It’s the most exciting time of the year for college football fans as Week 1 marks the official return of the game after months of anticipation and speculation about the upcoming season.
This year brings major changes, from heavy movement in the transfer portal and top high school recruits joining the ranks to the potential breakout of players already on the roster. Coaching shifts have also made headlines, with a former NFL name taking over at North Carolina and a familiar face stepping in at West Virginia.
Adding to the excitement is the unpredictability that makes college football so thrilling.
Last season, few expected Indiana or SMU to be serious College Football Playoff contenders, yet both earned spots while traditional powerhouses like Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina were left out on Selection Day.
Jordan Mendoza: Georgia.
The Bulldogs may not have a flawless season, but like Ohio State last year, their offense will hit its stride when it matters most. With a consistently strong defense, Kirby Smart continues to solidify his reputation as one of the top college football coaches of the century.
Paul Myerberg: Texas. The Longhorns boast the talent and depth needed to navigate the challenges of the College Football Playoff. Even if they fall short in the SEC, Texas has the potential to replicate Ohio State’s postseason run from last season.
Erick Smith: Alabama. With many top contenders breaking in unproven quarterbacks, it’s surprising how often Alabama and new starter Ty Simpson are being overlooked.
With plenty of skill talent, a strong offensive line, and a defense projected to be one of the nation’s best, the Crimson Tide have all the ingredients for a championship run.
Eddie Timanus: Clemson.
It’s been years since Clemson and Alabama last met in the national championship, but another showdown between the two powerhouses would be epic.
Sure, Ohio State fans might not be rooting for it, but a nail-biting classic featuring the Tigers and Tide — even with some new faces on the sidelines — would be a game to remember. In this scenario, Clemson edges out a close win.
Hayes: Cade Klubnik, Clemson.
As the starting quarterback for one of the nation’s top teams, Klubnik is positioned to post massive numbers — the ideal setup for a serious Heisman Trophy run.
Mendoza: Behren Morton, Texas Tech. With Texas Tech fully committed to making a splash in 2025, Morton could deliver eye-popping stats while leading the Red Raiders to a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Myerberg: Cade Klubnik, Clemson.
While Texas quarterback Arch Manning carries big-name recognition and plenty of talent around him, Klubnik could steal the spotlight with his production and leadership for one of the top national championship contenders. His steady growth from 2023 to 2024 sets the stage for a breakout senior year
Smith: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU. With valuable experience and a talented wide receiver corps, Nussmeier is set to put up big numbers as the Tigers aim for a College Football Playoff run.
A win in the opener against Clemson could push him to the top of the Heisman watchlist, and a strong showing in the SEC Championship Game might be enough to secure the trophy.
Timanus: Cade Klubnik, Clemson.
Eventually, my prediction of a third-year starting quarterback from Clemson winning the Heisman will come true. Klubnik looks ready for a breakout season, equipped with offensive weapons and backed by a defense capable of keeping the Tigers in the national title hunt all year long.
Toppmeyer: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State.
While many elite quarterbacks will be in the Heisman conversation, Smith, the Buckeyes’ standout wide receiver, is arguably the nation’s most electrifying player. With Ohio State projected to rack up plenty of wins, he’ll remain firmly on the radar of voters.
Mendoza: Alabama at Georgia, Sept. 27. Why not run it back? With elite playmakers on both sides, the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs could deliver another instant classic in this early-season showdown.
Myerberg: Penn State at Ohio State,
Nov. 1. This matchup could decide the Big Ten title and which team earns a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. A win in Columbus would mark one of the biggest victories of the James Franklin era and give the winner major momentum for the regular-season home stretch.
Smith: Texas at Georgia, Nov. 15. This game could define the SEC championship race. While Arch Manning will face tough tests at Ohio State, Florida, and against Oklahoma in Dallas, this trip to Athens may be his biggest challenge.
If Texas navigates the early schedule successfully, a win here could cement Manning’s Heisman Trophy campaign. But if the Longhorns arrive with any losses, it might end their playoff hopes.
Timanus: LSU at Alabama,
Nov. 8. With so many high-stakes games on the schedule, this one stands out as a likely SEC title and College Football Playoff decider by Week 11.
The LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have a long history of intense, dramatic showdowns, and this season should be no different.
Toppmeyer: Penn State at Ohio State,
Nov. 1. Could this finally be the season James Franklin takes down Ryan Day? He might get multiple opportunities, but the Columbus clash on Nov.
1 is the one matchup already locked in — and it could reshape the Big Ten championship race.
Georgia Tech emerges as a potential dark horse contender for the 2025 college football seasonWhen Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud—the top two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft—started their college careers, Haynes King began his journey at Georgia Tech as well.
Now, while Young and Stroud prepare for their third NFL seasons, King is gearing up for his sixth year of college football.
Head coach Brent Key retained highly sought-after offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and bolstered the roster with key transfers, including WR Eric Rivers, RB Malachi Hosley, and DB Jon Mitchell. But make no mistake—this season hinges on King’s health.
If he stays on the field,
the Yellow Jackets could emerge as one of the biggest college football surprises of 2025.
Mendoza: Louisville Football 2025 – Head coach Jeff Brohm has consistently built competitive teams at Louisville, but this season could be his best yet. With star quarterback Issac Brown leading the offense, the Cardinals look ready to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
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Utah Utes Football 2025 – Following a challenging season,
Utah sets the stage for a powerful resurgence in the upcoming year.. Key offseason upgrades, particularly at quarterback, combined with a strong returning roster, position the Utes as serious Big 12 title contenders capable of doubling last year’s five-win total.
Smith: Florida State Football 2025 – While the Seminoles may fall short of the ACC Championship Game, a new era begins with quarterback Thomas Castellanos under center and several high-impact transfers on the roster. Hitting eight wins would mark a huge turnaround from last year’s struggles.
Timanus: Iowa State Football 2025 – The Cyclones nearly captured the Big 12 title last season, so their success shouldn’t surprise close followers of Matt Campbell’s work in Ames.
Toppmeyer: Nebraska Football 2025 – The Cornhuskers could be this season’s ultimate sleeper team. With second-year starting quarterback Dylan Raiola at the helm and head coach Matt Rhule’s proven track record of big third-year turnarounds, Nebraska has all the ingredients to surprise college football fans this year.
Biggest Disappointment Candidates for the 2025 Season
A failure to reach the College Football Playoff (CFP) would be a major letdown. The Tigers revamped their offensive line after protection struggles last season, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier must prove he can minimize turnovers.
Mendoza: LSU Tigers Football 2025 – Another Week 1 loss for Brian Kelly would be a nightmare start. If the Tigers stumble early, they might never recover, risking a season filled with missed opportunities.
Myerberg: LSU Football Expectations – With so much on the line in 2025,
LSU missing the CFP would make them the SEC’s and possibly the entire Power Four’s biggest disappointment. The Tigers boast a potential NFL first-round pick in quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but defensive improvements and a brutal schedule—starting with Clemson in Week 1—could define their season.
