Classement des puissances futures : Comparaison des 68 équipes de football universitaire Power 4
Les futurs classements de puissance du football universitaire ont été repensés pour s'adapter à l'évolution du sport. Les remaniements constants des effectifs dus au portail ont rendu les projections sur trois ans moins pertinentes. Le classement portera désormais sur les deux prochaines saisons – en l'occurrence 2025 et 2026 – et constituera davantage un aperçu du paysage.
Plutôt que de publier les résultats avant le classement des équipes, je les publie tous en une seule fois pour les ligues Power 4 et Notre Dame. La raison : le portail de printemps change la donne, et les salles de quarterback ou les unités individuelles peuvent avoir une apparence légèrement ou significativement différente fin mai ou début juin. Par exemple, imaginez la position de Tennessee au classement des quarterbacks en février et les perspectives actuelles.
Le classement s'élargira également pour inclure toutes les équipes du Power 4 et Notre Dame. Les équipes seront évaluées selon les catégories suivantes :
Le quart-arrière de retour
Probabilité d'avoir un QB pluriannuel dans l'effectif
Perspectives de la ligne offensive/défensive
Gestion des effectifs
Puissance des stars (All-Americans, prétendants aux prix nationaux, prétendants à toutes les conférences)
Personnel d'entraîneurs
Tous les domaines ne doivent pas nécessairement être des atouts pour améliorer la note globale d'une équipe. La plupart des équipes ne peuvent probablement pas compter sur un quarterback titulaire de plusieurs années dans leur effectif, compte tenu de la volatilité du poste. Mais les équipes les plus prometteuses remplissent généralement au moins quelques-uns de ces critères, notamment la gestion globale de l'effectif (recrutement et transferts au lycée), le jeu sur la ligne de mêlée et un minimum de stars.
Commençons par la nouvelle version Power 4 de FPR, du n° 68 jusqu'au n° 1.
Classement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quarterback : Non. Ashton Daniels , titulaire principal de l'équipe en 2024, a été transféré à Auburn en décembre après avoir mené les Cardinals aux yards à la passe (1 700) et à la course (699) l'automne dernier. Le remplaçant Elijah Brown est toujours dans l'équipe.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : C'est possible. Tout dépend du prochain entraîneur permanent, mais Brown n'est qu'en deuxième année et Dylan Rizk, transféré de l'UCF, a plusieurs saisons d'éligibilité. Ben Gulbranson , transféré de l'Oregon State, qui a affiché un bilan de 7 victoires et 1 défaite en tant que titulaire des Beavers en 2022, entame sa dernière année d'éligibilité.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et défensive : La ligne offensive a subi quelques coups de portail, même si Stanford conserve trois titulaires : les tackles Kahlil House et Simione Pale , ainsi que le meneur Jack Leyrer . L'équipe a également réalisé quelques gains plus tard dans le cycle, avec l'arrivée de Niki Prongos (UCLA), Nick Fattig (Texas Tech) et Nathan Mejia ( Sacramento State ). La ligne défensive de Stanford a été l'une des rares à avoir été peu perturbée, avec le retour d' Anthony Franklin , Zach Rowell et d'autres. Mais la ligne a besoin de quelques étoiles pour émerger.
Gestion des effectifs : Un changement d'entraîneur fin mars a eu les effets escomptés sur l'effectif, avec le départ du secondeur David Bailey , du receveur Emmett Mosley V et d'autres. Stanford a procédé à quelques recrutements clés au printemps, notamment le secondeur Hunter Barth (Cal), Gulbranson, Rizk, Fattig et le cornerback Breylan Thompson ( Yale ). L'équipe a également recruté le receveur CJ Williams, originaire du Wisconsin, cet hiver. Stanford a recruté la 43e classe de recrutement d'ESPN pour 2025, mais elle devra probablement faire face à des difficultés, car la situation est incertaine.
