College Football Preview 2025: Big Ten Part 1

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Power Rankings

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

It was a Hollywood ending for Ohio State to conclude the 2024 season. There was the humbling defeat to rival Michigan that firmly put a microscope on the Buckeyes entering the 12-team College Football Playoff, but it was the response from Ryan Day's crew that ended up defining their season. They ripped off four straight victories, including getting their revenge against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, to win their first National Title in a decade. But now that they've climbed the mountaintop, what do they do for an encore?

There are plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball for the Buckeyes, including a new quarterback at the controls of the offense. Former Alabama transfer Julian Sayin is considered the frontrunner, especially after several other Buckeyes transferred out over the offseason. While untested, Sayin was a blue-chip recruit coming out of high school who will have the luxury of throwing to the best receiver corps in the country.

Jeremiah Smith is the headliner on the perimeter outside, especially after what he did during the National Title run, but Ohio State also boasts juniors Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss, the latter of which has waited his turn here in Columbus. Tight end is also now a strength, as the staff went out and snagged Max Klare from Purdue, who caught 51 passes for 685 yards in 2024.

The offensive line appears to be in good shape in front of Sayin, even with some turnover, but the running back position appears to be the question mark for this Buckeye offense. West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson is a veteran, but sophomore James Peoples seems to be the favorite to become the team's feature back. Either way, this backfield will have a difficult time matching the production of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, both of whom are playing on Sundays.

On defense, the Buckeyes saw coordinator Jim Knowles receive a handsome raise to take the same role at Penn State a year after he led the nation's best overall defense. Matt Patricia was brought on as a replacement, an interesting hire considering he hasn't coached college ball in two decades. Fortunately, Patricia has no shortage of talent to work with here.

The back seven should be a real strength for Ohio State, as safety Caleb Downs is perhaps the best player in America entering 2025 - regardless of position. He has a couple familiar faces surrounding him, including senior Davison Igbinosun and do-it-all linebacker Sonny Styles.

The defensive line was the position group the hardest hit by NFL defections, which should thrust some new defenders into the spotlight. Holdovers like Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. have waited for their moment, while transfers Beau Atkinson (North Carolina) and Logan George (Idaho State) bring new blood.

Bottom Line: It's never easy to defend a National Title, and Ohio State will have an especially difficult path in 2025. Not only do they have to deal with a loaded Big Ten but they open their season with the Texas Longhorns, who will be looking to avenge last year's Cotton Bowl defeat. Despite this, I find it hard to believe Ohio State is in store for any major step-back. There's far too much talent on this roster, including arguably the nation's two best players in Smith and Downs, and the program has proven it can withstand heavy losses. It wouldn't shock me if Ohio State is again playing in the National Championship Game when it's all said and done. 

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

College Football Preview 2025: ACC Part 2

Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech

Power Rankings

Teams 1-9 in Part 1 

10. Syracuse Orange

I don't think even the most optimistic of Syracuse fans expected what Fran Brown was able to do in Year One with the Orange. They were one of the best stories in college football last fall, winning ten games total, capped off with a bowl victory in the Holiday Bowl. Now, the challenge for Brown and staff evolves - can he maintain the momentum and turn this longtime basketball school into a legitimate football contender?

Syracuse will be without the quarterback who got them there last season, as Kyle McCord departs after a 2024 in which he racked up the accolades. He finished as the nation's leading passer, the program's first-ever 4,000-yard passer, and the highest Heisman finish for the Orange since Dwight Freeney in 2001. Needless to say, whoever steps into the starting role has big shoes to fill, whether it's Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli or LSU transfer Rickie Collins. Angeli, who came in during the spring, seems to have the edge right now.

The new quarterback won't have McCord's favorite target back to throw to, after Trebor Pena hit the portal during the spring. Instead, Syracuse will lean on a host of talented, but inexperienced options, while hoping former Texas wide out Johntay Cook II finally fulfills his vast potential. There are lots of new faces on the offensive line, too, although former UNC transfer Zach Rice lays a strong foundation at center.

