2025 Wampler's Southern Football Guide

EDITOR’S LETTER

CHARLIE

MILLER

It’s College Football time again!

The 12-team playoff era began last season, and how awesome is it to have a college football tournament in December and January that rivals March Madness?

The non-geographical-conforming power conferences have created more exciting atmospheres, the birth of new rivalries and unprecedented revenues.

As far as what will happen on the field this fall, Texas, Georgia and Alabama, and perhaps, LSU will be the kings of the SEC. Last season at this time, we marveled at all the experienced, big-time quarterbacks in the SEC. This fall, the league is restocking at the position. Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Missouri expect to be playoff contenders with unproven QBs. One could argue that Texas also has an unproven signal-caller, but his last name is Manning, so how unproven can he be?

Clemson is about to reassert itself as the beast of the ACC.

There’s nothing like football Saturdays in the South!

Charlie Miller - Editor

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

BOSTON COLLEGE

Chestnut Hill, MA

HEAD COACH: Bill O’Brien

OC: Will Lawing

DC: Tim Lewis

2024 RECORD: 7-6 (4-4) FOUNDED:

STADIUM:

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Expect Boston College to continue to be physical on offense as the Eagles’ running game will priority one. But the Eagles must replace a couple of All-ACC linemen and their top two runners. Guard Logan Taylor is still a hoss upfront, and BC has filled some gaps through the portal. Guard Amir Johnson is a huge pickup. Jordan McDonald and Turbo Richard will share carries in the backfield after combining for 639 yards and five touchdowns in limited duty. Lewis Bond has led the team in receptions for the past two seasons. He caught 67 balls last year. Reed Harris is a deep threat with only 17 catches last season, but he averaged almost 29 yards a catch. Quarterback Grayson James, who was just okay in six games last year will be pushed by Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan. Tight end Jeremiah Franklin is an integral part of the passing attack.

Even though the Eagles suffered significant losses on defense, BC should be better this season. Half of the Eagles’ 31 sacks graduated with Donovan Ezeiruaku, so Quintayvious Hutchins and Edwin Kolenge must step up the pressure off the edge. Even with the lack of pressure across the board, the Eagles picked off 17 passes with 12 different players joining that party. Opponents ran for 5.3 yards a carry in 2023, but the Eagles knocked that down to 3.6 last season. Safeties KP Price and Curtis Davis can bring the leather, but Price’s 85 tackles is a testament to the team’s weakness upfront. Linebacker Daveon Crouch returns after making 77 tackles and notching 6.5 behind the line. Owen McGowan takes over in the middle and will be the main man on defense. Amari Jackson is the best corner and missed most of last season with injuries.

2025 SCHEDULE

Tommy Matheson, C — Matheson spent four seasons at Princeton and earned second team All-Ivy last season. Coaches love his presence on the offensive line, but ACC defensive linemen will pose a little more resistance than Ivy Leaguers did.

Omarion Davis, S — Davis will earn some reps at safety this season, but should be a fixture for the next few seasons. Dylan Lonergan, QB — Lonergan spent a couple of seasons at Alabama where he rarely saw the field. Early in fall camp, he’s still battling Grayson James for the starting job.

Berkeley, CA

HEAD COACH: Justin Wilcox

OC: Bryan Harsin

DC: Terrence Brown & Vic So’oto

2024 RECORD: 6-7 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1868

STADIUM: California Memorial (63,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Cal’s inaugural season in the ACC wasn’t exactly stellar offensively. The offensive line was a disaster, allowing 112 tackles for loss (only Southern Miss and Stanford were worse), and the Bears averaged just 3.6 per rush. Running back Jadyn Ott who ran for 1,315 yards in 2023 was beset by injuries and is now at Oklahoma. Leading runner Jaivian Thomas also transferred out to UCLA. Kendrick Raphael (NC State) and Brandon High Jr. (UTSA) will share carries this season. Fernando Mendoza, a 3,000-yard passer, hit the portal as well. Devin Brown, once a prized recruit at Ohio State, and five-star freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who initially signed with Oregon, are battling for the quarterback job. The offensive line gets a restart this season with five new faces. Trond Grizzell is the most experienced and reliable receiver.

The defense certainly carried the Bears last season, but has lost significant playmaking ability at cornerback. The defensive front with be the strength of the defense. Nate Burrell and Aidan Keanaaina stack up the line of scrimmage allowing the linebackers to make plays. Ryan McCulloch is expected to grow into the best playmaker on the outside. The Bears have high hopes for JUCO transfer Odera Okaka opposite McCulloch. Cade Uluave was thrust into the middle of the defense as a sophomore last season, and he responded with 30 solo stops in just nine games. Keeping him helathy and in the lineup is paramount. The secondary is young and unproven. The Bears forced 22 turnovers last season, 17 of them interceptions. However, no player with more than one pick last season returns. Transfers Hezekiah Masses (FIU) and Brent Austin (South Florida) must step up at corner.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, QB — Generally considered the top quarterback in the 2025 class, Sagapolutele signed with Oregon in December, then transferred to Cal. He is clearly the quarterback of the future, and competing with Devin Brown for quarterback of the present.

Devin Brown, QB — Once a top recruit for Ohio State, Brown rarely saw the field and tallied just 331 yards passing over three years. He’s the likely starter, but being pushed by Sagapolutele. TJ Bush, Jr., OLB — Bush is expected to boost the Cal pass rush this season. He recorded 16.5 tackles for loss at Liberty.

CLEMSON

Clemson, SC

HEAD COACH: Dabo Swinney

OC: Garrett Riley

DC: Tom Allen

2024 RECORD: 10-4 (7-1)

FOUNDED: 1889

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (81,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Clemson crashed the playoff party last season, and the Tigers should be appreciably improved this season. The offense scored 35 points a game, averaged 6.3 yards per play, converted 44 percent on third down and committed just 10 turnovers. There’s every reason to believe this will be the best Clemson offense in recent memory. Of all national playoff contenders, Clemson is the only team with an established quarterback. Cade Klubnik returns after throwing for 3,639 yards and running for 463. Klubnik’s receiving crew returns as Antonio Williams, T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr. accounted for 161 catches and 2,263 yards. The offensive line returns four starters and another that played more than half the offensive snaps last season. The minor caveat is that no running back with more than 43 carries returns. But freshman Gideon Davidson is a budding star.

There is little doubt that last season was a restocking season for the defense, especially upfront. Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart developed into their new roles nicely and should provide a solid front wall this season. Stephiylan Green is a rising star behind the two big fellas. Pass rusher T.J. Parker is excellent, but he was a lone wolf last season. He managed 11 sacks and 19.5 TFLs last season, and certainly will enjoy the benefit of having Will Heldt on the opposite end this fall. Linebackers Sammy Brown and Wade Woodaz were the leading tacklers last season, even though Brown played about 250 fewer snaps than Woodaz. Avieon Terrell is a future NFL corner and teams have learned to stay away from his side of the field. Khalil Barnes, who will line up at both corner and safety, led the team with four picks last season.

DEPTH CHART

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Gideon Davidson, RB — The talented runner was a consensus top three running back in the country. He began his high school career with 1,197 yards as a freshman and ended with 7,725 yards and 121 rushing touchdowns.

Tristan Smith, WR — Clemson rarely dips into the portal, and Smith is an intriguing choice. He posted 76 catches for 934 yards for SE Missouri State, and at 6’5” provides a big target in the red zone.

Will Heldt, DE — After two seasons at Purdue, Heldt joins Clemson and should immediately help the defense. He played in all 24 games during his time with the Boilermakers.

HEAD COACH: Manny Diaz

OC: Jonathan Brewer

DC: Jonathan Patke

2024 RECORD: 9-3 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1838

STADIUM: Wallace Wade (40,004)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Duke must replace some key cogs on offense, and the player they are most excited about is quarterback Darian Mensah from Tulane. He takes over for Maalik Murphy, who transferred to Oregon State after coming in from Texas a year ago. Mensah led the AAC is passer rating and completed 65.9 percent (which also led the conference). He threw just six interceptions in 287 attempts. Jaquez Moore returns, which should keep the pressure off the passing game. Moore played in just five games last season after suffering multiple foot injuries. In 2022-23, he totaled 1,182 yards and averaged 6.1 yards a carry. Sahmir Hagans and Que’Sean Brown both had more than 40 catches for better than 400 yards. There’s high hopes that Andrel Anthony can stay healthy and stretch the field. He was limited to one game and one catch at Oklahoma last year.

With head coach Manny Diaz and DC Jonathan Patke involved, expect the defense to be fierce and bring relentless pressure. The Blue Devils had 43 sacks and their 116 tackles for loss ranked second in the nation. Wesley Williams was a playmaking machine in the backfield last season. He benefits from equal pressure coming from Vincent Anthony Jr. on the other side. But pressure could come from any of the 11 defenders. Linebackers Tre Freeman and Nick Morris Jr. are experienced in the system. Hybrid Jaiden Francois could prove to be a huge addition from Utah. In the secondary, safety Terry Moore and corner Chandler Rivers are among the best in the ACC. Rivers broke up nine passes, picked off three and added 7.5 TFLs. Moore is recovering from a bowl game injury, and the defense needs his ballhawking style and willingness to hit ball carriers.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

was one of the top

in the portal after throwing for 2,723 yards for Tulane.

led the AAC in yards per attempt and completion percentage.

Andrel Anthony, WR — Anthony played in 26 games for Michigan before spending the last two years at Oklahoma. He will have played for all four Power 4 conferences after this season.

Jaiden Francois, CB — The veteran graduated from UCF in three years, received a Masters from Utah State in two years and now will anchor the secondary for the Blue Devils.

FLORIDA STATE

HEAD COACH: Mike Norvell

OC: Gus Malzahn

DC: Tony White

2024 RECORD: 2-10 (1-7)

FOUNDED: 1851

STADIUM: Doak Campbell Stadium (79,560)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Remember when the undefeated Seminoles were left out of the four-team playoff in 2023? After the snub, an exodus of players, and a crash-and-burn bowl game, the Seminoles really never recovered entering last season. Now there is a new beginning in Tallahassee with a new offensive coordinator and eight starters who were not with the program for last year’s disaster. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos threw for 2,248 yards and ran for 1,113 at Boston College in 2023. The Seminoles are looking for that production this season. New additions Duce Robinson and Squirrel White will be Castellanos’ main targets. Robinson is a deep threat and White is talented, but has trouble staying healthy. The line has been rebuilt through the portal around center Luke Petitbon from Wake Forest and tackles Gunnar Hansen (Vanderbilt) and Micah Pettus (Ole Miss).

The Seminoles allowed 28 points and 386 yards a game, which doesn’t seem bad, but when the offense manages just 15 and 270, the Seminoles didn’t have a chance. New coordinator Tony White arrives from Nebraska, where he had success. In addition to a new attitude and scheme, he also brings talented linebacker Stefon Thompson. The sixth-year veteran brings instant leadership in the middle. He’s joined by Elijah Herring, who has made stops at Tennessee and Memphis. James Williams also transferred from Nebraska to bolster the pass rush. Darrell Jackson Jr. is a huge load in the middle of the line. There’s a simliar story in the secondary with adequate safeties K.J. Kirkland and Shyheim Brown returning with good ball skills and the willingness to stop the run. There are huge hopes for Jeremiah Wilson at corner who has proven himself a playmaker at both Syracuse

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Tommy Castellanos, QB — Castellanos spent his freshman year at UCF with Gus Malzahn. He became the first player in BC history with 1,000 yards rushing and 2,000 passing in a season.

Duce Robinson, WR — Robinson bolsters the receiving corps after grabbing 39 passes for USC over the past two seasons.

Luke Petitbon, C — Petitbon earned Honorable Mention AllACC last season after allowing just one sack.

James Williams, EDGE — Williams had 7.5 TFLs in 16 games for Nebraska.

GEORGIA TECH

Atlanta, GA

HEAD COACH: Brent Key

OC: Buster Faulkner

DC: Blake Gideon

2024 RECORD: 7-6 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1885

STADIUM: Bobby Dodd (55,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Georgia Tech is clearly on an upswing with back-to-back winning campaigns, and the offense plays a huge role. Haynes King returns at quarterback, and keeping him healthy is critical. He scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and threw for 14. King completed 73 percent of his throws last season, and he had just two interceptions. His backups threw five picks. King will miss Eric Singleton Jr., who is now at Auburn, but Malik Rutherford is a stud and the leader of the receiving corps. Rutherford had 62 catches last year and will enjoy having Eric Rivers, a transfer from FIU, as his running mate. Jamal Haynes returns after following his 1,000-yard season in 2023 with 944 in 2024. The offensive line, led by guard Keylan Rutledge, should once again be among the best in the ACC. Last year, the group allowed just nine sacks, and the Jackets averaged five yards a carry.

The Georgia Tech defense improved significantly against the run last season, but still had trouble mounting a consistent pass rush. After back-to-back seasons of 21 and 18 sacks, new defensive coordinator Blake Gideon is emphasizing getting pressure on the quarterback. Middle linebacker Kyle Efford led the team with three sacks, and no one else with more than one is returning. Georgia Tech expects newcomers A.J. Hoffler and Ronald Triplette to dial up the pressure. Jordan van den Berg and Matthew Alexander are quality tackles against the run, which should free up the pass rushers a bit. The Tech cornerbacks are as good against the run as any in the country. Ahmari Harvey is the best cover corner, and Kelvin Hill is a rising star. Don’t be surprised to see Jon Mitchell join the deep rotation as well. Clayton Powell-Lee and Jy Gilmore are solid safeties.

DEPTH CHART

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Eric Rivers, WR — Rivers spent one season at Memphis as a defensive back before finding his way to FIU in 2023, and finding a home at receiver. Last season he torched CUSA with 62 catches for 1,172 yards and 12 TDs.

A.J. Hoffler, EDGE — The former four-star Clemson signee played in all 14 games for the Tigers last season. He instantly upgrades the Jackets’ pass rush.

Tae Harris, S — One of the highest rated recruits in Georgia Tech history, Harris has incredible speed (10.6 100m) and may eventually help in the return game.

LOUISVILLE

Louisville, KY

HEAD COACH: Jeff Brohm

OC: Brian Brohm

DC: Ron English and Mark Hagen

2024 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1798

STADIUM: Cardinal Stadium (62,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Brohm & Son offense is an effective attack, and new quarterback Miller Moss should step right in to keep it explosive. Last season, the Cardinals averaged 36 points a game, 449 yards a game and 6.8 yards a play. Those are high bar numbers. Moss threw for 2,555 yards in only nine games for USC last season, but his nine picks are concerning. The running back tandem of Isaac Brown and Duke Watson is an effective duo. Brown averaged 7.1 yards a carry, and Watson 8.9. Chris Bell is a deep threat at receiver, and the Cardinals expect his 43 catches to nearly double this season. Caullin Lacy had 18 catches in just five games last season. The offensive line was terrific last season, paving the way for an outstanding running game, and gave up just 15 sacks. Pete Nygra is a rock at center. Tackles Mahamane Moussa (from Purdue) and Makylan Pounders (Miss. State) are good additions.

