College Football Picks 2025: Week Six

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Current Picks Record: 28-17

Upset: 2-3

Superdogs: 3-1

Locks: 3-3

(#3) Miami Hurricanes @ (#18) Florida State Seminoles

Line: Miami -4.5

O/U: 53.5

Miami - Florida State has long been one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, but rarely has it had such implications in recent times. Despite a loss to Virginia last week, Florida State is hoping to continue their turnaround from last season's 2-10 mark and challenge for an ACC Title. Miami may have even loftier goals - such as a National Title. A loss here will not necessarily run either of their chances, but victory would go a long way in furthering their ambitions as we hit the month of October.

It's been all about the rushing attack for Florida State early on in the season, as Gus Malzahn has engineered the nation's second best rushing offense to this point in the fall. The Seminoles are currently averaging over 336 yards per game on the ground, thanks to dual threat QB Tommy Castellanos and a deep backfield that includes Gavin Sawchuk, Ousmane Kromah, and Samuel Singleton Jr. It's so effective because it doesn't rely on just one piece - Malzahn is a magician at scheming up complex packages that get his guys into space. There's also the chance the Seminoles could be getting an important piece back to this backfield, as Roydell Williams has a chance to return this week after missing their last three games. He went down with injury in the opener against Alabama, but is the most experienced rusher on this roster. This Florida State rushing attack does set up an interesting battle with this Miami Hurricane defense. With coordinator Corey Hetherman, this side of the ball for Miami may be among the most improved units in the entire country. The front seven in particular sets the tone, with Rueben Bain Jr. the alpha in the room. Bain shouldn't be expected to contribute too much as a run defender, but his constant pressure as an edge rusher has given this Hurricane defense a real edge to it all season long. If the Florida State offensive line isn't up for the challenge and Miami can control the line as they have so far this season, you can imagine this team building an early lead and playing ball control the remainder of the game. We are going to need to see Castellanos throw the ball, which he hasn't necessarily needed to for much of the early season. This Miami defense is a whole different challenge than Alabama was - they're healthier, better coached, and relentless. This is going to need to be a vintage Gus coaching performance if Florida State is to put points on the board.

For the Miami offense, it's been all about balance over the course of the first five games of their season. Quarterback Carson Beck may not be Cam Ward, but he hasn't needed to be, instead providing the Hurricanes a competent, reliable signal-caller to run the show. He's benefitted from some really nice talent around him, with Mark Fletcher Jr. rumbling on the ground, while true freshman sensation Malachi Toney and transfer C.J. Daniels make things happen on the perimeter. What really sets Miami apart, however, is the offensive line. This is a peak Mario Cristobal offensive line, one loaded with future NFL talent, depth, and overwhelming ferocity. They have looked the part so far this fall, even against tough competition like Notre Dame and Florida, so they should not be surprised by this Florida State front. And, it's hard to know how good the Seminole defense really is, anyways. They played great football against Alabama and against mediocre competition over the next few weeks, but then allowed 440 yards and 46 points to Virginia last Friday. The Hurricanes aren't as explosive as an offense as the one on the other sideline, but I'm not sure they need to be. As long as Beck continues to take care of the ball and make the right decisions, this can be a very methodical and productive group. Their ability to control the trenches puts them at an immediate advantage over just about everyone on their schedule.

Heading into Doak Campbell Stadium will of course be a significant challenge for this Miami team, but one they should be prepared for. This team has the pieces to take the Seminole crowd out of the game early on, and then play a ball control game the rest of the way with the way they control the lines of scrimmage. As long as Cristobal doesn't make any wacky late-game decisions, an unfortunate tendency of his, I like Miami's chances to keep their perfect record intact.

The Pick: Miami, 27 Florida State, 20

(#16) Vanderbilt Commodores @ (#10) Alabama Crimson Tide

College Football Coaching Carousel 2025 Predictions

G.J. Kinne, Texas State

Less than one month into the 2025 college football season, the coaching carousel has begun spinning. A total of four programs have already fired their coaches, with UCLA and Virginia Tech first to make the move after 0-3 starts. With several other potential big-name gigs set to open, we could see a potentially chaotic carousel this fall and winter. Who do I see taking over at each current vacancy or potential opening? It's time for some speculation.

Current Openings

Arkansas Razorbacks

(Fired Sam Pittman)

Few coaches in college football entered this fall under as much pressure as Sam Pittman. After a 4-8 record in 2023 originally put his job in jeopardy, a resurgent 2024 at 7-6 earned him another year. But ultimately, three straight losses ended his time as Arkansas head coach after five-plus seasons in charge. Pittman was a bit of an unconventional hire, but he did return the program to respectability after the disastrous two-year run of his predecessor, Chad Morris. In fact, his nine-win campaign in 2022 was just the second time in a decade the Razorbacks had reached or surpassed the eight-win plateau. However, it just felt like the program had reached its peak under his leadership, and a new direction was necessary. He concludes his Arkansas tenure with a 32-34 overall record and 14-29 mark in the SEC.

Hired: Rhett Lashlee, SMU Head Coach

Any SEC job that opens is going to be an attractive one, but I am curious to see how Arkansas is perceived compared to others on the market. The program has resources, but they've struggled mightily over the last decade-and-a-half, since the first Bobby Petrino tenure (who is now their interim head coach). It's also a school that is committed to building winners in basketball and baseball, so it is fair to wonder how serious they are in building a winner on the football field.

With all that being said, it does feel like a job a name like Rhett Lashlee, current SMU head coach, would be interested in. Sure, SMU is now a power conference job and has plenty of money to throw around, but the fate of the ACC is an uncertain one. Moving into the SEC would be attractive alone, but Lashlee is also an Arkansas native and alum of the university. It could be a natural stepping stone for a coach who progressed up the career ladder fairly quickly and has now proven himself as a head coach. Lashlee has seen Arkansas as a winner - he was a grad assistant on the 2006 team that went 10-4 and went to the SEC Championship Game. The opportunity to return to his roots and take over this program has to be a very difficult one to pass up.

Others to Watch: Bobby Petrino (interim HC); Jon Sumrall (Tulane HC); Ryan Silverfield (Memphis HC); Gus Malzahn (Florida State OC); Barry Odom (Purdue HC); Tyson Helton (Western Kentucky HC); Barry Lunney Jr. (Illinois OC)

Oklahoma State Cowboys

(Fired Mike Gundy)

College Football Picks 2025: Week Five

Ty Simpson, Alabama

Current Picks Record: 23-13

Upset: 2-2

Superdogs: 3-1

Locks: 1-3

(#6) Oregon Ducks @ (#3) Penn State Nittany Lions

Line: Penn State -3.5

O/U: 51.5

We learned a lot about the Big Ten last weekend, when Michigan escaped with a win over Nebraska and Indiana took it to Illinois. Yet, both those games pale in comparison to the matchup in primetime Saturday night. Two undefeated teams, Penn State and Oregon, square off under the lights in Happy Valley in what could be a Big Ten Championship Game preview. It feels like the entire month for both these teams has been building to this game, and we should have a good one to highlight Week Five.

