whooped Utah State two years in the past, however the Aggies are at house this time.
Don’t wager in opposition to a pig farmer.
Utah State 35, Air Drive 34
Minnesota at California
Saturday, September 13
7:30 PM PT, ESPN
I’ve been a “Justin Wilcox hater” for some time, however I’m intrigued by this model of California.
The Golden Bears are off to a strong begin, and a victory in opposition to Minnesota may set them up for one thing particular.
Cal doesn’t have probably the most proficient roster within the ACC, however their schedule is ridiculously straightforward. This sport must be a check to see how a lot better Cal’s offense actually is.
The Bear offense has scored a mixed 69 factors of their first two outings. This unit may’ve sputtered with the losses of Fernando Mendoza, Jaydn Ott, and Jack Endries.
Cal’s protection is doing its traditional factor underneath Wilcox, solely permitting 18 factors in its first two contests.
Minnesota’s protection is definitely beating this mark, solely permitting 5 factors per sport. Ever since P.J. Fleck took over, this has been the norm.
Two out of the final three years, the Gophers have featured a High 10 scoring protection, together with fourth in 2022-23. Minnesota’s offense has additionally gotten off to a quick begin, averaging 44.5 factors per sport.
Cal’s lastly leaning into its East Bay Tradition, which implies I can go dumb on the aspect present.
Golden Bears by three.
Cal 27, Minnesota 21
Boston School at Stanford
Saturday, September 13
7:30 PM PT, ACC Community
Stanford has had a troublesome begin to their yr, however the Tree has a possibility to save lots of face this week in what might be an important sport of the season.
If the Cardinal lose to Boston School, they’re in an actual unhealthy spot.
In opposition to BYU, nothing labored. Ben Gulbranson completed with 142 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Micah Ford was additionally restricted to 21 yards on 12 carries.
The lone vivid spot on offense was Bryce Farrell, who completed with 5 catches for 68 yards. The end result in opposition to the Cougars ought to’ve been anticipated.
Transferring forward, the Eagles are coming off a disappointing extra time loss in opposition to Michigan State. BC’s quarterback Dylan Lonergan had a stellar outing, throwing for 390 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Boston School is favored by 9 factors, however Stanford’s gotta get it executed. Perhaps Clay Patterson could make a game-changing play; he has three sacks of their first two matchups.
If Stanford doesn’t win this sport, they’re in danger for a defeated season. The tree might solely win one, and that is it.
Cardinal survive the Eagle assault.
Stanford 31. Boston School 28
Texas State at Arizona State
Saturday, September 13
7:30 pm PT, TNT
Arizona State shouldn’t be upset by its loss in Starkville. It’s a troublesome place to win. The important thing for the Solar Devils is to keep away from shedding once more.
ASU can nonetheless make the School Soccer Playoff, however a loss in opposition to the Bobcats would make issues troublesome. If Arizona State goes to rectify the errors of final week, it must get off to a quick begin.
The Solar Devils fell behind 17-0 in opposition to Mississippi State. Texas State isn’t the identical caliber because the Bulldogs, however they’ve been a good workforce underneath GJ Kinne.
The Bobcats have completed 8-5 the final two seasons, together with a victory within the First Responder Bowl.
ASU ought to think about simplifying this sport by attacking Texas State on the bottom. Sparky’s squad had two 100-yard rushers final week, they usually have been dominant within the second half.
Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh ought to have the ability to benefit from a Cats protection that ranks 116th in opposition to the run. The bottom sport ought to open up some straightforward throws for Sam Leavitt, who had a horrible day in opposition to MSU.
If Texas State didn’t scare Arizona State final yr, the end result might be completely different.
The Bobcats get misplaced on the mountain.
Arizona State 42, Texas State 17
Writes about soccer and basketball as a Senior Author and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Present” for SuperWest Sports activities.
