¿Quién ganó la pretemporada? Analizamos cada equipo del Power 4.
La temporada baja de fútbol americano universitario solía presentar turbulencias leves a moderadas de diciembre a febrero, seguidas de un período de calma. Ya no.
La temporada baja llega en oleadas, transformando las plantillas y los cuerpos técnicos, a veces más de una vez, antes de que todo se tranquilice. Todo equipo debe estar preparado para minimizar las pérdidas y lograr avances significativos. Quienes triunfan pueden hacer historia. Quienes fracasan también pueden hacerlo. Basta con mirar a Indiana y Florida State en 2024.
Los reporteros de fútbol americano universitario de ESPN, Adam Rittenberg, Max Olson, Eli Lederman y Bill Connelly, se embarcaron en la titánica tarea de clasificar las temporadas bajas de cada equipo del Power 4, incluyendo al subcampeón nacional, Notre Dame. Algunos equipos tuvieron más jugadores que otros en el draft de la NFL o simplemente perdieron su elegibilidad. Consideramos estas bajas, pero centramos nuestro análisis en tres áreas:
Retención de jugadores clave (no elegibles para el draft)
Retención de entrenadores clave o mejoras de personal
Incorporaciones de jugadores, principalmente a través del portal de transferencias, pero también reclutas de la escuela secundaria.
Los tres elementos son importantes a medida que estos equipos se preparan para la relevancia de la conferencia y sus aspiraciones a los Playoffs de Fútbol Americano Universitario. Un impresionante botín en el portal no siempre equivale a una gran pretemporada, especialmente si el equipo también pierde jugadores y entrenadores que quería conservar. Los equipos que no aportaron mucho desde el portal, pero conservaron a jugadores y entrenadores asistentes codiciados, por otro lado, terminan con pretemporadas que celebrar.
Aquí están nuestras clasificaciones conferencia por conferencia y desgloses de equipos, así como una lista nacional de las 10 mejores temporadas bajas.
Saltar a una conferencia: ACC | Grandes 12 Big Ten | Notre Dame | SEC | Top 10 general
Incorporaciones clave : DE Will Heldt , WR Tristan Smith , LB Jeremiah Alexander
Salidas clave : RB Phil Mafah , LB Barrett Carter , DB RJ Mickens
Principales nuevos fichajes : DT Amare Adams , RB Gideon Davidson , DE Ari Watford
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Los Tigers necesitaban una reestructuración defensiva, y el entrenador Dabo Swinney fichó a un jugador clave: Tom Allen, coordinador defensivo, quien dejó Penn State, semifinalista nacional, para irse a Clemson. Allen, exentrenador principal de Indiana, supervisó una defensa de Penn State que terminó en el octavo puesto a nivel nacional en puntos permitidos y aportará experiencia y energía a una unidad de Clemson que decayó drásticamente el otoño pasado.
Qué salió mal : No hay mucho que criticar en lo que fue una temporada baja relativamente tranquila, aunque efectiva, para una plantilla de Clemson que regresa bien posicionada para otra carrera de playoffs. Si buscamos detalles, vale la pena considerar la falta de reemplazos probados y de alto nivel de los Tigers para el corredor de 1,115 yardas Phil Mafah y el dos veces linebacker All-America Barrett Carter. El novato de cuatro estrellas Gideon Davidson podría emerger como uno de los mejores corredores de primer año del país, y el linebacker All-America de 2024 Sammy Brown parece ser el próximo gran linebacker de Clemson, pero las aspiraciones de postemporada de los Tigers dependerán, al menos en parte, del desarrollo de jugadores de primer año en un par de posiciones clave.
Lo que salió bien : Clemson finalmente recurrió al portal de transferencias para encontrar un pez gordo. Allen llegó para revitalizar la floja defensa de los Tigers, y Swinney y compañía le ofrecieron un jugador de primer nivel con quien trabajar: el cazamariscales transferido de Purdue, Will Heldt, un cazamariscales de tercer año que registró 56 tacleadas y cinco capturas de mariscal el otoño pasado. Al añadir a Heldt a una línea defensiva que regresa liderada por TJ Parker y Peter Woods , Allen y Clemson tienen todo lo necesario para formar un frente defensivo temible en 2025. El receptor transferido Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State) causó sensación con una actuación destacada en el partido de primavera y se une a una plantilla repleta de receptores abiertos de los Tigers tras atrapar 76 pases para 943 yardas y seis touchdowns en 2024.
Opinión de Connelly: Los Tigres lideran la nación en producción de regresos y potencialmente mejoraron su coordinador defensivo. ¡Fue una pretemporada bastante buena! Lo único que los frena es un reclutamiento apenas bueno. Es bueno que Swinney esté usando el portal de transferencias ahora, pero apenas lo usa.
Incorporaciones clave : QB Carson Beck , DB Xavier Lucas , DT David Blay
Salidas clave : QB Cam Ward , WR Xavier Restrepo , LB Francisco Mauigoa
Principales reclutas entrantes : OC SJ Alofaituli , CB Jaboree Antoine , WR Joshua Moore
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Miami necesitaba renovar su defensa, y el entrenador Mario Cristóbal recurrió a Corey Hetherman, quien tenía una exitosa experiencia como coordinador de FBS en Minnesota y James Madison. Hetherman supervisó una defensa de los Gophers que ocupó el quinto puesto a nivel nacional en yardas permitidas y el noveno en puntos permitidos el otoño pasado.
Qué salió mal : Miami dejó escapar a varios quarterbacks de la plataforma de transferencias para reemplazar a Cam Ward, incluyendo a su excompañero de equipo en Washington State y transferido de Oklahoma, John Mateer , antes de conseguir a Carson Beck. La misma lesión del ligamento colateral cubital que puso fin a la temporada 2024 de Beck lo mantuvo fuera de acción durante el campamento de primavera y será un tema a tener en cuenta hasta el otoño. Siete selecciones del draft de la NFL (la mayor cantidad del programa desde 2017) y más de una docena de salidas de la plataforma dejan a los Hurricanes con una gran cantidad de producción que reemplazar, especialmente en la posición de receptor abierto.
Español: Lo que salió bien : Cristobal obtuvo a Beck y agregó talento de habilidad a su alrededor en una ofensiva renovada de Miami esta temporada baja. Los receptores abiertos transferidos CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU) y Tony Johnson (Cincinnati) presentan nuevas opciones intrigantes en un equipo que perdió a sus seis mejores receptores de pases de 2024. El excentro de Alabama y TCU, James Brockermeyer, se une a lo que podría convertirse en la unidad de línea ofensiva más fuerte de Cristobal desde que se hizo cargo de los Hurricanes, con la transferencia de North Dakota State, CharMar Brown, llegando junto a Mark Fletcher Jr. y Jordan Lyle en un backfield profundo. La primera prioridad de Hetherman será reparar una secundaria con fugas que tuvo problemas durante la segunda mitad de la temporada 2024. Un elenco profundo de recién llegados transferidos encabezados por Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin), Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Ethan O'Connor (Washington State) y Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) le da al coordinador de primer año mucho con qué trabajar.
Opinión de Connelly : ¿Reclutamiento? Bien. ¿Cambio de coordinador defensivo? Necesario. Si Hetherman es la contratación adecuada y Beck está sano y es excelente, Miami mejoró esta pretemporada. Pero son dos grandes interrogantes.
Lane Kiffin hace una broma sobre el supuesto acuerdo de 4,3 millones de dólares de Carson Beck con Miami.
Incorporaciones clave : QB Darian Mensah , DT Josiah Green , DB Caleb Weaver
Salidas clave : G Caleb Krings , DT Kendy Charles , WR Jordan Moore
Principales reclutas entrantes : DE Bryce Davis , OLB Bradley Gompers , WR Jamien Little
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Es notable la capacidad de Manny Díaz para retener a sus dos coordinadores principales y a otros tras una temporada de nueve victorias, y ocupó la vacante de corredor con Chris Foster, de Northwestern. Aporta experiencia en el estado, adquirida en East Carolina y Appalachian State, ha entrenado a corredores destacados como Keaton Mitchell y trabajará con el veterano Jaquez Moore , quien regresa tras una temporada plagada de lesiones.
Qué salió mal : Los Blue Devils perdieron muchas posiciones en la posición de receptor abierto con las salidas de Jordan Moore y Eli Pancol, quienes sumaron 115 recepciones para 1,659 yardas y 17 touchdowns. Duke necesita un impulso de las transferencias de Andrel Anthony , quien solo jugó ocho jugadas la temporada pasada mientras se recuperaba de una lesión de rodilla, y Cooper Barkate , seleccionado All-America de la FCS en Harvard. Los Blue Devils también tuvieron pocas transferencias defensivas a pesar de perder a muchos de sus mejores jugadores en ese campo, incluyendo a los mejores tackleadores Ozzie Nicholas , Alex Howard y Cameron Bergeron .
Lo que salió bien : Tras una temporada de nueve victorias en el primer año de Díaz, Duke no dio señales de decaer. Aunque el mariscal de campo Maalik Murphy estableció récords en su única temporada como Blue Devil, Duke se atrevió a fichar al mariscal de campo transferido Darian Mensah, quien encajaba mejor en la ofensiva del coordinador Jonathan Brewer. A Mensah le quedan tres años de elegibilidad. Los Blue Devils también conservaron a muchos de sus mejores jugadores no senior, incluyendo al destacado esquinero Chandler Rivers y al tackle ofensivo Brian Parker II . No incorporaron muchas transferencias defensivas, pero Josiah Green y Jaiden Francois deberían ayudar. Díaz mantuvo unido a casi todo su cuerpo técnico.
La opinión de Connelly : Díaz consiguió uno de los mejores mariscales de campo del portal y disfrutará de una sólida continuidad de cara al segundo año. Sin embargo, la rotación en el cuerpo de habilidades y en la posición de apoyador duele un poco.
Incorporaciones clave: QB Tommy Castellanos , WR Duce Robinson , CB Jeremiah Wilson
Salidas clave : CB Azareye'h Thomas , DTJoshua Farmer , WR Ja'Khi Douglas
Principales reclutas entrantes : RB Ousmane Kromah , DT Kevin Wynn , OT Chastan Brown
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Tras una sorprendente caída de 13-1 a 2-10, el entrenador Mike Norvell tuvo que reestructurar su cuerpo técnico, incorporando a los destacados coordinadores Gus Malzahn (ataque) y Tony White (defensa). Malzahn es el nombre más destacado, exentrenador principal de UCF, Auburn y Arkansas State, quien ha sido mentor de Norvell, pero White podría tener un impacto aún mayor, como discípulo de Rocky Long con un historial de mejora en las defensas.
Qué salió mal : Los Seminoles probablemente aceptaron una fuerte rotación de plantilla tras la desastrosa campaña de 2024, pero perdieron a varios reclutas de primera línea, como el mariscal de campo Luke Kromenhoek , el receptor abierto Hykeem Williams y el ala defensiva Marvin Jones Jr. La salida del receptor abierto de la universidad junior Jordan Scott, quien se unió al programa en enero, marcó otra decepción. Una serie de incorporaciones tardías en el ciclo de reclutamiento de 2025 solo compensaron parcialmente las rescisiones de 10 prospectos de ESPN 300 el otoño pasado.
Lo que salió bien : El otoño lo dirá todo, pero Norvell parece haber dado un par de pasos positivos hacia una recuperación con las contrataciones de Malzahn y White como coordinadores, y ambos contarán con una gran cantidad de transferencias con las que trabajar. Tommy Castellanos llega con armas nuevas en Duce Robinson, de 1,98 metros, y el ex velocista de Tennessee, Squirrel White, detrás de una línea ofensiva renovada. En defensa, White trae consigo al cazamariscales revelación de 2024, James Williams (5.0 capturas el otoño pasado), procedente de Nebraska, a una línea frontal renovada con siete transferencias en total. Jeremiah Wilson, número 11 en el ranking de primavera de ESPN, llega desde Houston y representa una posible incorporación de impacto en la secundaria.
La opinión de Connelly : Veremos cuánta mejora es posible después de un colapso casi sin precedentes, pero Norvell eliminó todo el hedor que pudo del programa, especialmente en el lado ofensivo de la pelota.
Incorporaciones clave : QB Chandler Morris , WR Jahmal Edrine , S Devin Neal
Salidas clave : S Jonas Sanker , WR Malachi Fields , C Brian Stevens
Principales reclutas entrantes : QB Cole Geer , OLB Isaiah Reese , WR Isaiah Robinson
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Charlottesville mantiene su statu quo, ya que el entrenador Tony Elliott mantuvo a todo su cuerpo técnico de 2024, cuando el equipo logró una mejora de dos victorias. Tras una agresiva iniciativa para conseguir un portal de transferencias, Virginia confía en la continuidad de los coordinadores Des Kitchings (ataque) y John Rudzinski (defensa), y de un cuerpo técnico que ha intentado reconstruir el programa.
Qué salió mal : No mucho, ya que Virginia tuvo su temporada baja más fluida y productiva con Elliott. Sin embargo, el equipo perdió a su mejor receptor, Malachi Fields, que se fue a Notre Dame, así como al ala cerrada número 1,Tyler Neville . Si bien Jahmal Edrine es una incorporación interesante, tiene mucho en juego para revitalizar el ataque aéreo con Chandler Morris. Jonas Sanker fue la única selección de Virginia para el primer equipo All-ACC en 2024, y deja un vacío significativo tras liderar al equipo en tacleadas totales (98) y tacleadas para pérdida (8.5). La línea ofensiva de Virginia ha cambiado bastante con respecto a la temporada pasada, con siete incorporaciones a través del portal. Las transferencias experimentadas deberían ayudar en ese aspecto, pero el grupo aún debe encontrar la manera de cuajar.
Lo que salió bien : Virginia incrementó su inversión y agresividad en el portal para darle a Elliott lo que debería ser su mejor plantilla desde que asumió como entrenador en jefe. El equipo incorporó a un mariscal de campo experimentado, Morris, quien acumuló 3774 yardas de pase y 31 touchdowns para North Texas la temporada pasada, así como una buena garantía con la transferencia de Nebraska, Daniel Kaelin . Edrine es una de las incorporaciones clave en la ofensiva, y Virginia reforzó su juego de regreso con Cam Ross, de James Madison. Virginia hizo un gran esfuerzo por conseguir transferencias para la línea ofensiva, y sus incorporaciones defensivas podrían destacar, incluyendo al linebacker Mitchell Melton (Ohio State), el safety Devin Neal (Louisville) y el cornerback Ja'son Prevard (Morgan State).
Opinión de Connelly : Elliott mantuvo a sus coordinadores y fichó a algunos jugadores prometedores a través del mercado. Eso es positivo, aunque el hecho de que necesitara tantos traspasos después de tres temporadas no es una señal alentadora de que se esté consolidando una cultura sólida.
Incorporaciones clave : QB Miller Moss , LB Clev Lubin , WR TreyShun Hurry
Salidas clave : QB Tyler Shough , DE Ashton Gillotte , CB Quincy Riley
Principales reclutas entrantes : DE CJ May , ILB Caleb Matelau , WR Kamare Williams
El cambio más importante en el cuerpo técnico : Deion Branch formó parte del cuerpo técnico de Louisville e incluso se desempeñó como entrenador principal interino durante una victoria en un tazón en 2022, pero en febrero se unió a los entrenadores de campo en una posición que domina a la perfección: la de receptor abierto. El MVP del Super Bowl XXXIX brilló con Louisville, recibiendo el reconocimiento del primer equipo de la liga, y ahora entrenará a un grupo que incluye a los veteranos Caullin Lacy y Chris Bell .
Qué salió mal : Entre las graduaciones de Michael Gonzalez y Jonathan Mendoza y las salidas de Monroe Mills (Virginia) y Austin Collins (Syracuse), los Cardinals han perdido a cuatro de sus cinco mejores linieros ofensivos, en términos de jugadas, en comparación con el año pasado. Louisville ha complementado su plantilla con la incorporación de seis linieros transferidos esta temporada baja. Ese grupo está liderado por Mahamane Moussa (Purdue), Naeer Jackson (Florida International) y Makylan Pounders (Mississippi State), pero esta unidad de línea ofensiva sin experiencia sigue siendo un lastre potencial para una ofensiva que, por lo demás, estaría bien equipada. Los Cardinals experimentaron una rotación similar en la secundaria, donde el programa incorporó a cinco transferencias, solo una de ellas del Power 4, para reemplazar a cuatro titulares en la parte trasera de la defensa.
Lo que salió bien : Los Cardinals retuvieron a los corredores Isaac Brown (1,527 yardas multiuso en 2024) y Duke Watson , y sumaron a los receptores Dacari Collins (NC State) y TreyShun Hurry (San Jose State), junto con los receptores veteranos Lacy y Bell. Juntos, acompañarán al mariscal de campo transferido de USC, Miller Moss, quien llega para reemplazar a Tyler Shough en una ofensiva que terminó 13.ª a nivel nacional en yardas por partido (449.2) el año pasado. Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina) se une a los Cardinals tras conseguir 9.5 capturas en su primera temporada en la FBS el otoño pasado, convirtiéndose en una valiosa incorporación en la pretemporada junto con otros tres recién llegados a la línea defensiva, reemplazando a seis jugadores que sumaron más de 200 tacleadas el otoño pasado.
Opinión de Connelly : El entrenador Jeff Brohm se ha convertido rápidamente en uno de los compradores de portales más confiables del país, y sus Cardinals recuperan un gran potencial estelar en la posición de corredor. Sin embargo, tener que cubrir muchas carencias en las posiciones de receptor, línea ofensiva, línea defensiva y back defensivo abre muchas posibilidades de retroceso.