Both teams have ran through a buttery soft non-conference slate to this point, which is especially true of Penn State. The Nittany Lions have beaten Nevada, FIU, and Villanova en route to their 3-0 start, all comfortable victories. It's hard to take anything significant from any of those wins - the Nittany Lions rolled without much issue, but they likely held a lot back on both sides of the ball knowing Oregon was later in the month. Quarterback Drew Allar has been fine, but nothing particularly special. The thing is, he hasn't needed to be, as Penn State has held a clear advantage in talent against every time they've faced, and been able to ride the two-headed backfield of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen to success. That will obviously not be the case against the Ducks. This is a front seven with a bunch of future NFL guys, built in the mold of the SEC defenses we used to see back in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This is going to be an absolute war at the line of scrimmage, and it may come down to whether Allar can make the big throws. In fact, that seems to be a consistent theme of Allar's career up to this point. He's won a lot of games, put up impressive numbers, and is widely considered among the best in the nation. But, it feels like he hasn't had a true breakout game on the big stage against an elite defense. Oregon would provide that moment, but he does need help from his receivers out wide. Trebor Pena has been a helpful addition but will need to elevate his play, as will Kyron Hudson. I am curious if Penn State has more tricks up their sleeve than just those two. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is a creative guy, and used tight end Tyler Warren in a bunch of unique ways last fall. Do we see Penn State break out something new we haven't seen yet this fall? This would certainly be the game to do it in.

It's been smooth sailing for Oregon to this point, too, and they do have a Big Ten to their credit already after taking down Northwestern on the road. Quarterback Dante Moore has been absolutely dealing up to this point in the year and has garnered early Heisman attention. No Evan Stewart has been no problem, with Dakorien Moore stealing the show out wide, but there are an abundance of options here. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq is a matchup nightmare, and Malik Benson and Gary Bryant Jr. are proven veterans providing plenty of spark of their own. The ground game has been interesting - Makhi Hughes was expected to be the alpha after coming over after a huge year at Tulane, but he's been quiet early. Instead, it's been Jayden Limar, Noah Whittington, and Dierre Hill Jr. getting the bulk of action so far. You do wonder if that has more to do with the fact most of the early action for Oregon so far has been in blowouts, or if that's how this backfield is going to shape out the rest of the season. Has Hughes also been not 100 percent? Either way, the Ducks are all operating behind an elite offensive line, giving playcaller Will Stein all the toys he needs to engineer some real magic on this side of the ball. Yet, this is going to be a fascinating chess match between Stein and his opponent on the other side, Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Knowles is one of the truly elite defensive minds in the game today, and he completely flummoxed Oregon in last year's Rose Bowl while at Ohio State. With the Nittany Lions, he has a defense that may not have the star power of last year's Buckeyes, but has ample experience. They're going to throw a lot at Moore and company, a quarterback who really has not played in this type of environment in primetime before.

I feel like a broken record throughout the month of September, but it's true - we simply don't know that much about either of these teams just yet. Sure, they've beaten up on inferior teams and looked pretty dang impressive while doing so. But, this type of game, in Happy Valley with so much talent and future NFL players on the field? It's completely different. Penn State hasn't quite looked as crisp as Oregon early, but they do get the home crowd behind them and the Knowles factor is a decisive one. You know he's been preparing for months for this exact game, eager to deploy the right scheme to slow down Moore and the Ducks. I think the Nittany Lions turn this one into a bit of a slow-paced, almost ugly type of football game and lean on their power-run game the other way to lead them to victory.

The Pick: Penn State, 24 Oregon, 21

(#17) Alabama Crimson Tide @ (#5) Georgia Bulldogs

College Football Picks 2025: Week Four

Devon Dampier, Utah

 Current Picks Record: 16-11

Upset: 2-1

Superdogs: 2-1

Locks: 0-3

(#9) Illinois Fighting Illini @ (#19) Indiana Hoosiers

Line: Indiana -6.5

O/U: 52.5

So far, the top Big Ten teams have rolled through their non-conference schedule, but we'll learn a lot about the league this weekend. Not only does Michigan square off with Nebraska in Lincoln, but the Illinois Fighting Illini head to Bloomington to match up with the Indiana Hoosiers. Both teams have legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations, and a win here could give their resume a nice boost early on in mid-September.

It's been smooth sailing en route to a 3-0 start for the Illini, riding a balanced offense and stingy defense. Luke Altmyer has looked in complete control, throwing for eight touchdowns without an interception to this point in the year, the backfield has three legitimate weapons, and the receiver corps has recovered well from an offseason that saw them lose Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. Yet, this will almost certainly be the toughest defense they've seen all season long, and in a hostile environment. Mikail Kamara gets most of the attention for the Hoosiers up front, but this is a group with playmakers at all three levels. They may not necessarily be the most talented, but Indiana prepares incredibly well on this side of the ball and they play hard for Curt Cignetti. Illinois is going to have to use all the tools in their arsenal to move the ball consistently, and that may include taking more shots down the field than what we've seen over the first three weeks. Yet, the win over Duke earlier in the year has to show the playbook for what they'll look to do against Indiana, especially when you consider this is their only other power conference game to this point. The Illini started fairly slow, establishing the run and playing a more conservative style of offense. But they made the right adjustments at halftime, began throwing the ball down the field, and held on to the ball to dominate time of possession. While not necessarily easy, if the Illini can jump out to a lead early, this is the type of balanced offensive approach that can simply sit on leads and take the entire game away from their opponent.

The new-look Hoosier offense hasn't had much difficulties themselves, averaging 52 points over the course of their first three games of the fall. Now, to be fair, the opponents so far? Indiana State, Old Dominion, and Kennesaw State - not exactly elite competition. But it still has to be encouraging for this team to look so crisp early on in the season when you consider they are breaking in a new QB, Fernando Mendoza, and new lead back in Roman Hemby. Mendoza to be is the most interesting player to watch in this game. You saw the potential with him when he was at Cal, and there's a reason he's caught the eye of NFL scouts with his 6'5" frame. With that being said, consistency has been an issue for Mendoza, and he simply has not played in a lot of important games over the course of his college career. Could the moment be too much for him? Illinois has long been a defense that is able to switch up their looks to confuse opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary has looked good so far this season. It's going to be a very interesting battle here. Fortunately, Mendoza does have the benefit of throwing to a very strong receiver corps, one that includes a trio of veterans in Omar Cooper, Elijah Sarratt, and E.J. Williams. Indiana feels like the more explosive team, at least on paper, but is there an adjustment period we should expect considering the increase in competition? There's a lot of variables to consider here and so early on in the season, we don't have a very accurate picture of either one of these teams.

