The gridiron battles of college football are nearly upon us once more.
In contrast to the previous year, the landscape of the College Football Playoff remains largely unchanged this time around — and alterations to the structure may be on hold for the foreseeable future due to disagreements among conferences regarding the optimal long-term strategy for the sport.
So, for the time being, the 12-team playoff system will persist this season, albeit with a single modification: The top four positions will be awarded to the top four teams in the rankings, regardless of whether they are conference champions. (Last year, the top four conference champions were granted the four first-round byes, which led to Boise State and Arizona State receiving byes despite being ranked No. 9 and No. 12, respectively.)
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With that minor adjustment clarified, here’s a comprehensive overview of what to anticipate as we head into an action-packed 2025 college football season.
The 2025 season has the potential to heavily influence the standing of numerous coaches.
Given the limited coaching changes within the major conferences following the 2024 season, several coaches are entering this year with a critical need for their teams to exhibit strong performances. While not all of the coaches on this list are necessarily facing immediate job insecurity, we have included one first-year coach among them — these are 10 coaches who would greatly benefit from outstanding seasons.
With substantial amounts of NIL funding circulating, quarterbacks have been transferring between teams frequently over the past few years. Keeping track of all this movement can be challenging, so here are 10 of the most significant quarterback transfers that occurred during the offseason, as teams like Miami, Louisville, and Colorado sought to bolster their rosters with experienced QBs to replace starters who had departed for the NFL.
A new QB can be a game-changer for a team and there are plenty of other key positions that can change a game in a heartbeat. From new Michigan running back Justice Haynes to LSU wide receiver Nic Anderson, there were plenty of gamebreakers on the move in between season. We run through the biggest transfers outside the QB position you need to know about.
The ease with which teams can rebuild in college football, largely because of the transfer portal, is unprecedented. It resembles a twice-annual free-for-all, where programs strive to acquire the best available players to strengthen their rosters and address key weaknesses. While rapid improvements are possible, so too are sudden declines. The outcomes are varied, but change across the sport is constant.
Bearing that in mind, here are the teams that seem poised for significant improvement this season — whether it’s moving from a disastrous season to something more respectable, or a middling team potentially making a playoff push.
Fans understand that there are different degrees of disappointment in college football. Teams accustomed to participating in the College Football Playoff feel cheated when they miss out. Other programs are satisfied with a .500 record and a bowl game appearance.
So, which teams are likely to experience a difficult season in 2025? With considerable player movement and varying expectations, these teams may find themselves unhappy with their situation come December.
Schedules are not uniformly created — especially after the recent conference expansions. Some fan bases undoubtedly feel that they were dealt a disadvantage even before the season began. We analyze the eight teams facing the most challenging schedules (a playoff berth for a team like LSU or Oklahoma would be particularly commendable in 2025).
With a fresh season and a clean slate, every team has something to prove. Which teams appear destined to compete for the national championship? Which teams could overcome obstacles and secure a playoff spot? Will traditional powerhouses like Michigan and Oklahoma rebound after subpar seasons?
Our Top 25 rankings will be released in early August.
Following a unique Heisman Trophy winner in 2024, the 2025 race seems to favor quarterbacks considerably more. With less than three weeks remaining before the start of the 2025 college football season, 13 of the top 15 contenders play the quarterback position — with Texas QB Arch Manning being particularly prominent. Here’s a summary of the top five favorites for the award, along with some long-shot picks that we find intriguing at this stage in August.
While some power conference teams are avoiding high-profile games outside of league competition, others are embracing them. This is particularly evident in Week 1, which is packed with must-watch non-conference matchups. Texas-Ohio State, Florida State-Alabama, LSU-Clemson, Syracuse-Tennessee, and Notre Dame-Miami are all scheduled for opening weekend in a loaded slate. And that doesn’t even include Bill Belichick’s expected college debut on Monday night, when UNC hosts TCU in Chapel Hill.
For the second consecutive year, Yahoo Sports conducted a simulated season using EA Sports’ new college football video game. Were the results plausible? You be the judge.