The defense took their lumps in 2024 and has to replace several important pieces. The front seven in particular was hit hard by attrition over the offseason, with linebacker Derek McDonald one of the few proven commodities still around up front. 

Things are in better shape on the back-end, as senior safety Duce Chestnut will play a leading role, as will veteran corner Devin Grant. There's also palpable excitement buzzing around true freshman Demetres Samuel Jr., who could start at cornerback and also play both sides depending on how the Orange choose to deploy him in 2025.

Bottom Line: Replicating the magic of last season will be difficult with so many losses on both sides of the ball, especially with the schedule getting trickier. Yet, Brown seems like the right guy for the job, to be able to handle the adversity and move forward. If he can keep the Orange from backtracking too far and still get to a bowl game, it could set the stage for greater things on the horizon in 2026.

11. Boston College Eagles

College Football Preview 2025: ACC Part 1

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

 Power Rankings

1. Clemson Tigers

A 31-point loss at the hands of Georgia to kick off the 2024 college football season seemed to spell doom for Clemson's hopes, but the Tigers found a way to reverse their fortunes over the course of the fall. There were still some frustrating moments, including a loss to Louisville and a heartbreaking defeat to South Carolina, but Clemson still found a way to outlast SMU to win an ACC Title - and gain entry to the first 12-team Playoff.

As the Tigers gear up for 2025, their offense could be among the most exciting not just in the ACC, but anywhere in the country. Garrett Riley is now in his third season as Clemson play-caller, has a veteran quarterback at the controls in Cade Klubnik, and has one of the best receiver corps anywhere in the nation. Sophomores Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore seem on track to be the latest and greatest at wide out, and veteran Antonio Williams is a proven commodity, giving Klubnik an abundance of options through the air.

The offensive line returns four starters, including likely NFL Draftees Tristan Leigh and Blake Miller at the tackle spots. That should help the ground game figure things out early, as they replace Phil Mafah. Converted receiver Adam Randall is likely to get the first crack at tailback, but highly touted freshman Gideon Davidson could shine early with Jay Haynes recovering from a torn ACL.

On defense, Dabo Swinney went out and made a statement by bringing in Tom Allen from Penn State to run this unit. Allen will have the usual collection of future NFL talent to work with, especially across the front seven. T.J. Parker and Peter Woods are already established on the defensive line, and they're now joined by the rare transfer, Purdue's Will Heldt, who had 10 tackles for loss in West Lafayette in 2024.

The secondary remains a work-in progress for Allen and staff, but junior corner Avieon Terrell gives them a rising star with leadership pedigree. Along with Khalil Barnes, who is back for his third season as starter at free safety, the Tigers should be able to figure things out on the back-end.

Bottom Line: There's no question Clemson has slipped from their peak in the mid-to-late 2010s, but all the stars align for the Tigers to have a resurgent 2025 campaign. Klubnik should be a Heisman contender, they are strong along both lines of scrimmage, and they have the playmakers offensively that have been sorely lacking in recent years. Combine that with an ACC that still appears to be missing a consistent second threat, Clemson is the favorite in the league and a true National Title contender.

2. SMU Mustangs

NBA Mock Draft 2025: Edition 3 (Final Edition)

Tre Johnson, Texas

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

Throughout the entirety of this past college basketball season and the pre-Draft process, there has been zero doubt who the Dallas Mavericks were taking with the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg stands head and shoulders above the rest of this draft class, the type of big built for the modern NBA. He will enter the NBA as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, joining a team that has a chance to quickly ascend the Western Conference pecking order.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers

The Dylan Harper to San Antonio selection may not quite be as set in stone as Flagg to Dallas, but it would be a fairly shocking if the Spurs go any other direction than the Rutgers floor general. Harper will bring an advanced offensive game to San Antonio and forms an exciting young trio with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle to begin the post-Gregg Popovich era.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

V.J. Edgecombe, G/F, Baylor

This is where the 2025 NBA Draft truly begins. With Ace Bailey likely to slide, Philadelphia becomes an interesting player near the top of this Draft. Best player available is still the most likely route and with Bailey a no-go, that has to be Baylor's V.J. Edgecombe. The uber-athletic wing will bring a highlight-reel player to The City of Brotherly Love, but it will be fascinating to see how he meshes with the likes of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey.