TJ Quinn and Stanquan Clark are the team’s leading tacklers and should pick up where they left off last season. They combined for 11.5 tackles for loss. The defensive line and secondary need each other’s help for this unit to be successful. With tackles Jordan Guerad and Rene Konga in front of the two quality linebackers, the Cardinals stack up well against the run. The pass rush needs to improve and Louisville hopes that Clev Lubin can repeat his 9.5 sacks with Coastal Carolina last year. The secondary isn’t good enough to defend the entire field without the benefit of pressure on the quarterback. Antonio Watts plays the run well and had 6.5 TFLs, but he needs to contribute more in coverage. The corners are new and largely unproven. Justin Agu comes from Louisiana, and Rodney Johnson from Southern. Safety JoJo Evans is from FIU.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Miller Moss, QB — Moss bided his time at USC for three years before a breakout season a year ago. His game should translate well in the Lousville offense.

Mahamane Moussa, T — The Louisville interior line is solid and the addition of Moussa at tackle soldifies the offensive front.

Dacari Collins, WR — The veteran receiver caught 38 passes over 24 games for NC State the last two campaigns.

Clev Lubin, DE — Lubin spent his freshman year at Army before Iowa Western JC and Coastal Carolina.

MIAMI

Coral Gables, FL

HEAD COACH: Mario Cristobal

OC: Shannon Dawson

DC: Corey Hetherman

2024 RECORD: 10-3 (6-2) FOUNDED: 1925

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Miami was scary good on offense last season, leading the nation in total offense, scoring and third down conversions. While quarterback Cam Ward was awesome, replacing the first overall NFL draft pick with Carson Beck is not a bad swap at all. Beck won some big games at Georgia and has recovered well from his elbow injury in the SEC Championship Game. He will have a sound line in front of him with Francis Mauigoa a future top 10 draft pick. Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle will likely share carries in the backfield this season. They’ll run behind a line that paved the way for the Hurricanes to average 5.7 yards a carry last season. Beck and his receivers are still getting to know each other, and the coaching staff. CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU) and Tony Johnson (Cin.) comprise the core of the receiving corps.

Miami will again rely on its offense, but the defense will be as good or better than last season. The pass rush was spotty and desperately missed end Rueben Bain Jr., who had a tremendous freshman season. He missed much of last season, and wasn’t completely healthy when he was on the field. Mohamed Toure, a late signing from Rutgers, and Wesley Bissainthe are excellent linebackers who make plays all over the field. The versatile Jaylin Alderman, Cam Pruitt and Raul Aguirre Jr. will be on the field often. OJ Frederique Jr. is a stud at cornerback. Miami coaches believe Xavier Lucas from Wisconsin can be as good as Frederique. There may be a revolving door at safety, especially during camp until players assert themselves. Zechariah Poyser had a terrific season for Jacksonville State, and the Hurricanes hope that translates well to the ACC.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Carson Beck, QB — Could it be two years in a row that the top pick in the NFL Draft is a transfer from Miami? Possible. Beck is certainly this year’s marquee transfer.

Mohamed Toure, LB — The athletic linebacker finished strong last season with six TFLs over his final five games.

Xavier Lucas, CB — Lucas played just enough last season with Wisconsin to get his feet wet. He had a couple of TFLs and an interception in limited action. He likely will grow into an AllACC selection.

NC STATE

Raleigh, NC

HEAD COACH: Dave Doeren

OC: Kurt Roper

DC: DJ Eliot

2024 RECORD: 6-7 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1887

STADIUM:

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Losing the most exciting playmaker on offense (KC Concepcion) is never a good thing, but the most productive player was tight end Justin Joly with 43 catches for a team-leading 661 yards. Quaterback CJ Bailey returns after learning some tough lessons as a freshman. Bailey completed 65 percent of his passes for the season, but his percentage dropped to 57 percent over the last four games, when he also threw six of his 10 interceptions. In addition to Joly, Bailey has Noah Rogers to stretch the field and Wesley Grimes, who is improving. Hollywood Smothers is poised for a breakout season. He averaged 6.4 yards a carry last season and caught 19 passes for 263 yards giving him 834 yards from scrimmage. When the Wolfpack need a bruiser, they’ll call on Duke Scott. The offensive line is being rebuilt around holdovers Jacarrius Peak at tackle and guard Anthony Carter Jr.

Defense has not been a problem since Dave Doeren arrived at NC State, but the Wolfpack slipped a bit last season. The portal sucked away five contributors, three of which came from the secondary. So there’s more rebuilding than a typical season might require. The pass rush needs a boost. Travali Price was second on the team with 3.5 sacks, so he could use some help from Isaiah Shirley or Josh Alexander-Felton on the other side. The linebackers will be the strength of the defense, and Sean Brown on the outside the best of the deep unit. He had 8.5 TFLs last season with 13 QB hurries. Coaches are eager to see what Caden Fordham can do over a full healthy season. He had 20 solo stops, four for a loss and six pass breakups in only six injury-marred games. Devon Marshall is the best corner and the Wolfpack has high hopes for Jaren Sensabaugh.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Joseph Adedire, DE/LB — Adedire started six games as a true freshman and had a productive season as a sophomore before missing last season with an injury. If he’s healthy, the active pass rusher could be a huge boost.

Brian Nelson II, CB — Nelson had four interceptions for the Mean Green of North Texas last season. He isn’t afraid to support the run; he added 45 solo tackles on the season.

Jalen Grant, C — After starting 12 games at guard in 2023 for Purdue as part of an excellent offensive line, Grant redshirted last season.

NORTH CAROLINA

Chapel Hill, NC

HEAD COACH: Bill Belichick

OC: Freddie Kitchens

DC: Steve Belichick

2024 RECORD: 6-7 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1789

STADIUM: Kenan Memorial (50,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

From head coach Bill Belichick on down, almost everything is a new beginning at North Carolina this season. Holdover offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens will have a new quarterback, two new running backs and a rebuilt receiving corps. Gio Lopez threw for more than 3,000 yards and ran for another 600 for South Alabama last season. The wide-open passing attack will be unleashed early and the heat will be on Lopez to make it click. Kobe Paysour returns at receiver after just 21 catches last season. Aziah Johnson will be a serious threat to stretch the field. Davion Gause and Benjamin Hall will share carries in the backfield. Lopez adds an extra element to the rushing attack. Trevyon Green, Aidan Banfield and Austin Blaske all return on the line and will have a chance to play at the next level. Every other lineman competing for playing time has transferred in this year.

It’s been a while since the North Carolina defense was formidable. Now enter Bill Belichick and son Steve as well as 14 transfers that will battle for playing time. For now, eight projected starters were not with the program before the Belichicks arrived. Defensive backs Marcus Allen, Will Hardy and Kaleb Cost are returning, which provides a nice starting point when the Tar Heels take the field Aug. 29 at Minnesota. Smith Vilbert and Pryce Yates are expected to generate an effective pass rush while CJ Mims and D’Antre Robinson handle the run game in the middle. Linebacker Andrew Simpson from Boise State is expected to be a star. Former teammates at Washington linebacker Khmori House and Thaddeus Dixon will vie for All-ACC honors. Gavin Gibson can be a big-time safety, and Greg Smith brings a huge upside.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Bryce Baker, QB — The four-star signee is considered among the top 11 quarterbacks in the nation. He will compete for snaps this season. He is a rising star for the Tar Heels.

Adrian Wilson, WR — The consensus four-star prospect originally signed with Colorado in December, but has found his way to Chapel Hill. He is a big-play threat.

Thaddeus Dixon, CB — A big part of the Washington defense the past two seasons, Dixon has two career interceptions, picking off Cam Ward and John Mateer, both of Washington State.

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh, PA

HEAD COACH: Pat Narduzzi

OC: Kade Bell

DC: Randy Bates

2024 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1787

STADIUM: Acrisure Stadium (68,400)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

It’s worth remembering that Pittsburgh began last season with seven wins before bowing out with six straight losses. The schedule toughened and injuries mounted, and really the only painful loss was to Virginia at home. Now the Panthers must figure out how to compete with the upper echelon of the ACC. The offense should be one of the best in the conference. Eli Holstein threw for 2,228 yards and ran for 328. He has one of the most potent weapons in the conference in Desmond Reid, who had 1,541 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. Kenny Johnson, Poppi Williams Jr. and Blue Hicks form a explosive trio at receiver that makes the field difficult to cover. The line struggled last season as the year wore on, but getting injured center Lyndon Cooper back is a huge boost. BJ Williams and Ryan Baer return; Kendall Stanley (Charlotte) and Jeff Persi (Michigan) are new.

The defense finished fourth in the nation in tackles for loss with more than eight per game. And the firepower returns with the best group of linebackers in the ACC. Any or all of the three— Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace—could be on the All-ACC team. Louis led the team with four picks and 15.5 TFLs and Biles added 15 TFLs with nine pass breakups. Lovelace had 10.5 stops behind the line. Jimmy Scott is a disruptive end who had 12.5 tackles for loss. Sean FitzSimmons and Nick James are outstanding tackles, who can make plays behind the line. It’s that attacking style that keeps opposing offenses off balance. However, the secondary gave up way too many big plays at the wrong time last season. Rashad Battle broke up eight passes, but intercepted just one. Javon McIntyre is the best safety, better against the run than pass.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Blaine Spires, DE — Spires had nine TFLs, including five sacks, for Utah State in 2023. He missed almost all of last season with an injury.

Keith Gouveia, G — The veteran guard made 24 starts at FCS Richmond and hopes to solidify the Panthers’ line.

Deuce Spann, WR — Spann began his career at Illinois as a dual threat quarterback. He played the last two seasons at Florida State where he caught 10 passes and returned kicks.

Blue Hicks, WR — Hicks had just 12 catches at Louisville last season, but should fit the Pitt offense nicely.

Dallas, TX

HEAD COACH: Rhett Lashlee

OC: Casey Woods

DC: Scott Symons

2024 RECORD: 11-3 (8-0)

FOUNDED: 1911

STADIUM: Ford Stadium (32,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The SMU offense packed a punch once again last season. As dynamic as Roderick Daniels Jr. and Brashard Smith were, the offense begins with Kevin Jennings, the explosive quarterback who threw for more than 3,200 yards and ran for 354. He completed 65 percent, but he must reduce his 11 interceptions. The offensive line should be even better this season with All-ACC caliber tackles PJ Williams and Savion Byrd and guard Logan Parr. Former Miami tackle Zion Nelson once played at an All-America level, but injuries have taken a toll. Derrick McFall, who had just 26 carries last season, and Chris Johnson Jr. from Miami will share duties in the backfield. Jennings is especially adept at spreading the ball around to multiple receivers. Jordan Hudson is the leading returning receiver with 39 catches for 422 yards. Speedster Romello Brinson is a downfield threat.

The terrific SMU defense begins with an aggressive attack upfront. The Mustangs have had 81 and 80 solo tackles for loss the last two seasons. At times, that approach can be frustrating when safeties are having to make too many tackles. Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses were the two leading tacklers last season. There is nice depth on the line and in the secondary, but the linebacker room isn’t very crowded. Alexander Kilgore is expected to take on a large role in the middle of the defense. Ends Cameron Robertson and Isaiah Smith combined for 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Jeffrey M’ba is a tremendous pickup in the middle of the line. In addition to leading the team in tackles, Nwokobia and Moses each had three picks. Jaelyn Davis-Robinson and Deuce Harmon are excellent cover corners and broke up 11 passes between them.

CHART

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Dramodd Odoms, T — The five-star tackle is the highest rated recruit in SMU history. He’ll press for playing time this season, but due to the Mustangs’ depth on the line, Odoms may take a redshirt season.

Jeffrey M’ba, DL — The veteran of 33 games at Auburn and Purdue was brought in as a run stuffer.

Addison Nichols, G — Nichols started all 12 games for Arkansas last season and should be a nice boost for the Mustangs.

Joshua Bates, C — The former four-star recruit played sparingly in two seasons at Oklahoma.

STANFORD

Palo Alto, CA

HEAD COACH: Frank Reich (Interim)

OC: Nate Byham

DC: Bobby April

2024 RECORD: 3-9 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1885

STADIUM: Stanford Stadium (50,424)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Stanford offense has not been good in a few years—by any measure. And as the calendar turns to August, general manager Andrew Luck is searching for a permanent head coach while Frank Reich carries the interim tag into the season. And the Stanford Cardinal are looking for fresh players at almost every position. Elijah Brown threw 48 passes last season, completing fewer than 60 percent, and three of them interceptions. Veteran Ben Gulbranson is a short-term option to get through the season, but playing him over Brown does nothing for the future. Micah Ford and Chris Davis Jr. will share carries, and they combined to average 4.6 yards a carry in 130 totes last season. Tight end Sam Roush is the most reliable returning receiver. CJ Williams (from Wisconsin) is the most likely to contribute. Former UCLA tackle Niki Prongos should be a boost on the line.

The story isn’t any better on defense than offense. The defense was improved over 2023 when the Cardinal were arguably the worst in the country. Last year Stanford allowed 414 yards a game, 6.4 yards a play, and allowed opponents to convert 46 percent on third down. The Cardinal did improve their interception total from eight to nine though. Collin Wright is probably the best player on defense, and he’s asked to do too much. He covers top receivers and has developed into a tackling machine. Fellow safety Scotty Edwards is not afraid to deliver big hits. The coaching staff believes that Dartmouth transfer Jordan Washington will be ready to step into a starting role. Outside linebacker Tevarua Tafiti is a nice talent and had seven stops behind the line last year. Nose tackle Zach Buckey can be a beast upfront, using his quickness to shoot gaps.

Niki Prongos, T — The future mechanical engineer made eight starts at

and guard at UCLA during his three years there.

CJ Williams, WR — Williams had 31 catches for 396 yards over the past two seasons at Wisconsin.

David Pantelis, WR — Pantelis earned his degree from Yale where he had 199 catches for 1,661 yards in his career. About half (61 receptions, 901 yards) were recorded last season.

Hunter Barth, LB — The veteran appeared in 42 games over the past four seasons for rival Cal.

SYRACUSE

Syracuse, NY

HEAD COACH: Fran Brown

OC: Jeff Nixon

DC: Elijah Robinson

2024 RECORD: 10-3 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1870

STADIUM: JWA Wireless Dome (42,784)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Syracuse brought in offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and quarterback Kyle McCord last year and the Orange produced a magical season, leading the nation in passing and McCord threw for 4,779 yards. Nixon is still around, but McCord is gone, leaving Steve Angeli and Rickie Collins the keys to the offense. Angeli, from Notre Dame, is the most likely to come close to putting up McCord-like numbers, although don’t expect 4,000 yards. Darrell Gill Jr. and Justus Ross-Simmons combined to average more than 18 yards a catch last season, and transfer Johntay Cook is a legit deep threat. Yasin Willis and Will Nixon will split time in the backfield to replace LaQuint Allen and his back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Da’Metrius Weatherspoon is the only holdover on the offensive line and he welcomes four tranfers, led by TJ Ferguson (Florida State) and Kam Pringle (South Carolina).