Incorporaciones clave : WR Eric Rivers , OT Malachi Carney , DL Akelo Stone
Salidas clave : WR Eric Singleton Jr. , TEJackson Hawes , DT Zeek Biggers
Principales reclutas entrantes : OT Josh Petty , S Tae Harris , DT Christian Garrett
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Tras la salida del coordinador defensivo Tyler Santucci de la NFL, el entrenador Brent Key seleccionó al asistente de Texas, Blake Gideon, para dirigir la unidad. Gideon no ha sido coordinador defensivo (supervisó los equipos especiales en Houston y Ole Miss), pero aporta una amplia experiencia en la secundaria, donde brilló como safety para Texas antes de entrenar a backs defensivos en cuatro programas.
Qué salió mal : La salida de Eric Singleton Jr. no fue del todo inesperada, pero sin duda es dolorosa, ya que aportó una velocidad excepcional al juego aéreo de Georgia Tech, con un promedio de 13.5 yardas por recepción. Los Yellow Jackets perdieron otras transferencias notables, como el tackle ofensivo Corey Robinson II , seleccionado con mención honorífica al equipo All-ACC que llegó a Arkansas, y el linebacker Romello Height , quien se fue a Texas Tech. La salida de Santucci después de solo una temporada crea el potencial de generar disrupción en la defensa. Aunque Gideon proyecta un buen desempeño, nunca antes había sido coordinador defensivo principal.
Lo que salió bien : Tras una temporada en la que Georgia Tech ganó algunos partidos importantes, pero podría haber ganado más en general, la plantilla está preparada para grandes logros este otoño. Key conservó su backfield ofensivo titular, compuesto por el mariscal de campo Haynes King y el corredor Jamal Haynes , así como el mariscal de campo suplente Aaron Philo , quien podría ser clave dado el historial de lesiones de King. El líder en recepciones, Malik Rutherford, también está de vuelta tras considerar brevemente una transferencia en diciembre. Como detalló recientemente su colega Dan Murphy , el safety Clayton Powell-Lee estuvo muy cerca de entrar en el portal antes de regresar. El talentoso coordinador ofensivo Buster Faulkner también ha vuelto a trabajar con King.
Opinión de Connelly : Conservar la dupla Faulkner-King fue excelente, al igual que añadir a los dos mejores jugadores de FIU a un cuerpo de talentos ya de por sí veloz. Sin embargo, considerando la importancia del físico para el éxito de 2024, la rotación en las trincheras es preocupante.
Incorporaciones clave : DE Jahkai Lang , OG Addison Nichols , DT Jeffrey M'Ba
Salidas clave : RB Brashard Smith , DT Jared Harrison-Hunte , DE Elijah Roberts
Principales reclutas entrantes : OT Dramodd Odoms , QB Ty Hawkins , WR Daylon Singleton
El mayor movimiento de entrenador : el entrenador Rhett Lashlee mantuvo intacto a su personal después de llegar al juego por el título de la ACC y al CFP, lo que proporciona una gran continuidad de cara a 2025. El coordinador defensivo Scott Symons ha estado en la mezcla para roles de entrenador en jefe, pero regresará a SMU para su cuarta temporada para supervisar una unidad de creación de juego.
¿Qué salió mal ?: ¿Podrán los Mustangs mantener su éxito de 2024 y repetir el resultado de 11-3 que llevó a SMU al partido por el título de la conferencia y a los playoffs en su debut en la ACC? Conservar a Symons y al coordinador ofensivo Casey Woods ayudará. Pero no incorporar a un recién llegado de impacto y probado para reemplazar al corredor de 1,332 yardas Brashard Smith, o un reemplazo para el receptor estrella Roderick Daniels Jr. , podría perjudicar a los Mustangs. La fortaleza de Symons también se pondrá a prueba, ya que SMU podría prepararse para reemplazar a más del 80% de su once titular en defensa, incluyendo al tackleador estrella Kobe Wilson y a los tackles defensivos Jared Harrison-Hunte y Elijah Roberts.
Lo que salió bien : Los Mustangs hicieron del tamaño y la profundidad en ambos lados de la línea de golpeo una prioridad antes de su primera temporada en la ACC el otoño pasado. Eso rindió frutos para una línea ofensiva que permitió solo 18 capturas (empatado en el puesto 30 a nivel nacional) y allanó el camino para el séptimo ataque terrestre mejor clasificado de la liga. SMU representó las pérdidas del centro Jakai Clark y el guardia derecho Justin Osborne con la transferencia de Oklahoma Joshua Bates y Addison Nichols de Arkansas, titular en 12 juegos el otoño pasado, junto con el veterano transferido de Miami Zion Nelson . Los Mustangs obtuvieron dividendos similares en una línea defensiva que terminó séptima en yardas terrestres por juego (100.7). Jeffrey M'Ba, Damarjhe Lewis y el recién llegado al portal de Texas State, Terry Webb, tendrán la gran tarea de reemplazar a Harrison-Hunte y Roberts.
Opinión de Connelly : Lashlee conservó a su mariscal de campo y a ambos coordinadores. Eso es una ventaja innegable, pero es bastante fácil preocuparse un poco por el cuerpo de receptores, así como por una defensa que podría tener hasta nueve titulares nuevos.
Incorporaciones clave : OT Kendall Stanley , WR Cataurus Hicks , DE Blaine Spires
Salidas clave : OL Branson Taylor , TE Gavin Bartholomew , WR Konata Mumpfield
Principales reclutas entrantes : OT Jordan Fields , WR Bryce Yates , DE Trevor Sommers
El mayor cambio de entrenador : El entrenador Pat Narduzzi no cambió mucho en el cuerpo técnico tras una temporada baja activa el año anterior. El coordinador ofensivo Kade Bell, quien ayudó a Pitt a ascender al puesto número 15 en pases en su primera temporada, recibió un nuevo contrato con un aumento a principios de este año. Sigue siendo un nombre interesante a tener en cuenta en los próximos ciclos de entrenadores.
Qué salió mal : Pitt, tras un inicio de 7-0 el otoño pasado, cerró la temporada con seis derrotas consecutivas. Posteriormente, sufrió un par de golpes en la defensa con las salidas del esquinero Ryland Gandy (Indiana) y el ala defensiva Sincere Edwards (UCF) a través del portal de transferencias. Si a esto le sumamos las graduaciones del safety All-ACC Donovan McMillon y el tercer tackleador líder Brandon George , Pitt tiene huecos que llenar mientras reconstruye una defensa que terminó en el puesto 91 a nivel nacional en puntos permitidos el otoño pasado (28.4). Los Panthers podrían tener un reemplazo para Edwards si Blaine Spires recupera su nivel de 2023. El estudiante de segundo año Cruce Brookins, que se retiró en la universidad, estará entre los jugadores que Pitt espera que regresen para llenar el vacío dejado por la salida de McMillon.
Lo que salió bien : Durante al menos la mitad de la temporada 2024, Pitt demostró que podía jugar con éxito, con el mariscal de campo Eli Holstein y el corredor multiusos Desmond Reid al frente de la ofensiva. Los Panthers necesitarán encontrar un reemplazo para Konata Mumpfield, pero han reforzado de forma crucial una línea ofensiva que tuvo serias dificultades el otoño pasado con las incorporaciones de los tackles ofensivos Jeff Persi (Michigan) y Kendall Stanley (Charlotte), junto con el guardia Keith Gouveia (Richmond). Si ese grupo logra cohesionarse, Bell debería poder sacar más provecho de una ofensiva que promedió 19.2 puntos por partido en sus últimos cinco partidos de la temporada regular.
Opinión de Connelly : Narduzzi conservó todas las piezas brillantes del rompecabezas ofensivo que mejoraron la temporada pasada, lo cual es positivo. Pero veremos si los fichajes entrantes pueden impulsar una defensa mediocre durante dos años consecutivos.
Incorporaciones clave : OL Tomas Rimac , RB Terion Stewart , DE James Djonkam
Salidas clave : RB Bhayshul Tuten , DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland , CB Mansoor Delane
Principales reclutas entrantes : WR Micah Matthews , ILB Brett Clatterbaugh , QB Kelden Ryan
El mayor cambio de entrenador: El entrenador Brent Pry tuvo que cubrir dos puestos de coordinador (Chris Marve fue despedido y Tyler Bowen se fue a Ohio State) y tomó diferentes caminos con los reemplazos. Eligió al exentrenador de Tulsa, Philip Montgomery, quien tiene experiencia como coordinador en Baylor y otras ciudades, para liderar la ofensiva. Sam Siefkes es un nombre menos conocido, pero tiene experiencia como coordinador defensivo de la FCS y la División III, y pasó las últimas cuatro temporadas con dos equipos de la NFL.
Qué salió mal : La rotación de jugadores fue el tema central de la temporada baja de los Hokies tras un decepcionante resultado de 7-6 el otoño pasado. Sin embargo, no fue especialmente positivo, ya que Virginia Tech vio salir a más de dos docenas de jugadores a través del portal de transferencias y perdió a varios jugadores clave para la NFL. Entre los que se fueron en 2025 se encuentran el corredor estrella Bhayshul Tuten, el líder en capturas Antwaun Powell-Ryland y los cinco titulares de una unidad de backs defensivos que terminó entre los mejores a nivel nacional en yardas de pase permitidas por partido (215.9). Con las salidas del tackle izquierdo Xavier Chaplin (Auburn) y el centro Braelin Moore (LSU), los Hokies podrían contar con cinco nuevos titulares en la línea ofensiva este otoño.
Lo que salió bien : Virginia Tech retuvo al mariscal de campo senior de camiseta roja Kyron Drones y agregó refuerzos en el portal para ayudar a Montgomery a darle la vuelta a una ofensiva que terminó 88 a nivel nacional en yardas por juego (367.8) el otoño pasado. Las transferencias de corredores Terion Stewart (Bowling Green), Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri) y Braydon Bennett (Coastal Carolina) conforman un trío intrigante para reemplazar a Tuten y al ex respaldo Malachi Thomas (transferencia de Purdue). Se espera que el ex corredor de Tennessee Cameron Seldon juegue como receptor abierto para los Hokies en 2025, y Virginia Tech agregó la experiencia necesaria en la posición con los receptores de pases Donavon Greene (Wake Forest) e Isaiah Spencer (Jackson State). Tomas Rimac, titular de 29 juegos en West Virginia, representa al recién llegado más experimentado del programa en una línea ofensiva renovada.
Opinión de Connelly : Las primeras tres temporadas de Pry en Blacksburg han sido decentes, pero nada espectaculares, y tener que hacer cambios importantes (dos coordinadores, un número considerable de transferencias defensivas) podría mejorar o empeorar mucho las cosas. El abanico de posibles resultados para Tech es enorme esta temporada.
Incorporaciones clave : S Jeremiah Johnson , OT Teague Andersen , OLB Joseph Adedire
Salidas clave : OT Anthony Belton , WR Kevin Concepcion , S Bishop Fitzgerald
Principales reclutas entrantes : RB Deandre Desinor , OT Ta'Khyian Whitset , OC Isaac Sowells Jr.
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Tras su duodécima temporada como entrenador, Dave Doeren reemplazó a ambos coordinadores, ascendiendo al veterano Kurt Roper para dirigir el ataque y trayendo a DJ Eliot, quien tiene experiencia como coordinador defensivo de la Big 12 y la SEC, y pasó un tiempo en la ACC de Florida State, para dirigir la defensa. Roper y Eliot trabajaron juntos en Colorado en 2018, y su familiaridad debería ser beneficiosa ahora que NC State viene de su peor temporada desde 2019.
Qué salió mal : Tras una decepcionante temporada 2024, NC State sufrió algunos golpes en el portal, en particular con Kevin Concepcion, quien lideró al equipo en recepciones (48) y touchdowns (6) y llegó a Texas A&M. Bishop Fitzgerald, seleccionado con mención honorífica All-ACC, tuvo tres intercepciones y ocho pases desviados. NC State también perdió al linebacker Kamal Bonner , al tercer corredor Kendrick Raphael , al cornerback Brandon Cissé y a otros. Las mayores pérdidas en las transferencias parecieron provenir de la defensa, que tendrá un nuevo sistema con Eliot y posiblemente una curva de aprendizaje más pronunciada.
Qué salió bien : A pesar de los cambios, NC State tiene una visión clara en la ofensiva con el mariscal de campo CJ Bailey , quien completó casi el 65% de sus pases con 17 touchdowns como estudiante de primer año. Bailey ha pasado toda la temporada baja como titular y tiene familiaridad con Roper, quien ha entrenado a los mariscales de campo. NC State retuvo al corredor líder Hollywood Smothers , así como al ala cerrada Justin Joly y a los receptores abiertos Noah Rogers y Wesley Grimes , quienes deberían ayudar a explicar la salida de Concepcion. El equipo no agregó una tonelada de titulares defensivos seguros en el portal, pero ganó profundidad con jugadores como el apoyador Kenny Soares (Northwestern), el ala cerrada Sabastian Harsh (Wyoming) y el esquinero Jamel Johnson (Temple).
Opinión de Connelly : El repentino colapso de la defensa necesitaba una solución, y Doeren contrató a un coordinador experimentado (aunque poco inspirador) y a muchos nuevos fichajes. Eso es positivo, aunque es difícil opinar demasiado, ya sea positivo o negativo, sobre los movimientos en general.
Incorporaciones clave : QB Gio Lopez , DE Pryce Yates , OL Daniel King
Salidas clave : RB Omarion Hampton , DE Beau Atkinson , OT Howard Sampson
Principales reclutas entrantes : QB Bryce Baker , WR Adrian Wilson , DT Nicco Maggio
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Todo está tranquilo en UNC, salvo la llegada del seis veces ganador del Super Bowl, Bill Belichick, quien asumió el cargo, la incorporación de sus hijos Steve y Brian al cuerpo técnico y la incorporación de otros nombres destacados como el exentrenador de UConn, Bob Diaco, y el excorredor de Carolina del Norte y la NFL, Natrone Means. La era de "Chapel Bill" será todo un experimento, ya que Carolina del Norte se está volcando por completo en el fútbol americano.
Qué salió mal : Se esperaba cierta turbulencia en torno a la contratación de Belichick y una nueva forma de operar. Carolina del Norte perdió a varios titulares, incluyendo a Beau Atkinson, quien lideró al equipo en capturas (7.5) y tacleadas para pérdida (12) la temporada pasada, y al linebacker Amare Campbell (6.5 capturas, 10.5 tacleadas para pérdida en 2024). Ambos podrían haber sido piezas clave para la defensa, que ya pierde al tackle Jahvaree Ritzie , al linebacker Power Echols , al cornerback Alijah Huzzie y a otros. Carolina del Norte también perdió a una probable opción de profundidad en la línea ofensiva: el tackle Zach Rice , el octavo recluta global de ESPN en la clase de 2022.
Lo que salió bien : Carolina del Norte encontró a su mariscal de campo en la primavera con Gio López, un zurdo de doble amenaza que ocupó el puesto 22 a nivel nacional en ofensiva total (274.7 yardas por juego) la temporada pasada para South Alabama. López le da al coordinador Freddie Kitchens un pilar fundamental, y Carolina del Norte trae de vuelta al receptor abierto Kobe Paysour y agrega la amenaza de velocidad Aziah Johnson de Michigan State. La pérdida de Omarion Hampton sin duda se sentirá en el juego terrestre, pero Carolina del Norte agregó al transferido de Michigan, Benjamin Hall , al grupo. El nuevo cuerpo técnico aparentemente logró algunas ganancias con sus transferencias defensivas, incluyendo a Pryce Yates y Gavin Gibson , un productivo nickelback en East Carolina el otoño pasado. Carolina del Norte también agregó algunas buenas opciones para aumentar la profundidad de su línea ofensiva.
La opinión de Connelly : Contratar a uno de los mejores entrenadores de fútbol de todos los tiempos ciertamente fue un buen comienzo, pero el drama fuera de la cancha no ha sido alentador y, además quizás de los seis primeros defensores, es difícil garantizar que los Heels tengan una sola unidad que sea más talentosa que hace un año.
13. Águilas del Boston CollegeIncorporaciones clave : G Tommy Matheson , OT Amir Johnson , QB Dylan Lonergan
Salidas clave : DE Donovan Ezeiruaku , OT Ozzy Trapilo , C Drew Kendall
Principales reclutas entrantes : OLB Griffin Collins , RB Mekhi Dodd , QB Shaker Reisig
El mayor cambio de entrenador : Los Eagles contrataron a Jordan Thomas para supervisar una línea defensiva que pierde al destacado cazamariscales Donovan Ezeiruaku y a otros. Thomas pasó las últimas tres temporadas como entrenador asistente de línea defensiva con los Cleveland Browns, pero es exjugador y asistente en San Diego State, una rama de entrenadores cada vez más popular debido al éxito defensivo con Rocky Long.
Qué salió mal : Los mejores equipos de Boston College se construyen en la línea de golpeo, y los Eagles sentirán la salida de Ezeiruaku, Ozzy Trapilo, Drew Kendall y otros. Ezeiruaku fue el Jugador Defensivo del Año de la ACC, y los Eagles no incorporaron muchas transferencias de impacto evidente en la defensa. Transferencias como el linebacker de Michigan, Jason Hewlett, tienen potencial, pero Boston College necesitará jugadores que se mantienen como KP Price , Daveon Crouch y Carter Davis para liderar la unidad. El juego terrestre cambiará de aspecto con las salidas de Kye Robichaux y Treshaun Ward . BC incorporó al transferido Vaughn Pemberton , suplente en Ball State.