4. Charlotte Hornets

Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke

NBA Draft 2025: Top 30 Big Board

Cooper Flagg, Duke

1. Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Kevin Garnett with better defense

Bust Potential: Low

The McGowanMania Take: Cooper Flagg has been a big name among basketball junkies going back years now, back to the high school days in Maine and his eventual move to Montverde Academy. Now he's a household name after a dominant one season at Duke, where he earned National Player of the Year honors and solidified himself as the no-doubt top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. As an NBA prospect, he does seem to check just about all the boxes - an elite athlete with the versatility to fit in just about any system in the pros. But one thing that has always stood out to me is his competitive drive. He went out and gave it his all every second of every game at Duke, whether it was against North Carolina in a major rival game or an early-season tune-up at Cameron Indoor. Flagg has the right head on his shoulders to deal with the pressures of not just being a No. 1 pick, but one of the most hyped prospects of the modern era. Dallas lucked themselves into a franchise-altering pick and there's no question Flagg stands alone atop this big board.

2. Ace Bailey, G/F, Rutgers

NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Jimmy Butler

Bust Potential: Moderate

The McGowanMania Take: There's an interesting split among NBA folks on Rutgers wing Ace Bailey. It feels like people even love him, or hate him, with no in-between. I lean more in the love him camp, with a major caveat - he absolutely needs to clean up his shot selection. You see the physical gifts and offensive ability when he plays. He was listed at 6'10" at Rutgers but measured in closer to 6'8" at the NBA Draft Combine, but either way possesses the ideal frame to overpower defenders at the next level. Despite the size, he's deceptively quick with the ball in his hands and has a smooth jumper, even if he's inconsistent. If Bailey can land in the right spot and with an organization that is able to clean up the weaker parts of his game, he has the looks of a guy who is going to be a top-tier scorer and regular All-Star. But, more so than others near the top of this Draft, Bailey's success is very dependent on where he lands, which throws an interesting wrinkle into his future prospects.

3. Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers

NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Jalen Brunson

Bust Potential: Low

The McGowanMania Take: The second part of the Rutgers pair set to both be off the board early come late June, Dylan Harper has been projected to San Antonio at No. 2 for some time now. You can imagine the fear from the Western Conference at the thought of Victor Wembanyma teaming up with a player like Harper, who has a surprisingly mature offensive game for his age. He can score at all three levels, but is a smart basketball player who looked the part as the lead guard for the Scarlet Knights, even during a lost 2024-25 campaign for the program. I'm not sure if Harper is going to be a player that goes out and wins a scoring title, but instead is a very effective floor general who does all the little things well. Obviously there's a lot of value in that, and I love the potential fit with the Spurs. If Chris Paul does stick around, which is completely up in the air at this point, it could be the perfect mentor opportunity for both as the future Hall-of-Famer wraps up his career.

4. Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke

NBA Mock Draft 2025: Edition 2

Ace Bailey, Rutgers

 1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

No matter what happens over the coming weeks in the lead up to the 2025 NBA Draft, one thing is for certain: Cooper Flagg will still be the No. 1 overall selection. The Duke phenom is a basketball gift for Nico Harrison and the Mavericks, a two-way forward with the versatility in just about any offensive system. As Dallas figures out this roster in the post-Luka Doncic era, a building block like Flagg guarantees them as a serious factor out West.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers

