Mexico: College football kicks off 2025 season with thrilling opening weekend
The 2025 Mexican ONEFA Major League season launched with a fireworks display of upsets, defensive showdowns, and heart-stopping finishes, headlined by Borregos ITESM Monterrey’s dominant 44-7 rout of Borregos Guadalajara and Pumas Acatlán’s overtime thriller against Águilas Blancas IPN.
Borregos CCM outlast Puebla in turnover-driven clash
Borregos ITESM CCM edged Borregos ITESM Puebla 21-13 in a game defined by defensive resilience. Puebla electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown on the opening play, but CCM quarterback Jorge Emilio González responded with two first-half rushing scores (14-7). Despite Puebla’s late push, CCM’s defense held star RB Fernando Mayen under 100 yards and forced two critical turnovers.
Zorros CETYS push Borregos CEM in valiant debut
Newcomers Zorros CETYS nearly stunned Borregos CEM before falling 31-23. CEM raced to a 24-0 halftime lead behind three rushing TDs, but the Zorros clawed back with two second-half scores. A 60-yard CEM rushing TD sealed the win, though Mexicali’s late 31-23 surge signaled their competitive potential.
Aztecas UDLAP defense stuns Pumas UNAM CU
A 98-yard fumble return by linebacker Jesús del Bosque propelled Aztecas UDLAP to a 17-7 road win over Pumas UNAM CU. Leading 7-0 late, UDLAP snuffed out a Pumas goal-line drive when del Bosque stripped QB Adán Chávez and sprinted the length of the field. Pumas’ late TD narrowed the gap, but a clutch 4th-quarter FG sealed Aztecas’ defensive masterclass.
Linces UVM outduel Leones UAMN in QB showdown
Sibling quarterbacks Iker (Linces UVM) and Iram Ayala (Leones UAMN) combined for six TDs in Linces UVM’s 35-32 win. Trailing 17-7 at halftime, UVM surged behind RB Joshua Scott’s 21-yard TD and Iker’s 28-24 scoring strike. Leones’ late rally fell short despite Iram’s 35-yard TD pass with 1:12 remaining.
Tigres UANL dominate Burros Blancos in Monterrey rout
Tigres UANL flexed their title credentials with a 37-12 dismantling of Burros Blancos IPN. A 23-0 halftime lead—fueled by two rushing TDs and a FG—set the tone. Burros’ third-quarter TD sparked brief hope, but Tigres answered with a 60-yard QB scramble to ice the game.
Pumas Acatlán stun Águilas Blancas in overtime classic
Substitute QB Victor Patiño engineered Pumas Acatlán’s 13-10 OT win over Águilas Blancas IPN in a defensive slugfest. After a 3-3 regulation stalemate, Águilas struck first in OT with a TD pass. Patiño, replacing the starter mid-drive, responded with a tying TD before clinching victory with a 39-yard FG.
Borregos Monterrey launch title defense with statement win
Four-time defending champions Borregos ITESM Monterrey thrashed Borregos Guadalajara 44-7 behind QB Fernando Sarabia’s two TD passes and RB Alejandro Cruz Parra’s two rushing scores. A 37-0 third-quarter lead allowed Monterrey to rest starters early, underscoring their depth.
Conferencia Nacional Highlights
- Indios UACJ edged Red Wolves Arkansas St. 28-21 in OT.
- Leones UA Cancún shut out Halcones UV 35-0.
- Potros Salvajes UAEM blanked Panteras US XXI 28-0.
- Búhos IPN Medicina rallied past Frailes UT 20-15.
Weekend Takeaways
- Defense reigns: Four games decided by defensive stops, including two OT thrillers.
- QB depth shines: Sibling rivalry (Ayala brothers), clutch subs (Patiño), and dual-threat stars (González) headlined Week 1.
- Title favorites flex: Borregos Monterrey and Tigres UANL combined for 81 points, signaling their championship pedigree.
With six games decided by single digits and two requiring overtime, the 2025 ONEFA season promises a relentless battle for supremacy.
Source: Rachid Sabag Serrato
