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Boston College finished 7-6 in 2024, and with Bill O’Brien entering his second season as head coach, they’ll be looking to build on that. However, the 2025 schedule features some tough games, including perennial powers and strong conference opponents. Their success will likely hinge on strong quarterback play, and development of their defense, specifically the front seven.
Here are our game by game predictions.
August 30 vs. Fordham (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Win. This is a typical FCS tune-up game for the Eagles. Boston College should handle Fordham comfortably at home and start the season off the right way.
September 6 at Michigan State (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI)
Prediction: Loss: Boston College beat Michigan State 23-19 at home on a Saturday night last season. Jonathan Smith’s squad should be much improved in year two and quarterback Aidan Chiles will be a handful for everyone on Michigan State’s schedule including the Eagles. I expect a close game but Sparty pulls away in the fourth quarter. Michigan State will be better this season.
September 13 at Stanford (Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA)
Prediction: Win. While Stanford has historically been a strong program, they’ve been in a rebuilding phase and have a new coach in former Bills quarterback and NFL coaching veteran Frank Reich. This is a winnable road game for BC and the Eagles take care of business and bounce back after a tough loss to Michigan State.
September 27 vs. California (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Win. California is well coached so this is far from a “winnable” game. The Eagles will need to assert themselves early physically in this one. If they do, they should be in good shape and take care of business. Cal only returns six starters total and new offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin will still be breaking in a new system.
October 4 at Pittsburgh (Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA)
Prediction: Loss. Pittsburgh has always been a tough game for the Eagles on the road. The Eagles beat Pitt 34-23 at home at the end of last season but the Panthers were mired in a six game losing streak. Pat Narduzzi’s squad returns 14 total starters so expect a different team this. I think this is a close game but Pitt pulls away late.
October 11 vs. Clemson (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Loss. Clemson returns Cade Klubnik and a loaded defense that can rush the passer. They will pose a significant challenge and while Boston College will rise to the occasion and the Tigers everything they can handle, I like Clemson to escape the Heights with a close win.
October 18 vs. Connecticut (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Win. UConn went toe to toe with the Eagles in Chestnut Hill two years ago and I would expect a similar type game. Boston College is the better team and their ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will be the difference in this game.
October 25 at Louisville (L&N Stadium, Louisville, KY)
Prediction: Loss. Louisville leads the all-time series 10-7 and won at the Heights last season, 31-27. The Cardinals will have a new signal caller in USC transfer Miller Moss. He will excel in Jeff Brohm’s offense and make this team tough to beat. I think this game plays out a lot like last season’s with the Cardinals prevailing by one score.
November 1 vs. Notre Dame (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Loss. The “Holy War” is always a big rivalry game for both schools. It is great to see Notre Dame and Boston College playing each other again. The last time the Irish were in Chestnut Hill, they blew out the Eagles 44-0. I expect this to be a much different game this time. The key for the Eagles will be stopping the Irish running game. Running back Jeremyah Love is arguably the nation’s top returning back and a Heisman Trophy favorite. Notre Dame has 11 total starters returning. They have key contributors from last season back so they know how to play in and win big games. I think the Eagles play tough but the Irish pull away in the second half and win.
November 8 vs. SMU (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Win. After a tough stretch, the Eagles bounce back and beat a good SMU team at home. The Mustangs high flying spread offense will struggle with Tim Lewis’ defense and the pressure he will bring. Potentially cooler temps could also help. Boston College picks up a much needed win.
November 15 vs. Georgia Tech (Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Prediction: Win. Eagles keep it rolling in the final home game of the season with a big win that makes them bowl eligible and gives them an opportunity to secure a winning record. The Eagles are the more talented team. As long as they match Georgia Tech’s physicality upfront, they will be fine.
November 29 at Syracuse (JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY)
Prediction: Win. The Carrier Dome (JMA Wireless Dome) is a tough place to play, especially late in the season. Syracuse could be a wildcard in the ACC, and this road trip might prove difficult for BC. All of that being said, the Eagles are going into this game with some momentum and they will ride their running game and a strong defensive performance to pick up their seventh win of the season and secure a better bowl game.
Overall Record Prediction: 7-5
Boston College’s schedule is challenging, especially with Clemson, Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Louisville on the slate. However, they have a solid foundation and some winnable games at home and against lower-tier Power 5 or G5 opponents. A 7-5 record seems like a reasonable projection, putting them in contention for a bowl game.