With Week 1 around the corner, the 2025 college football season already feels electric. Big-name programs are reloading, quarterbacks are transferring like it’s a group project, and nearly every team claims this is “their year.” Here’s how the top teams actually stack up heading into the season.
Michigan Reloads With Two New Arms
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Wolverines managed to beat Ohio State and Alabama last season without much help from their quarterbacks. That should shift this year. Mikey Keene, formerly at Fresno State, brings a 70% completion rate, while five-star freshman Bryce Underwood waits in the wings.
Oklahoma Gets a Shot of Energy at QB
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Oklahoma’s offense struggled last year, but help just arrived. John Mateer transferred from Washington State after a season with over 3,100 passing yards and 44 total touchdowns. He reunites with former Wazzu offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who now calls plays for the Sooners.
SMU Faces the Real ACC This Time
Credit: Facebook
After dodging Clemson and Miami in their ACC debut, SMU gets both in 2025. Quarterback Kevin Jennings returns after a solid season, minus his rough playoff outing. He’ll have tight end RJ Maryland for a whole campaign this time, which helps.
Illinois Could Sneak Into the Playoff
Credit: Facebook
Last year marked Illinois’ first 10-win season since 2001. Now they want more. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has returned, the offensive line is fully intact, and running back Kaden Feagin is healthy again. The defense held opponents under 22 points per game in 2024 and brought back its top five tacklers.
Arizona State Isn’t Flying Under the Radar
Credit: Facebook
The Sun Devils shocked the Big 12 by winning the title last season. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, while transfer running back Kanye Udoh arrived after posting 1,117 rushing yards. Nine defensive starters have returned, too, including a secondary that limited opponents to 227 passing yards per game.
South Carolina’s Offense Looks Legit
Credit: Facebook
LaNorris Sellers rushed for 674 yards, passed for over 2,500, and earned preseason first-team all-SEC quarterback honors. Mike Shula now runs the offense, and while the defense lost several key players, South Carolina’s schedule includes showcase games against Alabama, LSU, and Clemson—perfect chances to prove this isn’t just hype.
Boise State Still Looks Like the Group Of Five Favorite
Credit: Facebook
Even without star running back Ashton Jeanty, the Broncos remain the top Group of Five team. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has returned, and Sire Gaines is taking over the rushing duties after showing promise before injury last year. Safety duo Zion Washington and Ty Benefield headline a unit that could easily anchor another win.
Texas Tech Went Shopping in the Portal
Credit: Facebook
The Red Raiders pulled in a whopping 30 transfers this offseason, including edge rusher David Bailey and running back Quinten Joyner. Quarterback Behren Morton threw for over 3,300 yards last year, though offseason shoulder surgery puts some pressure on backup Will Hammond.
Utah’s Offense Just Got a Serious Boost
Credit: Facebook
Devon Dampier wasn’t a household name at New Mexico, but Utah fans might learn it quickly. He racked up over 3,800 total yards and 31 touchdowns last season and is now getting a shot in a Power Five system. The Utes also added Washington State running back Wayshawn Parker.
Indiana Hopes It Wasn’t a One-Year Wonder
Credit: Facebook
Indiana’s return to the playoffs isn’t out of reach. They went 11-2 last season with a QB playing on one leg. Now, Fernando Mendoza is stepping in from Cal, and he’s already drawing praise. Top targets Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper are back after catching 15 combined touchdowns.
Florida Needs DJ Lagway to Stay Upright
Credit: Facebook
The electric quarterback was in a walking boot during fall camp after a promising but injury-limited 2024. Florida’s schedule isn’t doing them any favors either: LSU, Miami, Texas, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee all show up. Still, Lagway gives the Gators a shot in every one of those games if he stays on the field.
Kansas State’s QB Could Break Out
Credit: Facebook
Avery Johnson runs like a tailback and throws like a work-in-progress. That mix made him dangerous last season, with 605 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. But his sub-60% completion rate leaves room to grow. Kansas State will also have key offensive pieces this year, including receiver Jayce Brown and transfer RB Dylan Edwards.
Texas A&M Is Banking on the Run Game
Credit: Facebook
Le’Veon Moss, who looked unstoppable before a knee injury, has come back alongside Amari Daniels. NC State transfer KC Concepcion has given the receiving corps a needed jolt. The defense has brought back its top six tacklers, though edge rush is a concern. This group has the potential: it just needs to stay out of its own way.
Ole Miss Loaded Up (Again)
Credit: Facebook
It’s another transfer-heavy year for Lane Kiffin’s crew. Austin Simmons is taking over at quarterback after backing up Jaxson Dart. He’s got new weapons too: Oklahoma State’s De’Zhaun Stribling and Penn State’s Harrison Wallace at receiver, plus Logan Diggs from Notre Dame in the backfield.
Iowa State Might Be Better Than You Think
Credit: Facebook
The Cyclones went 11-3 last year and could return to the Big 12 title game. Quarterback Rocco Becht and running back Carson Hansen are both back, while East Carolina transfer Chase Sowell has brought deep-threat potential. The defense needs to tighten up, especially against the run, after giving up over five yards per carry in 2024.
