Live Report from Atlanta – Ohio State’s high-octane offense was simply too much for Notre Dame in the Buckeyes’ 34-23 victory in Monday’s national title game, marking their first national championship in 10 years and the seventh in school history. This victory also marked Ryan Day’s first championship as head coach.
Despite losing key players to the NFL Draft, Ohio State sits firmly at No. 1 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2025. The Buckeyes are primed for another strong season, with stars like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs returning, and a stellar new recruiting class joining the fold. However, they will need to find a new quarterback—Julian Sayin, a five-star prospect who transferred from Alabama, is expected to step into the role. Ohio State’s offensive firepower looks promising, especially if Quinshon Judkins returns to the backfield, and with key portal additions like CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) and Max Klare (Purdue). The defense will need some fresh faces to step up, but Downs’ return should provide a solid foundation.
The Texas Longhorns, with a 2024 record of 13-3, are at No. 2 in the rankings. After an impressive debut season in the SEC, including a CFP semifinal appearance, Texas is poised to make more noise in 2025. With Quinn Ewers moving on, the Manning era is set to begin, though the Longhorns will need to rebuild their offensive line and find new weapons at wide receiver. The defense, led by Hill and Simmons, remains a strength, though three of their top defensive backs are departing. Texas will face a huge early test on Aug. 30 when they visit Ohio State.
Penn State, ranked No. 3, finished 2024 with a 13-1 record, showing impressive promise. With key players like Allar, Allen, and Singleton returning, the Nittany Lions could take a big step forward in 2025. The loss of key receivers will need to be addressed, but additions like Devonte Ross from Troy and Kyron Hudson from USC should help. Defensively, though, the departure of key players and defensive coordinator Tom Allen could present challenges.
Notre Dame takes the No. 4 spot, after a strong 2024 season that saw them reach the CFP National Championship. The Fighting Irish are excited for the CJ Carr era, with the highly-rated freshman expected to take over at quarterback. A solid offensive line and running back Jadarian Price return, but the Irish will need more playmakers at receiver. The defense should remain stout, though some key players will need replacing.
Georgia, despite an up-and-down 2024 season, earned the No. 5 ranking after winning another SEC title. Stockton looks set to replace Beck as the starting quarterback, but the Bulldogs must improve in several areas, including offensive line play and defensive tackling. Additions like Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch from the portal could provide immediate help.
In the No. 6 spot are the Oregon Ducks, who went undefeated in the regular season and claimed the Big Ten title before being blown out by Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals. The Ducks have a lot of rebuilding to do, particularly on defense, but with a stellar recruiting class, including highly touted Dante Moore, and some key portal pickups, Oregon should remain competitive.
Clemson, ranked No. 7, had a rollercoaster 2024 season but still managed to win the ACC title and reach the CFP. Dabo Swinney will rely on returning stars like Klubnik, Williams, and Woodaz, while also addressing gaps in the running back position after key injuries. With a new defensive coordinator in Tom Allen, Clemson will aim to improve on both sides of the ball, bolstered by portal additions like Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama) and Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State).
Stay tuned as more teams are set to make their mark in what promises to be another exciting college football season!
Here’s the live feed coverage for your 2025 football outlooks:
LSU Tigers
2024 Record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC
Heading into 2025, Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers are going all-in. Despite losing three games for the third consecutive season, LSU is reloading, with over a dozen transfer portal additions, including Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn on the defensive line, along with offensive reinforcements like Braelin Moore and Josh Thompson. Quarterback Nussmeier returns after a 4,043-yard, 29-touchdown campaign. The Tigers’ focus will be on rebuilding the offensive line and tightening a defense that allowed 24.3 points per game. Can LSU make a leap?
BYU Cougars
2024 Record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12
Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars are primed for another strong season in 2025. Returning key playmakers like Retzlaff, Martin, Roberts, and Marion, and bolstered by transfer reinforcements, BYU is set to be a Big 12 contender. While they must replace a couple of offensive line starters and reload the defensive front, the Cougars’ returnees are poised to make a deep run despite challenging road games against Iowa State and Colorado.