DEPTH CHART

Defensively, the Orange added production at every level through the portal. The most notable acquistions are upfront with David Reese, George Rooks and Chris Thomas. Reese played his first collegiate game for Florida on Sept. 1, 2018, but his significant contributions came the last two seasons for Cal, where he had eight tackles for loss each year. Rooks has been a huge part of Boston College’s defensive front the past two seasons after beginning his career at Michigan. Dion Wilson Jr. and David Omopariola will be key contributors. Derek McDonald is an excellent linebacker an he’ll be joined by budding star Anwar Sparrow and Gary Bryant III from South Dakota. Duce Chestnut is a star in the secondary. The corners could be outstanding with incoming freshman Demetres Samuel Jr. and Chris Peal from Georgia.

DEPTH CHART

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Demetres Samuel Jr., CB/WR — It’s been a long time since a high schooler has evoked the blood-pumping excitement of Syracuse fans that Samuel brings. He’s probably best suited for safety long-term, but the need at corner is strong and he has the speed to cover top receivers. Will he see much action on offense? Probably only as needed.

Johntay Cook, WR — Cook had trouble getting on the field out of the crowded receiver room at Texas. After a brief (17 days) flirtation with Washington, Cook has found a home in Syracuse.

VIRGINIA

Charlottesville, VA

HEAD COACH: Tony Elliott

OC: Des Kitchings

DC: John Rudzinski

2024 RECORD: 5-7 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1819

STADIUM:

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Lest Virginia fans thought the 43 sacks allowed in 2023 were too many, that number jumped to 47 last year. So shoring up the offensive line is paramount. Importing Brady Wilson and Wallace Unamba through the portal has certainly helped. Monroe Mills was signed from Louisville to play left tackle, but a torn ACL has knocked him out of this season. The Cavaliers are excited about new quarterback Chandler Morris from North Texas. Morris threw for 3,774 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, completing 63 percent of his 512 passes. Xavier Brown ran for 488 yards with a 6.1 yards per carry. But J’Mari Taylor might see more carries after running for more than 1,100 yards for NC Central last year. Trell Harris and Kameron Courtney are the returning leading receivers, but totaled just 27 catches. Jahmal Edrine from Purdue provides an explosive deep threat.

Speaking of sacks, Virginia increased its total of 11 sacks in 2023 to 19 last season. Yet, teams scored only 29 points a game on the Cavaliers while racking up 408 yards a game. Linebackers Kam Robinson, James Jackson and Trey McDonald are the strength of the defense. Robinson and McDonald were the leading tacklers last season, and Robinson added six tackles for loss, and Jackson had five TFLs. Ends Cazeem Moore (Elon) and Mitchell Melton (Ohio State) were brought in with the paltry pass rush in mind. The young cornerbacks certainly could use some help with an effective pass rush. Expect to see Jordan Robinson and Ja’Son Prevard often while veteran corner Jam Jackson is recovering from a knee injury. Devin Neal, Antonio Clary and Caleb Hardy are all talented safeties, but they are forced to make way too many tackles.

CHART

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Chandler Morris, QB — The former high school All-American spent time at Oklahoma and TCU before finding a starting job at North Texas last season. Morris’ father—who had head coaching stints at SMU and Arkansas—coached alongside Virginia coach Tony Elliott at Clemson. The veteran quarterback threw it almost 40 times a game.

Jahmal Edrine, WR — The 6’3” receiver provides good size with deep-threat speed. Edrine caught 23 passes for Purdue last season for 365 yards as playing time increased as the season wore on. He missed 2023 after suffering a season-ending injury in training camp.

VIRGINIA TECH

Blacksburg, VA HEAD COACH:

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Hokies averaged 368 yards a game, converted 36 percent on third down and tallied 28 points a game. Not horrible, but fans would love to see the mediocre numbers improve. The Hokies will have to rebuild the offensive line and replace a 1,100-yard running back. The line rebuild began in Morgantown as center Kyle Altuner, guard Tomas Rimac and tackle Lucas Austin all come to Blacksburg from West Virginia. Terion Stewart, Jeremiah Coney and Marcellous Hawkins comprise a committee in the running back room. Quarterback Kyron Drones was banged up most of last season, although he stayed on the field for all but just two games. A healthy, strong season from Drones would produce big numbers. Pop Watson III is a budding star behind Drones. The receiving corps added a couple of talented transfers in Cameron Seldon (Tenn.) and Donavon Green (Wake Forest).

The Virginia Tech coaches cherry-picked some linemen in the portal that should give the defensive line a boost, especially from a depth standpoint. Immanuel Hickman Sr. is in his seventh season of college football and brings size and savvy to the defensive front. Ben Bell produced 31 tackles for loss over his four seasons at Texas State, and the most intriguing is James Djonkam out of Eastern Michigan who had 12 TFLs last season. Jaden Keller and Caleb Woodson are the strength of the defense at linebacker. Woodson is the leading returner with 7.5 TFLs. Virginia Tech picked off 15 passes last season, but only three players with one each return. Dante Lovett proved he can handle one corner spot with the other likely to be newcomer Isaiah Brown-Murray from East Carolina. The players in the rotation at safety are strong against the run, but not spectacular in coverage.

Kyle Altuner, C — Altuner is one of two projected starters on the offensive line who transferred from West Virginia. The high school All-American suffered a season-ending injury in training camp last season and did not play.

Tomas Rimac, T — Rimac joins Altuner from West Virginia. He was a 2022 Freshman All-American after starting the final five games. He was named All-Big 12 in 2023, and Honorable Mention last season. He excels in run blocking as well as in pass protection.

Cameron Seldon, WR — Played running back at Tennessee.

WAKE FOREST

Winston-Salem, NC

HEAD COACH: Jake Dickert

OC: Rob Ezell

DC: Scottie Hazelton

2024 RECORD: 4-8 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1834

STADIUM: Truist Field (31,500)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Wake Forest offense is in need of an overhaul and new coach Jake Dickert from Washington State plans to do just that. Quarterback Robby Ashford has an excellent opportunity to show off his skills that had Auburn fans excited back in 2022 when he ran for 710 yards and threw for more than 1,600. Ashford has improved his accurracy since then and should have a big season for the Deacs. The offense will still revolve around running back Demond Claiborne, who ran for 1,049 yards at 4.6 yards a pop last year behind a suspect offensive line. Micah Mays Jr. returns at receiver, but he had just 16 catches last season. Karate Brenson, Sterling Berkhalter and Carlos Hernandez have transferred in and should lead the group. The offensive line will have a distinct Washington State flavor with newcomers Fa’alili Fa’amoe, Rodrick Tialavela and Devin Kylany coming from Pullman.

The Deacons’ defense had trouble making plays behidn the line, and correcting that has been an emphasis for new coordinator Scottie Hazelton. Ends Gabe Kirschke and Nuer Gatkuoth, both from Colorado State, are expected to help. Kirschke had 10 stops behind the line last year, and Gatkuoth had seven in 2023 before injuries beset him last season. Having Kirschke and Gatkuoth on the opposide side should help BJ Williams’ productivity. Linebacker Dylan Hazen is an All-ACC candidate and had 15.5 TFLs over the past two years. Quincy Bryant is a reliable Wake Forest veteran at outside linebacker. Nick Anderson is probably the best player on defense and is a tackling machine. Davaughn Patterson and Zamari Stevenson are excellent running mates of Anderson’s. The corners are a bit inexperienced, but coaches expect big things from Jaxon Mull this season.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

was a 2024 team captain.

Devin Kylany, C — Kylany started 11 games at center last season for Washington State, allowing two sacks in 399 snaps. Robby Ashford, QB — Ashford signed with Oregon in 2020, but didn’t get on the field until reaching Auburn in 2022. He saw significant action only once last season, in South Carolina’s 50-7 win over Akron.

Deshawn Purdie, QB — Purdie isn’t as experienced in big games as Ashford, but probably has a higher upside.

NOTRE DAME

South Bend, IN

HEAD COACH: Marcus Freeman

OC: Mike Denbrock

DC: Chris Ash

2024 RECORD: 14-2

FOUNDED: 1842

STADIUM: Notre Dame Stadium (80,795)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Notre Dame offense pounded its way into the national championship game last season. Can the Irish continue to dominate the line of scrimmage in 2025? Probably. Talented tackles Anthonie Knapp and Aamil Wagner return to lead the big fellas upfront. Charles Jagusah will miss the beginning of the season with a broken arm, but he’ll return soon. Most schools would love to hand the ball to Jadarian Price 20 times a game, but he’ll play second fiddle to Jeremiyah Love, possibly the best running back in the country. Love averaged 6.9 yards a carry on his way to 1,125. Price added 746 last season. Just how far the Irish go will depend on how quickly CJ Carr develops into a big-time quarterback. There are four top-tier receivers in the fold. Jaden Greathouse became the go-to guy in the playoffs last season. Jordan Faison, Malachi Fields and Will Pauling provide a solid corps.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden turned the Notre Dame defense into a formidable unit in his two seasons at Notre Dame. Now it’s time for Chris Ash to continue the march in South Bend. Top defenders Jack Kiser and Xavier Watts are gone, but there are some stars in place for the Irish. Gabriel Rubio adds size upfront and should stabilize the middle of the line. Ends Joshua Burnham and Boubacar Traore are beasts off the edge. Traore had five tackles for loss in the five games he played last season before tearing an ACL. Drayk Bowen and Jaylen Sneed are big-time linebackers. Sneed had limited reps last season and produced six TFLs. Corners Christian Gray and Leonard Moore can shut down passing games. Moore has a future in the NFL. DeVonta Smith will be a valuable piece in the rotation. Adon Shuler is poised to take over for the graduated Watts at safety.

Madden Faraimo, LB — The four-star linebacker was ranked as high as 13th at his position among high schoolers. He’ll see plenty of action this fall, and may start at some point this season. Malachi Fields, WR — Fields made 25 starts at Virginia and was named All-ACC last season.

Jalen Stroman, S — Stroman was injured in Virginia Tech’s opener last year and missed the remainder of the season.

THE SIDELINES

ALABAMA

Tuscaloosa, AL

HEAD COACH: Kalen DeBoer

OC: Ryan Grubb

DC: Kane Wommack

2024 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1831

STADIUM: Bryant-Denny (100,077)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Alabama offense averaged 34 points a game last season, but struggled at Tennessee, completely blacked out at Oklahoma and had no answers in the finale against Michigan. Now the Tide must turn to an inexperienced quarterback to replace one of the most productive signal-callers to wear the Tide uniform. Ty Simpson is equipped for this offense and appears to be well prepared. He’ll have Germie Bernard, who had 50 catches last season, and playmaker Ryan Williams, who added 48 catches for 865 yards. Add deep threat Isaiah Horton from Miami, and Simpson has a trio of talented targets. Jam Miller is an experienced and talented back who can keep the pressure off the passing game. Expect the Tide to utilize the 250-pound Daniel Hill in the backfield as well. Center Parker Brailsford and tackle Kaydn Proctor are potential All-Americans.

The Alabama defense held opponents to 17 points a game, 33 percent on third down and just 4.7 yards per play. But the Tide mustered just 25 sacks. While Alabama is stout upfront, James Smith and Tim Keenan III must help get pressure on the quarterback. Coaches believe that Qua Russaw can grow into the next great Alabama outside linebacker. Jah-Marien Latham and LT Overton should provide more pressure as well. Deontae Lawson is the best player on defense and chipped in with 6.5 tackles for loss last season. Justin Jefferson is an All-SEC candidate, but he’ll be pushed by Nikhal Hill-Green, who is at his fourth school. The secondary should be really special. Zabien Brown and Domani Jackson combined for five interceptions last season, and Cam Calhoun is in that class as well. Last season, the Tide grabbed 17 interceptions and allowed just 13 passing touchdowns.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Isaiah Horton, WR — The exciting receiver was not one of the main three options in the explosive attack at Miami, yet he still managed 56 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns.

Dijon Lee Jr., CB — A consensus top 25 player coming out of high school, Lee is likely the tallest cornerback in the country. The tremendous athlete was a standout in track as a hurdler and in the triple-jump.

Kam Dewberry, G — The veteran of 32 games at Texas A&M now has the luxury of lining up between two potential All-Americans in Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford.

ARKANSAS Fayetteville,

HEAD COACH: Sam Pittman

OC: Bobby Petrino

DC: Travis Williams

2024 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1871

STADIUM: Reynolds Razorback (76,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Arkansas offense improved dramatically averaging 130 yards a game better than in 2023. The running game was solid and quarterback Taylen Green made the passing game explosive. The bad news is that most of the critical pieces from last season must be replaced. The good news is that the Hogs have imported some talent that gives fans hope that the offense won’t slip. Green returns after throwing for 3,154 yards and running for 602. His new receiving corps will be a committee of O’Mega Blake, Raylen Sharpe, Jalen Brown and Monte Harrison. Ismael Cisse, a top transfer from Stanford, injured his wrist in the weight room and may miss the season. Arkansas hit it big in the portal with tackle Corey Robinson II and center Caden Kitler. The coaches believe that redshirt freshman Kobe Branham is a budding star. Braylen Russell averaged 5.3 yards a carry in limited duty.

The Arkansas defense was solid once again in 2023. The Razorbacks are filling holes organically, rather than pulling from the portal. Upfront, Quincy Rhodes Jr. is quick off the edge, and Cameron Ball is a stalwart in the middle. Phillip Lee, Justus Boone and Charlie Collins will all see plenty of opportunities. Danny Saili and Ian Geffrard will split duties at nose tackle. Xavian Sorey Jr. proved to be the best player on this side of the ball after coming to Fayetteville from Georgia, where he played sparingly. He made 99 total tackles last season and 9.5 for losses. The secondary should be a strength, with quality depth at every position. Cornerback Julian Neal is probably the Razorbacks’ best acquisition from the portal. Kani Walker, Jordan Young and Jaheim Singletary are all excellent in coverage. Safeties Larry Worth III and Miguel Mitchell form a solid duo.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

O’Mega Blake, WR — After three seasons at South Carolina, Blake established himself as a big-play threat at Charlotte last season. He averaged 24.8 yards a catch on his 32 receptions. Julian Neal, CB — Neal was an integral piece in Fresno State’s secondary last season and Arkansas’ highest rated portal signee. Kani Walker, CB — Walker logged key snaps at Oklahoma for two seasons, becoming a primary starter last season. He had two tackles for loss and broke up six passes.

AUBURN

Auburn, AL

HEAD COACH: Hugh

OC:

DC: DJ Durkin

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Auburn offense wasn’t horrible last season, but there will be a significantly different look this season. The quarterback situation bears watching. Jackson Arnold is assuming the starting position after an injury cost him his job at Oklahoma last season. He threw for 1,421 yards with 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions, and ran for 444. Ashton Daniels started at Stanford the last two seasons and threw for more than 3,900 yards in that span. Freshman Deuce Knight is probably the most talented, but won’t be thrown to the wolves this season. Cam Coleman, one of the most coveted recruits last season, gives Auburn a downfield threat. But the most exciting news is the addition of Eric Singleton Jr. from Georgia Tech. Damari Alston and Durell Robinson will see time in the backfield. The line added two huge additions in tackles Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy.