Stars : Il y a quelques joueurs à surveiller, notamment en attaque et en défense, mais Stanford aura besoin de ses transferts pour tenir ses promesses. Les receveurs Williams et David Pantelis (Yale) sont des ajouts intéressants, tout comme Thompson et Jordan Washington ( Dartmouth ) à l'arrière. Mais Stanford n'a compté qu'un seul joueur à recevoir une distinction All-ACC en 2024 (Elic Ayomanor ).
Entraîneurs : L'ancien entraîneur de la NFL, Frank Reich, dirigera le programme en 2024, avec l'aide des assistants de son prédécesseur, Troy Taylor. Mais les perspectives sont plutôt sombres, le directeur général Andrew Luck cherchant à relancer son ancienne équipe.
Classement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quarterback : Pas vraiment. Hudson Card , titulaire principal de Purdue ces deux dernières saisons, est passé au football professionnel. Ryan Browne , titulaire à deux reprises en 2024, est revenu chez les Boilers après avoir effectué un entraînement de printemps en Caroline du Nord.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Très probable. Le nouvel entraîneur Barry Odom souhaiterait certainement trouver une solution durable au poste de quarterback, compte tenu de l'incertitude qui règne ailleurs dans l'effectif. Browne est éligible en deuxième année et sera en compétition pour des snaps avec plusieurs autres joueurs non seniors, dont Malachi Singleton, transféré d'Arkansas, et Evans Chuba, transféré de Washington State.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et la ligne défensive : Préparez-vous à découvrir de nouveaux noms des deux côtés du terrain. Purdue a perdu ses cinq joueurs de ligne offensive titulaires d'un groupe en difficulté en 2024 et a investi massivement dans le portail sous la direction du nouveau staff. Parmi les transferts, on compte Jalen St. John , qui a suivi le staff de l'UNLV à Purdue, Bradyn Joiner (Auburn) et Tyrell Green , sélectionné FCS All-America à Eastern Kentucky . La ligne défensive est également très sollicitée par les transferts, même si certains joueurs transférés avant la saison 2024 devraient impacter le groupe. Purdue s'appuiera sur des transferts tels que CJ Nunnally IV ( Akron ), sélectionné All-MAC en 2024, et TJ Lindsey (Auburn).
Gestion de l'effectif : L'effectif est largement méconnaissable par rapport à la version 2024, qui, malgré les mauvaises performances de l'équipe, comptait de nombreux joueurs talentueux – le safety Dillon Thieneman , l'ailier défensif Will Heldt , l'ailier rapproché Max Klare et le cornerback Kyndrich Breedlove – qui ont été transférés vers d'autres programmes Power 4. Odom et son équipe ont ajouté plus de 50 transferts, dont certains provenant de l'UNLV, comme St. John, le cornerback Tony Grimes et l'ailier rapproché Christian Moore . Parmi les autres joueurs notables, citons Nunnally et le cornerback Chad Brown ( Nevada ).
Le potentiel des stars : Tout dépend de la façon dont des transferts comme St. John, Nunnally et les safeties Crew Wakley (BYU) et An'Darius Coffey ( Memphis ) s'adapteront à leur nouvelle équipe et à leur nouvelle ligue. Purdue compte peu de joueurs titulaires, même si le running back senior Devin Mockobee , qui a mené l'équipe à la course lors de chacune des trois dernières saisons, pourrait certainement prétendre à une place dans l'équipe All-Big Ten.
Entraîneurs : Odom retrouve son poste de Power 4 après avoir propulsé UNLV vers des sommets historiques ces deux dernières saisons. Il a amené avec lui plusieurs assistants des Rebels, dont le coordinateur défensif Mike Scherer et l'entraîneur des receveurs Cornell Ford, et a retrouvé le coordinateur offensif Josh Henson, qui occupait le même poste sous sa direction à Missouri. Odom a également recruté Darin Hinshaw, coordinateur offensif chevronné de FBS, pour entraîner les quarterbacks.