Lo que salió bien : los Eagles conservaron a muchos de sus mejores jugadores, incluido el receptor abierto Lewis Bond y los defensores productivos como Price, Crouch y Davis. Grupo de posición de Ature bajo el entrenador Bill O'Brien.
La toma de Connelly : los Eagles definitivamente perdieron más de lo que ganaron en las trincheras, pero ha sido una temporada baja relativamente tranquila para O'Brien & Co., y la tranquilidad definitivamente no tiene que ser algo malo.
Adiciones clave : QB Steve Angeli , QB Rickie Collins , OT Kam Pringle
Salidas clave : QB Kyle McCord , RBLequint Allen , WR Trebor Pena
Reclutas entrantes : S demomientes a Samuel , ot Jayden Mann , ilb Antoine Deslauriers
El movimiento de entrenamiento más grande : el entrenador Fran Brown retuvo el coordinador ofensivo Jeff Nixon, a pesar de un interés externo, y agregó dos nuevos asistentes en el coordinador de equipos especiales Ricky Brumfield y el entrenador de receptores abiertos Myles White, una antigua exhibición de la NFL y CFL tiene una experiencia de ACC de Georgia Tech y Virginia, mientras que White supervisará una sala de receptores de nuevo paquete.
Lo que salió mal : el naranja no pudo hacer nada sobre las salidas de la NFL de los creadores de juegos Kyle McCord , Lequint Allen y Oronde Gadsden II u titulares de línea ofensiva Savion Washington y Jakob Bradford . Termine en el año 1 bajo Brown.
Lo que salió bien : Syracuse podría no tener otro mariscal de campo como McCord, pero al menos hay opciones a medida que el programa avanza sin el líder de los pases de 2024 de la universidad. Incierto para el naranja, hay solidez en las opciones de quarterback.
La toma de Connelly : Brown se aferró a Nixon y consiguió dos QB de nuevos intrigantes.
Adiciones clave : ot fa'alili fa'amoe , de Gabe Kirschke , C Devin Kylany
Salidas clave : C Luke Petitbon , CB Jamare Glasker , WR Horatio Fields
Reclutas entrantes : QB Elijah Oehlke , De Cole Funderburk , OT Will Saba
El mayor movimiento de coaching : el nuevo entrenador Jake Dickert hizo el movimiento de campo a través del estado de Washington y trajo a varios asistentes con él, pero ambos coordinadores, Rob Ezell (ofensiva) y Scottie Hazelton (defensa), no fueron el personal de Dickert es un asistente dinámico de Wayatin, que ha ayudado a la calificación de Ezatin, que ha ayudado a la calificación de Ezell. Estado de Michigan, Estado de Kansas y Estado de Dakota del Norte.
Lo que salió mal : Wake Forest no sorprendió un gran grupo en el portal en medio de la transición de entrenamiento, incluidos tres posibles contribuyentes clave en el receptor abierto en Horatio Fields, Deuce Alexander y Donavon Greene , aterrizó con Missouri.
Lo que fue correcto : el equipo conservó a su mejor jugador ofensivo en el corredor Demond Claiborne , quien eclipsó a 1,000 yardas por tierra la temporada pasada y ha generado excelentes críticas de los nuevos entrenadores también trajo el liderazgo y la producción de la defensa con los jugadores como la seguridad de Nick Andersen (el equipo de los equipos de la línea de los que se realizan en el equipo. Con el tackle Fa'alili Fa'amoe y el centro Devin Kylany y el grupo de receptor abierto con Carlos Hernández .
La toma de Connelly : después de las 4-8 temporadas consecutivas, una revisión completa no es lo peor del mundo.
16. California Golden BearsAdiciones clave : QB Devin Brown , De TJ Bush Jr. , LB Harrison Taggart
Salidas clave : QB Fernando Mendoza , RB Jaydn Ott , LB Teddye Buchanan
Reclutas entrantes : QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele , OG Justin Hasenhuetl , Te Jacob Houseworth
Biggest coaching move : Cal has two new coordinators, although Bryan Harsin, the former Auburn, Boise State and Arkansas State coach, is the headliner. He returns to coaching for the first time since 2022, overseeing a unit that includes Ohio State quarterback transfer Devin Brown and a new-look running backs room. Coach Justin Wilcox seeks continuity on defense, where he promoted Vic So'oto and Terrence Brown as co-coordinators.
Lo que salió mal : en pocas palabras, Cal ha sido aplastado por las transferencias salientes, particularmente en la ofensiva, donde los Bears perdieron a 18 jugadores del equipo que terminó 6-7 hace un año un Portal de primavera de la sala de corredores del programa vio a Cal Javian, encabezado por las salidas de los antiguos. Endoza (Indiana), el receptor abierto Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska) y el ala cerrada del ala cerrada Jack Endries (Texas), además de múltiples recién llegados en la línea ofensiva, Harsin tendrá su trabajo en su temporada de debut que supervisa un ofensivo de osos completamente renovado.
Lo que salió bien : aunque Cal perdió su inicio de 2024, el programa aseguró su presente y futuro en el quarterback con el portal de las llegadas de Brown y Freshman Jaron -Keawe Sagapolutele, un prospecto de ESPN 300 que regresó a los Bears después de un día de firma de Firma a Oregon de Oregon. Combinado para 40 comienzos el otoño pasado.
La toma de Connelly : los coordinadores cambiantes podrían ser algo bueno, pero la pérdida repentina de producción en la primavera cambió significativamente el tenor de la temporada baja.
Adiciones clave : WR CJ Williams , OT Niki Progos , LB Hunter Barth
Salidas clave : WRElic Ayomanor , Olb David Bailey , WR Emmett Mosley V
Reclutas entrantes : WR Jonanthony Hall , de Adam Shovlin , DT Kole Briehler
El movimiento de entrenamiento más grande : el despido de Troy Taylor a fines de marzo sacudió el programa de Stanford antes de su tercera temporada como entrenador en jefe.
Lo que salió mal : los cambios de entrenamiento inesperados siempre traen algunos baches, y Stanford ciertamente no fue salvado por el despido de Taylor. El equipo en recepciones (48) y yardas de recepción (525).
Lo que salió bien : no mucho. Abril , el coordinador del co-defensivo Andy Thompson y Nate Byham , quien fue promovido de entrenador de alas cerradas a coordinador ofensivo.
La toma de Connelly : Stanford hizo cero progreso en dos años con Taylor, por lo que incluso un cambio de entrenamiento sincronizado no tiene que ser algo malo.
1. Texas Tech Red RaidersAdiciones clave : DT Lee Hunter , OLB David Bailey , OT Howard Sampson
Salidas clave : RB Tahj Brooks , Ol Caleb Rogers , WR Josh Kelly
Los principales reclutas entrantes : WR Bryson Jones , OG Connor Carty , OLB Brock Golwas
El mayor movimiento de entrenamiento : el entrenador Joey McGuire tiene dos nuevos coordinadores por delante de una temporada muy esperada en Lubbock. para liderar la ofensiva.
Lo que salió mal : ¡no mucho! INT en Texas A& M .
Lo que salió bien : si estás dispuesto a gastar millones en transferencias, ¿puedes conseguir a alguien que quieras? ) El receptor de transferencia de Miami (Ohio) Reggie Virgil y Louisiana Transfer Fin Terrance Carter deberían ser grandes creadores de juegos, y la lista de adiciones de impacto ciertamente no se detiene allí.
La toma de Connelly : el récord de 8-5 de Tech fue un poco de espejismo la temporada pasada, apoyado por un récord de 6-1 en juegos de un solo puntaje, por lo tanto, necesitará obtener aún más mejoras de esta increíble clase de transferencia de lo que se piensa a primera vista.
Adiciones clave : WR Jaren Hamilton , RB Kanye Udoh , WR Jalen Moss
Salidas clave : RB Cam Skattebo , Ol Leif Fautanu , DB Shamari Simmons
Los principales reclutas entrantes : QB Cameron Dyer , ILB Isaiah Iosefa , S Joseph Smith
El mayor movimiento de entrenamiento : después de ganar el Big 12 y llegar al CFP por primera vez, Arizona State mantuvo intacto a su cuerpo técnico.
Lo que salió mal : no hay mucho que se haya desarrollado la temporada baja de los Sun Devils .
Lo que salió bien : Dillingham debe estar emocionado con la forma en que todo se está instalando para el año 3. El estado de Arizona trae una tonelada de experiencia de su escuadrón de CFP, incluidos 25 jugadores con inicios la temporada pasada. Seniors.
La toma de Connelly : ASU tiene uno de los mejores porcentajes de producción que regresan en el país y mantuvo a ambos coordinadores después de un avance de la temporada.
Adiciones clave : WR Kobe Prentice , LB Travion Barnes , QB Walker White
Salidas clave : LB Matt Jones , LB Garmon Randolph , WR Hal Presley
Reclutas entrantes : RB Michael Turner , De Kamauryn Morgan , DT Jackson Blackwell
El movimiento de entrenamiento más grande : el entrenador Dave Aranda se convirtió en el PlayCaller defensivo durante la temporada de rebotes de Baylor en 2024, e hizo adiciones clave a su personal defensivo este invierno, contrató a Paul Gonzales, un asistente de Rival TCU durante las últimas 13 temporadas, para ser el coordinador defensivo y el entrenador de los graves y el entrenador de los graves.
Lo que salió mal : Aranda y su personal salieron del asiento caliente en 2024 con un impresionante cambio de 2-4 a 8-5.
Lo que salió bien : Sawyer Robertson fue una revelación la temporada pasada, produciendo un QBR de 83.7 (quinto mejor en FBS) y impulsando una ofensiva que promedió 41.3 puntos por juego en la segunda mitad de la temporada regular (la segunda más en FBS). La temporada pasada después de acumular las 129 tacleadas de la liga.
La toma de Connelly : Al igual que ASU, Baylor mejoró en ambos lados del balón en 2024 (especialmente al final de la temporada), mantuvo a sus coordinadores y ahora devuelve altos niveles de producción.
4. Ciclones del estado de IowaAdiciones clave : WR Chase Sowell , WR Xavier Townsend , DL Tamatoa McDonough
Salidas clave : WR Jayden Higgins , WR Jaylin Noel , CBDarien Porter
Reclutas entrantes : de Jack Limbaugh , De Trey Verdon , RB Ryver Peppers
El mayor movimiento de entrenamiento : el entrenador Matt Campbell ha tenido que llenar varias vacantes en el personal ofensivo en los últimos años, y lo hizo nuevamente con Tony Landry, quien entrenará a los corredores de ISU después de que Tyler Roehl se uniera al Detroit Lions fue coordinador ofensivo en 2024 para el Estado de North Dakota, que Won the FCS National Title, y también tiene una experiencia de Coordinator.
Lo que salió mal : el liniero defensivo inicial Tyler Onyedim que se transfiere a Texas A&M y la seguridad Malik Verdon Turning Pro temprano que no se redujo las únicas salidas significativas que los Ciclones tuvieron que lidiar con esta temporada baja de los cuatro líderes de la primera temporada, y Campbell y sus entrenadores pudieron superar las ventanas del portal con los problemas mínimos.
Lo que salió bien : los Ciclones sabían que tendrían que reemplazar a Higgins y Noel en 2025 y consiguieron los dos objetivos principales en su tablero en Sowell, un talentoso de 6 pies 4 pulgadas de East Carolina, y Townsend, que previamente se había comprometido con los ciclones en la escuela secundaria en la mayoría de los ciclones. Vaya pesado en las camionetas de portal, envió un mensaje claro que les gusta su profundidad, juventud e impulso después de una temporada histórica para el programa.
La toma de Connelly : esta fue una temporada baja del estado de Iowa.
Adiciones clave : S Gunner Maldonado , WR Jerand Bradley , Ol George Fitzpatrick
Salidas clave : RB DJ Giddens , De Brendan Mott , CBJacob Parrish
Reclutas entrantes : TE Linkon Cure , OG Brock Heath , S RJ Collins
El mayor movimiento de coaching : después de una temporada como coordinador ofensivo, pero 12 en el personal del entrenador Chris Klieman, Conor Riley partió para la NFL. y contrató al veterano asistente de Big 12, Luke Wells, para entrenar los ala cerrada.
Lo que salió mal : tres derrotas en noviembre eliminaron a K-State de la carrera por el título Big 12 después de que había subido tan alto como el número 16 en la clasificación de CFP. Límite de OSTER para 2025. Para muchos programas Big 12, los programas sólidos de desarrollo de desarrollo han sido un ingrediente crucial para el éxito a largo plazo.
Lo que salió bien : los Wildcats lucharon con éxito cualquier esfuerzo para manipular con Johnson y perdió solo dos jugadores de becas durante la ventana de transferencia de diciembre que terminó firmando con los programas de Power 4. Cure, el recluta No. 66 en el 2025 ESPN 300, y trajo uno de los firmados mejor calificados en la historia del programa.
La opinión de Connelly : que Johnson tendrá a su tercer coordinador ofensivo en tres temporadas es subóptima, pero K-State todavía cuenta con una excelente continuidad en la mayoría de las unidades, y Klieman fue agresivo con las adiciones de portal tanto en la línea ofensiva como en la secundaria, suficiente para que los Wildcats tengan niveles de producción de retorno de los 15.
Adiciones clave : WR Jordan Dwyer , WR Joseph Manjack IV , DT Ansel Din-Mbuh
Salidas clave : WR Jack Bech , WR Savion Williams , Ol James Brockermeyer
Reclutas entrantes : De Chad Woodfork , De Jared Martin , WR Terry Shelton
El mayor movimiento de coaching : los coordinadores Andy Avalos (Defensa) y Kendal Briles (ofensiva) están de regreso, pero el entrenador Sonny Dykes agregó nuevas caras en ambos lados del Ball Ball Ball Bread, Corey Coleman, que trabajará con los fríos con los frgueses de los Safets y se produjo. , y Dykes creció tanto el grupo en el campo como el personal del personal con hombres que tienen raíces Big 12/Texas.
Lo que salió mal : después de un inicio de 3-3 baches, las ranas cuernos disfrutaron de un final fuerte con seis victorias en sus últimos siete juegos, logrando un buen rebote de 5-7 en 2023. El escuadrón de Dykes debe reemplazar 11 titulares desde una clase senior sólida y pesada que produjo dos top -00 de los mejores. Miami y Hejny, el QB de respaldo, pasando al estado de Oklahoma.
Lo que salió bien : varias escuelas preguntaron sobre la disponibilidad de TCU inicial de QB Josh Hoover , cuyos 3,949 yardas aéreas la temporada pasada ocupan el segundo lugar entre todos los QB de FBS que regresan, Garrett NussmeMe de LSU . La temporada pasada en FCS Idaho.
La toma de Connelly : las ranas terminaron el año como una de las mejores 12 y se aferró a Hoover y ambos coordinadores no fueron demasiado agresivos en el portal, y veremos si Hoover obtiene lo que necesita del cuerpo de habilidades.
Adiciones clave : QB Devon Dampier , RB Wayshawn Parker , WR Ryan Davis
Salidas clave : DTJunior Tafuna , LB Karene Reid , CB Zemaiah Vaughn
Los principales reclutas entrantes : ILB Christian Thatcher , Olb Cyrus Polu , QB Wyatt Becker
Biggest coaching move : Utah coach Kyle Whittingham might be entering his final season, but he'll have a new offensive coordinator in Jason Beck, hired to boost a unit that finished 102nd nationally in scoring last fall. Beck played quarterback at BYU and has coaching experience in the state, both at BYU and Weber State. He held coordinator roles at Syracuse and New Mexico, and he brought Lobos quarterback Devon Dampier with him to the Utes.
Lo que salió mal : el líder de la pretemporada Big 12 soportó un brutal 5-7 durante su primer año en su nueva conferencia: una temporada destrozada por lesiones, inconsistencia y una racha de siete juegos (16 seniors, 11 transferencias. Esta temporada baja, creando mucho espacio para que los recién llegados ayuden a rehacer esta lista.
Lo que fue correcto : Dampier fue uno de los jugadores más emocionantes en el grupo de 5 y un artista de primer equipo All-Mountain West la temporada pasada, liderando la conferencia con 3,934 yardas totales de ofensiva, incluidos 1,166 yardas y 19 touchdowns en el juego de 5 pies de 5 pies, los jóvenes de 5 pies y el jugador de los primeros años de la línea de los primeros. NFL Draft.
La toma de Connelly : la profundidad puede ser una preocupación en la defensa, pero esta temporada baja se trataba de restablecer una ofensiva que se derrumbó debido a las lesiones de mariscal de campo y una falta de ideas y maldita
8. Cincinnati BearcatsAdiciones clave : OL Joe Cotton , WR Cyrus Allen , CB Matthew McDoom
Salidas clave : OlJohn Williams , Ol Luke Kandra , RB Corey Kiner
Los principales reclutas entrantes : RB Zion Johnson , WR Giyahni Kontosis , QB Zebulin Kinsey
El mayor movimiento de entrenamiento : el entrenador Scott Satterfield hizo ajustes al personal defensivo al contratar a Adam Braithwaite, quien tiene experiencia en el coordinador de FCS, para entrenar seguros, y el analista senior de LSU Eddie Hicks como el entrenador de los esquineros de los esquineros después de la temporada de los esquineros.
Lo que salió mal : Cincinnati soportó una dura diapositiva de finales de temporada en 2024, perdiendo la elegibilidad del tazón al perder cinco seguidos después de un inicio de 5-2.
Lo que fue correcto : los Bearcats se encargaron de los negocios en diciembre y obtuvieron a sus jugadores que regresan los mejores firmados, incluido el QB Brendan Sorsby , el tackle defensivo Donkay Corleone y el ala cerrada Joe Royer . Bueno.