The Auburn defense needs to create more turnovers and plays in the backfield. Overall, the Tigers will rely on returning players in the starting 11, but the portal has fortified the depth. Keldric Faulk may be the most talented player on this side of the ball. He has a bright future in the NFL, but for now, he must supply most of the pressure off the edge. He had 11 tackles for loss and another seven QB hurries. Keyron Crawford and Chris Murray must step up the pressure as well. Demarcus Riddick is solid at outside linebacker, and Robert Woodyard Jr. and Caleb Wheatland from Maryland are battling for the middle position. Kayin Lee, Jay Crawford and Raion Strader are all excellent corners. Kaleb Harris is probably the best player in the secondary at safety. Champ Anthony is recovering from a leg injury and may not be full speed until the end of September.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Deuce Knight, QB — The five-star athlete was one of the most coveted dual threat quarterbacks in the nation. The terrific athlete is a state champion in both the long jump and high jump.

Eric Singleton Jr., WR — The exciting playmaker was a big-play threat the last two seasons at Georgia Tech where he caught 104 passes for 1,468 yards over two seasons..

Jackson Arnold, QB — Deuce Knight may be the future at Auburn, but Arnold is most likely the present. A promising start last season turned sour with an injury and benching at Oklahoma.

FLORIDA

Gainesville, FL

HEAD COACH: Billy Napier

OC: Russ Callaway

DC: Ron Roberts

2024 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1905

STADIUM: Ben Hill

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Florida offense managed 28 points a game last season, but didn’t click until late in the year. The cast of characters remains the same for the most part, with some upgrades at receiver. DJ Lagway improved as his freshman season wore on, and is poised for a breakout campaign. He needs to cut down on careless interceptions, and be willing to use his legs more. Jadan Baugh led the in rushing as a freshman with 673 yards averaging 5.1 yards a carry. Ja’Kobi Jackson ran for 509 yards and 5.4 yards a pop. J. Michael Sturdivant joins the Gators from UCLA to lead the receivers. Eugene Wilson III returns after an injury cost him most of last season, when he had 19 catches in just four games. There are high expectations for incoming freshman Dallas Wilson. All five starters return on the offensive line, which is led by center Jake Slaughter who has an NFL career ahead of him.

Florida’s defense gave up 377 yards a game and allowed almost 40 percent on third down. But opponents didn’t light up the scoreboard too often, scoring 28 points just five times. The Gators’ success stemmed from the ability to pressure the quarterback and make plays in the backfield. Tyreak Sapp had 13 tackles for loss last season and linebacker George Gumbs Jr. added eight TFLs and six sacks. Kamran James will have a large role as well. He recorded just two sacks last season, but was credited with six QB hurries. Myles Graham and Grayson Howard work well together at linebacker. Howard brings the power and Graham utilizes his speed well. The safeties are the strength of the secondary. Jordan Castell is a tackling machine and broke up nine passes last season. Bryce Thornton contributed three interceptions.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Dallas Wilson, WR — The exciting youngster was an Under Armor All-American and a consensus top three receiver in the nation. He will be instrumental in the Florida passing game immediately.

J. Michael Sturdivant, WR — Sturdivant had 65 catches at Cal in 2022, then only 58 the last two seasons at UCLA.

Drake Stubbs, S — The five-star safety will find significant playing time this fall.

GEORGIA

HEAD COACH: Kirby Smart

OC: Mike Bobo

DC: Glenn Schumann

2024 RECORD: 11-3 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1785

STADIUM: Sanford (93,023)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Georgia offense slipped last season, but the bar was exceptionally high. The most burning question is if Gunner Stockton is the right man for the quarterback job. Stockton held up well in his six quarters of relief in the SEC Championship Game and playoff game vs. Notre Dame. The Bulldogs were conservative with play calls for Stockton, so expect his strong arm to come into play this season as Georgia stretches the field. The receiving corps is talented and deep. Dillon Bell, Colbie Young and London Humphries are talented holdovers. Zachariah Branch is an exciting acquisition from USC. Branch had 78 catches for 823 yards in his two seasons with the Trojans. Noah Thomas, from Texas A&M, is another big-play threat. Nate Frazier is poised for a breakout season behind an experienced offensive line led by a pair of NFL-ready tackles.

Much like the offense, the Georgia defense struggled last season—by Georgia standards. Expect the pass rush to be an emphasis this season. Gabe Harris Jr. will play a huge role, as will Army transfer Elo Modozie at outside linebacker. Christen Miller is an NFL-talent in the middle of the line, freeing up linebackers CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson to make plays. Allen was a leader of the defense last season, Wilson played significantly but contributed seven tackles for loss. The secondary should be outstanding. Corner Daylen Everette is an All-SEC caliber who will challenge the best receivers in the league. Daniel Harris is a similar talent and ready to prove himself. KJ Bolden is growing into a premier safety, just as fans expected when he was the top player in high school a few years ago. JaCorey Thomas, Zion Branch and Adrian Maddox are all capable of starting for most SEC teams.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Zachariah Branch, WR/RS — Branch immediately upgrades the receiving corps and the return game. He caught 47 passes for 503 yards at USC last season, and won the Jet Award as the nation’s best return specialist in 2023.

Noah Thomas, WR — Thomas led Texas A&M in catches and receiving yards last season.

Elijah Griffin, DL — Griffin is widely considered the top defensive lineman in the 2025 signing class.

Josh McCray, RB — Outstanding insurance for Nate Frazier.

KENTUCKY

Lexington, KY

HEAD COACH: Mark Stoops

OC: Bush Hamdan

DC: Brad White

2024 RECORD: 4-8 (1-7)

FOUNDED: 1865

STADIUM: Kroger Field (61,000)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Kentucky looked no further than the transfer portal to restock the offense. The new quarterback is Zach Calzada, who spent the last two seasons honing his skills at Incarnate Word. His first collegiate completion came with Texas A&M on Aug. 29, 2019. Kentucky’s hopes for a winning campaign hang on Calzada. Dante Dowdell from Nebraska will be the primary running back, although Jamarion Wilcox and Jason Patterson will be in the mix as well. The receiving corps will feature Kendrick Law, a transfer from Alabama. Troy Stellato grabbed 63 catches for 585 yards over the past two seasons in 11 starts at Clemson. Alex Wollschlaeger, Shiyazh Pete and Joshua Braun are the new guys on the offensive line. Braun is a proven SEC player with 50 career games (32 starts) with Florida and Arkansas. Pete earned All-CUSA honors, but will that translate to SEC success?

The Kentucky defense held opponents to just 345 yards a game and 22 points. But foes averaged 4.5 yards per run and converted 40 percent on third down. Kentucky forced just 16 turnovers and managed only 24 sacks, so there’s much work to be done on this side of the ball. Bringing in Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace from South Dakota where he had 17 tackles for loss is a start. However, success at the FCS level doesn’t always translate to the SEC. Linebacker Alex Afari Jr. led the team with 11 TFLs last season. He will be asked to do some heavy lifting once again this season. Landyn Watson from Marshall will contribute at linebacker as well. Jordan Lovett is the team’s leading returning tackler, which is usually a bad sign for leading tacklers to be safeties. But Lovett is a baller. Corners JQ Hardaway and DJ Waller Jr. are capable of covering most SEC receivers.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, DE — Kentucky is in search of a consistent pass rush and Humphrey-Grace needs to pack a punch off the edge.

Joshua Braun, T — Braun is a veteran of 32 starts in the SEC. Martels Carter Jr., S — The four-star safety was ranked No. 6 at his position by Rivals. Playing both ways, Carter had nine catches for 169 yards in state championship game.

LSU

HEAD COACH: Brian Kelly

OC: Joe Sloan

DC: Blake Baker

2024 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1860

Tiger (102,321)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The explosive LSU offense of the past few years was tempered a bit in 2024. But still quite good, mind you. Garrett Nussmeier returns after throwing for more than 4,000 yards. He was intercepted 12 times, but he threw the ball 525 times, completing 64 percent. His primary target, Aaron Anderson is back after catching 61 for 884 yards. Barion Brown, who has been Kentucky’s best playmaker for three seasons, joins the Tigers. Nic Anderson, a big-play threat, was injured much of last season, but proved in 2023 while at Oklahoma that he could play. Destyn Hill is a real wild card after injuries cost him time in 2024 at Florida State. Caden Durham averaged 5.4 yards a carry last season, so the running game is in good hands. The line was terrific, allowing just 15 sacks last season, but has to be restocked. Tyree Adams and DJ Chester will be the leaders upfront.

Opposing offenses have run the ball well on LSU for a few years now. The run defense was better last season, but still allowed 4.3 yards a carry and 140 yards a game. Opponents converted 41 percent on third down, so the Tigers must be better this season. Getting Harold Perkins healthy would be a huge boost. An ACL cost him most of 2024, and he’s eager to prove to NFL scouts that he’s still a top-15 draft pick as a pass rusher off the edge. Whit Weeks is solid in the middle and had 61 solo stops and 10 behind the line. The front has been rebuilt through the portal, and the Tigers are counting on Patrick Payton from Florida State and Jack Pyburn from Florida to lead the attack. The secondary should be excellent with Ashton Stamps growing into a lock-down corner. Monsoor Delane brings his talent from Virginia Tech.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Charles Ross II, LB — The four-star linebacker was ranked among the top five nationally at his position. He ran a 10.36 100m in the Texas state track meet.

Bernard Gooden, DT — In an effort to shore up the run defense, LSU has turned to Gooden in the middle. He had 10 stops behind the line last season for South Florida.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Starkville, MS

HEAD COACH: Jeff Lebby

OC: Jeff Lebby

DC: Coleman Hutzler

2024 RECORD: 2-10 (0-8)

FOUNDED: 1878

STADIUM: Davis Wade (60,311)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Mississippi State’s offense was pretty bad last year, but unfortunately was overshadowed by the badness of the defense. But there’s good news. Quarterback Blake Shapen was knocked out with a shoulder injury in the fourth game last year, and he’s healthy now. In 31 career games at Baylor and MSU, he has 6,548 yards and 44 touchdowns. Jordan Mosley returns after making 23 catches for 405 yards, and tight end Seydou Traore is a weapon who had 34 catches for 361 yards. Help will come from a group of four transfers that includes Anthony Evans III from Georgia and Brenen Thompson from Oklahoma. Davon Booth ran for 759 yards, and Fluff Bothwell scored 13 times at South Alabama last year and is ready to step up his game for the SEC. Jacoby Jackson is the best lineman, and could play guard or tackle. Transfers Koby Keenum and Blake Steen will help.

Opponents’ bands were busy playing during Mississippi State games last season. The Bulldogs gave up 30+ points eight times and 40+ four times. MSU wasn’t good against the run and didn’t pressure the quarterback well or defend the passing game with any success. So, the rebuilding challenge is extensive. Beginning upfront, Red Hibbler comes from NC State and brings an injury history and 6.5 sacks in 2023. Will Whitson showed he could make plays in the backfield last season at Coastal Carolina. The most significant acquisition is Jalen Smith from Tennessee. He earned All-SEC Freshman honors last season and is expected to lead the defense. Fellow linebackers Branden Jennings, Zakari Tillman and Nic Mitchell are solid pieces around Smith. The secondary is full of more questions than answers.

earned All-SEC Freshman honors for Tennessee. He played extensively in 12 games for the Vols and had nine tacdkles in the win over Kentucky.

Red Hibbler, DE — The pass rusher was part of the defensive line rotation at NC State in 2023 and finished with 6.5 sacks. He redshirted last season.

Will Whitson, DL — After a breakthrough season in 2023, Whitson had 3.5 tackles for loss before an injury ended his season after four games.

MISSOURI

Columbia, MO

HEAD COACH: Eliah Drinkwitz

OC: Kirby Moore

DC: Corey Batoon

2024 RECORD: 10-3 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1839

STADIUM: Faurot Field (71,168)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Last season, the Missouri offense controlled the clock, didn’t turn the ball over and converted third downs, while averaging just 5.5 yards per play. There are some heavy losses to absorb, but Missouri has shown it can play the portal game as well as anyone. Quarterback Brady Cook and receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. are huge losses. Beau Pribula comes from Penn State and is a talented thrower with the ability and willingness to run. Ahmad Hardy comes by way ULM, where he ran for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns as a true freshman. The receiving corps was restocked with Kevin Coleman Jr. from Mississippi State. Marquis Johnson is a true talent and had 25 catches for 352 yards playing third fiddle to Burden and Wease. The offensive line is talented and experienced. Connor Tollison is the leader of the group.

The Missouri defense held opponents to 318 yards and 20 points a game. The Tigers mustered only 28 sacks and forced just 17 turnovers, but they got off the field on third down as foes converted fewer than 30 percent. Zion Young proved to be effective getting into the backfield, but he had little support. He looks forward to having Damon Wilson II, one of the top defenders in the portal, on the opposite side. In two seasons at Georgia, Wilson found the field for 594 snaps and recorded six tackles for loss. Triston Newson is a beast in the middle of the defense and leader in tackles and recorded 6.5 TFLs. The secondary is in fine shape with three capable corners in Stephen Hall, Drey Norwood and Toriano Pride Jr. The safeties comprise a tough, athletic, deep group. Marvin Burks Jr. is a tackling machine and Daylan Carnell had five TFLs and seven pass breakups.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Damon Wilson II, EDGE — The best defender in the portal this offseason, Wilson instantly upgrades the Missouri defense, especially the pass rush.

Kevin Coleman Jr., WR — With heavy losses at receiver, the Tigers need immediate help at the position. Coleman brings the ability for big plays after a 74-catch season at Mississippi State. Beau Pribula, QB — The athletic quarterback brings another element to Missouri with his ability to run. In two seasons at Penn State as a backup, Pribula threw 56 passes and ran the ball 94 times.

OKLAHOMA

Norman, OK

HEAD COACH: Brent Venables

OC: Ben Arbuckle

DC: Jay Valai and Todd Bates

2024 RECORD: 6-7 (2-6)

FOUNDED: 1890

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (80,126)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Oklahoma offense was outstanding two years ago with Dillon Gabriel running the show. Last season, everything went wrong and the passing game was non-existent. Enter a top 5 quarterback, top 5 running back and the return of injured receivers and the offense is in terrific hands once again. John Mateer is a legit Heisman candidate after throwing for 3,139 yards for Washington State last season and running for 826 and 15 touchdowns. Jaydn Ott was injured last season, but he ran for 1,315 yards and 12 TDs in 2023 for Cal. Deion Burks was healthy for just five games last season, but he’s the type of receiver that can take over a game. Javonnie Gibson is a dangerous deep threat. The offensive line is deep due to injuries last season allowing younger players to gain valuable experience. Expect the line to be much improved after giving up 50 sacks last year.