Classement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Quart-arrière de retour : Non. Le titulaire principal Garrett Greene a mis fin à son éligibilité après la saison 2024, bien que le remplaçant Nicco Marchiol , qui a soutenu Greene et qui a un bilan de 3-0 en tant que titulaire de WVU, ait fini par rester avec le nouveau staff d'entraîneurs.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Tout dépend de l'été. Marchiol a deux ans d'éligibilité et connaît bien le programme après trois saisons à Morgantown. Mais il doit devancer Jaylen Henderson , un vétéran ayant déjà joué à Texas A&M et à Fresno State . Henderson est en dernière année, et le poste serait à pourvoir en 2026 s'il l'emporte.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et la ligne défensive : Comme la plupart des groupes de postes de West Virginia, les lignes défensive et offensive seront radicalement différentes à partir de 2024. WVU a fortement investi dans le recrutement de joueurs de ligne offensive et se tournera vers Walter Young Bear ( Tulsa Golden ), Kimo Makane'ole (LSU) et d'autres, ainsi que vers des joueurs de longue date comme le pivot Landen Livingston et le tackle Nick Krahe . La ligne défensive retrouve le senior Hammond Russell IV , auteur de trois sacks la saison dernière, et a recruté un passeur vedette transféré en la personne de Jimmori Robinson (UTSA ), ainsi que d'autres transferts expérimentés en Power 4, dont Eddie Kelly Jr. (Missouri).
Gestion des effectifs : Le renouvellement massif des effectifs est inhérent aux changements d'entraîneurs à l'ère du portail, et West Virginia aura une équipe quasiment renouvelée en 2025. Certains départs seront douloureux, notamment en attaque, avec le départ du joueur de ligne Tomas Rimac et d'autres. Cependant, West Virginia a également conservé son meilleur rusher Jahiem White et Marchiol en backfield. L'équipe a fait un recrutement majeur en portail avec Robinson, élu meilleur défenseur de l'année AAC l'automne dernier, et a renforcé des secteurs comme la défense secondaire et le receveur, où Cam Vaughn a suivi l'équipe de Jacksonville State . Ce remaniement d'entraîneurs n'a pas empêché WVU de recruter la 40e promotion de recrutement d'ESPN pour 2025.
Stars : Quelques joueurs notables, dont White et Russell, pourraient briguer une place au sein du All-Big 12. Mais les perspectives de WVU, du moins en 2025, dépendront probablement de la capacité de ses meilleurs transferts, tels que Robinson, Vaughn et les arrières défensifs Michael Coats Jr. (Nevada) et Fred Perry (Jacksonville State), à répondre aux attentes.
Équipe d'entraîneurs : Rich Rodriguez est de retour chez lui, où il a connu un succès incroyable en tant qu'entraîneur des Mountaineers avant de vivre une étrange aventure. L'équipe est composée d'un mélange intéressant d'entraîneurs liés de longue date à Rodriguez – Jeff Casteel, son fils Rhett Rodriguez, entraîneur des quarterbacks de l'équipe – et d'autres venus de l'extérieur.
65. Chevaliers de l'UCFClassement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quarterback : Non. KJ Jefferson a quitté l'équipe après une saison inefficace à l'UCF, et Dylan Rizk a été transféré à Stanford. L'UCF fera revenir Jacurri Brown , auteur de 66 tentatives de passe en neuf matchs l'automne dernier.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Possible, selon 2025. Brown est en compétition avec les transferts Tayven Jackson (Indiana) et Cam Fancher ( Florida Atlantic ) pour le poste de quarterback principal cet automne. Si Fancher devient quarterback n°1, UCF aura un nouveau titulaire en 2026, car il est en dernière année.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et défensive : La ligne offensive est en pleine mutation, le tackle senior Paul Rubelt étant le seul titulaire de retour de l'équipe de 2024. L'UCF se tournera vers des transferts comme Carter Miller , un joueur All-Sun Belt de Louisiana-Monroe, et Gaard Memmelaar (Washington). Les Knights comptent un bon joueur de ligne défensive de retour, l'ailier senior Nyjalik Kelly (5,5 sacks, trois fumbles provoqués), et s'appuieront sur lui avec des transferts comme Sincere Edwards ( Pittsburgh).