La toma de Connelly : los Bearcats disfrutan de sólidos niveles de producción que regresan, y Satterfield hizo algunas adiciones necesarias en defensa (especialmente en la secundaria).
Adiciones clave : DT Keanu Tanuvasa , Te Carsen Ryan , DT Justin Kirkland
Salidas clave : De Tyler Batty , OlCaleb Etienne , CB Jakob Robinson
Reclutas entrantes : OT Austin Pay , WR Lamason Waller , OT Siosiua Vete
El movimiento de entrenamiento más grande : después de una temporada de 11 victorias, BYU retuvo a los principales coordinadores Jay Hill (defensa) y a Aaron Roderick (ofensiva) y tuvo cambios mínimos en el personal de Kalani Satake, cuyo nombre surgió para la vacante de coaching de Utah State, promovió a Jernaro Gilford, el entrenador del equipo y el Carretera de la Carrera.
Lo que salió mal : los Cougars aparecieron un juego para un campeonato Big 12 en su segundo año en la liga, rodando a un inicio de 9-0 antes de las pérdidas consecutivas: por un margen combinado de nueve puntos, ponlos en el lado equivocado de un desempate de cuatro equipos, ahora deben encontrar una manera de reemplazar 12 de los 18 jugadores de los 18 jugadores. El único artista del All-Big 12 de Cougars que ingresa a 2025 es Kicker Will Ferrin .
Lo que salió bien : los Cougars tienen un QB inicial confiable en Jake Retzlaff , quien puso más de 3,300 yardas totales y 26 touchdowns en 2024 , y trae de vuelta seis titulares más ofensivos de su ruta de Alamo Bowl de Colorado. 50 recluta.
La toma de Connelly : devolver a su mariscal de campo y ambos coordinadores después de un buen año nunca es algo malo, pero los Cougars están reemplazando a una serie de entrantes y no trajeron gran parte de un transporte de portal.
Adiciones clave : DT Jehiem Oatis , WR Joseph Williams , QB Kaidon Salter
Salidas clave : WR/CBTravis Hunter , QB Shedeur Sanders , DL BJ Green II
Los principales reclutas entrantes : QB Julian Lewis , de London Merritt , OT CARDE SMITH
El mayor movimiento de entrenamiento : el entrenador Prime no solo retuvo el coordinador defensivo Robert Livingston, quien recibió un interés de la NFL y consiguió un nuevo contrato mejorado con Colorado, sino que también agregó otro miembro del Salón de la Fama de Fútbol Profesional al personal de Marshall Faulk.
What went wrong : Critics expected Coach Prime to move on after Year 2, but he's fully committed to leading the Buffaloes into the future and earned a five-year, $54 million extension after a breakthrough 2024 season. This was always going to be a challenging offseason with two superstars and a bunch of seniors going pro. The Buffs did lose eight players -- who earned starts last season -- to the portal, and Sanders had to make new hires to replace four assistant coaches. But the program is rolling right along with two exciting options at QB and another big portal class.
What went right : Lewis, the No. 12 overall recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300, flipping from USC to Colorado last November was a massive moment for this program that kicked off another busy offseason of roster additions. The Buffaloes inked four ESPN 300 recruits, secured a proven 29-game starting QB in Salter and landed one of the most talented defensive linemen in the portal in Oatis. They've also done a nice job of addressing their needs at wide receiver and along the offensive line. While Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are irreplaceable talents, Colorado has added plenty of help this offseason to keep this program in Big 12 title contention.
Connelly's take : Between Salter and Lewis, maybe no one in the conference has higher upside at QB than Colorado. But the Buffaloes lost about 17 starters -- including nine from a good offense -- and Sanders chose not to load up quite as much in the portal. That makes this feel like a transition year of sorts.
11. Houston CougarsKey additions : QB Conner Weigman , TE Tanner Koziol , LB Carmycah Glass
Key departures : CB Jeremiah Wilson , S AJ Haulcy , QB Donovan Smith
Top incoming recruits : QB Austin Carlisle , TE Wyatt Herbel , DL Travis Buhake
Biggest coaching move : After a rough first season at Houston, coach Willie Fritz will have two new coordinators. Austin Armstrong takes over the defense after two seasons at Florida, where he was the SEC's youngest coordinator (31) when he took over in 2023. Slade Nagle, who worked under Fritz as a Tulane assistant from 2016 to 2023, will lead the offense, a role he held for Tulane in 2023.
What went wrong : Fritz's debut season with the Cougars featured some encouraging moments, including upset wins over TCU and Kansas State, but an offense that averaged a Big-12-worst 12.9 points per game in league play made it tough to compete. The Cougars lost defensive coordinator Shiel Wood to Texas Tech, lost receivers Joseph Manjack IV (TCU) and Jonah Wilson (Texas A&M) to the portal after the season and lost three talented DBs in Wilson (Florida State), Haulcy (LSU) and Keionte Scott (Miami) after the spring. They're counting on another big injection of transfer talent to help expedite this rebuilding process.
What went right : The addition of Weigman, ESPN's No. 1 quarterback recruit in 2022, was a huge first step in the Cougars' efforts to revamp their offense for Year 2. Transfer receiver Harvey Broussard (Louisiana) and the tight end duo of Tanner Koziol (Wisconsin) and Luke McGary (Tulsa) should boost their passing attack, and the offensive line got lots of veteran help. This staff found quality pickups at linebacker and in the secondary during the spring transfer window, bringing the portal class up to 28 signees. It's not an exceedingly splashy group, but they found good players to help power this turnaround.
Connelly's take : Fritz overhauled the offense in a very necessary way, and the passing game looks a lot sturdier now. That's good. The defensive overhaul, however, was less voluntary, and the Coogs will need a number of newcomers to hit immediately.
12. Oklahoma State CowboysKey additions : DE Kyran Duhon , OL Markell Samuel , CB Jaylin Davies
Key departures : WR Brennan Presley , RB Ollie Gordon II , LB Nick Martin
Top incoming recruits : DE Michael Riles , OT Jaylan Beckley , OLB Carl'veon Young
Biggest coaching move : The worst season in coach Mike Gundy's long tenure brought expected major changes. Oklahoma State fired longtime offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and brought back a familiar name in Doug Meacham, a former Cowboys lineman with Big 12 coordinator experience. Gundy made an even more notable hire on defense in Todd Grantham, the former defensive coordinator at Georgia, Florida and other college and NFL spots.
What went wrong : It's been a fascinating offseason full of change in Stillwater. Gundy agreed to return in 2025 on a restructured deal with a $1 million pay cut after a brutal 3-9 season with a squad that was expected to contend for a Big 12 title. He replaced all 10 of his full-time assistant coaches. His university president stepped down in February. He and his new coaches fully leaned into portal recruiting to remake their roster with 26 scholarship players transferring out this offseason. After all the turbulence and turnover that followed the worst season of the Gundy era, the Cowboys will look totally different entering his 21st season.
What went right : This brand-new coaching staff has a ton of work and a ton of teaching to do with 38 new transfers coming in. But if they can pull this off, Oklahoma State could be one of the most improved teams in the Big 12 this fall. The combo of Zane Flores and TCU transfer Hauss Hejny at QB is young but promising, and the Pokes managed to land veteran starting offensive linemen in the portal. Grantham is working with a ton of new talent on defense, especially up front. Gundy's willingness to get better faster might have been out of necessity, but this looks like a really solid portal class that could help flip the Pokes' fortunes.
Connelly's take : It's hard to predict great success just because the Pokes will have new veteran coordinators and most of a new roster, but that transfusion was necessary after 2024's collapse. The receiving corps additions are particularly intriguing. We'll see if it's enough for a turnaround.
Key additions : DL Jimmori Robinson , WR Cam Vaughn , CB Michael Coats Jr .
Key departures : OL Wyatt Milum , OL Tomas Rimac , QB Garrett Greene
Top incoming recruits : CB Dawayne Galloway , DT Taylor Brown , DE Brandon Caesar
Biggest coaching move : Rich Rodriguez is back at his alma mater, 17 years after his infamous departure to Michigan. His staff is filled with notable names, including assistant quarterbacks coach Pat White, the former WVU star, and Jeff Casteel, the Mountaineers' former defensive coordinator. Rodriguez also brought in defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who held the same role under Rodriguez at Jacksonville State before spending last fall at Oklahoma.
What went wrong : Rodriguez is working on one of the more dramatic roster flips in the Power 4 during his first offseason back at West Virginia. The Mountaineers have had 47 scholarship players hit the portal during this transition. A bunch of proven starters moved on after the firing of former coach Neal Brown, including Rimac (Virginia Tech), running back CJ Donaldson Jr . (Ohio State), receiver Hudson Clement (Illinois) and linebacker Josiah Trotter (Missouri). Rodriguez and his coaches have loaded up with more than 40 newcomers via the portal to replace them, but this is going to be quite a reset for the roster with a ton of new faces filling the two-deep.
What went right : In this era of college football, it's better to execute a roster makeover of this magnitude before Year 1 rather than after. The new staff has won battles for some coveted players in the portal including Robinson, who earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year last season at UTSA, and brought quality starters such as Vaughn and DB Fred Perry with them from Jacksonville State. They also managed to keep several key players like QB Nicco Marchiol and running back Jahiem White out of the portal. But these Mountaineers are going to look practically brand-new in 2025. If a lot of these waiver wire pickups work out and they can develop good depth, West Virginia could catch up quickly to their Big 12 peers.
Connelly's take : Rodriguez was not shy in both bringing players from and seemingly sending players to the portal. WVU could have as many as 19 or 20 new starters in 2025, though between Alley and a few Jacksonville State transfers, he'll recognize at least some of the faces around him.
14. Kansas JayhawksKey additions : WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr ., LB Bangally Kamara , LB Trey Lathan
Key departures : RB Devin Neal , CB Cobee Bryant , CB Mello Dotson
Top incoming recruits : QB David McComb , WR Jaden Nickens , OLB Malachi Curvey
Biggest coaching move : The Jayhawks will have their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, but Jim Zebrowski is a familiar name after coaching Jalon Daniels and the KU quarterbacks for the past three seasons. Coach Lance Leipold also brought in Matt Lubick, a veteran coordinator who spent 2022 and 2023 as a senior analyst at Kansas, to serve as co-offensive coordinator.
What went wrong : The Jayhawks flashed their potential in November with a three-game win streak over top-25 opponents and a strong finish to a tough 5-7 season. The fact that the Jayhawks lost only nine scholarship players to the portal, even with Leipold making key changes to his coaching staff, shows there's still a high level of buy-in to build on. Zebrowski and newly promoted defensive coordinator DK McDonald will put their own spin on things, but this offseason is all about getting back to playing with consistency after the ups and downs of 2025.
What went right : Kansas had to replace one of the most impactful senior classes in program history, but Daniels agreed to return for one final season. The sixth-year senior QB will lead a team that features 24 new additions via the portal. The staff did a nice job of restocking at wide receiver with Henderson, Cam Pickett (Ball State), Levi Wentz (Albany) and Bryson Canty (Columbia) and succeeded in landing veteran starters at linebacker. This staff has always been able to find gems while scouting the portal and should have enough competitive depth to get back to playing to the standard Leipold has set. Another key to bouncing back: The Jayhawks will be back on their home turf this season when the first phase of renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium are completed.
Connelly's take : KU wasn't as bad as its record last season, but now Leipold must engineer a bounce back with two new coordinators and about 16 new starters. He wasn't shy about using the portal to fill holes and could find the answers he needs, but in a conference loaded with continuity, the Jayhawks have less than most.
15. Arizona WildcatsKey additions : WR Kris Hutson , CB Michael Dansby , RB Ismail Mahdi
Key departures : WR Tetairoa McMillan , OL Jonah Savaiinaea , CB Tacario Davis
Top incoming recruits : WR Isaiah Mizell , RB Cornelius Warren , CB Swayde Griffin
Biggest coaching move : Arizona's win total dropped from 10 to four under first-year coach Brent Brennan, who not surprisingly overhauled his staff. Brennan promoted Danny Gonzales, the former New Mexico coach who served as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in 2024, to oversee the defense. He brought in Seth Doege, who helped Marshall to a Sun Belt title last fall, as offensive coordinator. Craig Naivar comes over from Coastal Carolina to coordinate special teams.
What went wrong : Heavy attrition was to be expected after a disappointing 4-8 debut season, and the Wildcats have seen 37 scholarship players exit via the portal this offseason. Davis, LB Jacob Manu and DL Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei joined their former coaches at Washington. Gunner Maldonado (Kansas State) and Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia) were also tough losses for the secondary. Offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr ., a 26-game starter, is now at Tennessee, and the offensive line is a big question mark entering 2025 with lots of newcomers needing to step up. It's telling, though, that only eight of Arizona's 37 transfers have landed on other Power 4 rosters.
What went right : There's reason for optimism about Arizona's offensive direction under Doege after last year's suboptimal setup. Brennan was able to keep Fifita on board and worked hard to get the roster flipped with more than 25 transfers. No one receiver is going to match McMillan's production, but they appear to have done a nice job adding to that room. They trust their ability to evaluate with a significant number of newcomers coming from the FCS ranks. The Wildcats were in a tough no-man's-land after winning 10 games in 2023, with win-now expectations for a new staff coaching in a new conference, and the results were brutal. This offseason brought a much-needed reset.
Connelly's take : The staff overhaul was warranted, and while Brennan leaned heavily on the FCS ranks to solidify the defensive front six, he could field almost an entirely new lineup of players who were starters elsewhere if he wanted to. Experience levels will be solid.
16. UCF KnightsKey additions : QB Tayven Jackson , DL Sincere Edwards , OL Carter Miller
Key departures : RB RJ Harvey , WR Kobe Hudson , DT Lee Hunter
Top incoming recruits : RB Taevion Swint , DT RyShawn Perry , CB Rukeem Stroud
Biggest coaching move : Scott Frost is back at the program he elevated to national prominence with a 13-0 season in 2017. Frost, out of college football since being fired by Nebraska early in the 2022 season, oversees a coaching staff with notable names such as defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, offensive line coach Shawn Clark and quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton, the former UCF star.
What went wrong : The transition that Gus Malzahn set off by leaving for the Florida State OC job had quite a cost in terms of roster attrition. The Knights have had 34 scholarship players depart this offseason, including 11 who started games last season. They were hit especially hard along the offensive line with Adrian Medley (Florida State), Marcellus Marshall (Minnesota), Caden Kitler (Arkansas) and Waltclaire Flynn (Georgia) moving on. Hunter, an All-Big 12 selection, became one of the most coveted players in the portal and landed at Texas Tech. Tight end Randy Pittman Jr . also followed Malzahn to the Seminoles. Add in a large senior class moving on and you get a major roster rebuild for Frost and his new staff.
What went right : The Knights have attacked their needs well in the portal windows and have loaded up with 34 transfer signees. Frost is working with a rebuilt QB room featuring Jackson, who started six games at Indiana, competing with Jacurri Brown , Cam Fancher (FAU) and Davi Belfort (Virginia Tech). Running back Jaden Nixon , a first-team All-MAC pick at Western Michigan last season, will try to help replace Harvey's production. There are lots of new faces at receiver and on the offensive line, and Grinch is working with 16 new transfers on defense.
Connelly's take : Last time Frost took over in Orlando, he was inheriting pieces from an 0-12 team. So it has been worse! But UCF has the lowest returning production levels in the conference, and Frost will start out with an offense that boasts almost literally no proven pieces. This renovation might take a little while.
Key additions : WR Trebor Pena , WR Devonte Ross , LB Amare Campbell
Key departures : DE Abdul Carter , TE Tyler Warren , WR Harrison Wallace III
Top incoming recruits : TE Andrew Olesh , CB Daryus Dixson , WR Lyrick Samuel
Biggest coaching move : Penn State fans can take issue with certain things about James Franklin but not his ability to hire coordinators. After bringing in Manny Diaz, Andy Kotelnicki and Tom Allen in the past two offseasons, Franklin made a major splash with Jim Knowles, who moved over from national champion Ohio State to replace Allen as defensive coordinator. Knowles, a Philadelphia native, is one of the nation's most respected playcallers.
What went wrong : Allen's departure after only one year forced Penn State into another change, although the team couldn't have found a better replacement than Knowles. The Lions had two players selected in the top 15 of the NFL draft in Carter and Warren. The team didn't really add to either position other than Texas A&M transfer Enai White , a projected reserve. Penn State also lost Wallace, its top wide receiver in 2024, to Ole Miss, as well as big-play threat Omari Evans to Washington. The Lions also saw several rotational defenders transfer out, including cornerback Cam Miller , who had 27 tackles, an interception and five pass breakups last season.
What went right : After a heartbreaking loss in the CFP semifinal, Penn State kept much of its core together. The offensive backfield will once again feature quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen . Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is back, as well as linebackers Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca , safety Zakee Wheatley , cornerback AJ Harris and others. Penn State didn't add many transfers but addressed by far its biggest need at wide receiver with Pena, a 2024 second-team All-ACC selection at Syracuse who had 84 catches for 941 yards and 9 touchdowns, as well as Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC). The team also made a key late addition in Campbell, who gives Knowles a proven pass-rushing threat.
Connelly's take : Typically having to hire your fourth defensive coordinator in five years isn't great, especially when you also lose three starters from a dynamite front seven. But pilfering your rival's awesome defensive coordinator and keeping all of your offensive stars (while using the portal for receiver upgrades) is a good way to nail the offseason.
Heather Dinich breaks down why defensive coordinator Jim Knowles opted to leave Ohio State for Penn State.