This is a true coin flip type pick for me. Indiana feels like the team with the higher ceiling given the talent on both sides of the ball and what the personnel is capable of. But, how can we accurately view a team like this that has played such meager competition? I have a better idea of who the Illini are, but do they have the vertical passing game and weapons to overcome a tough opponent on the road? In a true 50-50, I tend to lean towards the home team, as boring as it is. The Hoosiers feel like they should be the better team, too, if things come together, but it's bound to be a close one all the same.

The Pick: Indiana, 27 Illinois, 24

(#17) Texas Tech Red Raiders @ (#17) Utah Utes

Line: Utah -3.5

O/U: 56.5

The Big 12 race feels as wide open as ever before as we head into Week Four. Iowa State got the big (or so it seemed at the time) win over Kansas State to begin the year, but they've underwhelmed in recent weeks. Arizona State has lost. Kansas State is a mess. That opens the door for one of these two teams set to collide this weekend to position themselves as an early favorite, as Texas Tech travels to altitude to face off with Utah.

Few teams in all of college football spent as much this past offseason to build a winning roster as Texas Tech, and it has paid off so far en route to a 3-0 start. Yet, none of their wins have been overly impressive to this point - Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State. Going into Salt Lake City and coming away victorious is a whole different challenge, one that will require a fully healthy and ready to go Behren Morton at quarterback. The veteran is one of the best in the Big 12 when healthy, but injuries have been an unfortunate theme of his career. He had shoulder surgery last December and seemed ready to go for this fall, but has been banged up early, albeit not missing any significant time. The pressure is on him as the Red Raiders prepare for this contest. Morton has had an impressive career and played a lot of football here, but has never quite been able to show up in the biggest moments and get this program over the edge. Against an always-stout Ute defense, if he can come in and make some huge throws, it could make all the difference for the Red Raiders. Morton is also extra important considering this ground game seems to still be getting rolling as it moves forward without star Tahj Brooks. It's been a rotation early on, as it's likely to be this fall unless somebody overwhelms the competition, with Adam Hill leading the charge so far. Statistically, they've been good, but Utah's defensive front is a significant challenge. Few teams in the country fill gaps and are as fundamentally sound as the Utes, who always seem to have several linebackers who can take over games on the defensive end. This year, it's Lander Barton, a former blue chip recruit who has lived up to the hype for the Utes. I am very curious to see how Tech responds to the physicality they're going to face here. This has long been a program that wants to spread it all out and play on the perimeter, but the personnel has changed in a big way. Are they ready to go on the road and win a grinding, physical game against a team of Utah's caliber? They have the talent to do so, but this has not been the type of game the Red Raiders have succeeded in historically.

The Utes haven't exactly been playing elite competition themselves as they've begun 3-0. They destroyed former Pac-12 foe UCLA to begin the year and then cruised past Cal Poly and Wyoming. The defense has been unsurprisingly terrific, but it has been a fascinating watch to see the offense evolve this fall. Quarterback Devon Dampier is a much different player than we've come to expect from Kyle Whittingham QBs. He's a true dual threat and a playmaker who is going to take risks with the ball, whether with his legs or his arm. So far, it hasn't harmed the Utes, as Dampier hasn't turned the ball over, and has ran all over opposing defenses. This game against the Red Raiders is a bit different - their front seven was one of the key areas they spent big on over the offseason, and the secondary has been a pleasant surprise. Dampier is going to want to take things over, but his first interception of the season could be the type of thing that swings the tide in a competitive game like this. The Utes do feature a quality running game beyond just Dampier and out wide, Ryan Davis and tight end Dallen Bentley give them enough to overcome opposing defenses. With all that being said, where I see the game being decided is in the trenches, specifically this matchup between Utah's O-Line and Tech's defensive front. Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu are likely future NFL Draftees for the Utes, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage has been central to Utah's identity. The Red Raiders will get after opposing quarterbacks, especially end David Bailey, but I'm not sure how good their rush defense is just yet. I think the Utes are just fine turning this into a slow, churning game and riding their defense and home atmosphere to victory. It's a formula that has been awfully successful for Whittingham in his coaching career.

Yet another game that's difficult to predict so early in the year, because we just don't know a ton about either of these teams. With that being said, Utah has always had a clear identity and even with Dampier under center, they are going to play a similar brand of football. They know how to win low-scoring games and the atmosphere in Salt Lake City is unmatched, even so early on in the morning. Until we see it from Texas Tech in a big game, I like the Utes in this game.

The Pick: Utah, 21 Texas Tech, 18

Other Picks

(#22) Auburn Tigers @ (#11) Oklahoma Sooners -- An opportunity for a Jackson Arnold revenge game, as the former Sooner and current Tiger heads back to Norman. He's looked good running the ball early, but I'm not sold on this Auburn passing attack. I'm not sold on their defense, for that matter, a worrying combination against a team like Oklahoma.

The Pick: Oklahoma, 42 Auburn, 28

Florida Gators @ (#4) Miami Hurricanes -- As frustrating as last week was for Florida, they did stick around deep into the second half against the nation's third best team - with five turnovers from D.J. Lagway. They have a chance to make this a game. But, the Hurricanes are playing just too well at the moment.

The Pick: Miami, 34 Florida, 24

(#21) Michigan Wolverines @ Nebraska Cornhuskers -- May be one of the biggest games in recent memory for the 'Huskers, an opportunity for them to start 4-0 and snag a huge Big Ten victory. Yet, they've struggled to stop the run against quality competition - Cincinnati ran for nearly 7 yards per carry against them. Justice Haynes and the Wolverines pound the rock to victory.

The Pick: Michigan, 20 Nebraska, 14

Purdue Boilermakers @ (#24) Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- Rivalry games can always get a bit weird, and Purdue looks much improved in Year One of Barry Odom. Still, I'm not sure they have the firepower necessary to go into South Bend and drop the Irish to 0-3.

The Pick: Notre Dame, 35 Purdue, 13

Upset: Tulane Green Wave @ (#13) Ole Miss Rebels -- Tulane may not be at the talent level of an Ole Miss, but this is the type of well-coached, physical team the Rebels have struggled with. And, who is starting at QB for the Rebels? Trinidad Chambliss looked like an upgrade over Austin Simmons, but Simmons is expected to be back.