Gestion des effectifs : Après un changement d'entraîneur quelque peu surprenant, l'UCF a perdu 11 joueurs titulaires la saison dernière. Les deux lignes ont été durement touchées, même si le nouveau staff a été complété par des transferts et a recruté le running back Jaden Nixon ( Western Michigan ), membre de la première équipe All-MAC, ainsi que quelques receveurs ayant connu le succès dans les petites équipes, comme DJ Black (Limestone) et Chris Domercant ( Chattanooga ).
Stars : UCF a perdu ses meilleurs joueurs – le running back RJ Harvey et le defensive tackle Lee Hunter – d'une équipe sous-performante, et va se reconstruire sous la direction du nouvel entraîneur Scott Frost. Kelly a démontré sa capacité à viser la reconnaissance All-Big 12, et Nixon et plusieurs joueurs offensifs transférés pourraient s'épanouir au sein de l'attaque de Frost. Miller sera un joueur à surveiller sur la ligne offensive.
Entraîneurs : Frost est de retour là où il a connu un succès historique, mais pourra-t-il retrouver sa magie après une période complètement différente au Nebraska ? Il a procédé à des recrutements notables, notamment le coordinateur défensif Alex Grinch, qui occupait le même poste à l'USC et à Washington State ; l'entraîneur de la ligne offensive Shawn Clark, ancien entraîneur-chef des Appalachian State Mountaineers ; et l'entraîneur des quarterbacks McKenzie Milton, qui a brillé au poste de quarterback pour Frost à l'UCF.
64. Wildcats de l'ArizonaClassement des puissances futures précédentes : 25
Retour du quarterback : Étonnamment, oui. La loyauté de Noah Fifita ne sera pas oubliée à Tucson. Il est resté à Arizona pendant le changement d'entraîneur de Jedd Fisch à Brent Brennan, et il n'a pas quitté l'équipe, même après le bilan de 4 victoires et 8 défaites et le départ de ses amis proches pour la NFL ou d'autres équipes.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pour plusieurs saisons : Tout dépend de la saison 2025. Fifita est éligible en junior et peut terminer sa carrière à Arizona en tant que titulaire pour quatre ans en 2026. Bien que ses statistiques aient chuté l'automne dernier par rapport aux records de 2023, il a tout de même affiché une moyenne de 246,5 yards à la passe par match, son meilleur total en carrière. Le problème serait que l'Arizona connaisse une nouvelle mauvaise saison et que l'université se sépare de Brennan.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et défensive : Après avoir perdu Jonah Savaiinaea, sélectionné à la draft NFL, et plusieurs autres piliers de la ligne offensive, l'attaque d'Arizona sera différente cet automne. Les sophomores Alexander Doost et Rhino Tapa'atoutai reviennent tous deux avec une expérience de titulaire, et l'Arizona a recruté Ka'ena Decambra ( Hawaï ), Ty Buchanan (Texas Tech) et d'autres. L'ailier défensif senior Tre Smith est une option intéressante pour le pass rush, et l'ailier Dominic Lolesio est de retour avec plusieurs années d'expérience. L'Arizona a également recruté le tackle Tiaoalii Savea (Texas), l'ailier Malachi Bailey ( Alcorn State ) et d'autres pour renforcer sa profondeur.