Things get interesting at pick No. 2 with the Spurs. Could this selection be used to swing a potential Giannis mega deal? Perhaps, but I also don't think San Antonio would mind sticking firm here at this spot and adding another young piece to this promising core. Dylan Harper is already an elite playmaker at his age, and could form a lethal pick-and-roll combo with Victor Wembanyama for years to come.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Ace Bailey, G/F, Rutgers

Spring Football 2025: Ten Players Ready for the Big Sophomore Leap

Demond Williams Jr., Washington

One of my favorite things about college football is seeing fresh players rise into the spotlight, and have their respective "breakout" moments. Whether it's the former blue-chip, high-profile prospect or the lightly recruited underdog who finally gets a chance, these types of stories add to the unpredictable nature of college football. That's why my annual, "Ten Players Ready for the Big Sophomore Leap" article is one of my favorites every year. I mean, what better way to pass the time as we inch towards the fall, than wild speculation? This will now be my seventh (!) straight year making this list and every year I add to my many hits and frankly many misses. In that spirit, it's time to unveil my 2025 list, with 10 players ready for their breakthroughs in their sophomore seasons. 

(* Note - list includes redshirt freshman, true sophomores, and redshirt sophomores)

1. K.J. Bolden, S, Georgia

(2024 Stats: 59 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 interception)

NBA Mock Draft 2025: Edition 1 (Lottery Edition)

Cooper Flagg, Duke

 1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

Mere months removed from one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks have a chance to replace Luka Doncic with a transcendent young star in Cooper Flagg. Conspiracy theories aside, pairing Flagg with a healthy Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving immediately makes the Mavericks a real threat coming out of the West. With Flagg's two-way ability and versatility, he should be able to fit perfectly into this current roster, an ideal landing spot for his future.

2. San Antonio Spurs

V.J. Edgecombe, G/F, Baylor

The Spurs have their choice of the best of the rest with Cooper Flagg set to go No. 1 overall. Conventional wisdom would say they choose one of the Rutgers prospects here, either Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey, but they already have an established backcourt with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Instead, they take a swing on wing V.J. Edgecombe, an elite athlete with potential to mold into an ideal "three-an-D" player in the pros.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 1 (Way-Too-Early Edition)

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

1. Cleveland Browns

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

You always see quarterbacks mocked No. 1 overall in these way-too-early mock drafts, but I'm calling it now - Caleb Downs will be the best available defender next spring. Now, that's not too bold of a take considering what Downs has done over the course of two seasons with a pair of high-profile programs in Alabama and Ohio State, but this fall feels like the year Downs becomes a true household name. He's the type of do-it-all defender who can line up anywhere and make an impact, and he'll be difficult to pass up on at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.

2. New York Giants

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Giants hope they found their new franchise signal-caller in Jaxson Dart, but now it's about surrounding him with the right talent. They have talent on the perimeter, but the O-Line remains a perennial need for the organization. As inconsistent as Kadyn Proctor has been at times, he still projects as the top tackle available next spring.

3. New Orleans Saints

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

NFL Mock Draft 2025: Edition 5 (Final Edition)

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State to Las Vegas

1. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

Cam Ward has been perched near the top of the boards throughout this entire pre-Draft process and heading into Thursday night, there's little question that he will be the first pick off the board for the Tennessee Titans. Ward took a winding road through the college ranks at three different schools, but one thing never changed: his elite playmaking ability. He will jolt a Titan offense that floundered last fall en route to a 3-14 campaign.

Previous Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

Other Possibility: Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State

2. Cleveland Browns

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The 2025 NFL Draft really begins at pick No. 2, but even here there doesn't appear to be much mystery with the way things have shook out in recent weeks. The Browns have been projected to go just about everywhere throughout the pre-Draft process, but it appears as though Travis Hunter is a near lock at this spot. The reigning Heisman winner's future fit in the NFL still remains a mystery, but a special athlete like him is going to find some way to impact football games for Cleveland, who could upgrade two positions for the price of one.

Previous Selection: Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State

Other Possibility: Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State

3. New York Giants

Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State