This Oklahoma defense was outstanding last season. With no help from the offfense, the defense allowed just 21 points a game. And the pressure was on as the Sooners were 1-7 when allowing 21 or more points. One can’t help but expect that from a Brent Venables defense. They will miss Danny Stuntsman in the middle, but the Sooners are stacked on this side of the ball, especially the front seven. R Mason Thomas is coming off a tremendous season with 12.5 tackles for loss and another 11 QB hurries. This season he will enjoy having Marvin Jones Jr. on the opposite side. Adepoju Adebawore is as talented as either of those and it will be difficult to keep him off the field. Kip Lewis is now the leader at linebacker. Kendel Dolby had an outstanding season in 2023, but was injured last year. Kendal Daniels had 11 TFLs for Oklahoma State last year.

John

QB — The impact that Mateer will have on his teammates can’t be overstated. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs elevates this offense immensely.

Jaydn Ott, RB — It bears watching how recent injuries have affected Ott’s game, but if he’s healthy (and we believe he is) he can be one of the best running backs in the SEC.

Marvin Jones Jr., DE — Jones’ abilities fit well with Oklahoma’s attacking style defense off the edge. Expect a big season from the transfer from Florida State.

HEAD COACH: Lane Kiffin

OC: Charlie Weis Jr.

DC: Pete Golding

2024 RECORD: 10-3 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1848

STADIUM: Vaught-Hemingway (64,038)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Lane Kiffin can coach offense. The Rebels produced offense last season, once again. Now Kiffin must find a way to repeat that production with an unproven quarterback, a new roster of receivers and more questions at running back. Austin Simmons is the Ole Miss quarterback and Kiffin says he’s good with that. There were no big-name signal-callers jumping to Ole Miss through the portal this spring, so Simmons is the man. He’ll be throwing to transfers De’Zhaun Stribling (Okla. State), Harrison Wallace III (Penn State) and holdover Cayden Lee and extraordinary tight end Dae’Quan Wright. Lee hauled in 57 catches for 874 yards as typically the second or third option. Wallace caught 46 for 720 yards with Penn State last season. Stribling has 161 catches for 2,153 yards and 17 TDs in his four-year career. The line is anchored by Brycen Sanders and Jayden Williams.

As good as the Ole Miss offense was last season, the defense was better. The Rebels held SEC opponents to 7.5 points below their season averages. The bad news is that there are four stars from the 2024 squad now in the NFL. The Rebels can’t fill the shoes of JJ Pegues and Walter Nolen upfront after the Rebels led the nation in tackles for loss. But Zxavian Harris can fill some pretty big shoes with his 330-pound frame. The new pass rush will come from Da’Shawn Womack and Princewill Umanmielen. The linebackers are big-time players. Suntarine Perkins actually led the Rebels with 14 TFLs, and TJ Dottery plays sideline-to-sideline with reckless abandon. The secondary features four new guys from the portal: Ricky Fletcher (So. Ala.), Jaylon Braxton (Ark.), Sage Ryan (LSU) and Kapena Gushiken (Wash. State).

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR — Stribling’s three injury-free seasons produced a total of 147 catches for 1,955 yards and 16 TDs.

Princewill Umanmielen, OLB — Umanmielen has followed his brother to Ole Miss and hopes to replace his production off the edge.

Andrew Maddox, DT — The four-star defensive lineman was ranked No. 15 at his position by Rivals.

Harrison Wallce III — Wallace enjoyed a breakout season with Penn State hauling in 46 catches for 720 yards.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Columbia, SC

HEAD COACH: Shane Beamer

OC: Mike Shula

DC: Clayton White

2024 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1801

STADIUM: Williams-Brice (77,559)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

South Carolina’s offense improved dramatically last season, but for the second season in a row, the Gamecocks allowed 41 sacks. South Carolina ranked almost last in the nation with 96 tackles for loss allowed. Also for the second year in a row, South Carolina enjoyed a productive haul in talent through the portal. Rahsul Faison ran for 1,109 yards last season for Utah State. Isaiah Augustave also joins the team from Arkansas and Oscar Adaway III is still in the fold after running for 295 yards last season. Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Jared Brown combined for 71 catches , 957 yards and six touchdowns. They must all step up that production this season. But make no mistake, this offense is all about LaNorris Sellers. The athletic signal-caller threw for 2,500 yards, ran for almost 700 and is a 65 percent passer. The offensive line must give up fewer than 41 sacks this season.

The defense was certainly on point last season, allowing more than 27 points just twice (36 to LSU and 30 to Missouri). Opponents found it especially difficult to run against the Gamecocks. But the top five tacklers are gone from last season, so the rebuilding has begun. South Carolina should be solid upfront. Holdovers Bryan Thomas Jr. and Dylan Stewart combined for 17 tackles behind the line. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy is a nice addition from Texas A&M. The strength of the linebacking corps is the depth. There are no standouts, but coaches have confidence in a deep rotation. The Gamecocks will certainly miss star safety Nick Emmanwori, but Jalon Kilgore should produce at a high level after making 31 solo tackles and grabbing five picks last season. Brandon Cisse and Judge Collier form a dangerous duo at cornerback.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Rahsul Faison, RB — The 25-year old comes to Columbia after two seasons at Utah State where he ran for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 33 passes.

Donovan Murph, WR — Murph is just 17 and graduated early this spring. He has the physical maturity to find the field this fall.

Brian Rowe Jr., WR — Rowe has a bright future as a receiver, but may spend most of his freshman season on special teams.

TENNESSEE

Knoxville, TN

HEAD COACH: Josh Heupel

OC: Joey Halzle

DC: Tim Banks

2024 RECORD: 10-3 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1794

STADIUM: Neyland (101,915)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Head coach Josh Heupel took a strong stand as quarterback Nico Iamleava sat out the spring game for a better deal. Iamaleava left Tennesse for UCLA and Heupel seems content with Jake Merklinger and transfer Joey Aguilar, who spent spring practice with UCLA after two seasons at App State. For now, it appears that Aguilar has the edge to start, but he can be turnover prone. He threw for more than 6,700 yards in two seasons with 56 touchdowns, but also had 24 interceptions. The receivers will probably be better than last year’s group, led by Mike Matthews, a superb talent. DeSean Bishop got 74 carries last season as a freshman and averaged 6.1 yards a carry. Star Thomas ran for 810 yards with Duke last season. Lance Heard is the only returning starter on the line, but Sam Pendleton (Notre Dame) and Wendell Moe Jr. (Arizona) fill the gaps at guard.

The Tennessee defense has been special for three seasons now, and, dare we say, could be even better this season. This side will have to carry the Vols through some games given that the offense is likely to struggle at some point. As if the quarterback drama weren’t enough, uber athlete Boo Carter ran afoul with teammates over the summer and is now trying to earn back some lost respect. He was expected to see some time at receiver and remains one of the best defensive backs in the SEC. The Vols need Carter especially in light of Jermod McCoy’s ACL tear in January. Rickey Gibson III joins Carter and McCoy as three of the best cover men in the SEC. Arion Carter is a beast at linebacker and has assumed a leadership role on and off the field. Bryson Eason is solid upfront and Joshua Josephs is tremendous off the edge.

DEPTH CHART

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Joey Aguilar, QB — Aguilar doesn’t have to be a Heisman candidate, but he needs to be very good for the Tennessee offense to function. He spent the spring with UCLA before the Iamaleava trade brought him to Knoxville. He threw for 3,000 yards in backto-back seasons at App State, averaging 270 yards a game.

David Sanders Jr., T — Both ESPN and Rivals ranked Sanders the best tackle in the nation coming out of high school. He is now expected to handle a starting job out of the gate.

Sam Pendleton, G — Pendleton started the first seven games for Notre Dame last season.

TEXAS

Austin, TX

HEAD COACH: Steve Sarkisian

OC: Kyle Flood

DC: Pete Kwiatkowski

2024 RECORD: 13-3 (7-1)

FOUNDED: 1883

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (105,213)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Well, finally, the Arch Manning Era has begun. It seems years in the making, and now the can’t-miss superstar has the keys to the Texas offense. He threw for 939 yards last season in only 90 attempts, completing 68 percent. Tre Wisner returns as a do-it-all back. He ran for 1,064 yards and caught 44 passes for 314 yards. Backup CJ Baxter looks healthy in camp after missing last season. Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr. are poised to be superstar receivers after combining for 68 catches as the fourth and fifth options in 2024. Jack Endries is a huge addition at tight end. Parker Livingstone is the most impressive of the freshmen receivers at this point. What’s not to like about the Longhorns? Well, DJ Campbell is the only returning regular among offensive lineman. Trevor Goosby is probably going to be an NFL talent. Otherwise, there are talented linemen with little or no experience.

Last season, the Texas defense produced 31 turnovers (22 interceptions), 47 sacks and held opponents to 15 points a game. This team spent as much time in opponents’ backfield as any team in the nation. Most of the production is back and another wave has joined through the portal. Upfront, Colin Simmons enjoyed a super season with 14 stops behind the line. Ethan Burke added nine from the other side. Cole Brevard from Purdue and Maraad Watson from Syracuse are huge additions. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is the best player on defense and is All-America caliber. He is the leading tackler and also led with 16.5 TFLs. Trey Moore, who will likely be a backup this season, had 10.5 tackles behind the line. The strong pass rush along with an airtight secondary limited opponents to 5.7 yards per pass. Corner Malik Muhammad is among the best in the nation in coverage.

Rated the

the

and

Cole Brevard, DT — The big fella from Purdue joins Watson upfront and should be an effective run stopper.

Justus Terry, DL — Terry was ranked among the top defensive tackles in the 2025 class, but missed all but four games his senior year due to an injury.

Nick Brooks, T — Brooks was a consensus top 20 tackle coming out of high school.

TEXAS A&M

HEAD COACH: Mike Elko

OC: Collin Klein

DC: Jay Bateman

2024 RECORD: 8-5 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1871

STADIUM: Kyle (102,733)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

All the elements are present for the Aggies’ offense to have a breakout season. Quarterback Marcel Reed is smart and a terrific playmaker with his arm and legs. He completed 61 percent of his passes and ran for 543 yards and seven touchdowns, many of them electrifying. Le’Veon Moss is back at running back after missing the last four games. He averaged 6.3 yards a carry. The most excitement in camp surrounds KC Concepcion from NC State. He is a premier playmaker in the country. In two seasons at NC State, Concepcion caught 124 passes and carried the ball 60 times for 1,655 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns. He instantly changes the A&M offense. All five starters return upfront, including at least three with NFL futures. Trey Zuhn III, Chase Bisontis and Ar’maj Redd-Adams all have NFL talent.

The Aggies’ defense was sturdy last season, but lost most of its production getting to the quarterback. Cashius Howell had 8.5 tackles for loss and he’ll have Florida transfer T.J. Searcy on the opposite end. Dayon Hayes from Rutgers gives the Aggies a deep rotation. Albert Regis is a big run-stuffer in the middle. Taurean York was the leading tackler last season and added 9.5 TFLs. Scooby Williams is probably more talented and missed two games with an injury, but still had 7.5 TFLs. Daymion Sanford would start for most SEC schools. The Aggies picked off 16 passes last season. All-SEC corner Will Lee III grabbed two of those. He broke up 10 along the way. Julio Humphrey joins the Aggies from Georgia and is expected to be a difference maker at corner. Bryce Anderson, Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe are all sound safeties providing A&M a versatile rotation.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

KC Concepcion, WR — The transfer from NC State is now the focal point of the offense.

Mario Craver, WR — Underutilized at Mississippi State, Craver should be a valuable alternative weapon to Concepcion.

Lamont Rogers, T — Rogers is a consensus top 30 recruit, but with five OL starters returning, playing time will be scarce.

Julio Humphrey, CB — The gifted corner will find snaps easier to come by than at Georgia.

VANDERBILT

HEAD COACH: Clark Lea

OC: Tim Beck

DC: Steve Gregory

2024 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5)

FOUNDED: 1873

STADIUM: FirstBank (40,350)

OFFENSE DEFENSE

Offensive coordinator Tim Beck (with consultant Jerry Kill) brought an exciting brand of offense to Vanderbilt with Diego Pavia leading the attack. Pavia is the ultimate competitor and won’t wow fans with measureables, but the intangibles are off the charts. Vanderbilt fans hope that flood of attention and accolades hasn’t squelched Pavia’s hunger. He threw for 2,293 yards and 20 touchdowns and just four picks. The quarterback loves to throw to tight end Eli Stowers, especially on third down. Stowers had 49 catches for 638 yards. Junior Sherrill is a quality receiver who makes defenses respect the passing game all over the field. Chase Mitchell returns on the offensive line, but the unit was rebuilt through the portal and should be even better than last year. Jordan White and Bryce Henderson are key acquisitions.

The Vanderbilt defense made huge strides last season, and most of the personnel return, except two sterling safeties CJ Taylor and De’Rickey Wright. The defense that allowed 455 yards and 36 points a game in 2023, reduced those numbers to 377 and 23 last season. But opponents converted 47 percent on third down for the second season in a row. Vanderbilt’s turnover ratio (+9) kept the Commodores in most games. Linebackers Langston Patterson and Randon Fontenette are the heart of the defense. Miles Capers is a playmaker off the edge and tied Fontenette with eight TFLs last season. Khordae Sydnor must continue to improve forcing the action on the outside. Big Yilanan Ouattara is getting better holding the point of attack inside. Martel Hight is an excellent corner and punt returner. He is expected to see some action at receiver as well.

2025 SCHEDULE NEWCOMERS

Jordan White, C — White allowed one sack in 945 snaps as a center for Liberty in 2023 then switched to guard last season.

Bryce Henderson, T — The talented tackle made 34 starts at South Dakota over the past three seasons.

Carson Lawrence, S — The four-star safety is ranked among the top 20 at the position in the nation.