Gestion des effectifs : Après une saison difficile, l'Arizona a connu un cycle de recrutement actif, avec notamment une deuxième vague de joueurs partis rejoindre l'ancien entraîneur Fisch à Washington. Mais les Wildcats ont également progressé, notamment au poste de ligne défensive, de running back ( Ismail Mahdi de Texas State ), de wide receiver ( Kris Hutson de Washington State, Luke Wysong de New Mexico ) et ailleurs. Arizona a pris du retard sur son rival local, Arizona State, en matière de recrutement et a besoin d'une bonne saison pour stabiliser la situation de Brennan.
Stars : Fifita possède le palmarès et l'expérience nécessaires pour figurer une fois de plus parmi les quarterbacks les plus productifs de la Big 12. Le safety Dalton Johnson a reçu une mention honorable All-League l'automne dernier. Mahdi a été deux fois sélectionné dans la première équipe All-Sun Belt et bénéficie d'une certaine flexibilité d'utilisation. Le defensive back Jay'Vion Cole a rejoint l'équipe après avoir connu le succès sous leurs ordres à San Jose State en 2023.
Entraîneurs : Brennan a été recruté avec satisfaction après le départ brutal de Fisch, mais une première saison difficile le met sous pression pour consolider son avenir et celui de l'équipe cet automne. Il a recruté un nouveau coordinateur offensif en la personne de Seth Doege, promu Danny Gonzales au poste de coordinateur défensif et recruté le vétéran des unités spéciales Craig Naivar, entre autres.
Classement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Quart-arrière de retour : Non. Hank Bachmeier a terminé sa carrière universitaire en menant Wake Forest avec 2 593 yards de passe et 16 touchdowns la saison dernière, après des arrêts précédents à Louisiana Tech et Boise State.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Cela dépend de l'été. Si Wake Forest choisit Robby Ashford , étudiant en sixième année et joueur de sa quatrième équipe universitaire, il lui faudra un nouveau titulaire en 2026. L'équipe aurait une option pluriannuelle en la personne de Deshawn Purdie , le puissant étudiant de deuxième année qui a joué à Charlotte la saison dernière.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et défensive : Le nouvel entraîneur Jake Dickert est revenu du printemps enthousiasmé par la ligne offensive, qui fait le retour du vétéran George Sell et accueille de nombreux transferts, dont Fa'alili Fa'amoe et Devin Kylany , qui ont succédé à Dickert en provenance de Washington State. Wake Forest a également renforcé son front défensif avec Gabe Kirschke (Colorado State), Dallas Afalava (Idaho) et d'autres joueurs, venus compléter le retour de joueurs comme BJ Williams .
Gestion des effectifs : Le passage de Dave Clawson, entraîneur de longue date, à Dickert a entraîné des turbulences attendues au sein de l'effectif. Wake Forest a perdu ses joueurs de ligne offensive Luke Petitbon (Florida State) et Matt Gulbin (Michigan State), le cornerback Jamare Glasker (Maryland), le receveur Horatio Fields (Auburn) et d'autres joueurs importants. Mais les Demon Deacons ont également conservé certains de leurs meilleurs joueurs, dont le running back Demond Claiborne et le safety Nick Andersen . L'arrivée de Dickert au sein de la ligne offensive en provenance de Washington State devrait être bénéfique, et Wake Forest a également réalisé de belles avancées dans le secondaire avec Ashaad Williams (North Alabama) et d'autres. Dickert tentera de booster les recrutements de Wake Forest, qui oscillent autour de 50 dans le classement ESPN.
Stars : Le retour de Claiborne est significatif, car il tentera de consolider sa saison au cours de laquelle il a été sélectionné dans la troisième équipe All-ACC, à la fois comme running back et comme joueur polyvalent. Andersen a également été sélectionné dans la troisième équipe All-League. Le linebacker Dylan Hazen et le safety Davaughn Patterson sont de retour après des années productives. Il faut également compter les transferts, notamment ceux de Fa'amoe, Kirschke et Williams.