South Carolina Gamecocks
2024 Record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC
A promising 2024 campaign for Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks ended with a four-win improvement from 2023, including wins over Clemson and Texas A&M. With key losses on defense, including Sanders and Kennard, the addition of portal players like Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Texas A&M) and Shawn Murphy (Florida State) should help. Offensively, Sellers will work under new OC Mike Shula, and Rahsul Faison will look to replace Sanders at running back. If Sellers can step up, expect even bigger things from South Carolina in 2025.
Iowa State Cyclones
2024 Record: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12
Matt Campbell’s Iowa State team had a historic 2024, with the program’s first 10-win season. But the Cyclones’ ultimate goal for 2025 is to secure the program’s first conference title in 113 years. While losing Noel and Higgins on offense, transfer receivers like Xavier Townsend (UCF) and Chase Sowell (East Carolina) will help fill the gaps. The defense remains strong, and with Becht and the running game returning, expect Iowa State to remain a top contender.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2024 Record: 9-4, 5-3 SEC
Kalen DeBoer’s first season at Alabama was disappointing for fans used to Nick Saban’s dominance. After more than three losses for the first time since 2007, the Crimson Tide will regroup in 2025. The quarterback battle between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell will be crucial. With some offensive line holes to fill but a solid receiving corps returning, Alabama looks to improve—though it may not quite be back in CFP contention just yet.
Illinois Fighting Illini
2024 Record: 10-3, 6-3 Big Ten
Bret Bielema’s Illinois is looking to build on a breakthrough 2024 that included the program’s first 10-win season since 2001. The return of key players like Davis and Scott, along with additions like Hudson Clement (West Virginia), should keep the Illini competitive in 2025. Despite losing key players like Bryant and Franklin, a strong offensive line and returning defense should keep Illinois in the mix for another successful season.
Arizona State Sun Devils
2024 Record: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12
Arizona State enters 2025 with major shoes to fill after Cam Skattebo’s departure. The Sun Devils’ new star running back Kanye Udoh (Army) will try to replace Skattebo’s massive production. With defensive help from transfer players like Nyland Green (Purdue) and Adrian Wilson (Washington State), Arizona State hopes to remain competitive, but their secondary and overall depth could be a concern.
SMU Mustangs
2024 Record: 11-3, 8-0 ACC
Despite a solid 2024 season, Rhett Lashlee’s SMU has a lot of work ahead, with several key players departing. Jennings returns at quarterback, but the Mustangs will miss stars like Brashard Smith and Roderick Daniels Jr.. Lashlee is bringing in significant reinforcements, including Tyler Van Dyke (Wisconsin) and Addison Nichols (Arkansas), which should help maintain their offensive firepower in 2025.
Kansas State Wildcats
2024 Record: 9-4, 5-4 Big 12
After another solid season, Kansas State remains in contention for 2025. Will Howard’s return after over 3,300 yards of offense provides stability. Key additions from the portal, including Amarion Fortenberry (South Alabama) and Gunner Maldonado (Arizona), should strengthen the defense. With games against Iowa State, BYU, and Arizona State on the schedule, Kansas State is gearing up for another challenging season.
Indiana Hoosiers
2024 Record: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten
Indiana made history in 2024 with its first CFP appearance, and Curt Cignetti’s team is looking to reload for 2025 with nearly 20 transfer additions. Among them are Fernando Mendoza (Cal) and Lee Beebe Jr. (UAB), who will bolster the offense. With a soft nonconference schedule, Indiana aims to maintain its momentum, but tough Big Ten road games at Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State will provide tough tests.
Florida Gators
2024 Record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC
Billy Napier and the Gators closed out 2024 on a strong note with a four-game win streak, giving fans optimism for 2025. With J.Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) joining the receiving corps and standout freshman Lagway leading the offense, Florida could surprise. But with one of the nation’s toughest schedules, including games against Texas, Georgia, and LSU, it will be a challenging year.