Keanu Koht, EDGE — The athletic defender will bolster the Commodores’ pass rush.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

ACC Boston College

A.30 Fordham

S.6 at Michigan State

S.13 at Stanford

S.27 Cal

O.4 at Pittsburgh

O.11 Clemson

O.18 UConn

O.25 at Louisville

N.1 Notre Dame

N.8 SMU

N.15 Georgia Tech N.29 at Syracuse

Cal

A.30 at Oregon State

S.6 Texas Southern

S.13 Minnesota

S.20 at San Diego State

S.27 at Boston College

O.4 Duke

O.17 North Carolina

O.24 at Virginia Tech

N.1 Virginia

N.8 at Louisville

N.22 at Stanford N.29 SMU

Clemson

A.30 LSU

S.6 Troy

S.13 at Georgia Tech

S.20 Syracuse

O.4 at North Carolina

O.11 at Boston College

O.18 SMU

N.1 Duke

N.8 Florida State

N.14 at Louisville

N.22 Furman

N.29 at South Carolina

Duke

A.28 Elon

S.6 Illinois

S.13 at Tulane

S.20 NC State

S.27 at Syracuse

O.4 at Cal

O.18 Georgia Tech

N.1 at Clemson

N.8 at UConn

N.15 Virginia

N.22 at North Carolina

N.29 Wake Forest

Florida State

A.30 Alabama

S.6 East Texas A&M

S.20 Kent State

S.26 at Virginia

O.4 Miami

O.11 Pittsburgh

O.18 at Stanford

N.1 Wake Forest

N.8 at Clemson

N.15 Virginia Tech

N.21 at NC State

N.29 at Florida

Georgia Tech

A.29 at Colorado

S.6 Gardner-Webb

S.13 Clemson

S.20 Temple

S.27 at Wake Forest

O.11 Virginia Tech

O.18 at Duke

O.25 Syracuse

N.1 at NC State

N.15 at Boston College

N.22 Pittsburgh

N.28 Georgia (Benz Stadi- um)

Louisville

A.30 Eastern Kentucky

S.5 James Madison

S.20 Bowling Green

S.27 at Pittsburgh

O.4 Virginia

O.17 at Miami

O.25 Boston College

N.1 at Virginia Tech

N.8 Cal

N.14 Clemson

N.22 at SMU

N.29 Kentucky

Miami

A.31 Notre Dame

S.6 Bethune-Cookman

S.13 South Florida

S.20 Florida

O.4 at Florida State

O.17 Louisville

O.25 Stanford

N.1 at SMU

N.8 Syracuse

N.15 NC State

N.22 at Virginia Tech

N.29 at Pittsburgh

NC State

A.28 East Carolina

S.6 Virginia

S.11 at Wake Forest

S.20 at Duke

S.27 Virginia Tech

O.4 Campbell

O.11 at Notre Dame

O.25 at Pittsburgh

N.1 Georgia Tech

N.15 at Miami

N.21 Florida State

N.29 North Carolina

North Carolina

S.1 TCU

S.6 at Charlotte

S.13 Richmond

S.20 at UCF

O.4 Clemson

O.17 at Cal

O.25 Virginia

O.31 at Syracuse

N.8 Stanford

N.15 at Wake Forest

N.22 Duke

N.29 at NC State

Pittsburgh

A.30 Duquesne

S.6 Central Michigan

S.13 at West Virginia

S.27 Louisville

O.4 Boston College

O.11 at Florida State

O.18 at Syracuse

O.25 NC State

N.1 at Stanford

N.15 Notre Dame

N.22 at Georgia Tech

N.29 Miami

SMU

A.30 East Texas A&M

S.6 Baylor

S.13 at Missouri State

S.20 at TCU

O.4 Syracuse

O.11 Stanford

O.18 at Clemson

O.25 at Wake Forest

N.1 Miami

N.8 at Boston College

N.22 Louisville N.29 at Cal

Stanford

A.23 at Hawaii

S.6 at BYU

S.13 Boston College

S.20 at Virginia

S.27 San Jose State

O.11 at SMU

O.18 Florida State

O.25 at Miami

N.1 Pittsburgh

N.8 at North Carolina

N.22 Cal

N.29 Notre Dame

Syracuse

A.30 Tennessee (Atlanta)

S.6 UConn

S.12 Colgate

S.20 at Clemson

S.27 Duke

O.4 at SMU

O.18 Pittsburgh

O.25 at Georgia Tech

O.31 North Carolina

N.8 at Miami

N.22 at Notre Dame

N.29 Boston College

Virginia

A.30 Coastal Carolina

S.6 at NC State

S.13 William & Mary

S.20 Stanford

S.26 Florida State

O.4 at Louisville

O.18 Wash. State

O.25 at North Carolina

N.1 at Cal

N.8 Wake Forest N.15 at Duke

N.29 Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech

A.31 South Carolina (Atlanta)

S.6 Vanderbilt

S.13 Old Dominion

S.20 Wofford

S.27 at NC State

O.4 Wake Forest

O.11 at Georgia Tech

O.24 Cal N.1 Louisville

N.15 at Florida State

N.22 Miami N.29 at Virginia

Wake Forest

A.29 Kennesaw State

S.6 Western Carolina

S.11 NC State

S.27 Georgia Tech

O.4 at Virginia Tech

O.11 at Oregon State O.25 SMU

N.1 at Florida State

N.8 at Virginia

N.15 North Carolina

N.22 Delaware N.29 at Duke

American Army

A.29 Tarleton State

S.6 at Kansas State

S.20 North Texas

S.25 at East Carolina

O.4 at UAB

O.11 Charlotte

O.18 at Tulane

N.1 at Air Force

N.8 Temple N.22 Tulsa

N.28 at UTSA

D.13 Navy (Baltimore)

Charlotte

A.29 App State (BOA Stadium)

S.6 North Carolina

S.13 Monmouth

S.18 Rice

O.3 at South Florida O.11 at Army O.18 Temple

O.24 North Texas

N.8 at East Carolina

N.15 UTSA

N.22 at Georgia N.29 at Tulane

East Carolina

A.28 at NC State

S.6 Campbell

S.13 at Coastal Carolina

S.20 BYU S.25 Army

O.9 at Tulane

O.16 Tulsa

N.1 at Temple

N.8 Charlotte

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

N.15 Memphis

N.22 at UTSA

N.29 at Florida Atlantic

Florida Atlantic

A.30 at Maryland

S.6 Florida A&M

S.13 at FIU

S.27 Memphis

O.4 at Rice

O.11 UAB

O.18 at South Florida

O.25 at Navy

N.8 Tulsa

N.15 at Tulane

N.22 UConn

N.29 East Carolina

Memphis

A.30 Chattanooga

S.6 at Georgia State

S.13 at Troy

S.20 Arkansas

S.27 at Florida Atlantic

O.4 Tulsa

O.18 at UAB

O.25 South Florida

O.31 at Rice

N.7 Tulane

N.15 at East Carolina N.27 Navy

Navy

A.30 VMI

S.6 UAB

S.13 at Tulsa

S.27 Rice

O.4 Air Force

O.11 at Temple

O.25 Florida Atlantic

N.1 at North Texas

N.8 at Notre Dame

N.15 South Florida

N.27 at Memphis

D.13 Army (Baltimore)

North Texas

A.30 Lamar

S.6 at Western Michigan

S.13 Wash. State

S.20 at Army

S.27 South Alabama

O.10 South Florida

O.18 UTSA

O.24 at Charlotte

N.1 Naby

N.15 at UAB

N.22 at Rice N.28 Temple

Rice

A.30 at Louisiana

S.6 Houston

S.13 Prairie View

S.18 at Charlotte

S.27 at Navy

O.4 Florida Atlantic

O.11 at UTSA

O.25 UConn

O.31 Memphis

N.8 UAB

N.22 North Texas

N.29 at South Florida

South Florida

A.28 Boise State

S.6 at Florida

S.13 at Miami

S.20 SC State

O.3 Charlotte

O.10 at North Texas

O.18 Florida Atlantic

O.25 at Memphis

N.6 UTSA

N.15 at Navy

N.22 at UAB N.29 Rice

Temple

A.30 at UMass

S.6 Howard

S.13 Oklahoma

S.20 at Georgia Tech

O.4 UTSA

O.11 Navy

O.18 at Charlotte

O.25 at Tulsa

N.1 East Carolina

N.8 at Army

N.22 Tulane

N.28 at North Texas

Tulane

A.30 Northwestern

S.6 at South Alabama

S.13 Duke

S.20 at Ole Miss

S.27 at Tulsa

O.9 East Carolina

O.18 Army

O.30 at UTSA

N.7 at Memphis

N.15 Florida Atlantic

N.22 at Temple

N.29 Charlotte

Tulsa

A.30 Abilene Christian

S.6 at NM State

S.13 Navy

S.19 at Okla. State

S.27 Tulane

O.4 at Memphis

O.16 at East Carolina

O.25 Temple

N.8 at Florida Atlantic

N.15 Oregon State

N.22 at Army

N.29 UAB

UAB

A.28 Alabama State

S.6 at Navy

S.13 Akron

S.20 at Tennessee

O.4 Army

O.11 at Florida Atlantic

O.18 Memphis

N.1 at UConn

N.8 at Rice

N.15

North Texas

N.22 South Florida

N.29 at Tulsa

UTSA

A.30 at Texas A&M

S.6 Texas State

S.13 Incarnate Word

S.20 at Colorado State

O.4 at Temple

O.11 Rice

O.18 at North Texas

O.30 Tulane

N.6 at South Florida

N.15 at Charlotte

N.22 East Carolina

N.28 Army

Big 12

Arizona

A.30 Hawaii

S.6 Weber State

S.12 Kansas State

S.27 at Iowa State

O.4 Okla. State

O.11 BYU

O.18 at Houston

N.1 at Colorado

N.8 Kansas

N.15 at Cincinnati

N.22 Baylor

N.28 at Arizona State

Arizona State

A.30 No. Arizona

S.6 at Miss. State

S.13 Texas State

S.20 at Baylor S.26 TCU

O.11 at Utah

O.18 Texas Tech

O.25 Houston

N.1 at Iowa State

N.15 West Virginia

N.22 at Colorado

N.28 Arizona

Baylor

A.29 Auburn

S.6 at SMU

S.13 Samford

S.20 Arizona State

S.27 at Okla. State

O.4 Kansas State O.18 at TCU

O.25 at Cincinnati N.1 UCF

N.15 Utah N.22 at Arizona N.29 Houston

BYU

A.30 Portland State S.6 Stanford S.20 at East Carolina

S.27 at Colorado

O.3 West Virginia

O.11 at Arizona

O.18 Utah

O.25 at Iowa State N.8 at Texas Tech

N.15 TCU N.22 at Cincinnati N.29 UCF

Cincinnati

A.28 Nebraska (Kan. City) S.6 Bowling Green S.13 Northwestern St. S.27 at Kansas O.4 Iowa State O.11 UCF O.18 at Okla. State O.25 Baylor N.1 at Utah

N.15 Arizona N.22 BYU N.29 at TCU

Colorado A.29 Georgia Tech S.6 Delaware S.12 at Houston S.20 Wyoming S.27 BYU O.4 at TCU O.11 Iowa State O.25 at Utah N.1 Arizona N.8 at West Virginia N.22 Arizona State N.29 at Kansas State

Houston

A.28 SF Austin S.6 at Rice S.12 Colorado

S.26 at Oregon State

O.4 Texas Tech

O.11 at Okla. State O.18 Arizona O.25 at Arizona State N.1 West Virginia N.7 at UCF N.22 TCU N.29 at Baylor

Iowa State

A.23 Kansas State (Dub- lin)

A.30 South Dakota S.6 Iowa S.13 at Arkansas State S.27 Arizona O.4 at Cincinnati O.11 at Colorado O.25 BYU N.1 Arizona State N.8 at TCU N.22 Kansas N.29 at Okla. State

Kansas

A.23 Fresno State A.29 Wagner

S.6 at Missouri

S.20 West Virginia

S.27 Cincinnati

O.4 at UCF

O.11 at Texas Tech

O.25 Kansas State

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

N.1 Okla. State

N.8 at Arizona

N.22 at Iowa State

N.28 Utah

Kansas State

A.23 Iowa State (Dublin)

A.30 North Dakota

S.6 Army

S.12 at Arizona

S.27 UCF

O.4 at Baylor

O.11 TCU

O.25 at Kansas

N.1 Texas Tech

N.15 at Okla. State

N.22 at Utah N.29 Colorado

Okla. State

A.28 UT Martin

S.6 Oregon

S.19 Tulsa

S.27 Baylor

O.4 at Arizona

O.11 Houston

O.18 Cincinnati

O.25 at Texas Tech

N.1 at Kansas

N.15 Kansas State

N.22 at UCF

N.29 Iowa State

TCU

S.1 at North Carolina

S.13 Abilene Christian

S.20 SMU

S.26 at Arizona State

O.4 Colorado

O.11 at Kansas State

O.18 Baylor

O.25 at West Virginia

N.8 Iowa State

N.15 at BYU

N.22 at Houston N.29 Cincinnati

Texas Tech

A.30 Arkansas-PB

S.6 Kent State

S.13 Oregon State

S.20 at Utah

O.4 at Houston

O.11 Kansas

O.18 at Arizona State

O.25 Okla. State

N.1 at Kansas State

N.8 BYU

N.15 UCF

N.29 at West Virginia

UCF

A.28 Jacksonville St.

S.6 NC A&T

S.20 North Carolina

S.27 at Kansas State

O.4 Kansas

O.11 at Cincinnati

O.18 West Virginia

N.1 at Baylor

N.7 Houston

N.15 at Texas Tech

N.22 Okla. State

N.29 at BYU

Utah

A.30 at UCLA

S.6 Cal Poly

S.13 at Wyoming

S.20 Texas Tech

S.27 at West Virginia

O.11 Arizona State

O.18 at BYU

O.25 Colorado

N.1 Cincinnati

N.15 at Baylor

N.22 Kansas State N.28 at Kansas

West Virginia

A.30 Robert Morris

S.6 at Ohio

S.13 Pittsburgh

S.20 at Kansas

S.27 Utah

O.3 at BYU

O.18 at UCF

O.25 TCU

N.1 at Houston

N.8 Colorado

N.15 at Arizona State

N.29 Texas Tech

Big Ten Illinois

A.29 Western Illinois

S.6 at Duke

S.13 Western Michigan

S.20 at Indiana

S.27 USC

O.4 at Purdue

O.11 Ohio State

O.25 at Washington

N.1 Rutgers N.15 Maryland N.22 at Wisconsin N.29 Northwestern

Indiana

A.30 Old Dominion

S.6 Kennesaw State

S.12 Indiana State

S.20 Illinois

S.27 at Iowa

O.11 at Oregon

O.18 Michigan State

O.25 UCLA

N.1 at Maryland

N.8 at Penn State

N.15 Wisconsin N.29 at Purdue

N.8 Oregon N.15 at USC

N.22 Michigan State N.28 at Nebraska

Maryland

A.30 Florida Atlantic

S.5 No. Illinois

S.13 Towson

S.20 at Wisconsin

O.4 Washington

O.11 Nebraska

O.18 at UCLA

N.1 Indiana

N.8 at Rutgers

N.15 at Illinois

N.22 Michigan

N.29 Michigan State (Det.)

Michigan

A.30 New Mexico

S.6 at Oklahoma

S.13 Central Michigan

S.20 at Nebraska

O.4 Wisconsin

O.11 at USC

O.18 Washington

O.25 at Michigan State

N.1 Purdue

N.15 at Northwestern N.22 at Maryland

N.29 Ohio State

Michigan State

A.29 Western Michigan

S.6 Boston College

S.13 Youngstown St.