Key additions : OT Isaiah World , S Dillon Thieneman , RB Makhi Hughes
Key departures : OT Josh Conerly Jr ., DT Derrick Harmon , WR Tez Johnson
Top incoming recruits : WR Dakorien Moore , CB Na'eem Offord , OT Douglas Utu
Biggest coaching move : Dan Lanning kept the core of a staff that helped Oregon to a Big Ten title and the No. 1 seed in the first 12-team CFP. The only significant change came at wide receivers coach, as Lanning hired Syracuse's Ross Douglas to replace Junior Adams, who left for the NFL. Douglas also has coaching experience with the New England Patriots.
What went wrong : Not much. Lanning avoided major staff losses and most of Oregon's outgoing transfers projected as rotational players. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele , who signed with Oregon in early December before flipping to Cal in January, could end up hurting the Ducks' future quarterback plans beyond Dante Moore , the team's projected starter this fall. Oregon lost several defensive reserves such as edge Emar'rion Winston and safety Tyler Turner , who both landed at Baylor. The team added the oft-traveled Bear Alexander to bolster the defensive line but didn't add any other impact linemen for a group that lost Harmon, a first-round draft pick, as well as third-round picks Jordan Burch and Jamaree Caldwell .
What went right : Lanning retained his top assistants and best non-NFL-bound players, and he made several key additions in the portal, especially for the secondary. The key returnees include wide receiver Evan Stewart , defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher . Oregon also landed several of the best portal players at their respective positions, including World, Hughes and Thieneman. The Ducks further addressed their offensive line departures with Alex Harkey (Texas State) and Emmanuel Pregnon (USC). They landed two All-Big Ten defensive backs in Thieneman and cornerback Theran Johnson from Northwestern. Although Alexander is a wild card, if Oregon's coaches can maximize his ability, they'll have something.
Connelly's take : Lanning's program remains in good shape overall and landed at least a couple of dynamite pieces in the portal. But the Ducks just had so much to replace overall, and there's almost nowhere to go from 13-1 but down.
Key additions : WR Hudson Clement , DT James Thompson Jr ., WR Justin Bowick
Key departures : WR Pat Bryant , WR Zakhari Franklin , RB Josh McCray
Top incoming recruits : DE Erik Gayle , TE Logan Farrell , WR Brayden Trimble
Biggest coaching move : Bret Bielema retained all of his primary assistants following a 10-win season, and made some interesting additions to support staff. Among them: former Ball State coach Mike Neu, hired as a senior offensive assistant, and James White, a former star running back for Bielema and Wisconsin who played eight NFL seasons and will assist Thad Ward with the Illini running backs.
What went wrong : Almost nothing until the spring transfer portal, when Josh McCray, Illinois' leading rusher in 2024, entered and transferred to Georgia. McCray had 609 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he earned Cheez-It Citrus Bowl MVP honors in his final game with the Illini. Although Illinois returns Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin , who showed some production last fall, McCray would have been a nice player to feature. Wide receiver is the only position where Illinois loses significant production with both Bryant and Franklin departing. While Clement and Bowick are solid additions, neither has had the production of the two wideouts they're replacing.
What went right : Bielema kept almost every key contributor -- player and coach -- from Illinois' best season since the Rose Bowl team in 2007. Draftable players such as linebacker Gabe Jacas , safety Xavier Scott , offensive tackle JC Davis and quarterback Luke Altmyer all return from a 10-win team. Altmyer is especially significant, as Tennessee made a push to add him following Nico Iamaleava's departure. The Illini will have their best offensive line in Bielema's tenure with all five starters back. Although Illinois didn't have to add a ton of transfers, it addressed wide receiver and brought in Wisconsin defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. and several other Badgers expected to contribute.
Connelly's take : Last year's 5-1 record in one-score finishes is going to be hard to match, but the Illini rank in the top five in returning production and held onto both coordinators after last year's delightful run. Almost no one enjoys better continuity in 2025.
Key additions : QB Fernando Mendoza , C Pat Coogan , DT Hosea Wheeler
Key departures : DT CJ West , QBKurtis Rourke , LBJailin Walker
Top incoming recruits : S Byron Baldwin , WR LeBron Bond , DE Triston Abram
Biggest coaching move : Indiana's increased resources in football showed as Curt Cignetti retained primary coordinators Bryant Haines (defense) and Mike Shanahan (offense). He lost only one assistant, co-OC and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri, and hired an interesting replacement in Chandler Whitmer. Whitner is a former college quarterback with some coaching experience with two NFL teams as well as Clemson and Ohio State.
What went wrong : Not much as the Hoosiers lost only one major assistant, Sunseri, who left for the primary coordinator role at UCLA, and IU generally worked the transfer portal to their favor. Indiana lost starting cornerback Jamier Johnson and several rotational players on the offensive and defensive lines. After a 2024 season where Indiana generally avoided major injuries outside of a ruptured Achilles sustained by offensive lineman Drew Evans , the team's overall depth could be tested more this fall.
What went right : Indiana brought back All-Big Ten players on both sides of the ball in defensive end Mikail Kamara , linebacker Aiden Fisher , cornerback D'Angelo Ponds and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt . The Hoosiers addressed Rourke's NFL departure by adding Mendoza, one of the top quarterbacks in the portal, and brought in accomplished running backs Roman Hemby (Maryland) and Lee Beebe Jr . (UAB). Indiana knew it would need replacements on both lines and added Coogan (Notre Dame), Wheeler (Western Kentucky), offensive tackle Zen Michalski (Ohio State), guard Kahlil Benson (Colorado) and defensive lineman Stephen Daley (Kent State).
Connelly's take : After last year's amazing breakthrough, Indiana probably would have loved a bit more continuity, but winning big with a huge load of transfers likely means you'll have to take on another huge load of transfers the next year. At least the coordinators stayed.
Key additions : TE Max Klare , DE Beau Atkinson , OT Ethan Onianwa
Key departures : WR Emeka Egbuka , DT Tyleik Williams , OL Donovan Jackson
Top incoming recruits : QB Tavien St. Clair , CB Devin Sanchez , OLB Riley Pettijohn
Biggest coaching move : The Buckeyes lost both coordinators from the national title team, but there's more intrigue on defense as Matt Patricia, the former Detroit Lions coach who hasn't coached in college since serving as a Syracuse graduate assistant in 2003, replaces Jim Knowles. Coach Ryan Day moved Brian Hartline back into the primary offensive coordinator, and the splashiest move on that side was hiring offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, the former OC at Virginia Tech.
What went wrong : Staff turnover after a national championship is somewhat expected, but Knowles' departure to another Big Ten contender in Penn State is at least a small blow. He dramatically elevated Ohio State's defense during his tenure, and his departure coincides with eight players being selected in the NFL draft, including the entire starting defensive line. Although Patricia is a big name, his success hasn't come at the college level. Ohio State also lost some rotational players on defense, offensive line and quarterback to the portal. Day will enter the fall with his least experienced quarterbacks room since arriving at Ohio State.
What went right : Ohio State knew it would lose a large and decorated group to the NFL, but it retained its top returning players -- wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate , safety Caleb Downs and cornerback Davison Igbinosun . The Buckeyes aren't a volume transfer portal team but made several impact additions, including Klare, a very coveted tight end from Purdue, as well as Atkinson, who had 7.5 sacks for North Carolina last year and will help replace ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer . Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels will help protect Ohio State's next quarterback, and West Virginia running back transfer CJ Donaldson Jr . will help offset the draft losses of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins .
Connelly's take : The Buckeyes might start the year as a justifiable preseason No. 1, but that doesn't mean they've made major offseason upgrades. Ryan Day will start his title defense with infinitely fewer proven coordinators, a new quarterback and a new defensive line.
Key additions : WR Dane Key , T Elijah Pritchett , G Rocco Spindler
Key departures : DT Ty Robinson , DT Nash Hutmacher , RB Dante Dowdell
Top incoming recruits : OLB Christian Jones , OLB Dawson Merritt , WR Cortez Mills
Biggest coaching move : Matt Rhule took a layered approach to replace defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State. He promoted John Butler , who coached the Huskers secondary in 2024 and has coordinator experience at Penn State and time in the NFL, to White's role. Rhule also brought back Phil Snow, a defensive coordinator under Rhule with Temple, Baylor and the Carolina Panthers, as associate head coach. He hired Daikiel Shorts Jr. to oversee wide receivers, which helped land Key from Kentucky.
What went wrong : White's departure hurts as Nebraska had a top-20 defense, and he left for a much shakier situation at Florida State. Although Butler and Snow both have great familiarity with Rhule, the unit goes through another transition. Nebraska's defensive line turns over quite a bit without Robinson, a fourth-round NFL draft pick, and Hutmacher plus the transfer of pass rushers Jimari Butler (LSU) and James Williams (Florida State). The Huskers lost Dowdell, their leading rusher, to Kentucky and somewhat surprisingly didn't add any transfers to help fill the production void. Homegrown quarterback prospect Daniel Kaelin transferred to Virginia, an unsurprising move, but one that hurts Nebraska's depth.
What went right : Nebraska had to retain quarterback Dylan Raiola and did, as the former five-star recruit will enter his second season as the starter and have consistency with playcaller Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers also kept a top defensive playmaker in Malcolm Hartzog Jr ., who led the team with four interceptions last season. Raiola needed more receiving targets with several graduation losses, and Nebraska brought in productive transfers Key (Kentucky) and Nyziah Hunter (Cal), who combined for 87 receptions and 1,263 yards last season. Spindler started for national runner-up Notre Dame in 2024, and will add to the offensive line alongside Pritchett, a starter at Alabama.
Connelly's take : Rhule made Holgorsen a full-timer, held onto Raiola and used the portal to add both a pair of former blue-chip linemen and maybe Kentucky's most exciting player. Obviously, losing White hurts, but it definitely feels like the Huskers gained more than they lost here.
Key additions : RB Eli Sanders , CB DJ Harvey , S Bishop Fitzgerald
Key departures : CB Jaylin Smith , G Emmanuel Pregnon, WR Zachariah Branch
Top incoming recruits : DE Jahkeem Stewart , QB Husan Longstreet , OT Aaron Dunn
Biggest coaching move : USC's biggest staff splashes came on the support side with new general manager Chad Bowden and others joining Lincoln Riley. The biggest on-field move was Rob Ryan, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator, joining as linebackers coach and assistant head coach for defense. Riley also promoted Luke Huard to offensive coordinator as Josh Henson left for Purdue.
What went wrong : USC had only three players selected in the NFL draft, a number that figures to rise in the coming years. The team absorbed more damage with transfer portal exits, including Pregnon, a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2024, and receiver/returner Branch leaving for Georgia alongside his brother, Zion, a safety who had 19 tackles last fall. Starting right tackle Mason Murphy transferred to Auburn, and several likely reserve offensive linemen also hit the portal. USC's running backs room, already losing top rusher Woody Marks to the NFL, saw Quinten Joyner transfer to Texas Tech.
What went right : Riley wants to rely less on transfers and showed greater selectivity during the offseason while upgrading high school recruiting and keeping several significant players from the 2024 team. USC has stability on offense with quarterback Jayden Maiava , offensive linemen Elijah Paige and Alani Noa , and productive wide receiver tandem Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon . Key defensive holdovers included safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry . USC upgraded its depth at both defensive back (Harvey, Fitzgerald) and running back (Sanders, junior college star Waymond Jordan). The team also added defensive tackle transfer Keeshawn Silver , a former top 10 national recruit, from Kentucky.
Connelly's take : Nothing great, nothing terrible. Riley recruited well and held onto both Lynn and his starting quarterback, but the defensive turnover might be a bit too much to ensure another year of improvement.
Key additions : DT Tre Williams , RB Justice Haynes , DB TJ Metcalf
Key departures : DT Mason Graham , TE Colston Loveland , EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Top incoming recruits : QB Bryce Underwood , OT Ty Haywood , OLB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng
Biggest coaching move : Michigan needed changes on offense after tumbling to 113th nationally in scoring and 130th in passing last season. Coach Sherrone Moore brought in new coordinator Chip Lindsey, who has worked with quarterbacks like Drake Maye , Jarrett Stidham , Nick Mullens and others. Lindsey is the former head coach at Troy.
What went wrong : Michigan ended the 2024 season on a high, but it still went 8-5 with a roster that would produce three first-round draft picks and five in the top 90. The Wolverines knew they would lose a lot in the defensive front seven and made portal gains, but they still will enter the fall with questions. The team didn't make splashy additions for a passing game that lost Loveland, the team's receptions leader, and finished only above the service academies in production last fall. Wide receiver transfer Donaven McCulley left Indiana early last season after recording only two catches, and Anthony Simpson played in only two games last year at UMass because of injury. Also, Moore's self-imposed two-game suspension and the uncertainty around the NCAA investigation added to the offseason angst.
What went right : Moore settled on a new offensive vision with Lindsey, a proven playcaller and quarterback developer. Michigan addressed its defensive tackle losses with transfers Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne Jr . (Alabama), who drew good reviews this spring. Alabama running back transfer Justice Haynes should help offset the losses of Mullings and Donovan Edwards . The 2025 season likely will be about Underwood's development, but quarterback transfer Mikey Keene has 35 career starts with 8,245 passing yards with 65 touchdowns. Metcalf, a transfer from Arkansas, will help offset some of the losses in the secondary. Michigan also retained key defenders such as linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham .
Connelly's take : Michigan floated into the offseason by beating Ohio State and Alabama and stealing the No. 1 prospect in the country from LSU. The Wolverines have top-20 returning production levels and an "it almost literally can't get worse" situation at QB. It's hard to imagine a happier offseason.
Key additions : QB Nico Iamaleava , RB Jaivian Thomas , CB Andre Jordan Jr .
Key departures : LB Carson Schwesinger , DE Oluwafemi Oladejo , DT Jay Toia
Top incoming recruits : QB Madden Iamaleava , CB Jadyn Hudson , RB Karson Cox
Biggest coaching move : Coach DeShaun Foster retained only two assistants as he went through his first full offseason at the helm of the Bruins. His new hires include offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, who had great success at Indiana and James Madison, as well as veteran defensive line coach Jethro Franklin and secondary coach Demetrice Martin, who coached defensive backs at UCLA from 2014 to 2019 and has extensive experience on the West Coast.
What went wrong : Change can be good, but can there be too many moving parts? UCLA will find out this fall. The Bruins certainly will have a tough time replacing its NFL departures on defense, especially Schwesinger, a Butkus Award finalist, along with Oladejo, Toia and productive linebacker Kain Medrano . UCLA also lost notable players in the transfer portal, including running back TJ Harden , the team's leading rusher in 2024, who is off to SMU. Also gone are cornerback Jaylin Davies (Oklahoma State) and wide receivers Logan Loya (Minnesota) and J.Michael Sturdivant (Florida).
What went right : There are clear risks to taking on Nico Iamaleava and his brother Madden, a one-time UCLA commit, but the rewards are greater for a Bruins program seeking more relevancy under Foster. If Nico Iamaleava maximizes his talents in Sunseri's offense, UCLA will have one of the Big Ten's best quarterbacks this fall. The team benefited from Cal's turbulent offseason by adding Thomas (626 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) and wide receiver Mikey Matthews (32 receptions). UCLA reshaped its secondary with experienced players at both cornerback (Jordan, Jamier Johnson) and safety ( Ben Perry , Bryon Threats , Key Lawrence ). The Bruins also picked up several reserve defensive backs.
Connelly's take : That a bad offense got massively overhauled is probably a good thing. That a pretty good defense lost almost every starter is probably a bad thing. Ikaika Malloe has quite a bit of work to do.
Key additions : CB Tacario Davis , S Alex McLaughlin , OT Carver Willis
Key departures : LB Carson Bruener , CB Thaddeus Dixon , TE Keleki Latu
Top incoming recruits : OLB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale , ATH Dylan Robinson , WR Marcus Harris
Biggest coaching move : Jedd Fisch lost both of his coordinators after Year 1 at Washington, although he promoted Jimmie Dougherty, who coached quarterbacks under Fisch the past three seasons, to offensive coordinator. The bigger changes come on defense, where former Purdue coach Ryan Walters steps in. Walters has coordinator experience from Illinois, Missouri and Colorado, and he will oversee a staff that includes safeties coach Taylor Mays, a former three-time All-America safety at USC.
What went wrong : After a late start and so much change in 2024, Washington ideally didn't want to be replacing both coordinators again so soon. Fisch certainly doesn't want to endure two Year 1s. The defense lost Bruener, its best player, to the NFL and had several portal departures, including Dixon, who had a team-high 10 pass breakups last season. Both he and reserve safety Peyton Waters followed coordinator Steve Belichick to North Carolina. The passing game loses a lot with Latu and receiversGiles Jackson and Jeremiah Hunter all moving onto pro ball. Washington briefly addressed the group with Texas' Johntay Cook II before quickly dismissing him from the team.
What went right : Washington got ahead of its quarterback transition by starting Demond Williams Jr . late last season and then retaining him. He could be one of the nation's top young quarterbacks. Williams has support with running back Jonah Coleman , wide receiver Denzel Boston and others, including Penn State receiver transfer Omari Evans. Washington's bigger moves came on defense, including the Walters hire and the additions of Davis (Arizona) and McLaughlin (Northern Arizona) in the secondary, and linebackers Taariq Al-Uqdah (Washington State), Xe'ree Alexander (UCF) and Jacob Manu , a first-team All-Pac-12 selection under Fisch at Arizona in 2023.
Connelly's take : An offensive coordinator change doesn't hurt much after solid regression, and adding five FBS starters -- and a proven coordinator -- to a defense that was already pretty solid offsets the offensive uncertainty.
