College football resets itself every year, and 2025’s looking no different. Teams that faceplanted last fall have retooled with transfers and fresh systems, while others that rode high might be wobbling without the safety net of close-game luck or veteran stars.
Here’s a breakdown of where the momentum may shift this season, both forward and backward.
Michigan Gets Stability at Quarterback
Credit: Instagram
Last year’s quarterback shuffle didn’t do Michigan any favors. Now, Bryce Underwood steps in as a player who doesn’t need to do too much too soon. He’s surrounded by experience, especially on defense, and the schedule gives him room to grow. The ceiling’s back where it should be.
Florida State Rebuilds With a New System
Credit: Instagram
After bottoming out at 2-10, Florida State isn’t tiptoeing into 2025. Gus Malzahn is calling plays, Tommy Castellanos brings spark at quarterback, and transfers like Squirrel White and Duce Robinson add serious speed. The Seminoles are overdue for a step forward, and this roster feels ready to jump.
Alabama Returns to Form Under Familiar Leadership
Credit: Instagram
After a substandard 9-4 showing, Alabama welcomes back offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and elevates Ty Simpson to lead a deep attack. The defense—returning 69% of its production—is again loaded. Kalen DeBoer has the pieces to bring Alabama closer to its usual territory.
Oklahoma Finally Has Offensive Firepower
Credit: Instagram
New offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle joins dual-threat quarterback John Mateer, who ranked in the top four nationally in total yards last season. If that pairing holds up in the SEC, Brent Venables can rely on a defense with proven pass rushers and a rebuilt secondary ready to rebound.
Auburn Aims to Flip Close Losses
Credit: Instagram
Three losses with high win probabilities derailed Auburn in 2024. The Tigers bring in two potential QB starters in Jackson Arnold and Deuce Knight, alongside a loaded receiver trio. If linebacker depth holds, Hugh Freeze could guide them to their first winning SEC season in six years.
Washington Looks for a Year 2 Leap
Credit: Instagram
Washington didn’t break through in 2024, but freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr. showed progress late. With a full offseason and a core of returning weapons—including a 1,000-yard rusher—the Huskies are aiming higher. Jedd Fisch has continuity this time, and the second Big Ten run should feel less experimental.
Utah Is Finally Healthy Again
Credit: Instagram
Injuries defined Utah’s 2024 struggles. Now that they’re back at full strength with six linemen returning and new dual-threat QB Devon Dampier running Jason Beck’s offense, they’re determined to grind out wins. The defense remains reliable, anchored by Logan Fano and Lander Barton.
Toledo Returns Continuity in the Mac
Credit: Instagram
The MAC is chaotic by nature, but Toledo enters 2025 calm and intact. After a frustrating conference season, they’ve held onto more than 60% of their production, more than any other MAC team. If the run game gets more consistent, this is a team capable of double-digit wins and a serious title push.
James Madison Has Weapons to Thrive
Credit: Instagram
QB Alonza Barnett III returns healthy, supported by two 1,000-yard-capable backs in George Pettaway and Ayo Adeyi. The offense could be among the most dangerous in the Sun Belt. If the defense, infused with transfers, holds up, JMU might outperform even last season’s nine wins.
UTSA Could Crash the Playoff Party
Credit: Instagram
The Roadrunners are bringing back quarterback Owen McCown and most of their offensive line. With a deep receiver group and a stronger-than-usual defensive front, UTSA has the AAC title in sight. A dominant season could even put them in contention for the Group of Five’s playoff slot.
Missouri’s Tightrope Act Likely Ends
Credit: Instagram
Winning 10 of 11 one-score games over two seasons isn’t sustainable math. Missouri no longer has Brady Cook, and the quarterback room is unproven. The defense still has stability, but banking on more late-game magic in a deep SEC feels dicey. The Tigers may find that gravity catches up quickly this fall.
Tennessee Is on Shaky Offensive Ground
Credit: Instagram
Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA leaves Tennessee retooling with QB Joey Aguilar. He must learn a new system quickly while replacing an NFL-caliber running back and working with an unproven receiver group. The defense is reliable, but a repeat of last year’s 10 wins feels unrealistic.
Syracuse Faces a Regression Wall
Credit: Instagram
It took a razor-thin formula to hit 10 wins last season, and that formula’s now broken. Kyle McCord is gone, as are three of his top weapons. What’s left is a ground game that struggled to sustain drives and a defense that gave up over 30 points per game. That’s not a blueprint to repeat success.
Colorado Begins Life Without Sanders and Hunter
Credit: Instagram
Coach Prime enters Year 3 without his two biggest stars. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are both gone, and Kaidon Salter takes over behind a shaky offensive line. The defense remains a mystery, and with a brutal early schedule, 2025 may feel more like rebuilding than rising.
Illinois Might Not Meet the Hype
Credit: Instagram
Illinois caught everyone off guard with 10 wins last season. Now comes the hangover. The receiving corps is brand new, the early schedule’s far less forgiving, and the margin for error has shrunk. Close-game luck isn’t a reliable plan, and a playoff conversation might’ve shown up a year too early.
USC Is Still a Year Away
Credit: Instagram
Jayden Maiava steps in at quarterback after mixed results last year. The defense is improving under D’Anton Lynn, but the offensive depth isn’t where it needs to be. With 2026 shaping up as the big swing year, USC may tread water again with 7-8 wins.
Iowa State Faces Regression Risk
Credit: Instagram
Iowa State finally cracked double-digit wins, and then lost the players who made it happen. Their two key receivers are gone, the run defense struggled badly, and the D-line depth took a hit. The offensive returnees haven’t proven they can carry the load. Keeping pace in the Big 12 won’t come easily.
UNLV Adjusts Under New Leadership
Credit: Instagram
Dan Mullen inherits a team that thrived under Barry Odom, but questions at quarterback and a jigsaw roster of former Power Five transfers cloud expectations. Success may come eventually, but 2025 could be a step back after an 11-win high.
Marshall Loses Everything at Once
Credit: Instagram
The Sun Belt champs lost their head coach, quarterback, and essentially the entire depth chart. With zero returning yardage and over 50 transfers incoming, chemistry will be a challenge. A fresh coaching staff adds to the uncertainty. Hopefully, a full rebuild is underway.
Vanderbilt’s Window May Have Closed
Credit: Instagram
Their magical 2024 included a win over Alabama, but offensive line turnover and reliance on injury-prone Diego Pavia raise red flags. Replicating last year’s positive turnover margin and upset magic in the SEC feels improbable. The Commodores may find themselves back near the bottom.