The Pick: Tulane, 31 Ole Miss, 28

Superdog (covers > 21 point spread): Temple Owls (+24.5) @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -- Fresh off an emotional, huge victory. Haynes King took a beating. The defense had to battle for all four quarters. I still like the Yellow Jackets to win comfortably here, but the Owls may keep it interesting enough to cover.

The Pick: Georgia Tech, 28 Temple, 10

Lock of the Week: UNLV Rebels (-2) @ Miami (Ohio) Redhawks -- UAB looked ready to reverse my winless locks start to the year - and then allowed a late Akron cover. Now I turn to UNLV, who is 3-0 and should be able to overcome a Miami (Ohio) team with a struggling offense.

The Pick: UNLV, 27 Miami (Ohio), 14

College Football Picks 2025: Week Three

Nate Frazier, Georgia

Current Picks Record: 9-9

Upset: 1-1

Superdogs: 1-1

Locks: 0-2

(#6) Georgia Bulldogs @ (#15) Tennessee Volunteers

Line: Georgia -3.5

O/U: 49.5

The first major SEC game of the fall sets the stage for Week Three, as Georgia travels to Knoxville to take on the 15th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Both teams stand at 2-0, but neither have made much of an impression on the young season just yet, beating up on inferior foes. This game will tell us which may be ready to make a run at an SEC Title, as both look for an early resume-booster for their College Football Playoff hopes.

It hasn't felt like Georgia has had to pull out anything from their playbook over the season's first two weeks, as they've cruised past Marshall and Austin Peay. Yet, this game will tell us a lot about what we can expect from an offense that is going to be relying on some new faces this fall. Quarterback Gunner Stockton is the most notable change in his first full season as starter, but it will also be interesting to monitor who emerges as the top option out wide. Tailback Nate Frazier is one player I've had pegged as a breakout candidate, and he's been effective over the first two games. But, is he truly ready to become the bell cow back, and a true difference-maker for this offense? On the perimeter, is USC transfer Zachariah Branch ready to put it completely together over the course of an entire season? Or, is this going to be another year where the Bulldogs lean heavily on their tight ends in the passing game? This offense is loaded with talent, but there are questions here, too. Perhaps my greatest question lies along the offensive line, which has pummeled opponents early, but faces a serious test in Tennessee. Every defensive coordinator wants to run an aggressive defense, but Tim Banks takes it to another level for the Volunteers. He'll take a lot of risks, and it's often boom-or-bust on this side of the ball for the Vols. When it works, this can be one of the stingiest defenses in the country, as it was for much of last season, but it can also be prone to allowing the big play. How Georgia reacts will be very interesting - this hasn't been an offense that has needed to be explosive, but they have their fair share of big play threats. Whether they're able to take their shots and potentially break open the game down the field may make all the difference in what is sure to be a fierce, competitive contest.

For all the drama that unfolded around Tennessee's quarterback situation this spring, the Vols have to be pretty satisfied with Joey Aguilar through the first couple games. Aguilar, who was at Appalachian State before a brief transfer to UCLA, where he was essentially swapped for Nico Iamaleava, has thrown for 535 yards and five touchdowns over the first two weeks. Aguilar is not the most talented quarterback Josh Heupel has ever coached, but he's looked in complete command and what stands out in particular is how well he takes care of the football. He hasn't thrown an interception on the season yet, and hasn't been sacked, either, a testament to this Tennessee offensive line. Needless to say, he's in store for his greatest challenge yet against a Georgia defense stock full of its usual NFL talent. There isn't quite the one elite pass rusher up front that we've come to know here from the Bulldogs with guys like Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, but the back seven has all the pieces to be elite. Raylen Wilson and C.J. Allen are going to swarm the Tennessee ground game, and Aguilar is going to have to make more difficult throws in tight windows than what he has done over the first couple weeks. Heupel is going to scheme players open, but this Tennessee offense doesn't seem to have the skill position players they've had in the past, at least not on paper, and Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs have had their numbers in recent years. Don't be surprised if this is the type of thing that turns into a bit of a low-scoring, grinding type of game, one that seems to favor the 'Dawgs in that scenario.

It's difficult to feel particularly strong about either one of these teams. They've both impressed during the early portion of the season, but we still don't know much about either, and it feels like Georgia in particular has held back of their playbook to begin the year. Going into Knoxville is no easy feat, especially against a Volunteer team that is playing well and playing confident, but the Bulldogs feel like they're going to bring out something special int his game, and Smart's track record against UT speaks for itself.

The Pick: Georgia, 24 Tennessee, 17

(#16) Texas A&M Aggies @ (#8) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

College Football Picks 2025: Week Two

 Bryce Underwood, Michigan

Current Picks Record: 4-5

Upsets: 0-1

Superdogs: 1-0

Locks: 0-1

Iowa Hawkeyes @ (#16) Iowa State Cyclones

Line: Iowa State -3.5

O/U: 41.5

The Cy-Hawk rivalry is already one of the fiercest in all of college football, but the stakes have been raised in recent years. Both teams have legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations entering this game, particularly Iowa State, and a quality non-conference victory could go a long way in furthering those ambitions. That doesn't mean this is likely to be an aesthetically pleasing game - expect a low-scoring slugfest as these two collide in Ames.

Iowa State had quite the encore to their season-opening win over Kansas State in Dublin, as they came back home and demolished South Dakota, 55-7. After playing in less than ideal conditions across the pond, Rocco Becht looked in complete command, throwing just one incompletion and finishing with three touchdown passes. That's an encouraging sign for the Cyclones, even if it was against an FCS opponent. The belief heading into the year was this was likely to be a ground-and-pound team that was going to need to lean on their ground game, with top receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel now in the NFL. But Becht has looked the part early, even as Iowa State still looks for more production from their receiver corps. That should also be important against this Iowa defense in particular, one that always is tough to move at the line of scrimmage. Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III are going to get more carries than they did against South Dakota, as the Cyclones are still going to aim to establish the run. But if Becht can make some big throws early and open things up vertically, this Hawkeye defense becomes much less imposing. With that being said, turnovers are always a concern when you're playing Iowa. Perhaps no team in the nation consistently forces as many and capitalizes on them as the Hawkeyes. If they can pick off a pass or two, with this game almost sure to be a tight one, the entire dynamic of the game could swing.