Key additions : DE Eric O'Neill , DE Bradley Weaver , WR DT Sheffield
Key departures : RBKyle Monangai , CB Robert Longerbeam , DE Wesley Bailey T
Top incoming recruits : WR Michael Thomas III , OLB DJ McClary , S Tariq Hayer
Biggest coaching move : After Joe Harasymiak left to become UMass head coach, Greg Schiano turned to a familiar name in Robb Smith, who had two previous stints as Scarlet Knights DC (2012, 2021-22). Smith will serve as co-coordinator alongside Zach Sparber, who had a successful run at James Madison. Several defensive position coaches were shuffled from previous roles.
What went wrong : Harasymiak's departure hurts a bit -- even though Rutgers has schematic continuity with Smith -- as a number of defensive players hit the portal in the winter and spring. Bailey was in line to be a significant contributor last season before an injury. He'll instead suit up for Louisville in 2024. Rutgers linebacker Mohamed Toure , a former team captain who battled knee injuries, entered the portal this spring. Linebacker Timmy Hinspeter , a likely rotational piece, followed Harasymiak to UMass. Offensive tackle Ja'Elyne Matthews , a decorated in-state recruit, transferred to Florida State, as part of a small group of linemen to depart the program this spring.
What went right : Rutgers compiled an excellent collection of portal defenders, and added weapons to help quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis . O'Neill and Weaver, who combined for 21.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss last season at James Madison and Ohio, respectively, form an excellent pass-rushing tandem. Schiano added to the secondary with cornerbacks Jacobie Henderson (Marshall) and Cam Miller (Penn State). Rutgers had fewer transfers on offense but boosted its passing game with Sheffield, who had 66 receptions and 11 touchdowns for North Texas last season. The team also addressed Monangai's departure with running back CJ Campbell Jr ., a 2024 third-team All-AAC selection at Florida Atlantic.
Connelly's take : The offense enjoys excellent continuity, and the defense enjoys very little. Schiano added a couple of shop-wreckers up front in O'Neill and Weaver, but when your defense loses about eight starters and its coordinator, that's still pretty tough.
12. Michigan State SpartansKey additions : OT Conner Moore , RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver , WR Omari Kelly
Key departures : G Luke Newman , CB Charles Brantley , LB Jordan Turner
Top incoming recruits : RB Jace Clarizio , DT Derrick Simmons , OG Drew Nichols
Biggest coaching move : Coach Jonathan Smith retained most of his staff despite a 5-7 season but brought in two new assistants in safeties coach James Adams and quarterbacks coach Jon Boyer. Smith has familiarity with Boyer, who worked on his Oregon State staff for five seasons in different support roles. Together, they look to help Aidan Chiles find his groove after a bumpy first season at MSU.
What went wrong : Michigan State lost a small group of key contributors following Smith's first season, including Brantley, who transferred to Miami after leading the Spartans in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (7). The Spartans also lost edge Anthony Jones (UCLA) and safety Dillon Tatum (Northwestern) to other Big Ten teams. The wide receiver room took some hits with Aziah Johnson (North Carolina) and Jaron Glover (Mississippi State) moving on, although Michigan State addressed the spot with transfer additions. Although Michigan State addressed most of its needs through the portal, it didn't make the splashiest additions, leaning on the Group of 5 and FCS ranks.
What went right : The Spartans avoided major roster turnover despite the team's third consecutive losing season. They brought back their quarterback in Chiles, their top young playmaker in wide receiver Nick Marsh and key defenders such as safety Nikai Martinez and linebacker Darius Snow . The Spartans also added several potential impact transfers, such as Moore, an FCS All-America selection at Montana State, Tau-Tolliver from Sacramento State and Burt from Eastern Illinois. Wide receivers Kelly (Middle Tennessee) and Chrishon McCray (Kent State) should complement Marsh, and several of Michigan State's offensive and defensive line transfers arrive with experience.
Connelly's take : Smith plumbed smaller schools for stars, and the Spartans should be infinitely more experienced in 2025. You would love a few more proven pieces, but sometimes you nail the offseason by simply not screwing up the offseason.
Key additions : QB Mark Gronowski , WR Sam Phillips , DT Jonah Pace
Key departures : RBKaleb Johnson , LB Jay Higgins , G Connor Colby
Top incoming recruits : DE Iose Epenesa , TE Thomas Meyer , OG Lucas Allgeyer
Biggest coaching move : Continuity is king in Iowa City, where coach Kirk Ferentz returns for his 27th year at the helm. He has only one new primary assistant this fall in running backs coach Omar Young, who has recent NFL experience with New England and Chicago, and last coached in college at Eastern Illinois in 2021. He replaces Ladell Betts, the former Iowa running back who left for the New York Giants.
What went wrong : Iowa didn't add transfers at running back or tight end after losing Johnson -- who rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, and finished third on the team in receptions -- and Luke Lachey , who was second in receptions. Phillips was productive at the FCS level and top receiver Jacob Gill returns, but will that be enough to boost a passing attack that has been the worst among non-service academies over the past four seasons? Quarterback Brendan Sullivan , who started three games last season, transferred before the end of spring practice, although his departure wasn't a huge surprise after Iowa added Gronowski and Auburn transfer Hank Brown .
What went right : After the Cade McNamara saga went horribly wrong, Iowa has genuine hope for a breakthrough on offense with Gronowski leading the unit. He helped South Dakota State to an FCS national championship in 2023 and has eclipsed 2,700 passing yards in each of the past three seasons. Although he missed spring practice after shoulder surgery, he's on track for full participation this summer. Iowa added a few pieces along the defensive line and kept the players it expects to take on bigger roles throughout the defense. Ferentz continues to have great continuity on his staff with defensive coordinator Phil Parker and others.
Connelly's take : Ferentz, the king of continuity, never has too noisy an offseason. But his Hawkeyes need new difference-makers at quarterback, linebacker and defensive back. That's at least a little bit scary, isn't it?
14. Northwestern WildcatsKey additions : QB Preston Stone , WR Griffin Wilde , LB Yanni Karlaftis
Key departures : CB Theran Johnson , G/T Josh Thompson , LB Xander Mueller
Top incoming recruits : RB Daniel Anderson , QB Marcus Romain , OT Michael O'Connell
Biggest coaching move : Northwestern retained offensive coordinator Zach Lujan despite a season where the Wildcats finished 128th nationally in scoring and 130th in yards. The only change comes at running backs coach, where Braun hired Aristotle Thompson, who coached Cal standouts Jadyn Ott and Jaivian Thomas the past few seasons.
What went wrong : The Wildcats have struggled to retain some productive defensive backs in the portal era and lost Johnson and Devin Turner , who combined for five interceptions and 13 pass breakups last fall, to Oregon and Baylor, respectively. Northwestern also has lost a few offensive linemen in recent years, with Thompson moving on to LSU after earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Although Wilde is a key addition to a depleted passing game, Northwestern added only one more transfer in Stanford's Chase Farrell , a promising but unproven player, rather than going pedal down into the portal for more guarantees.
What went right : Some on-campus policy adjustments allowed Northwestern to become a true winter portal player for the first time. The Wildcats landed the quarterback they desperately needed in Stone, who started for SMU's league title-winning team in 2023. They also addressed a depleted offensive line with several experienced transfers, including guards Evan Beerntsen (South Dakota State), Martes Lewis (Minnesota) and tackle Xavior Gray . Wilde, a standout receiver at South Dakota State, gives Stone a top option. Northwestern also helped its defense with transfers Karlaftis (Purdue), Fred Davis (Jacksonville State) and late addition Dillon Tatum (Michigan State). The team also retained talented linemen Anto Saka and Caleb Tiernan .
Connelly's take : After a year in which the defense went from great to decent and the offense went from bad to atrocious, you would have maybe expected a bit more turnover in the coaching staff. Braun made some decent portal additions, but his two most proven offensive players are a quarterback who got benched last year and an FCS receiver.
15. Minnesota Golden GophersKey additions : WR Javon Tracy , G Marcellus Marshall , CB Jaylen Bowden
Key departures : OT Aireontae Ersery , CBJustin Walley , OT Phillip Daniels
Top incoming recruits : OLB Emmanuel Karmo , QB Jackson Kollock , OT Daniel Shipp
Biggest coaching move : Coach PJ Fleck has prioritized continuity in his recent coordinator hires and selected Danny Collins, the team's safeties coach, to replace Corey Hetherman as defensive coordinator. Collins has spent the past 13 seasons working for Fleck, who reshaped much of the defensive staff and hired former Purdue and SMU defensive coordinator Kevin Kane to coach nickelbacks and outside linebackers.
What went wrong : Fleck has lost several key assistants in recent years and Hetherman's departure to Miami -- after coordinating a top 10 defense in 2024 -- could sting a bit. Minnesota knew Ersery was NFL-bound, but losing Daniels (who started some games last season) as well as key reserve Martes Lewis created even more turnover for an offensive line that will look quite a bit different in 2025. The Gophers lost top receiver Daniel Jackson , one of only three players with more than 28 receptions last season. Despite Minnesota success on defense, it didn't land too many impact transfers.
What went right : Minnesota retained many of its core pieces, including first-team All-Big Ten nickel Koi Perich -- who will have a role on offense as well this fall -- and running back Darius Taylor . The team also added depth at both receiver and running back in the portal, which should help new quarterback Drake Lindsey . Offensive line transfers such as Marshall, who has starting experience from both UCF and Kent State, as well as Kahlee Tafai and Dylan Ray give the offensive line a chance to reload. Bowden had a good spring for the secondary, which has become one of Minnesota's signature position groups for NFL-level talent.
Connelly's take : Losing Hetherman and both starting cornerbacks hurts. The offense could benefit from portal upgrades in the skill corps, but having a fourth starting quarterback in four years -- and a redshirt freshman at that -- isn't great.
Key additions : QB Billy Edwards Jr., OLB Mason Reiger , DL Charles Perkins
Key departures : SHunter Wohler , RB Tawee Walker , WR Will Pauling
Top incoming recruits : QB Carter Smith , ILB Mason Posa , OT Logan Powell
Biggest coaching move : The Air Raid didn't work in Madison, as many coaches predicted it wouldn't, and new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is viewed as a return to Wisconsin's roots. Grimes played and coached offensive line and will emphasize the power run in different ways. Coach Luke Fickell also shifted Kenny Guiton, the former Ohio State quarterback, from wide receivers coach to oversee the QBs.
What went wrong : Wisconsin made the necessary pivot on offense to Grimes and a more traditional scheme, but did the team bring in enough through the portal? Edwards could stabilize the quarterback situation, but the Badgers lost Walker, their leading rusher, to Cincinnati and Pauling, their top receiver, to Notre Dame. Wisconsin seemingly upgraded the tight end spot with Ball State's Tanner Koziol , but he transferred out in the spring and the team scrambled to add Missouri State's Lance Mason . The Badgers' limited portal approach on offense outside of wide receiver and quarterback could be costly. Wisconsin addressed its depth needs on defense, but not adding a transfer running back seemed odd.
What went right : The Badgers correctly reset their offensive approach and Edwards has the talent to thrive in the right situation. Wisconsin also needed new bodies on defense after a season where it generated only 17 sacks and four interceptions. The team not only brought back linebacker Christian Alliegro , defensive backs Preston Zachman and Ricardo Hallman , and others, but added transfers like Reiger, cornerback Geimere Latimer II , outside linebacker Corey Parker and defensive linemen Perkins and Parker Petersen . The staff's ability to develop defensive transfers mostly from Group of 5 or FCS programs could make a massive difference this fall.
Connelly's take : The offense is undergoing extremely necessary changes, and the defense is adding a couple of known FBS starters and a number of smaller-school stars. The Badgers have top-20 returning production levels but incorporated some welcome changes.
Key additions : CB Dontay Joyner , TE Dorian Fleming , OT Rahtrel Perry
Key departures : WR Tai Felton , LB Caleb Wheatland , RB Roman Hemby
Top incoming recruits : DE Zahir Mathis , OT Jaylen Gilchrist , QB Malik Washington
Biggest coaching move : After a 4-8 season, coach Mike Locksley made significant changes to the staff, including bringing in veterans Pep Hamilton (offensive coordinator) and Ted Monachino (defensive coordinator). Both have NFL coordinator experience and have notable college stops, including Michigan and Stanford (Hamilton), and North Carolina and Arizona State (Monachino).
What went wrong : Maryland had more NFL draft picks (6) than wins (4) and saw several key contributors enter the portal. Starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr . and Hemby, a three-year starter, both transferred within the Big Ten at Wisconsin and Indiana, respectively. Maryland lacks a proven quarterback on the roster. Others to depart included defensive tackle Lavon Johnson (Texas), and offensive linemen Terez Davis (Ole Miss) and Jayvin James (Mississippi State). After a tough 2024 season on the offensive line, Maryland's room turned over significantly. A late defensive coordinator change creates potential flux with that unit, which lost four NFL draft picks.
What went right : Maryland addressed several areas of need in the portal with players such as Joyner, who had two interceptions against Big Ten teams last season for Arkansas State, and Perry, an intriguing standout from the FCS who could help stabilize the Terrapins' offensive front. Cornerback Jamare Glasker , who started at Wake Forest last season, also should help. Fleming is a good replacement for tight end Preston Howard , and Locksley has a good track record with receivers such as Jalil Farooq , a solid contributor at Oklahoma in 2022 and 2023 before missing almost all of last season with a broken foot.
Connelly's take : Adding new coordinators after both the offense and defense regressed could turn out to be a good thing, but the spring run of transfers was awfully alarming.
Key additions : CB Tony Grimes , DE CJ Nunnally IV , OT Jalen St. John
Key departures : TE Max Klare, S Dillon Thieneman, DE Will Heldt
Top incoming recruits : RB Ziaire Stevens , CB Zyntreacs Otey , DE Landon Brooks
Biggest coaching move : Despite Purdue's history on offense, the school went with another defensive-minded coach in Barry Odom after a very rough two seasons with Ryan Walters. Odom, who went 19-8 at UNLV, should provide a clear vision for improvement and hired a staff that includes several of his UNLV assistants as well as veteran newcomers such as offensive coordinator Josh Henson and quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw.
What went wrong : Purdue lost a huge group of coveted players to the portal. Klare, Thieneman and Heldt were all among the top transfers at their respective positions and landed with CFP contenders Ohio State, Oregon and Clemson. The Boilers also lost cornerbacks Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Green , both to Arizona State, defensive lineman Jeffrey M'ba (SMU), offensive lineman Mahamane Moussa (Louisville), wide receivers Jaron Tibbs (Kansas State) and Jahmal Edrine (Virginia) and others. Although retaining all-conference-level players during a coaching change is difficult, Odom certainly could have benefited from more returning starters on defense and a veteran quarterback transfer.
What went right : Odom and his staff had to be extremely aggressive in the portal and added key players on both sides of the ball. Grimes and St. John followed the coaches from UNLV to Purdue, along with linebacker Mani Powell , tight end Christian Moore and several others. The defensive additions are especially intriguing, as Purdue brought in Nunnally, a first-team All-MAC selection at Akron last fall, as well as safety Crew Wakley (BYU), cornerback Chad Brown (Nevada) and others. The staff retained running back Devin Mockobee , which will help with an inexperienced quarterback, and an interesting group of offensive lineman that includes Canadian college star Giordano Vaccaro .
Connelly's take : The Boilermakers have the worst returning production and recruiting rankings in the conference and therefore rank last here. But that's only because there's no "nowhere to go but up" factor built into the formula. Odom hasn't added known studs, but Purdue will have almost no choice but to improve in 2025.
Key additions : WR Malachi Fields , CB DeVonta Smith , WR Will Pauling
Key departures : S Xavier Watts , QBRiley Leonard , DT Rylie Mills
Top incoming recruits : OLB Madden Faraimo , OT Will Black , TE James Flanigan
Biggest coaching move : Notre Dame will miss defensive coordinator Al Golden, who won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach, before returning to the NFL. Coach Marcus Freeman went with experience in hiring Chris Ash -- the former Rutgers head coach and defensive coordinator at Ohio State, Texas, Arkansas and Wisconsin -- to oversee a defense that had four players selected in the NFL draft.
What went wrong : Notre Dame knew it would be losing several defensive standouts to the NFL, which played out during draft weekend. The Irish aren't a volume transfer portal team and returned a large group of defenders with starting experience. But the team's defensive transfer additions might have been a tad underwhelming, outside of defensive backs DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech). Notre Dame knew it likely couldn't carry three quarterbacks past spring practice, but Steve Angeli's portal entry leaves the Irish without any real game experience at the position. Three offensive linemen with starting experience Pat Coogan , Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton -- all transferred out.
What went right : The Irish kept their most important players, likely prevented a significant dip and set up another push for the CFP and a national title. Although teams can never have enough capable offensive linemen and some of the transfer departures sting, Notre Dame retained younger, more talented players who could form one of the nation's best O-lines for multiple seasons. Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiyah Love returns, but so do Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams , as Notre Dame will have arguably the nation's top running backs room. The Irish also addressed their biggest offensive need at wide receiver with transfers Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin).
Connelly's take : Freeman didn't need a ton of portal additions -- we'll see if he brought in enough at receiver -- and will be banking on a young blue-chip player at quarterback. Replacing Golden with Ash feels pretty uninspiring, but lord knows Ash will inherit some experienced pieces.
