The 2025 college football season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces ready to make their mark. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect across the major conferences and teams.

Top Storylines to Watch

• Arch Manning: The highly anticipated debut of Arch Manning as QB1 for the Texas Longhorns.
• Bill Belichick: The legendary coach takes the helm at North Carolina Tar Heels, adding a new dynamic to the ACC.
• Ohio State: After a national championship win, what’s next for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes?
• Alabama: How will Kalen DeBoer bounce back after an uneven first season?
• Clemson: Is Clemson ready to return to national title contention?

Conference Previews

Sun Belt

The Sun Belt has seen many teams rise to prominence recently. With Troy and Marshall facing leadership changes, James Madison, Louisiana, Texas State, and South Alabama are all in the mix for the title.

Mountain West

This season marks the final year of the current Mountain West configuration. Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State are set to join a new Pac-12 next season, making this a crucial year for these teams.

Conference USA

With the addition of Delaware and Missouri State, Conference USA continues to evolve. Liberty and Jacksonville State have both claimed recent titles, and this season could see another surprise contender emerge.

MAC

Despite challenges with NIL money and transfers, the MAC remains a conference of opportunity. Northern Illinois’ upset of Notre Dame in 2024 shows that the MAC can still compete at a high level.

Key Players and Prospects

• Arch Manning (Texas): The next big thing in college football.
• Bill Belichick (North Carolina): A coaching legend brings his expertise to the Tar Heels.
• Ryan Day (Ohio State): Can he lead the Buckeyes to back-to-back championships?

Projections and Analysis

Bill Connelly’s unique analysis provides insights into the top players and prospects for every FBS team, offering projections for the 2025 season. Stay tuned for weekly conference breakdowns throughout the summer.