As compared to Iowa State, the energy around the Iowa offense entering this matchup isn't super encouraging. South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski received plenty of hype over the offseason after transferring in to the program, but his first start was an ugly one. Gronkowski went just 8-15, for 44 yards, and a touchdown in a comfortable win over Albany. But, it wasn't just the stats that were bad, but the fact he missed several wide open receivers and made some truly horrendous throws for a veteran quarterback. Now, you could make the argument the Hawkeyes may have been holding some things back to not show their hand in anticipation of this game against the Cyclones, but it's hard to imagine them having any shot in this game unless we see sweeping changes. Sure, the Hawkeye running game will still be an effective fuel, with Xavier Williams and Terrell Washington Jr. both showing out last week. However, this is the same offense that had Kaleb Johnson last season and despite his heroics, they collapsed in this game in defeat during the second half. There has to be some semblance of balance and at least some reason for Iowa State to not stack the box with eight defenders, even if it's just a few big throws from Gronowski. That will rely on Iowa receivers also getting open, which is where Jacob Gill and tight end Addison Ostrenga will have to prove themselves after they also had quiet season openers.

Every single year, this matchup always feels like a coin flip to me. I picked the Hawkeyes last year and they were in control to win the game for most of the sixty minutes, before falling apart late. I do believe the Cyclones are the better team, but I am wary about the long-term effects of the Dublin travel without rest. This isn't an FCS team they're facing, but a Hawkeye team that will still be tough and physical. I think the Hawkeyes do just enough to push them around, and the offense somehow finds enough of a spark to come out victorious in a low-scoring affair.

The Pick: Iowa, 17 Iowa State, 13

(#15) Michigan Wolverines @ (#18) Oklahoma Sooners

Line: Oklahoma -5.5

O/U: 44.5

Michigan and Oklahoma were among the most disappointing teams in the entire country last fall, but both have big dreams of redemption in 2025. And after both cruised to victory in their respective openers, they are on the right track to doing just that. Yet, this matchup will tell us a lot more about both - can Oklahoma go from sub-.500 to a potential SEC Title contender? Is Michigan the real deal with Bryce Underwood under center? With this being the primetime game, the spotlight will be focused in on Norman, Oklahoma come Saturday night.

The Wolverine offense looked much different with Underwood in charge in Week One. He went 21-31 for 251 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico in the opener, but it went beyond the stat sheet - his mere presence and command gave this entire offense a different feel. Teams will have to be forced to at least respect the pass, and Underwood's legs, which certainly was not the case for the Wolverines last fall. Now, there are sure to be some mistakes, as any true freshman will make, and going into Norman is not an easy task for a second career start. But, Underwood feels like he has the right head on his shoulders, and should be ready, even against a Brent Venables-coached defense that is sure to throw out some interesting wrinkles. Michigan is still going to feature a power-run game, and Justice Haynes got off to quite the start, running for 159 yards and three touchdowns in the opener. That performance was encouraging for several reasons - Haynes is going to continue to be the feature guy, but the offensive line also looked the part after a frustrating 2024. Of course, they are going to face better athletes on their schedule than New Mexico, but they have an opportunity to own the line of scrimmage against the Sooners.

The Sooners also overhauled their offense after the disappointing 2024 campaign, bringing in a host of transfers to fill key spots. That includes Washington State transfer John Mateer at quarterback, who threw for 392 yards in the opener, albeit against Illinois State. Even against an FCS foe, that type of showing is exactly what Oklahoma is hoping for in 2025, a vertical passing game that is aggressive throughout the four quarters. It opens up the ground game, with Cal transfer Jaydn Ott leading the way, assuming he's good to go after missing time in camp and receiving just one carry in the opener. In fact, the entire running back situation is one to monitor for the Sooners, given Michigan's defensive style to play for field position. With Ott barely playing, Tory Blaylock finished as the leading rusher in the opener, but ended up leaving the game early with a shoulder injury. His status for Saturday is completely up in the air. Then there's Taylor Tatum, who had his moments last year, but completely missed the opener. With that part of their offense so unsettled, the pressure is on Mateer, who has to go up against a Michigan secondary that loses several key pieces from last season, but is still awfully good. Speaking of the Wolverine defense, the loss of linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who will miss the first half of this game after a targeting call is significant. He's the most impactful defender in this front seven, at least until others emerge, and so early in the season when the margins can be so thin, that could make a major difference.

Going into Norman and winning is of course no easy task, but I like Michigan's chances here. Even if Underwood has some freshman moments, I think this is the more physical team, and one that should be able to hold the lines of scrimmage. If they can slow down Mateer enough, which feels likely, I like their chances to pull off what is technically an upset, even though they sit higher in the polls than the Sooners.

The Pick: Michigan, 28 Oklahoma, 21

Other Picks

Baylor Bears @ (#17) SMU Mustangs -- I've been keeping an eye on this one as an upset opportunity, but I was not impressed with the Baylor defense in their opener. Rhett Lashlee is going to have something special drawn up, and I fear it will be too much for the Bears.

The Pick: SMU, 42 Baylor, 28

Kansas Jayhawks @ Missouri Tigers -- A classic rivalry game between two opponents who know each other very well. Both have looked good early, but I like Missouri's chances to figure out the right defensive gameplan to slow down Jalon Daniels and company.

The Pick: Missouri, 31 Kansas, 21

(#11) Illinois Fighting Illini @ Duke Blue Devils -- Another potential upset alert here, as Duke is a tough opponent and will be playing at home. Yet, the Illini looked in control in their opener, and a veteran QB like Luke Altmyer may just be enough to make all the difference.

The Pick: Illinois, 27 Duke, 24

South Florida Bulls @ (#13) Florida Gators -- South Florida was one of the best stories of Week One, as they took it to Boise State in their opener. But, going into "The Swamp" and taking down the Gators is a whole different challenge. 

The Pick: Florida, 34 South Florida, 17

Upset: (#12) Arizona State Sun Devils @ Mississippi State Bulldogs -- A much tougher game than most people realize. Going into the pressure cooker that is Starkville is much different than people expect, and Mississippi State's offense looked like it was firing on all cylinders in Week One. The Sun Devil defense is better than Southern Mississippi's, but I still like the upset here.

The Pick: Mississippi State, 30 Arizona State, 278

Superdog (covers > 21 point spread): Oklahoma State Cowboys (+30) @ Oregon Ducks -- Listen, I know Oregon is going to be good this year. And Oklahoma State went 3-9. And it's in Eugene. But, this line is still pretty wild, right? We don't know enough about either to have a super strong opinion, but Mike Gundy is going to have his team fired up enough to at least cover.