S.20 at USC

O.4 at Nebraska

O.11 UCLA

O.18 at Indiana

O.25 Michigan

N.1 at Minnesota

N.15 Penn State

N.22 at Iowa

N.29 Maryland (Detroit)

Minnesota

A.28 Buffalo

S.6 Northwestern St. S.13 at Cal

S.27 Rutgers

O.4 at Ohio State

O.11 Purdue

O.17 Nebraska

O.25 at Iowa

N.1 Michigan State N.14 at Oregon N.22 at Northwestern N.29 Wisconsin

N.1 USC N.8 at UCLA N.22 at Penn State N.28 Iowa

Northwestern

A.30 at Tulane

S.5 Western Illinois S.13 Oregon S.27 UCLA O.4 ULM O.11 at Penn State O.18 Purdue O.25 at Nebraska N.7 at USC N.15 Michigan N.22 Minnesota N.29 at Illinois

Ohio State

A.30 Texas S.6 Grambling S.13 Ohio S.27 at Washington O.4 Minnesota O.11 at Illinois O.18 at Wisconsin N.1 Penn State N.8 at Purdue N.15 UCLA N.22 Rutgers N.29 at Michigan

Oregon A.30 Montana State S.6 Okla.State

S.13 at Northwestern S.20 Oregon State S.27 at Penn State O.11 Indiana O.18 at Rutgers O.25 Wisconsin N.8 at Iowa N.14 Minnesota N.22 USC N.29 at Washington

Penn State A.30 Nevada S.6 FIU S.13 Villanova S.27 Oregon O.4 at UCLA O.11 Northwestern O.18 at Iowa N.1 at Ohio State N.8 Indiana N.15 at Michigan State N.22 Nebraska N.29 at Rutgers

Iowa

A.30 Albany

S.6 at Iowa State

S.13 UMass

S.19 at Rutgers

S.27 Indiana

O.11 at Wisconsin

O.18 Penn State

O.25 Minnesota

Nebraska

A.28Cincinnati (Kan. City)

S.6 Akron

S.13 Houston Christian S.20 Michigan

O.4 Michigan State

O.11 at Maryland

O.17 at Minnesota O.25 Northwestern

Purdue A.30 Ball State S.6 So. Illinois S.13 USC S.20 at Notre Dame O.4 Illinois O.11 at Minnesota

O.18 at Northwestern O.25 Rutgers

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

N.1 at Michigan

N.8 Ohio State

N.15 at Washington N.28 Indiana

Rutgers

A.28 Ohio

S.6 Miami (Ohio)

S.13 Norfolk State

S.19 Iowa

S.27 at Minnesota

O.10 at Washington

O.18 Oregon

O.25 at Purdue

N.1 at Illinois

N.8 Maryland

N.22 at Ohio State

N.29 Penn State

UCLA

A.30 Utah

S.6 at UNLV

S.12 New Mexico

S.27 at Northwestern

O.4 Penn State

O.11 at Michigan State

O.18 Maryland

O.25 at Indiana

N.8 Nebraska

N.15 at Ohio State

N.22 Washington N.29 at USC

USC

A.30 Missouri State

S.6 Georgia So.

S.13 at Purdue

S.20 Michigan State

S.27 at Illinois

O.11 Michigan

O.18 at Notre Dame

N.1 at Nebraska

N.7 Northwestern N.15 Iowa

N.22 at Oregon N.29 UCLA

Washington

A.30 Colorado State

S.6 UC Davis

S.20 at Wash. State

S.27 Ohio State

O.4 at Maryland

O.10 Rutgers

O.18 at Michigan

O.25 Illinois

N.8 at Wisconsin

N.15 Purdue N.22 at UCLA N.29 Oregon

Wisconsin

A.28 Miami (Ohio)

S.6 Middle Tenn.

S.13 at Alabama

S.20 Maryland

O.4 at Michigan

O.11 Iowa

O.18 Ohio State

O.25 at Oregon

N.8 Washington

N.15 at Indiana

N.22 Illinois N.29 at Minnesota

CUSA

Delaware

A.28 Delaware State

S.6 at Colorado

S.13 UConn

S.20 at FIU

O.3 WKU

O.15 at Jacksonville St.

O.22 Middle Tenn.

N.1 at Liberty

N.8 Louisiana Tech

N.15 at Sam Houston

N.22 at Wake Forest

N.29 UTEP

FIU

A.29 Bethune-Cookman

S.6 at Penn State

S.13 Florida Atlantic

S.20 Delaware

O.4 at UConn

O.14 at WKU

O.21 Kennesaw State

O.29 at Missouri State

N.8 at Middle Tenn.

N.15 Liberty

N.22 Jacksonville St.

N.29 at Sam Houston

Jacksonville State

A.28 at UCF

S.6 Liberty

S.13 at Georgia So.

S.20 Murray State

S.27 at Southern Miss

O.9 at Sam Houston

O.15 Delaware

O.29 at Middle Tenn.

N.8 at UTEP

N.15 Kennesaw State

N.22 at FIU

N.29 WKU

Kennesaw State

A.29 at Wake Forest

S.6 at Indiana

S.13 Merrimack

S.20 Arkansas State

S.27 Middle Tenn.

O.9 Louisiana Tech

O.21 at FIU

O.28 UTEP

N.8 at NM State

N.15 at Jacksonville St.

N.22 Missouri State

N.29 at Liberty

Liberty

A.30 Maine

S.6 at Jacksonville St.

S.13 at Bowling Green

S.20 James Madison

S.27 at Old Dominion

O.8 at UTEP

O.14 NM State

N.1 Delaware

N.8

Missouri State

N.15 at FIU

N.22 at Louisiana Tech

N.29 Kennesaw State

Louisiana Tech

A.30 SE Louisiana

S.6 at LSU

S.13 NM State

S.20 Southern Miss

S.27 at UTEP

O.9 at Kennesaw

O.21 WKU

O.31 Sam Houston

N.8 at Delaware

N.15 at Wash. State

N.22 Liberty

N.29 at Missouri State

Middle Tenn.

A.30 Austin Peay

S.6 at Wisconsin

S.13 at Nevada

S.20 Marshall

S.27 at Kennesaw State

O.8 Missouri State

O.22 at Delaware

O.29 Jacksonville St.

N.8 FIU

N.15 at WKU

N.22 Sam Houston

N.29 at NM State

Missouri State

A.30 at USC

S.6 at Marshall

S.13 SMU

S.20 UT Martin

S.27 WKU

O.8 at Middle Tenn.

O.22 at NM State

O.29 FIU

N.8 at Liberty

N.15 UTEP

N.22 at Kennesaw State

N.29 Louisiana Tech

New Mexico State

A.30 Bryant

S.6 Tulsa

S.13 at Louisiana Tech

S.27 at New Mexico

O.2 Sam Houston

O.14 at Liberty

O.22 Missouri State

N.1 at WKU

N.8 Kennesaw State

N.15 at Tennessee

N.22 at UTEP

N.29 Middle Tenn.

Sam Houston

A.23 at WKU

A.29 UNLV

S.6 at Hawaii

S.20 at Texas

O.2 at NM State

O.9 Jacksonville St. O.15 UTEP

O.31 at Louisiana Tech

N.8 at Oregon State N.15 Delaware

N.22 at Middle Tenn. N.29 FIU

UTEP

A.30 at Utah State

S.6 UT Martin

S.13 at Texas

S.20 ULM

S.27 Louisiana Tech

O.8 Liberty O.15 at Sam Houston

O.28 at Kennesaw State

N.8 Jacksonville St. N.15 at Missouri State

N.22 NM State N.29 at Delaware

WKU

A.23 Sam Houston

A.30 North Alabama

S.6 at Toledo S.20 Nevada S.27 at Missouri State O.3 at Delaware O.14 FIU

O.21 at Louisiana Tech N.1 NM State N.15 Middle Tenn. N.22 at LSU N.29 at Jacksonville St.

Independents

Notre Dame

A.31 at Miami S.13 Texas A&M

S.20 Purdue S.27 at Arkansas

O.4 Boise State O.11 NC State O.18 USC N.1 at Boston College

N.8 Navy N.15 at Pittsburgh N.22 Syracuse N.29 at Stanford

UConn

A.30 Cent. Conn. St. S.6 at Syracuse S.13 at Delaware

S.20 Ball State

S.27 at Buffalo O.4 FIU O.18 at Boston College O.25 at Rice

N.1 UAB

N.8 Duke N.15 Air Force N.22 at Florida Atlantic MAC Akron

A.28 Wyoming

S.6 at Nebraska

S.13 at UAB

S.20 Duquesne

S.27 at Toledo

O.4 Central Michigan O.11 Miami (Ohio) O.18 at Ball State

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

O.25 at Buffalo

N.4 UMass

N.11 Kent State

N.18 at Bowling Green

Ball State

A.30 at Purdue

S.6 at Auburn

S.13 New Hampshire

S.20 at UConn

O.4 Ohio

O.11 at Western Michigan

O.18 Akron

O.25 at No. Illinois

N.5 Kent State

N.15 Eastern Michigan

N.22 at Toledo

N.29 at Miami (Ohio)

Bowling Green

A.28 Lafayette

S.6 at Cincinnati

S.13 Liberty

S.20 at Louisville

S.27 at Ohio

O.11 Toledo

O.18 Central Michigan

O.25 at Kent State

N.1 Buffalo

N.8 at Eastern Michigan

N.18 Akron

N.25 at UMass

Buffalo

A.28 at Minnesota

S.6 St. Francis (PA)

S.13 at Kent State

S.20 Troy

S.27 UConn

O.4 Eastern Michigan

O.18 at UMass

O.25 Akron

N.1 at Bowling Green

N.12 at Central Michigan

N.19 Miami (Ohio) N.28 Ohio

Central Michigan

A.29 at San Jose State

S.6 at Pittsburgh

S.13 at Michigan

S.20 Wagner

S.27 Eastern Michigan

O.4 at Akron

O.18 at Bowling Green

O.25 UMass

N.1 at Western Michigan

N.12 Buffalo

N.19 at Kent State

N.29 Toledo

Eastern Michigan

A.30 at Texas State

S.6 LIU

S.13 at Kentucky

S.20 Louisiana

S.27 at Central Michigan

O.4 at Buffalo

O.11 No. Illinois

O.18 at Miami (Ohio)

O.25 Ohio

N.8 Bowling Green

N.15 at Ball State

N.25 Western Michigan

Kent State

A.30 Merrimack

S.6 at Texas Tech

S.13 Buffalo

S.20 at Florida State

O.4 at Oklahoma

O.11 UMass

O.18 at Toledo

O.25 Bowling Green

N.5 at Ball State

N.11 at Akron

N.19 Central Michigan

N.28 at No. Illinois

Miami (Ohio)

A.28 at Wisconsin

S.6 at Rutgers

S.20 UNLV

S.27 Lindenwood

O.4 at No. Illinois

O.11 at Akron

O.18 Eastern Michigan

O.25 Western Michigan

N.4 at Ohio

N.12 Toledo

N.19 at Buffalo

N.29 Ball State

Northern Illinois

A.30 Holy Cross

S.5 at Maryland

S.20 at Miss. State

S.27 San Diego State

O.4 Miami (Ohio)

O.11 at Eastern Michigan

O.18 at Ohio

O.25 Ball State

N.5 at Toledo

N.12 at UMass

N.18 Western Michigan

N.28 Kent State

Ohio

A.28 at Rutgers

S.6 West Virginia

S.13 at Ohio State

S.20 Gardner-Webb

S.27 Bowling Green

O.4 at Ball State

O.18 No. Illinois

O.25 at Eastern Michigan

N.4 Miami (Ohio)

N.11 at Western Michigan

N.18 UMass

N.28 at Buffalo

Toledo

A.30 at Kentucky

S.6 WKU

S.13 Morgan State

S.20 at Western Michigan

S.27 Akron

O.11 at Bowling Green

O.18 Kent State

O.25 at Wash. State

N.5 No. Illinois

N.12 at Miami (Ohio)

N.22 Ball State

N.29 at Central Michigan

UMass

A.30 Temple

S.6 Bryant

S.13 at Iowa

S.27 at Missouri

O.4 Western Michigan

O.11 at Kent State

O.18 Buffalo

O.25 at Central Michigan

N.4 at Akron

N.12 No. Illinois

N.18 at Ohio

N.25 Bowling Green

Western Michigan

A.29 at Michigan State

S.6 North Texas

S.13 at Illinois

S.20 Toledo

S.27 Rhode Island

O.4 at UMass

O.11 Ball State

O.25 at Miami (Ohio)

N.1 Central Michigan

N.11 Ohio

N.18 at No. Illinois

N.25 at Eastern Michigan

MWC

Air Force

A.30 Bucknell

S.13 at Utah State

S.20 Boise State

S.27 Hawaii

O.4 at Navy

O.11 at UNLV

O.18 Wyoming

N.1 Army

N.8 at San Jose State

N.15 at UConn

N.22 New Mexico

N.28 at Colorado State

Boise State

A.28 at South Florida

S.5 Eastern Washington

S.20 at Air Force

S.27 App State

O.4 at Notre Dame

O.11 New Mexico

O.18 UNLV

O.24 at Nevada

N.1 Fresno State

N.15 at San Diego State

N.22 Colorado State

N.28 at Utah State

Colorado State

A.30 at Washington

S.6 No. Colorado

S.20 UTSA

S.27 Wash. State

O.3 at San Diego State

O.10 Fresno State

O.18 Hawaii

O.25 at Wyoming

N.8 UNLV N.15 at New Mexico N.22 at Boise State N.28 Air Force

Fresno State A.23 at Kansas A.30 Georgia So. S.6 at Oregon State S.13 Southern S.20 at Hawaii O.4 Nevada O.10 at Colorado State O.25 San Diego State N.1 at Boise State N.15 Wyoming N.22 Utah State N.29 at San Jose State

Hawaii A.23 Stanford A.30 at Arizona

S.6 Sam Houston S.13 Portland State S.20 Fresno State S.27 at Air Force O.11 Utah State O.18 at Colorado State N.1 at San Jose State N.8 San Diego State N.21 at UNLV N.29 Wyoming

Nevada A.30 at Penn State S.6 Sacramento State S.13 Middle Tenn. S.20 at WKU O.4 at Fresno State O.11 San Diego State O.18 at New Mexico O.24 Boise State N.8 at Utah State N.15 San Jose State N.22 at Wyoming N.29 UNLV

New Mexico A.30 at Michigan S.6 Idaho State S.12 at UCLA S.27 NM State O.3 at San Jose State O.11 at Boise State O.18 Nevada O.25 Utah State N.1 at UNLV N.15 Colorado State N.22 at Air Force N.28 San Diego State

San Diego State A.28 Stony Brook S.6 at Wash. State S.20 Cal S.27 at No. Illinois O.3 Colorado State O.11 at Nevada

O.25 at Fresno State N.1 Wyoming

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

N.8 at Hawaii

N.15 Boise State

N.22 San Jose State

N.28 at New Mexico

San Jose State

A.29 Central Michigan

S.6 at Texas

S.20 Idaho

S.27 at Stanford

O.3 New Mexico

O.11 at Wyoming

O.17 at Utah State

N.1 Hawaii

N.8 Air Force

N.15 at Nevada

N.22 at San Diego State

N.29 Fresno State

UNLV

A.23 Idaho State

A.29 at Sam Houston

S.6 UCLA

S.20 at Miami (Ohio)