Key additions : WR Nic Anderson , WR Barion Brown , DB Mansoor Delane
Key departures : OLWill Campbell , TE Mason Taylor , DE Bradyn Swinson
Top incoming recruits : OT Solomon Thomas , CB DJ Pickett , RB Harlem Berry
Biggest coaching move : LSU had the quietest coaching staff offseason since Brian Kelly arrived on the Bayou in 2022. All of the team's primary coordinators are back and the only notable changes were at defensive line coach, with former LSU All-America defensive tackle Kyle Williams taking over for Bo Davis, and former Florida State OC Alex Atkins coming in as tight ends coach and run game coordinator.
What went wrong : The last-minute loss of No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood to Michigan, after the quarterback's nearly year-long commitment, was a brutal setback late in a season that ended with LSU outside the Top 25 at 9-4. Starting QB Garrett Nussmeier bypassing the NFL draft and returning for another season did help soften that blow, and the Tigers ended up losing only two starters -- receiver CJ Daniels (Miami) and DB Sage Ryan (Ole Miss) -- among the 22 scholarship players who entered the portal after the season.
What went right : LSU set out to build an elite portal class in December and won a lot of tough battles for proven starters at critical positions. Nussmeier gets to work with two extremely talented wideouts in Anderson (Oklahoma) and Brown (Kentucky), new additions at tight end and two of the top offensive linemen in the portal in center Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and guard Josh Thompson (Northwestern). Second-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker is getting a ton of help with five transfer D-linemen and four new DBs, and nobody will be shocked if Pickett, their five-star freshman cornerback, is playing early and often.
Connelly's take : Kelly retained one of the most proven quarterbacks in the SEC and brought in the most celebrated transfer class in the league as well. One might have suggested bringing in another O-lineman or two, but it sure seems like the Tigers enjoyed the best offseason this side of Norman.
Key additions : QB John Mateer , RB Jaydn Ott , LB Kendal Daniels
Key departures : LB Danny Stutsman , S Billy Bowman Jr ., WR Nic Anderson
Top incoming recruits : OT Michael Fasusi , DE CJ Nickson , WR Elijah Thomas
Biggest coaching move : Entering a pivotal year, coach Brent Venables made a major offensive coordinator hire in Ben Arbuckle, who brought Mateer with him from Washington State. Arbuckle coached Cam Ward and Mateer in Pullman, and he should immediately boost a Sooners offense that finished 97th nationally in scoring last season.
What went wrong : Almost nothing went right for the Sooners in 2024 across a disastrous SEC debut that resulted in the program's second losing season since 1998 and turned up the heat on Venables' seat. That prompted the offensive overhaul. Past Mateer, Ott, Florida State edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr . and Daniels marked Oklahoma's flashiest bits of portal business. But questions remain over whether the Sooners did enough to bolster the wide receiver and offensive line units that cratered their season a year ago.
What went right : Oklahoma got its quarterback situation sorted when it swapped Arnold (Auburn) for Mateer, who accounted for 3,319 passing yards and 44 total touchdowns last fall. The fourth-year passer provides the Sooners with dual-threat playmaking ability, but also a certain confidence Oklahoma sorely lacked in 2024. If he can stay healthy, Ott, who rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 scores in 2023, is another new weapon for Arbuckle's offense. And the Sooners added plenty of new options in the passing game with JaVonnie Gibson (UAPB) and Isaiah Sategna (Arkansas) among four new wide receivers joining returners Deion Burks and Jayden Gibson .
Connelly's take : No one needed a good offseason more desperately than Venables, but he probably put together the best offseason in college football. We'll see if it translates to wins against another brutal schedule, but Arbuckle, Mateer & Co. should produce a solid turnaround in the points department. Offseason national champions.
Key additions : WR Eric Singleton Jr ., QB Jackson Arnold , OL Xavier Chaplin
Key departures : RB Jarquez Hunter , WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith , LB Jalen McLeod
Top incoming recruits : CB Blake Woodby , DE Jared Smith , QB Deuce Knight
Biggest coaching move : Head coach Hugh Freeze retained his coordinators despite a 5-7 season but added several new position coaches, including Chad Lunsford, the former Georgia Southern coach, who will oversee special teams. Roc Bellantoni, an Auburn assistant in 2021 and 2022, returned as outside linebackers coach.
What went wrong : The Tigers endured a rough 2-6 run through SEC play in Year 2 under Freeze and still have more building to do, but it's clear this roster is heading in the right direction. Among the 23 scholarship players who hit the portal this offseason, only two -- OL Percy Lewis (Ole Miss) and DB Caleb Wooden (Arkansas) -- earned more than three starts last season. They experienced significant attrition in a couple of spots, with seven defensive backs and three backup quarterbacks moving on, but in most cases they recruited over their departures.
What went right : Freeze and his staff went into December determined to load up with a strong portal class and certainly accomplished their mission. The duo of Arnold and Knight gives this program an extremely bright future at quarterback. Arnold had a rocky season as Oklahoma's starter, but the former five-star recruit is working with a much better supporting cast on offense with Singleton, a coveted transfer from Georgia Tech, and Horatio Fields (Wake Forest) teaming up with rising sophomores Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons . Chaplin (Virginia Tech) was a massive get at left tackle. Nine incoming transfers on defense will help create a lot more competitive depth for a squad that is counting on a bunch of standouts from its 2024 recruiting class to shine as second-year players.
Connelly's take : There's continuity atop the coaching org chart, and there will be plenty of blue chippers on the two-deep. Hugh Freeze had a solid offseason as we're defining it, but the season will ride on whether Auburn's completely new quarterbacks room produces an SEC-caliber starter.
Key additions : DT Maraad Watson , TE Jack Endries , WR Emmett Mosley V
Key departures : OT Kelvin Banks Jr ., CBJahdae Barron , WR Matthew Golden
Top incoming recruits : DT Justus Terry , S Jonah Williams , WR Jaime Ffrench
Biggest coaching move : Coach Steve Sarkisian retained primary coordinators Pete Kwiatkowski (defense), Kyle Flood (offense) and Jeff Banks (special teams) after his second straight CFP run. He lost safeties coach Blake Gideon to Georgia Tech but replaced him with veteran Duane Akina, who coached Longhorns defensive backs under Mack Brown from 2001 to 2013.
What went wrong : It's hard to find much on this front with a Texas program that just reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. Quarterback Quinn Ewers sliding to the seventh round of the NFL draft was unfortunate, as was offensive tackle Cameron Williams falling to the sixth after going pro early. The Longhorns must replace 13 players who were in the starting lineup against the Buckeyes, nearly all of whom are now on NFL rosters. But as the Arch Manning era officially gets underway in Austin, Sarkisian has this program looking ready to reload.
What went right : This has been a smooth offseason in a lot of ways for Sarkisian and his staff entering Year 5. The Longhorns finished with ESPN's No. 1 ranked recruiting class , inking 17 ESPN 300 prospects and closing by winning a battle with Georgia for Terry, the No. 8 overall recruit. They dealt with minimal roster attrition and had no trouble addressing their few remaining needs in the portal. The staff boosted depth up front with five new D-linemen, found a new No. 1 tight end in Endries and upgraded on special teams with kicker Mason Shipley (Texas) and punter Jack Bouwmeester (Utah) coming in. A school-record 12 draft picks -- and 23 over the past two years -- show how far this program has come in four years under Sarkisian. Now the pressure is on to go play for a national title.
Connelly's take : If Manning takes the leap people expect, that could paper over a bunch of cracks, especially considering the continuity at coordinator. But even with good recruiting and decent portal work, losing four offensive line starters and your top four on the defensive line feels pretty scary.
Key additions : WR J.Michael Sturdivant , CB Micheal Caraway Jr ., DT Brendan Bett
Key departures : WR Chimere Dike , DT Cam Jackson , CB Jason Marshall Jr .
Top incoming recruits : WR Vernell Brown III , WR Dallas Wilson , ILB Ty Jackson
Biggest coaching move : Florida's defensive staff received a mini shakeup with Austin Armstrong joining Houston in the same role. Coach Billy Napier brought in Vinnie Sunseri, a rising young assistant with NFL and college experience, to replace Armstrong and work alongside veteran Ron Roberts. Deron Wilson also comes over from Arkansas to coach defensive backs.
What went wrong : The Gators salvaged their 2024 season and saved Napier's job in the back half of the 2024 season, then dove into as quiet of an offseason of roster turnover as an SEC program could seemingly ever ask for in 2025. Quarterback DJ Lagway 's limited participation in spring camp (shoulder) ahead of his first full season as a starter was not ideal, nor was losing the collection of talent that included Dike and leading tacklers Trikweze Bridges and Shemar James to the NFL. But the Gators held onto the deep base of young talent that fueled last fall's late-season resurgence and return seemingly well-equipped to contend with one of the nation's toughest schedules in 2025.
What went right : Florida has a quarterback in Lagway and a lead running back in Freshman All-SEC Jadan Baugh . But the Gators had work to do replacing Dike and 2024 receiving yards leader Elijhah Badger . Sturdivant arrives from UCLA as an experienced option, while ESPN 300 freshmen Brown, Wilson and Naeshaun Montgomery round out a young, talented wide receiver group around Eugene Wilson III , who returns after undergoing season-ending hip surgery last fall. The late addition of cornerback recruit J'Vari Flowers , No. 73 in the 2025 ESPN 300, marked an impressive final flourish for the Gators' 10th-ranked signing class.
Connelly's take : Florida has top-20 returning production levels, which can mean something pretty great when you finish the season as strong as the Gators did. The portal movement was light, which could turn out to be either a great sign (they already had what they needed) or a foreboding one (they overestimated what they had). We'll see.
Key additions : WR Zachariah Branch , WR Noah Thomas , LB Elo Modozie
Key departures : DL Mykel Williams , DL Jalon Walker , SMalaki Starks
Top incoming recruits : DT Elijah Griffin , DE Isaiah Gibson , OLB Zayden Walker
Biggest coaching move : Despite a shaky season on offense, coach Kirby Smart kept Mike Bobo as the unit's coordinator. Most of the on-field staff is back after defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and tight ends coach Todd Hartley received head coach interest. Smart promoted Andrew Thacker, the former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator to nickels/stars coach.
What went wrong : The SEC champs' season didn't end the way they'd hoped with a CFP quarterfinal exit, and the way it ended put them in a difficult position with their quarterback plan for 2025. The timing of Carson Beck's injury, draft declaration and belated portal decision made it tough to get involved in the transfer QB market. Smart and his staff briefly explored bringing in Fernando Mendoza but ultimately stuck with backup Gunner Stockton , who started the CFP game, as their best option. This year's squad must replace 13 NFL draft picks and 17 transfer departures but has a ton of young talent ready to step up.
What went right : Smart and his staff did an excellent job of addressing their roster needs over the course of the offseason. They secured serious upgrades at wide receiver in Branch (USC) and Thomas (Texas A&M) after finishing with 36 drops last season, most among all Power 4 offenses, per ESPN Research. Daylen Everette and Christen Miller bypassing the draft was big for their defense, and the Bulldogs got much-needed help at outside linebacker with the post-spring addition of Modozie, an All-AAC performer at Army, plus experienced depth at safety with three transfer pickups. Josh McCray , Illinois' leading rusher last season, is also coming in this summer to give Georgia a strong No. 2 back behind Nate Frazier .
Connelly's take : Recruiting will always be strong in Athens, but Smart has never shown much interest in mastering the portal; we'll see if that backfires after the loss of about 15 starters. (We'll see if loyalty to the offensive coordinator backfires, too.) The developmental pipeline must continue to produce.
7. Texas A&M AggiesKey additions : WR Kevin Concepcion , WR Mario Craver , CB Julian Humphrey
Key departures : DE Shemar Stewart , DE Nic Scourton , DTShemar Turner
Top incoming recruits : OT Lamont Rogers , WR Jerome Myles , CB Adonyss Currie
Biggest coaching move : Coach Mike Elko will have much-needed continuity on his staff entering Year 2, as coordinators Jay Bateman (defense) and Collin Klein (offense) are back. Elko added a notable assistant to the defensive staff in Lyle Hemphill, a former defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, Duke and, most recently, James Madison.
What went wrong : The Aggies' 2024 season peaked in a 38-23 win over LSU on Oct. 26. From there, Texas A&M slid heavily, dropping each of its last four games against Power 4 opponents. Likely most troubling to Elko is the fact that his defense gave up nearly 35 points per game across those losses. In 2025, Texas A&M is looking to rebuild better on defense, but without a trio of star defensive linemen who helped the Aggies create the 24th-most pressure in college football last fall. A failed transfer experiment with former five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson this spring marked a speed bump in the program's offseason efforts to reinforce its pass-catching depth.
What went right : The Aggies held onto all five starters from an offensive line that powered the SEC's second-leading rushing attack in 2024. That bodes well for second-year starting quarterback Marcel Reed and returning rushers Rueben Owens , Le'Veon Moss and Amari Daniels . As crucially, Texas A&M brought in much-needed talent at wide receiver between Concepcion (NC State), a former freshman All-American and Craver (Mississippi State), a 2024 breakout player. Texas tight end transfer Amari Niblack has the tools to replace Tre Watson 's downfield production from a year ago. On defense, transfers TJ Searcy (Florida), Tyler Onyedim (Iowa State) and Dayon Hayes (Colorado) will all play a role in Elko's revamped defensive line unit.
Connelly's take : A&M has what a lot of other SEC schools lack: continuity at coordinator, experience at quarterback and a veteran-heavy offensive line and secondary. There will be lots of new names, however, in the receiving corps and on the defensive front. Will Elko's portal work there stave off problems?
Key additions : WR Isaiah Horton , OL Kam Dewberry , TE Brody Dalton
Key departures : OL Tyler Booker , LB Jihaad Campbell , QB Jalen Milroe
Top incoming recruits : QB Keelon Russell , CB Dijon Lee Jr ., CB Ivan Taylor
Biggest coaching move : Coach Kalen DeBoer reunites with longtime friend and assistant Ryan Grubb, who will serve as Alabama's primary offensive coordinator after a year with the Seattle Seahawks. Grubb was instrumental in Washington's run to the national title game under DeBoer in 2023, and helped groom quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and other standouts.
What went wrong : The transition to Year 2 under DeBoer saw 23 scholarship players move on from the program, including running back Justice Haynes and defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr . transferring to Michigan, nickel DeVonta Smith going to Notre Dame and tackle Elijah Pritchett joining Nebraska. It's not surprising that all 23 of those outgoing players, most of whom were recruited by Nick Saban's staff, landed at other Power 4 programs. At a few spots, like wide receiver and tight end, the Tide will need young reserves or newcomers to step up and prove they're ready to contribute.
What went right : The Crimson Tide have a strong core of returning starters to build around with 14 players who started six-plus games in 2024. Quarterback is the big exception with Ty Simpson , Austin Mack and Russell competing for the starting gig. Simpson holds the lead following spring practice, but whoever earns the job will benefit from a strong supporting cast and Grubb's arrival in Tuscaloosa. Horton is a big 6-foot-4 target who put up 616 receiving yards at Miami last season. He'll form a trio with Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard that should be among the conference's best. On defense, the Tide did a nice job of fortifying their depth with quality portal additions like Nikhai Hill-Green (Colorado) and blue-chip recruits like Lee who could contribute early.
Connelly's take : DeBoer reunited with Grubb and neither needed nor got much out of the portal. He kept the blue-chip train rolling in recruiting, and Grubb has what he needs at quarterback, so everything should fall into place pretty nicely.
Each member of the SEC Now crew goes over their boldest predictions on who will have a breakout year, take home the SEC Championship, and potential Heisman candidates.
Key additions : QB Beau Pribula , RB Ahmad Hardy , DE Damon Wilson II
Key departures : WRLuther Burden III , OTArmand Membou , QB Brady Cook
Top incoming recruits : DE Javion Hilson , QB Matt Zollers , RB Marquise Davis
Biggest coaching move : Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has been mentioned as a candidate for other jobs, but he will return for his third year as Missouri moves on from longtime quarterback Brady Cook. Coach Eliah Drinkwitz selected Derek Nicholson, who has spent the past five seasons with Miami and Louisville, to lead the linebackers.
What went wrong : After leading Missouri to its first back-to-back 10-win seasons in a decade, Drinkwitz faces the challenge of getting the Tigers over the hump and into the program's first-ever CFP berth. He'll embark on that mission in 2025 without field general Brady Cook, star pass catcher Luther Burden III, No. 7 overall pick Armand Membou and top tacklers Corey Flagg Jr . and Johnny Walker Jr., all of whom landed in the NFL this spring. The portal departures of former ESPN 300 signees Williams Nwaneri and Jaylen Brown marked blips in an otherwise effective roster retool for the Tigers this offseason.
What went right : There's a lot of ifs on the roster, but if Missouri's portal moves pan out, the Tigers have potential to sustain another playoff pursuit. The program brought in Penn State transfer Beau Pribula to take over for Cook and added one of the nation's top young running backs in UL Monroe transfer Ahmad Hardy, who ran for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman last fall. Wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (Mississippi State) and tackles Keagen Trost (Wake Forest) and Jaylen Early (Florida State) arrive as respective potential replacements for Burden and Membou. The Tigers used the portal to fill holes on defense with former West Virginia linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive backs Stephen Hall (Washington State) and Jalen Catalon (UNLV) among the notable additions.
Connelly's take : Drinkwitz brought in a transfer for every starter lost -- 11 starters gone, 11 FBS starters incoming -- and held onto both coordinators. That's a good way of going about your business. We'll see if Pribula can turn out to be as good a close-game muse as Brady Cook, however: Mizzou was 10-1 in one-score finishes in 2023-24.