The Pick: Oregon, 45 Oklahoma State, 17

Lock of the Week: Ole Miss Rebels (-9) @ Kentucky Wildcats -- Kentucky shocked Ole Miss last fall in one of the biggest upsets of the year, but I don't see that happening again. Lane Kiffin is going to be out for blood, and I'm not convinced this Wildcats team is much better than the 4-8 team we saw last fall.

The Pick: Ole Miss, 31 Kentucky, 14

College Football Picks 2025: Week One

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

 

(#1) Texas Longhorns @ (#3) Ohio State Buckeyes

Line: Ohio State -1.5

O/U: 46.5

You can't ask for a better way to get the first true Saturday of the college football season rolling than this matchup between Texas and Ohio State. The reigning National Champions are out to prove they're still the team to beat - the preseason No. 1 team is looking to show they're ready to climb the mountaintop. There are endless storylines to watch, but only one team will come out victorious, and position themselves as the early National Title favorite this fall.

After two seasons waiting behind Quinn Ewers, it is now Arch Manning time in Austin. One of the most high profile recruits in college football history, we've seen some of Arch so far, including a pair of starts last fall when Ewers was out with injury, but this feels like his true coming out party. And what better place to do so than one of the most raucous environments in college football in "The Shoe"? It will be interesting to see what the supporting cast looks like for Manning, as the Longhorns said goodbye to Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond at wide receiver over the offseason, and saw their offensive line hit hard by NFL defections. You have to imagine they're going to look to pound the ball early as Arch acclimates to the game, especially considering that Ohio State is replacing countless defenders throughout the front seven themselves. Quintrevion Wisner was the most underrated element of the Texas offense a season ago, and now C.J. Baxter looks to be healthy after missing all of last season. That gives the 'Horns quite the effective duo, one with a nice blend of power and game-breaking speed. If they're successful in establishing the run early, they have a much better chance of taking the top off this Buckeye defense as the game moves on. Ryan Wingo will be the feature guy on the outside, at least to begin the year, and should be the focus of Ohio State's efforts in the secondary. With Davison Igbinosun and Caleb Downs, Ohio State can take away a whole side of the field, and how Texas chooses to adjust should have a major impact on the end result of this one. 

All eyes may be on Arch, but Ohio State is breaking in a new quarterback of their own, as Julian Sayin takes command of the offense after an offseason QB battle. The former Alabama transfer may not have much experience to work off of, but the Buckeyes have raved about him over the offseason, and he has the luxury of throwing to the best group of pass-catchers in college football. Superstar sophomore Jeremiah Smith is the big name for the Buckeyes, but with Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and now Purdue tight end transfer Max Klare, Sayin has an abundance of options at his disposal. He'll also have the benefit of the home crowd behind him, a luxury Arch certainly will not have, and one that can make all the difference between two young quarterbacks playing in an important game. Interestingly enough, the Buckeyes' greatest question on offense is where the Longhorns strength lies, as it's still a bit of a mystery what OSU will feature at running back this year without TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Former West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson and sophomore James Peoples are widely expected to get the first crack at being the top options, but we'll learn a lot quickly about the long-term gameplan for Ohio State here. Even with all the talent the Buckeyes can feature on this side of the ball, this is still going to be a challenge for them against this Texas defense. The Longhorns have elite talent at every level and a clear identity, with coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski in his fourth season in the role. Colin Simmons is the big name off the edge who should look to make his presence felt, but Texas features athletes all over the field and has the type of athleticism that will be able to keep up with Ohio State, a rarity in college football today. They may not be able to completely stop Smith and company, but they certainly have a chance to keep them in check enough to come away victorious.

With both teams replacing so much NFL talent and this being the season opener, it's so difficult to feel overly strong about either of these teams and their chances in this game. They feel evenly matched top to bottom, but I do think Texas holds a clear advantage defensively. It's not just the talent, as Ohio State features Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles, but the continuity and stability there. The Longhorn defense knows exactly who they are and has shown their worth against elite offenses. I do think they're able to make enough stops and Arch and company do enough on the other side of the ball that the 'Horns are able to get their revenge from being eliminated in the College Football Playoff last winter.

The Pick: Texas, 28 Ohio State, 24

(#9) LSU Tigers @ (#4) Clemson Tigers

Full College Football Preview 2025

Arch Manning, Texas

Top 25

1. Clemson Tigers -- Dabo's Tigers have taken a step back in the early 2020s, but 2025 has all the makings of a resurgent campaign. They have a veteran QB, Cade Klubnik, playing in his third year in the offense, elite talent at receiver, and superb play along the lines. The Tigers should slice through the ACC and position themselves for their first National Title since their blowout win in 2018.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes -- The Buckeyes boast the two best players in all of college football in wideout Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. Now, it's up to the supporting cast to determine whether they can repeat as National Champions. QB Julian Sayin has all the upside in the world, but the X-Factor is likely on defense, as Matt Patricia takes over as coordinator.

3. Texas Longhorns -- It's finally Arch Manning time in Austin, so it's no surprise the Longhorns are a popular preseason National Title pick. Even so, growing pains may still happen, as they face down a brutal schedule as Arch acclimates to the starting role. Fortunately, an elite defense should ensure the 'Horns are still the team to beat in the loaded SEC.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions -- Several big-name Nittany Lions decided to wait on the NFL, including QB Drew Allar, backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton. Will that be enough to deliver a National Title? James Franklin is still out to prove he can win the big ones, and this may be the best team he's had to do just that.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide -- Kalen DeBoer's debut campaign didn't go exactly as planned, but the Tide are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball as they enter 2025. If long-awaited quarterback Ty Simpson can keep the offense moving and the defense plays up to their potential, Alabama will be right back in the Playoff after the one-year hiatus.

6. Georgia Bulldogs -- It does feel like the 'Dawgs are being a bit overlooked as we head into 2025. They're still loaded with talent, including one of my breakout stars, sophomore safety K.J. Bolden. Gunner Stockton should stabilize the quarterback position after Carson Beck's struggles last season, while Nate Frazier is a future star at tailback.

7. Oregon Ducks -- For most of the 2024 season, Oregon was perched No. 1 as the best team in the country. To do that and suffer a humiliating defeat to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl will serve as extra motivation for a team with no shortage of blue-chip recruits. Dan Lanning and staff strategically plugged further holes through the portal, meaning they'll be right back in the hunt this fall.

8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- Marcus Freeman silenced a lot of doubters last season. Now, what does he do for an encore? Returning the Doak Walker Award frontrunner, Jeremiyah Love, is a great starting point, and the Irish are always stout on defense. That means new starting QB C.J. Carr may end up determining just how far ND goes this year.