O.4 at Wyoming

O.11 Air Force

O.18 at Boise State

N.1 New Mexico

N.8 at Colorado State

N.15 Utah State N.21 Hawaii

N.29 at Nevada

Utah State

A.30 UTEP

S.6 at Texas A&M

S.13 Air Force

S.20 McNeese

S.27 at Vanderbilt

O.11 at Hawaii

O.17 San Jose State

O.25 at New Mexico

N.8 Nevada

N.15 at UNLV

N.22 at Fresno State

N.28 Boise State

Wyoming

A.28 at Akron

S.6 Northern Iowa

S.13 Utah

S.20 at Colorado

O.4 UNLV

O.11 San Jose State

O.18 at Air Force

O.25 Colorado State

N.1 at San Diego State

N.15 at Fresno State

N.22 Nevada

N.29 at Hawaii

Pac-12

Oregon State

A.30 Cal

S.6 Fresno State

S.13 at Texas Tech

S.20 at Oregon

S.26 Houston

O.4 at App State

O.11 Wake Forest

O.18 Lafayette

N.1 Wash. State

N.8 Sam Houston

N.15 at Tulsa

N.29 at Wash. State

Wash. State

A.30 Idaho

S.6 San Diego State

S.13 at North Texas

S.20 Washington

S.27 at Colorado State

O.11 at Ole Miss

O.18 at Virginia

O.25 Toledo

N.1 at Oregon State

N.15 Louisiana Tech

N.22 at James Madison

N.29 Oregon State

SEC

Alabama

A.30 at Florida State

S.6 ULM

S.13 Wisconsin

S.27 at Georgia

O.4 Vanderbilt O.11 at Missouri

O.18 Tennessee

O.25 at South Carolina

N.8 LSU

N.15 Oklahoma

N.22 Eastern Illinois N.29 at Auburn

Arkansas

A.30 Alabama A&M

S.6 Arkansas State

S.13 at Ole Miss

S.20 at Memphis

S.27 Notre Dame

O.11 at Tennessee

O.18 Texas A&M

O.25 Auburn

N.1 Miss. State

N.15 at LSU

N.22 at Texas N.29 Missouri

Auburn

A.29 at Baylor

S.6 Ball State

S.13 South Alabama

S.20 at Oklahoma

S.27 at Texas A&M

O.11 Georgia

O.18 Missouri

O.25 at Arkansas

N.1 Kentucky

N.8 at Vanderbilt

N.22 Mercer N.29 Alabama

Florida

A.30 LIU

S.6 South Florida

S.13 at LSU

S.20 at Miami

O.4 Texas

O.11 at Texas A&M

O.18 Miss. State

N.1Georgia (Jacksonville)

N.8 at Kentucky

N.15 at Ole Miss

N.22 Tennessee

N.29 Florida State

Georgia

A.30 Marshall

S.6 Austin Peay

S.13 at Tennessee

S.27 Alabama

O.4 Kentucky

O.11 at Auburn

O.18 Ole Miss

N.1 Florida (Jacksonville)

N.8 at Miss. State

N.15 Texas

N.22 Charlotte

N.28 at Georgia Tech

Kentucky

A.30 Toledo

S.6 Ole Miss

S.13 Eastern Michigan

S.27 at South Carolina

O.4 at Georgia

O.18 Texas

O.25 Tennessee

N.1 at Auburn

N.8 Florida

N.15 Tennessee Tech

N.22 at Vanderbilt

N.29 at Louisville

LSU A.30 at Clemson

S.6 Louisiana Tech

S.13 Florida

S.20 SE Louisiana

S.27 at Ole Miss

O.11 South Carolina

O.18 at Vanderbilt

O.25 Texas A&M

N.8 at Alabama

N.15 Arkansas

N.22 WKU N.29 at Oklahoma

Miss. State

A.30 at Southern Miss

S.6 Arizona State

S.13 Alcorn State

S.20 No. Illinois

S.27 Tennessee

O.4 at Texas A&M

O.18 at Florida

O.25 Texas

N.1 at Arkansas

N.8 Georgia N.15 at Missouri

N.28 Ole Miss

Missouri

A.28 Central Arkansas

S.6 Kansas

S.13 Louisiana

S.20 South Carolina

S.27 UMass

O.11 Alabama

O.18 at Auburn O.25 at Vanderbilt

N.8 Texas A&M

N.15 Miss. State N.22 at Oklahoma N.29 at Arkansas

Oklahoma A.30 Illinois State S.6 Michigan S.13 at Temple S.20 Auburn O.4 Kent State O.11 Texas (Dallas) O.18 at South Carolina O.25 Ole Miss N.1 at Tennessee N.15 at Alabama N.22 Missouri N.29 LSU

Miss A.30 Georgia State S.6 at Kentucky S.13 Arkansas S.20 Tulane S.27 LSU O.11 Wash. State O.18 at Georgia O.25 at Oklahoma N.1 South Carolina N.8 The Citadel N.15 Florida N.28 at Miss. State

South Carolina A.31 Virginia Tech (Atl.) S.6 SC State S.13 Vanderbilt S.20 at Missouri S.27 Kentucky O.11 at LSU O.18 Oklahoma O.25 Alabama N.1 at Ole Miss N.15 at Texas A&M N.22 Coastal Carolina N.29 Clemson

Tennessee A.30 Syracuse (Atlanta) S.6 East Tenn. State S.13 Georgia S.20 UAB S.27 at Miss. State O.11 Arkansas O.18 at Alabama O.25 at Kentucky N.1 Oklahoma N.15 NM State N.22 at Florida N.29 Vanderbilt

Texas

A.30 at Ohio State

S.6 San Jose State S.13 UTEP

S.20 Sam Houston O.4 at Florida O.11 Oklahoma (Dallas) O.18 at Kentucky

O.25 at Miss. State

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

N.1 Vanderbilt N.15 at Georgia

N.22 Arkansas

N.28 Texas A&M

Texas A&M

A.30 UTSA

S.6 Utah State

S.13 at Notre Dame

S.27 Auburn

O.4 Miss. State

O.11 Florida

O.18 at Arkansas

O.25 at LSU

N.8 at Missouri

N.15 South Carolina

N.22 Samford

N.28 at Texas

Vanderbilt

A.30 Charleston So.

S.6 at Virginia Tech

S.13 at South Carolina

S.20 Georgia State

S.27 Utah State

O.4 at Alabama

O.18 LSU

O.25 Missouri

N.1 at Texas N.8 Auburn N.22 Kentucky

N.29 at Tennessee

Sun Belt App State

A.29 Charlotte Stadium)(BOA

S.6 Lindenwood

S.13 at Southern Miss S.27 at Boise State

O.4 Oregon State O.11 at Georgia State

O.18 Coastal Carolina

O.25 at Old Dominion

N.6 Georgia So.

N.15 at James Madison

N.22 Marshall N.29 Arkansas State Arkansas State

A.30 SE Missouri State

S.6 at Arkansas

S.13 Iowa State

S.20 at Kennesaw State

S.27 at ULM

O.4 Texas State

O.14 at South Alabama

O.25 Georgia So.

N.1 at Troy

N.8 Southern Miss

N.20 Louisiana N.29 at App State

Coastal Carolina

A.30 at Virginia

S.6 Charleston So.

S.13 East Carolina

S.20 at South Alabama

O.4 at Old Dominion

O.11 ULM

O.18 at App State

O.30 Marshall

N.8 Georgia State

N.15 at Georgia So.

N.22 at South Carolina

N.29 James Madison

James Madison

A.30 Weber State

S.5 at Louisville

S.20 at Liberty

S.27 Georgia So.

O.4 at Georgia State

O.11 Louisiana

O.18 Old Dominion

O.28 at Texas State

N.8 at Marshall

N.15 App State

N.22 Wash. State

N.29 at Coastal Carolina

Georgia Southern

A.30 at Fresno State

S.6 at USC

S.13 Jacksonville St. S.20 Maine

S.27 at James Madison

O.9 Southern Miss O.18 Georgia State

O.25 at Arkansas State

N.6 at App State

N.15 Coastal Carolina

N.22 Old Dominion N.29 at Marshall

Georgia State

A.30 at Ole Miss

S.6 Memphis

S.13 Murray State

S.20 at Vanderbilt

O.4 James Madison O.11 App State

O.18 at Georgia So. O.23 South Alabama

N.8 at Coastal Carolina

N.15 Marshall

N.22 at Troy N.29 at Old Dominion

Louisiana

A.30 Rice

S.6 McNeese

S.13 at Missouri

S.20 at Eastern Michigan

S.27 Marshall

O.11 at James Madison

O.18 Southern Miss

O.25 at Troy

N.1 at South Alabama

N.8 Texas State

N.20 at Arkansas State N.29 ULM

Marshall

A.30 at Georgia

S.6 Missouri State

S.13 Eastern Kentucky

S.20 at Middle Tenn.

S.27 at Louisiana

O.11 Old Dominion

O.18 Texas State

O.30 at Coastal Carolina

N.8 James Madison

N.15 at Georgia State

N.22 at App State N.29 Georgia So.

Old Dominion

A.30 at Indiana

S.6 NC Central

S.13 at Virginia Tech

S.27 Liberty

O.4 Coastal Carolina

O.11 at Marshall

O.18 at James Madison

O.25 App State

N.1 at ULM

N.13 Troy

N.22 at Georgia So. N.29 Georgia State

South Alabama

A.30 Morgan State

S.6 Tulane

S.13 at Auburn

S.20 Coastal Carolina

S.27 at North Texas

O.4 at Troy

O.14 Arkansas State

O.23 at Georgia State

N.1 Louisiana N.15 at ULM

N.22 Southern Miss N.29 at Texas State

Southern Miss

A.30 Miss. State

S.6 Jackson State

S.13 App State

S.20 at Louisiana Tech

S.27 Jacksonville St.

O.9 at Georgia So. O.18 at Louisiana

O.25 ULM

N.8 at Arkansas State N.15 Texas State

N.22 at South Alabama N.29 Troy

Texas State

A.30 Eastern Michigan

S.6 at UTSA

S.13 at Arizona State

S.20 Nicholls

O.4 at Arkansas State O.11 Troy O.18 at Marshall O.28 James Madison

N.8 at Louisiana N.15 at Southern Miss N.22 ULM N.29 South Alabama

Troy

A.30 Nicholls

S.6 at Clemson

S.13 Memphis

S.20 at Buffalo

O.4 South Alabama O.11 at Texas State

O.18 at ULM

O.25 Louisiana

N.1 Arkansas State N.13 at Old Dominion

N.22 Georgia State N.29 at Southern Miss ULM

A.28 St. Francis (PA)

S.6 at Alabama

S.20 at UTEP

S.27 Arkansas State

O.4 at Northwestern O.11 at Coastal Carolina O.18 Troy O.25 at Southern Miss

N.1 Old Dominion

N.15 South Alabama

N.22 at Texas State N.29 at Louisiana

BOWL

Holiday

2025-26 Bowl Schedule

DATE TV LOCATION MATCHUP

TBA FOX San Diego ACC v. Pac-12

LA Dec. 13 ESPN Inglewood, CA Pac-12 v. MWC

Salute to Veterans Dec. 16 ESPN Montgomery SBC/MAC v. CUSA

Cure

68 Ventures

Myrtle Beach

Gasparilla

Famous Idaho Potato

Boca Raton

New Orleans

Frisco

Hawaii

GameAbove Sports

Rate

Dec. 17 ESPN Orlando Group of Five

Dec. 17 ESPN Mobile MAC/SBC/CUSA

Dec. 19 ESPN Conway, SC Group of Five

Dec. 19 ESPN Tampa Group of Five

Dec. 22 ESPN Boise MWC v. MAC

Dec. 23 ESPN Boca Raton Group of Five

Dec. 23 ESPN New Orleans SBC v. CUSA

Dec. 23 ESPN Frisco, TX Group of Five

Dec. 24 ESPN Honolulu MWC v. CUSA

Dec. 26 ESPN Detroit

Dec. 26 ESPN Phoenix

Big Ten v. MAC

Big 12 v. Big Ten

First Responder Dec. 26 ESPN Dallas AAC/ACC/Big 12

Military

Pinstripe

Fenway Bowl

Pop-Tarts

Dec. 27 ESPN Annapolis ACC v. AAC

Dec. 27 ABC Bronx Big Ten v. ACC

Dec. 27 ESPN Boston ACC v. AAC

Dec. 27 ABC Orlando Big 12 v. ACC

Arizona Dec. 27 The CW Tucson MWC v. MAC

New Mexico

Gator

Texas

Dec. 27 ESPN Albuquerque MWC v. Group of Five

Dec. 27 ABC Jacksonville

Dec. 27 ESPN Houston

SEC v. ACC

Big 12 v. SEC

Birmingham Dec. 29 ESPN Birmingham SEC/AAC/CUSA

Independence Dec. 30 ESPN Shreveport Big 12 v. Pac-12

Music City

Dec. 30 ESPN Nashville

SEC v. Big Ten

Alamo Dec. 30 ESPN San Antonio Big 12 v. Pac-12

Reliaquest

Dec. 31 ESPN Tampa

Big Ten v. SEC

Sun Dec. 31 CBS El Paso Pac-12 v. ACC

Citrus

Las Vegas

Armed Forces

Dec. 31 ABC Orlando

Dec. 31 ESPN Las Vegas

Big Ten v. SEC

Big Ten v. Pac-12

Jan. 2 ESPN Fort Worth AAC/CUSA

Liberty Jan. 2 ESPN Memphis

Duke’s Mayo

Jan. 2 ESPN Charlotte

Big 12 v. SEC

SEC v. ACC

Offically, the Pac-12 has maintained tie-ins with multiple bowls. Any former Pac-12 school is eligible where Pac-12 is listed. Notre Dame, if it is not in the playoff, can take an ACC spot. Group of Five could be any school from the AAC, CUSA, MAC, MWC or Sun Belt.

National College Football Playoff Schedule

Teams seeded 5-12 will play in the first round with the higher seeds hosting. The four winners will play the four top seeds in the quarterfinals.

ROUND DATE TV LOCATION MATCHUP

CFP Round 1

Dec. 19

ABC/ESPN Higher Seed

CFP Round 1 Dec. 20 TNT Higher Seed

CFP Round 1 Dec. 20 TNT Higher Seed

CFP Round 1

Cotton

Dec. 20

Dec. 31

Orange Jan. 1

Rose Jan. 1

Sugar Jan. 1

Fiesta

Jan. 8

Peach Jan. 9

National Championship Jan. 19

ABC/ESPN Higher Seed

ESPN Arlington Quarterfinal

ESPN Miami Gardens Quarterfinal

ESPN Pasadena Quarterfinal

ESPN New Orleans Quarterfinal

ESPN Glendale Semifinal

ESPN Atlanta Semifinal

ESPN Miami Gardens Championship