Key additions : RB Rahsul Faison , DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy , CB Brandon Cisse
Key departures : S Nick Emmanwori , DE Kyle Kennard , DT TJ Sanders
Top incoming recruits : WR Donovan Murph , WR Jordon Gidron , OT Damola Ajidahun
Biggest coaching move : The big change comes at offensive coordinator as Dowell Loggains landed the Appalachian State head coaching role. Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer promoted Mike Shula, the former Alabama coach and an NFL offensive coordinator with three teams, to take over the unit and continue working with star quarterback LaNorris Sellers .
What went wrong : The Gamecocks have big-time expectations going into 2025 and haven't run into many issues this offseason. They were able to get Sellers, DE Dylan Stewart and their key returning players locked in on new deals and did not lose any starters during the two portal windows. In fact, the 20 scholarship players who've transferred out combined for a grand total of one start last season. That one belonged to backup QB Robby Ashford , who's now competing to start at Wake Forest. His replacement, Ohio State transfer Air Noland , was a top-100 recruit in 2024. The Gamecocks' defense does need to replace five NFL draft picks, but they have players ready to step in at those spots.
What went right : South Carolina added a bunch of quality players to its two-deep via the portal, which should create competition and depth this fall. Faison could become one of the great steals of this portal cycle. The Utah State transfer still needs to get cleared for an extra season of eligibility by the NCAA but was one of the best backs in the Mountain West last season, rushing for 1,109 yards and eight TDs. Brownlow-Dindy, the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2022 ESPN 300, struggled to break through at Texas A&M but looks poised to contribute, and Cisse, a nine-game starter at NC State last season, could start as well. The portal class might not yield a high number of plug-and-play starters, but that's arguably a good thing. This team has enough coming back to not be overly reliant on its new arrivals.
Connelly's take : Beamer did his best to offset some mammoth losses on defense with portal newcomers, but experience levels definitely seem to be down on that side of the ball. That will put a lot of pressure on Sellers and a rebuilt offensive line to carry the load, but Sellers might be capable of doing just that.
Key additions : WR De'Zhaun Stribling , OL Patrick Kutas , DE Princewill Umanmielen
Key departures : QB Jaxson Dart , DT Walter Nolen , WR Tre Harris
Top incoming recruits : WR Caleb Cunningham , OT Devin Harper , CB Cortez Thomas
Biggest coaching move : Coach Lane Kiffin retained his staff after a 10-3 season, which will help as the Rebels replace eight NFL draft picks. Among the returnees is Joe Judge, the former New York Giants coach who served as an analyst in 2024 but will work as quarterbacks coach this coming season.
What went wrong : The Rebels shoved all-in for 2024 with one of the most talented portal classes in college football but came up short in their quest for a CFP bid, winning 10 games and finishing No. 11 in the AP poll. This offseason was inevitably going to bring massive roster turnover with the loss of a program-record eight draft picks plus 14 more undrafted players who were picked up by NFL teams. Add in 24 scholarship players transferring out of the program and you get a challenge that Kiffin and his staff clearly anticipated: building up a squad that will depend on lots of newcomers and new leaders this fall.
What went right : Kiffin's latest portal class might not have the headliners of last year's haul, but the Rebels have achieved a lot with the 28 players they've picked up. They've executed a major overhaul at wide receiver led by Stribling (Oklahoma State), Harrison Wallace III (Penn State), Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest) and Caleb Odom (Alabama) joining returning starter Cayden Lee . They've also brought in seven new transfer defensive backs, five new offensive linemen, one of the top tight ends available in Luke Hasz (Arkansas), an All-Sun Belt back in Damien Taylor (Troy) and plenty more experienced help throughout the depth chart.
Connelly's take : Once you've committed to using the portal as heavily as Kiffin has, you have to keep doing it. He couldn't quite match the production he lost with incoming production, however, and the Rebels will bring one of the league's lowest returning production averages to the table.
12. Vanderbilt CommodoresKey additions : WR Trent Hudson , OG Jordan White , S CJ Heard
Key departures : S De'Rickey Wright , OL Gunnar Hansen , S CJ Taylor
Top incoming recruits : CB Carson Lawrence , WR Cameran Dickson , CB Vanzale Hinton
Biggest coaching move : After coach Clark Lea served as Vanderbilt's defensive coordinator in 2024, he passed along the responsibilities to Steve Gregory, who served as associate defensive coordinator and secondary coach last fall. Lea also promoted Nick Lezynski to co-coordinator and hired Bob Shoop, a Vanderbilt DC under James Franklin from 2011 to 2013, as senior defensive analyst.
What went wrong : There wasn't much to complain about this offseason following Vanderbilt's first winning campaign since 2013. The question now: can reigning SEC Coach of the Year Clark Lea and the Commodores build on their momentum in 2025 ? The departures of four starting offensive linemen won't help, nor will the loss of two safeties who combined for 68 career starts. But Vanderbilt has the core of the team that upset No. 1 Alabama last October -- most notably quarterback Diego Pavia -- and returns with the pieces to contend for a second consecutive bowl appearance this fall.
What went right : The eligibility ruling that granted Pavia's return in 2025 marked the single biggest development of Vanderbilt's offseason. But the Commodores are bringing back more than just their quarterback. Tight end Eli Stowers , who led the program in catches (49), receiving yards (638) and touchdowns (five) last fall, returns alongside junior wide receiver Junior Sherrill and transfer newcomer Trent Hudson, Pavia's former New Mexico State teammate. Lead running back Sedrick Alexander is back following his most productive college season, and Vanderbilt returns its top three tacklers between linebackers Langston Patterson , Bryan Longwell and Randon Fontenette . Accounting for heavy losses on the offensive line, the Commodores added four transfers with starting experience in tackles Bryce Henderson (South Dakota) and Isaia Glass (Oklahoma State) and interior linemen White (Liberty) and Sterling Porcher (Texas Tech).
Connelly's take : They got Pavia back, and they rank in the top 10 in returning production. That's great. But recruiting is only ever going to be so good at VU, and the line in front of Pavia will be almost completely new. We'll see if last season's turnaround was a one-off or the start of something awesome in Nashville.
Key additions : QB Zach Calzada , RB Dante Dowdell , DL Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
Key departures : DT Deone Walker , WR Dane Key , WR Barion Brown
Top incoming recruits : DE Javeon Campbell , TE Mikkel Skinner , QB Stone Saunders
Biggest coaching move : Coach Mark Stoops recently has faced a bit of a revolving door at wide receivers coach, making new hires each of the past two winters. He brought in L'Damian Washington, a rising 33-year-old who coached South Florida's receivers the past two seasons and played wideout in the SEC at Missouri.
What went wrong : The Wildcats lost several key pieces this offseason between draft exits for defenders Deone Walker, Zion Childress and Jamon Dumas-Johnson and the portal departures of leading pass catcher Dane Key (Nebraska) and Barion Brown (LSU). But Stoops and Kentucky were ready for a roster overhaul following the 4-8 finish that snapped the program's eight-year bowl streak last fall. Reloaded on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the Wildcats have retooled with a more Stoops-like roster capable of playing the type of physical football that's powered Kentucky's best teams over the past decade-plus.
What went right : The Wildcats gave up 35 sacks last fall (109th nationally) and responded by adding four experienced starters along the offensive line, led by tackles Shiyazh Pete (New Mexico State) and Alex Wollschlaeger (Bowling Green) and former Western Kentucky center Evan Wibberley . Kentucky turned to the portal for veteran defensive line talent, too. Defensive tackle David Gusta (Washington State) and Humphrey-Grace (South Dakota) will anchor a new-look unit up front in 2025. Stoops hired a rising talent to coach receivers in Washington and brought in seven newcomers at the position, including transfers Kendrick Law (Alabama), Troy Stellato (Clemson) and JJ Hester (Oklahoma). Calzada, the former Texas A&M, Auburn and Incarnate Word quarterback, and former Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell round out a revamped offense in Lexington.
Connelly's take : After his worst season since 2013, Stoops needed a great offseason to get back on track. It doesn't really seem like he got it. Despite tons of new blood for the offense, the QB options are either unproven or uninspiring. The new pass rushers could be excellent, at least.
Key additions : QB Joey Aguilar , RB Star Thomas , OG Wendell Moe Jr .
Key departures : QB Nico Iamaleava , RBDylan Sampson , DE James Pearce Jr .
Top incoming recruits : OT David Sanders , DT Isaiah Campbell , QB George MacIntyre
Biggest coaching move : Coach Josh Heupel kept his coordinators, including Broyles Award finalist Tim Banks, after reaching the CFP. His staff had minimal changes, as he promoted analysts Levorn "Chop" Harbin (outside linebackers) and Evan Crabtree (special teams coordinators) to on-field roles, and hired former Central Michigan coach John Bonamego, a longtime NFL special teams guru, to work with Crabtree.
What went wrong : The Vols entered 2025 prepared to build on the program's first-ever CFP appearance behind Nico Iamaleava, the former top quarterback recruit who appeared poised to take another jump in his second season as starter. Circumstances aside, Iamaleava's late-spring departure for UCLA was a worst-case scenario for Tennessee's 2025 season. The Vols made a solid recovery in the quarterback "swap" with UCLA transfer and former Appalachian State passer Joey Aguilar, but the Iamaleava saga marked a disastrous ending to an otherwise quiet offseason that saw Tennessee's biggest losses come in the NFL draft.
What went right : Landing Aguilar, it should be reiterated, was a major boon for the Vols considering the timing of Iamaleava's exit. However, if Iamaleava's accuracy and reading of defenses was a problem at times, Aguilar -- who completed 55.9% of his passes and threw 14 picks in 2024 -- might not be a perfect solution. Filling the shoes of 2024 SEC rushing yards and touchdown leader Dylan Sampson won't be simple, but Tennessee should have healthy competition at the position between returners DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis and Thomas (871 rushing yards, seven touchdowns in 2024 at Duke). The addition of Moe, a 27-game starter in three seasons at Arizona, could prove especially important if the Vols go with Sanders, a five-star freshman at right tackle.
Connelly's take : Iamaleava didn't leave an impossible bar to clear at quarterback, but obviously the timing of that saga was about as suboptimal as possible. Still, the Vols enjoy extreme continuity on defense, and considering how well the defense played last season, that could be a very good thing.
Key additions : WR O'Mega Blake , OT Corey Robinson II , RB Mike Washington
Key departures : DE Landon Jackson , WR Isaac TeSlaa , WR Andrew Armstrong
Top incoming recruits : OLB Tavion Wallace , DT Kevin Oatis , DT Reginald Vaughn
Biggest coaching move : After a splashy offseason in 2024 that included Bobby Petrino's return to Arkansas, things were much quieter this spring. Coach Sam Pittman's only on-field staff change came with the secondary, as Nick Perry arrives after NFL stops with Seattle and Atlanta.
What went wrong : Few programs lost more volume (and some quality) in the transfer portal this offseason than the Razorbacks, prompting another roster retool for Pittman ahead of a crucial sixth season in charge. The list of key transfer departures includes offensive linemen Patrick Kutas (Ole Miss) and Addison Nichols (SMU), wide receiver Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma) and tight end Luke Hasz (Ole Miss). Arkansas worked the portal plenty hard, too. But, at least on paper, the Razorbacks failed to pull in the kind of bona fide, proven contributors needed to account for the NFL draft losses of top rusher Ja'Quinden Jackson , SEC receiving yards leader Andrew Armstrong and a handful of defensive starters, led by defensive end Landon Jackson .
What went right : The Razorbacks had to rebuild on the offensive line after giving up 36 sacks that ranked 114th nationally. They'll hope the portal additions of six offensive linemen, headlined by Robinson, Oregon's Shaq McRoy and UCF's Caden Kitler , can provide a platform for Taylen Green , and keep the dynamic redshirt senior quarterback upright. Arkansas worked hard to provide Green with new downfield targets, too, with Blake (Charlotte), Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State) and former All-AAC return man Kam Shanks (UAB) among five transfer wide receivers on the roster. Former Montana State tight end Rohan Jones (30 catches, 470 yards, nine touchdowns in 2024) arrives as another potential playmaker if he can adjust to the physicality of SEC football.
Connelly's take : It's a make-or-break year for Pittman in Fayetteville, and it's unclear whether he made the right portal moves or simply made a lot of them. The season -- and the fate of Pittman's tenure -- could come down to whether the attempted upgrades in the receiving corps and secondary come up big.
Key additions : RB Fluff Bothwell , QB Luke Kromenhoek , DL Red Hibbler
Key departures : WR Kevin Coleman Jr ., WR Mario Craver , CB Brice Pollock
Top incoming recruits : OLB Tyler Lockhart , OLB Tyshun Willis , QB KaMario Taylor
Biggest coaching move : Despite a 2-10 season, coach Jeff Lebby brought back his primary coordinators but made some other changes, including plucking two assistants -- Phil Loadholt (offensive line) and Vincent Dancy (defensive ends/outside linebackers) -- from Colorado's staff. Loadholt, a Minnesota Vikings lineman from 2009-15, previously worked with Lebby at Oklahoma and Ole Miss.
What went wrong : Lebby and his coaches inherited a serious roster rebuild and are hard at work trying to build up a team that can keep up in the SEC after a winless run through conference play in Year 1. It was a high-attrition offseason as one would expect after a 2-10 season, with 33 scholarship players transferring out, though only four of them -- Coleman (Missouri), Pollock (Texas Tech), QB Michael Van Buren Jr . (LSU) and OL Makylan Pounders (Louisville) -- started more than six games last season. In fact, more than half of Mississippi State's departures ended up at G5 or FCS programs. The portal can help expedite rebuilds, but the process of building up a truly competitive, experienced two-deep is likely going to require some time and patience.
What went right : Mississippi State has a much brighter future at quarterback going forward thanks to the arrival of Taylor and Kromenhoek, a Florida State transfer. Sixth-year senior QB Blake Shapen opting to return for another season takes some pressure off those former ESPN 300 recruits, but they're going to catch up quickly. Bothwell, an All-Sun Belt performer as a freshman at South Alabama, gives the Bulldogs a strong trio of backs, and they've remade their receiver room with six portal pickups. Lebby has also overhauled up front by bringing in seven transfer offensive linemen and eight defensive line/edge additions. If they can achieve a solid hit rate among their more than 30 portal newcomers, expect good progress in Year 2.
Connelly's take : As expected after a dreadful debut season, Lebby had lots of holes to fill and did his best. We'll see if the offense has the weapons it needs, but at the very least the Bulldogs should be much deeper and more experienced in the trenches. And Fluff Bothwell could turn out to be an absolute steal.
1. LSU Tigers : A combination of player/staff retention and some much-needed portal upgrades puts coach Brian Kelly's team in the top spot. The Tigers get quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for another year, brought back linebacker Harold Perkins Jr . from injury and addressed key positions through the portal, including wide receiver, safety and both lines.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders : From a purely personnel standpoint, Texas Tech might have been the team of the offseason, doubling down in investments. The team retained general manager James Blanchard, made strong coordinator hires in Mack Leftwitch and Shiel Wood, and pounded the portal, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. A CFP push in Lubbock could be coming.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions : Not every great offseason stems from heavy portal additions. Penn State improved its roster, especially at a lagging wide receiver spot with Trebor Pena and others, but it also kept NFL prospects Drew Allar , Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield, and made the top coordinator hire of the winter in Jim Knowles from Ohio State.
4. Oregon Ducks : Dan Lanning has made Oregon a place where people want to work and play. He retained almost his entire staff from the Big Ten championship team. The Ducks kept wide receiver Evan Stewart and several key defenders. They also added All-Big Ten defensive backs Dillon Thieneman and Theran Johnson , Doak Walker Award semifinalist Makhi Hughes and others from the portal.
5. Clemson Tigers : Coach Dabo Swinney's aversion to transfers often made Clemson an unlikely candidate for a top offseason. But this winter, Swinney went to the portal for defensive end Will Heldt and others. Clemson also kept quarterback Cade Klubnik , talented defensive linemen TJ Parker and Peter Woods and a dynamic group of receivers from the ACC championship team. He also upgraded the defensive staff with coordinator Tom Allen.
6. Oklahoma Sooners : OU needed a big offseason after a disappointing 2024 and delivered. An embattled offense landed the Pullman package deal of coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer from Washington State. OU added help around Mateer with running back Jaydn Ott and others. The team also has a clear personnel direction with Jim Nagy, the former Senior Bowl executive director.
7. Auburn Tigers : The financial clout we heard about during Auburn's courtship of Lane Kiffin showed up this offseason. Auburn bolstered its receiving corps with Eric Singleton Jr . and others, added coveted offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin and gave quarterback Jackson Arnold a reset opportunity. Coach Hugh Freeze should have what he needs for a Year 3 breakthrough.
8. Miami Hurricanes : The Hurricanes' inclusion here will undoubtedly trigger some eye rolls, but Miami continues to thrive in the offseason. Quarterback Carson Beck could be one of the best portal pickups, and Miami also added notable transfers at wide receiver, defensive back and offensive line. The team retained offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and made a strong defensive coordinator hire in Corey Hetherman.
9. Illinois Fighting Illini : When teams like Illinois have 10-win seasons, the biggest challenge is often retention. Coach Bret Bielema not only kept his staff together but brought back a group of NFL draft hopefuls, even fending off a late Tennessee push for quarterback Luke Altmyer . The Illini also kept national awards candidate Gabe Jacas in the linebacker corps and addressed their primary need at wide receiver through the portal.
10. Arizona State Sun Devils : After a shocking run to the Big 12 title and the CFP, Arizona State is positioned well for an encore. Coach Kenny Dillingham didn't lose key assistants, has quarterback Sam Leavitt back in the fold along with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and others. ASU also helped its offensive backfield with running back Kanye Udoh and made other strong additions at wide receiver and in the secondary.
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