Tennessee Volunteers
2024 Record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
After another strong year, Tennessee faces significant challenges in 2025, especially on offense. With the loss of Sampson and three top receivers, the Volunteers will need to reload. Wendell Moe Jr. (Arizona) and David Sanders, a five-star recruit, could help fill the void. Tennessee’s defense should remain solid, but replacing key offensive production will be tough.
Louisville Cardinals
2024 Record: 9-4, 5-3 ACC
Jeff Brohm’s Louisville Cardinals are aiming for a better 2025, despite narrow losses to top teams in 2024. With Miller Moss (USC) leading the offense and Brown emerging as a star, Louisville looks to capitalize on strong playmakers. The addition of defensive players like Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina) should help, but they will need to overcome tight road games.
Michigan Wolverines
2024 Record: 8-5, 5-4 Big Ten
Michigan is looking to build on a strong finish to Sherrone Moore’s first season. With the pressure on Bryce Underwood and Mikey Keene to improve quarterback play, Michigan is aiming for a more potent offense under new OC Chip Lindsey. With a revamped coaching staff, they could surprise, but replacing key players like Graham and Grant will be difficult.
Texas A&M Aggies
2024 Record: 8-5, 5-3 SEC
Mike Elko’s first year at Texas A&M didn’t meet expectations, but the Aggies are reloading for 2025 with nearly all offensive starters returning. The defense has some holes to fill, and key transfers like Kevin Concepcion (NC State) will help the receiver corps. With tough road games against Notre Dame, LSU, and Texas, it’s shaping up to be a critical year for A&M.
The 2025 college football landscape is shaping up to be packed with exciting storylines, and these programs are all ready to take the next step!
In a busy offseason of preparation for 2025, Miami Hurricanes fans are bracing for major changes following a promising 2024 season, where they finished 10-3, 6-2 in the ACC. Despite a strong showing, including a Heisman Trophy finalist in Ward, a late-season slip at Syracuse left the team with plenty to improve. Now, Miami coach Mario Cristobal faces the task of rebuilding a core that saw the departure of key playmakers. The biggest concern is the absence of Ward, with Carson Beck (formerly of Georgia) expected to recover from UCL surgery and return to the starting quarterback role, though his return won’t happen until the spring.
Miami’s receiver room is in dire need of fresh talent after losing its top six pass catchers, but they’ve made significant moves, bringing in CJ Daniels from LSU. The secondary will also undergo a rebuild, with additions like Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Emmanuel Karnley (Arizona), Ethan O’Connor (Washington State), and safety Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State). In a shake-up on the defensive side, Cristobal made the bold move to fire defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, replacing him with Corey Hetherman from Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Boise State Broncos are riding high after clinching their second straight Mountain West Conference title and reaching the CFP. A tough challenge lies ahead as they move forward without their star running back, Ashton Jeanty, who lit up the field with an FBS-record 2,601 yards in 2024. The Broncos will now rely on Sire Gaines and Jambres Dubar, along with transfer Malik Sherrod from Fresno State, to fill the void. Fortunately for Boise, their offensive line remains largely intact, with Casey, an All-MWC tackle, leading the charge. On defense, they return key players like leading tackler Benefield and sack specialist Virgin-Morgan. Their season opener includes a challenging trip to Notre Dame on October 4th.
In the SEC, Ole Miss Rebels will face a significant rebuild in 2025 following a strong 10-3, 5-3 SEC record in 2024. After a close miss at the CFP due to a late loss to Florida, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin will see key players like quarterback Dart and several top receivers move on. With multiple departures across the offensive and defensive lines, the Rebels will look to the portal to replenish their roster. New additions like De’Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State), Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest), and Caleb Odom (Alabama) will help fill gaps in the receiver corps, while defensive line reinforcements like Princewill Umanmielen (Nebraska) and Da’Shawn Womack (LSU) look to strengthen the pass rush.
Miami, Boise State, and Ole Miss are all undergoing important transformations as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2025 season.