9. LSU Tigers -- Brian Kelly enters this season under a fair bit of pressure after an up-and-down three seasons in Baton Rouge. The Tigers have won plenty of games, but it has felt as though they've underachieved in many aspects, too. Heisman contender Garrett Nussmeier is back for 2025, but it's the defense that has been the problem over the last two seasons, and will determine their fate again this year.

10. Arizona State Sun Devils -- It doesn't feel like 2024 was some fluke from Kenny Dillingham and the Sun Devils. This program is built to become a true long-term contender in the Big 12, even with Cam Skattebo gone. Watch for QB Sam Leavitt and top receiver Jordyn Tyson to become the fuel of the offense this fall instead.

11. Miami Hurricanes -- Cam Ward is gone, but the Hurricanes are hopeful Carson Beck can regain his old form as he comes in as starting quarterback. He should keep the offense humming along, but the more important offseason addition was likely defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, who will be tasked with rebuilding that side of the ball.

12. Kansas State Wildcats -- They may have come up short in Dublin in Week Zero, but I still believe the Wildcats have an incredibly high floor. It's a team with a clear identity, a veteran quarterback, and a capable supporting cast. If they can recover from the strange early-season schedule, they still have a shot to take the Big 12.

13. Illinois Fighting Illini -- How does Illinois handle being considered a Big Ten frontrunner after winning ten games in 2024? They return a lot on both sides of the ball, including steady quarterback Luke Altmyer under center. The receiver corps did take a hit, but it still feels like this Illini team is ready to compete for double-digit wins yet again.

14. Florida Gators -- On paper, I love this Florida team. D.J. Lagway had a promising freshman season and the sky appears to be the limit, Jadan Baugh could be special at tailback, and they are strong along both lines of scrimmage. But, a brutal schedule seems to cap their ceiling. Not only do they get LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Tennessee inside the SEC, they travel to Miami and welcome Florida State. If not for that overwhelming slate, this ranking could end up being far too low.

15. Iowa State Cyclones -- This may be Iowa State's best shot at a conference title in over a century. They have a steady QB in Rocco Becht, a two-headed monster at running back, and plenty of pieces to like on defense. If they can travel the hangover from the Ireland travel, they have a very good shot to get into deep October or even November undefeated.

16. South Carolina Gamecocks -- LaNorris Sellers is one of the most exciting players in college football. Dylan Stewart has the chance to be an All-American at defensive end. But, how does Shane Beamer replace all the other production that left over the offseason? The Gamecocks have a chance to be dangerous, but this season will tell us a lot about just how well Beamer has built things here in Columbia.

17. Baylor Bears -- The Bears ended last season on fire, and I don't see the momentum stopping anytime soon. Sawyer Robertson heads an offense that also includes tailback Bryson Washington and Josh Cameron, plus a well-built O-Line. If the defense can hold up, Baylor will be firmly in the Big 12 Title hunt.

18. SMU Mustangs -- Was the 2024 season an aberration? The result of a soft first-time ACC schedule? Or, has Rhett Lashlee built a consistent contender here in Dallas? This season will tell us a lot, as the Mustangs return QB Kevin Jennings and a bunch of key pieces, but also face a much more difficult path back to the CFB Playoff than they did last fall. 

19. Michigan Wolverines -- Bryce Underwood is officially the guy in Ann Arbor. Can he get the Wolverines back into National Title contention? Perhaps, but 2025 is likely more of a transition year for the program as they adjust to Underwood and fix holes on defense. If they can improve on last season's 8-5 mark, a huge 2026 could be on the horizon.

20. Boise State Broncos -- The ever-steady Broncos aren't going to completely fall apart without Ashton Jeanty. They have become a running back factory, plus QB Maddux Madsen should be able to handle more of the load in 2025. If the defense can get even better, especially against the pass, the Broncos should play themselves back into the Playoff.

21. Iowa Hawkeyes -- We saw Iowa's offensive progress last season - but can they do without Kaleb Johnson? Bringing on a dual-threat in Mark Gronowski at QB makes this team much more interesting, and he has plenty of pieces around him to like. With the Hawkeyes almost sure to be stingy on defense once again, this feels like a team with a very high floor.

22. Ole Miss Rebels -- Jaxson Dart is off to the NFL, as are his top two receivers in Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins. Yet, Lane Kiffin seems confident Austin Simmons is the latest and greatest at quarterback, and the Rebels reloaded out wide. Add in a schedule that appears favorable compared to other top contenders in the SEC, Ole Miss could match or even exceed last year's 10 wins.

23. Louisville Cardinals -- Can Louisville push the top trio in the ACC in Clemson, Miami, and SMU? Bringing back star tailback Isaac Brown will certainly help, and the QB whisperer Jeff Brohm has his latest project in Miller Moss, coming over from USC.

24. Texas Tech Red Raiders -- Texas Tech spent big over the offseason to build a roster they believe will compete for a Big 12 Title and Playoff berth. How they handle those elevated expectations could determine their success. Perhaps more important, however, is the health of QB Behren Morton, who needs to stay healthy for this team to achieve their goals.

25. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -- I love Georgia Tech as the ACC's dark horse team in 2025. Haynes King is a proven vet, Jamal Haynes is a hard-nosed tailback, and transfer Eric Rivers may be the best receiver you've never heard about. Add in a stout, physical defense, the Yellow Jackets should surprise some folks this fall.

Just Missed the Cut: Texas A&M Aggies; Tulane Green Wave; Utah Utes; BYU Cougars; UNLV Rebels; USC Trojans

College Football Playoff Field

First Round

5 Penn State Nittany Lions over 12 Boise State Broncos

6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish over 11 Miami Hurricanes

7 Oregon Ducks over 10 Arizona State Sun Devils

9 LSU Tigers over 8 Georgia Bulldogs

Byes: (1) Clemson Tigers, (2) Ohio State Buckeyes, (3) Texas Longhorns, (4) Alabama Crimson Tide

Second Round

1 Clemson Tigers over 9 LSU Tigers

2 Ohio State Buckeyes over 7 Oregon Ducks

3 Texas Longhorns over 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

5 Penn State Nittany Lions over 4 Alabama Crimson Tide

Semifinals

1 Clemson Tigers over 5 Penn State Nittany Lions

3 Texas Longhorns over 2 Ohio State Buckeyes

National Championship

1 Clemson Tigers over 3 Texas Longhorns

Conference Predictions

ACC: Clemson over SMU

American: Tulane over Memphis

Big Ten: Ohio State over Penn State

Big 12: Arizona State over Kansas State

C-USA: Liberty over Western Kentucky

MAC: Ohio over Toledo

Mountain West: Boise State over UNLV

SEC: Texas over Alabama

Sun Belt: Georgia Southern over Arkansas State

Awards

Heisman: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State (winner); Cade Klubnk. QB, Clemson (finalist); Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor (finalist); Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (finalist)

