The San Jose State Spartans (0-0) kick off their season at home when they welcome the Central Michigan Chippewas (0-0) to CEFCU Stadium.
Central Michigan heads into the new year determined to put a disappointing four-win campaign in the rearview mirror. The Chippewas know the early schedule won’t do them any favors, after this trip west, they’ll face Pitt and Michigan, two daunting tests that make Friday’s opener perhaps their best shot at grabbing a win in the first three weeks.]
San Jose State, on the other hand, is coming off a bowl appearance and enters 2025 with expectations of contending in the Mountain West. With Boise State losing its star tailback to the NFL after carrying the flag for the Group of Five in last year’s College Football Playoff, the door is cracked open for another program to rise. The Spartans believe they’re built to make that push.
This matchup also brings a coaching wrinkle. Central Michigan’s new head coach, Drew Drinkall, comes over from Army, a program long steeped in run-heavy football. Across the sideline, San Jose State’s Ken Niumatalolo is a Navy legend, so both staffs are well-versed in ground-and-pound tactics.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch San Jose State vs Central Michigan NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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San Jose State vs Central Michigan: Date and kick-off time
San Jose State will take on Central Michigan in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:30 pm ET or 7:30 pm PT at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California.
| Date | Friday, August 29, 2025 |
| kick-off Time | 10:30 pm ET or 7:30 pm PT |
| Venue | CEFCU Stadium |
| Location | San Jose, California |
How to watch San Jose State vs Central Michigan on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: FS1
- Streaming service: Fubo
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San Jose State vs Central Michigan team news & key players
San Jose State Spartans team news
For the Spartans, senior signal-caller Walker Eget returns after taking over midway through last year, throwing for 2,504 yards with 13 touchdowns against 10 picks. He’ll have some stability in the backfield with Floyd Chalk IV back following a 721-yard, 10-touchdown season.
The passing game, though, is in transition. San Jose State must replace standout receiver Nick Nash, who’s now with the Atlanta Falcons, as well as most of last year’s receiving unit. Tight end Jackson Canaan (28 catches in 2024) will help soften that blow, while linebacker Jordan Pollard anchors a defense bringing back five starters after earning all-conference recognition a year ago.
Central Michigan Chippewas team news
For CMU, quarterback Joe Labas looks to bounce back after an injury cut his junior season short. Even in just six games, he posted 1,114 yards with a 7-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Tulane transfer Trey Cornist is the early favorite to lead a crowded backfield, while the receiving corps is searching for new playmakers after losing its top four contributors. That said, fans are eager to see Tyson Davis, the 5-foot-7 burner who missed last year due to injury, return to the fold.
Defensively, the Chippewas will lean on linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski, an all-MAC performer, to guide a unit with six starters returning.