Doak Walker: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (winner); Nate Frazier, Georgia (finalist); Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest

Biletnikoff: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (winner); Cam Coleman, Auburn (finalist); Kenny Odom, UTEP (finalist)

Mackey: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (winner); Addison Ostrenga, Iowa (finalist); Justin Joly, NC State (finalist)

Butkus: Whit Weeks, LSU (winner); Sonny Styles, Ohio State (finalist); Jason Henderson, Old Dominion (finalist)

Thorpe: Caleb Downs, Ohio State (winner); K.J. Bolden, Georgia (finalist); Aveion Terrell, Clemson (finalist)

Coach of the Year: Dabo Swinney, Clemson (winner); Matt Campbell, Iowa State (finalist); Kalen DeBoer (finalist)

College Football Preview 2025: Big 12 Part 2

Jalon Daniels, Kansas

 Power Rankings

Teams 1-8 in Part 1

9. Colorado Buffaloes

A disappointing conclusion to the 2023 campaign had Deion Sanders and Colorado eager to prove they could live up to the hype last fall - and they did just that. Although there were the occasional hiccups, the Buffaloes went 9-4 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12, before a late-season loss to Kansas spoiled their conference title hopes. Add on the fact Colorado featured their first Heisman winner in three decades in two-way superstar Travis Hunter, it was about as impressive as a Year Two as could have been expected from "Coach Prime" and company.

As the Buffaloes prepare for 2025, both the team and Deion himself have undergone their fair share of adversity. The roster will be without Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, two cornerstones who played a major role in their success last fall. And just as importantly, Deion was fighting health battles, having a cancer removed from his bladder over the offseason.

With Shedeur gone, Deion will head into his first season without his son as quarterback since he took over as a college football head coach. In his place, Colorado will turn to Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, a dual threat who totaled 44 total touchdowns for the Flames in 2024. He doesn't have Shedeur's arm, but he has years of experience and should be able to acclimate quickly to his new digs. And by chance he doesn't, Deion landed one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country in Julian Lewis, who has been pushing Salter throughout spring and into fall camp.

The rest of the offense has greater questions. The Buffs said goodbye to not just Hunter, but several other top receivers, and they absolutely need their ground game to improve to find any semblance of balance. Sophomore Dre'lon Miller, who can play receiver and running back, is a name I have circled as a future star, but who else will emerge? A healthy Omarion Miller, who missed most of last fall, could be another name to watch.

The offensive line has been a weak spot for Colorado through the first two years of the Deion era, but there's reason to believe it could be a strength in 2025. Left tackle Jordan Seaton is a future pro who has a chance to emerge as one of the best in the Big 12 this year, while veteran Phillip Houston patrols the other tackle spot. The rest of the line should rely heavily on transfers, including former Illinois blocker Zarian McGill at center.

Defensively, Robert Livingston did a superb job on this side of the ball in 2024. The Buffaloes still had some issues defending the run, but they finished allowing 23.1 PPG (43th nationally) and just under 352 yards per game, which was 50th in the country. Considering how porous this unit was before he arrived, Livingston deserves a lot of credit.

As they head into this season, Colorado will be leaning on plenty of new faces, especially up front. Junior end Samuel Okunlola flashed last fall and should now be considered a leader, while transfers like Jaheim Oatis from Alabama and Arden Walker from Missouri, will be counted on to play significant snaps.

There's turnover in the secondary, too, but this feels like an area that could be a strength, even with Hunter gone. Junior corner D.J. McKinney looks ready to step into a leadership role, as will fellow veteran nickel Preston Hodge.

Bottom Line: Losing so much star power is never going to make things easy at a place like Colorado, but I actually think the Buffs could be slightly underrated heading into 2025. This roster still has a lot of talent, and Deion's work in high school recruiting and through the portal is beginning to show. Replicating nine wins will be awfully tough, but Colorado still looks like a bowl team, with the potential to be even more in the ever-wacky Big 12.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

College Football Preview 2025: Big 12 Part 1

Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

Power Rankings

1. Arizona State Sun Devils

There may not have been a better story in all of college football last fall than the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Devils were fresh off a 3-9 season in Kenny Dillingham's debut campaign, and were picked last by the media in the preseason poll.

It quickly became apparent the preseason prognosticators had been dead wrong about the Sun Devils, who ripped off ten wins in the regular season and then pounded Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game. But, their success wasn't merely a product of a weak Big 12 - they gave Texas all they could handle in a double overtime loss in the Peach Bowl in one of the games of the year.

Now, the key for Dillingham and company will be about keeping the momentum going, and they'll have to do so without star tailback Cam Skattebo. Skattebo broke the school's single-season rushing record after going for 1,711 yards and 24 total touchdowns, and he was the heart-and-soul of the team. Fortunately, the cupboard is not bare on offense, as QB Sam Leavitt and top wide out Jordyn Tyson both return.

Leavitt, a former transfer from Michigan State, was a revelation in his first season in Tempe. He not only threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns, he looked in complete command of the offense and limited turnovers. It will be interesting to see how he handles being the star of the offense with Skattebo gone, but having a reliable weapon like Tyson will help significantly.

Returnees Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown are expected to split time in Skattebo's absence in the backfield, although Army transfer Kanye Udoh should also be in the rotation. The entire trio will benefit from running behind one of the strongest offensive lines in the Big 12, a group that returns four starters.

Don't be surprised if defense carries the way for Arizona State in 2025, as they return nine starters on this side of the ball. It all starts up front, where defensive tackle C.J. Fite is flanked by relentless edge rushers Prince Dorbah and Clayton Smith. Behind that group, linebackers Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook have played a lot of football in their collegiate days.

The pass defense was an issue at times last fall, surrendering nearly 227 yards per game, which ranked 81st in the country. Fortunately, where the only significant loss, albeit a notable one, is nickelback Shamari Simmons. The group of Keith Abney II, Javan Robinson, Xavion Alford, and Myles Rowser should turn this from a question mark into a real strength for the Sun Devils.

Bottom Line: As impressive as the 2024 season was, it didn't feel like a fluke. Dillingham, an Arizona State alum himself, feels like the perfect fit in Tempe, and this program has always had limitless potential. Leavitt, Tyson, and a veteran offensive line will ensure the offense is able to overcome any early speed bumps, and the defense has the chance to be among the best in the league. Add in the fact the other top contenders in the Big 12 have questions of their own to answer, Arizona State feels like the clear favorite in the league as we inch towards the 2025 regular season.

2. Kansas State Wildcats