Entraîneurs : Dickert est un véritable outsider avec une perspective différente, mais son approche pourrait être ce dont Wake Forest a besoin à l'ère du portail et des revenus. Son équipe comprend plusieurs joueurs importés de Washington State, le coordinateur défensif vétéran Scottie Hazelton et l'entraîneur des quarterbacks Dan Enos, mais aussi des joueurs prometteurs comme le coordinateur offensif Rob Ezell.
62. Cowboys de l'État de l'OklahomaClassement des puissances futures précédentes : 23
Retour du quarterback : Non. L'Oklahoma State a procédé à une réinitialisation complète de son attaque et entrera dans l'automne avec deux QB pour la plupart non éprouvés, Zane Flores et Hauss Hejny , en compétition pour le poste le plus élevé.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Beaucoup dépend de 2025. Se projeter à Oklahoma State au-delà de la saison à venir est un exercice périlleux, mais Flores et Hejny sont éligibles au statut de freshman redshirt à l'automne. Celui qui s'imposera comme une option solide pourrait être bien placé pour 2026 et au-delà.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive/défensive : La ligne offensive a subi une refonte hors saison et s'appuiera beaucoup sur ses transferts, notamment des vétérans comme Markell Samuel d'Appalachian State et des joueurs plus jeunes comme Kasen Carpenter de Tulsa. La ligne défensive d'Oklahoma State compte des noms plus familiers, notamment le tackle Iman Oates , et a également ajouté des transferts clés comme Kyran Duhon , une sélection de la deuxième équipe All-Conference USA en tant que véritable freshman à l'UTEP.
Gestion des effectifs : Des saisons comme celle de 2024 pour Oklahoma State ont des conséquences, puisque 26 joueurs boursiers ont été transférés durant l'hiver et le printemps. Oklahoma State n'a recruté aucun quarterback confirmé et ne réintègre qu'une poignée de joueurs – plusieurs dans la défense – qui ont joué un rôle important l'automne dernier. L'équipe aura besoin de ses transferts pour être performants dès le départ, notamment sur les lignes offensive et défensive. Oklahoma State reste un recrutement de lycéens plutôt discret, axé sur le développement.
Stars : La clé sera de savoir si des transferts comme Duhon et le secondeur Bryan McCoy (Akron) parviendront à reproduire leur succès dans d'autres écoles d'Oklahoma State. Le secondaire pourrait également être un secteur à surveiller, puisque les Pokes font revenir Parker Robertson , Dylan Smith et Cam Smith , qui ont tous joué un temps de jeu important en 2024.
Entraîneurs : Mike Gundy est toujours là, mais il est sur une pente glissante à l'aube de sa 21e saison à la tête de son ancienne équipe. Il a remplacé ses deux coordinateurs après sa pire saison et a recruté les vétérans Todd Grantham (défense) et Doug Meacham (attaque) pour superviser les unités. Oklahoma State compte également un nouveau groupe d'entraîneurs de position, dont Kevin Johns, ancien coordinateur offensif du Power 4, qui travaille avec les quarterbacks.
61. Cougars de HoustonClassement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quarterback : Plus ou moins. Zeon Chriss , titulaire à sept reprises, est de retour pour sa saison junior. Chriss a pris environ la moitié des snaps la saison dernière et a cumulé 824 yards à la passe, quatre touchdowns et huit interceptions. Mais Conner Weigman, transféré de Texas A&M, devrait être titulaire pour Houston cet automne.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Très probable. Weigman arrive avec une éligibilité junior après avoir débuté 13 matchs à Texas A&M. Il sera éligible à la draft 2026, mais bénéficierait probablement de plusieurs années à Houston. Chriss a également deux années d'éligibilité.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et défensive : Les Cougars avaient besoin de changements en attaque et ils les ont obtenus, notamment sur une ligne où des transferts comme Dalton Merryman (Texas Tech), McKenzie Agnello (New Mexico) et Matthew Wykoff (Cal) occuperont probablement des postes importants. Houston récupère également les titulaires David Ndukwe et Demetrius Hunter . La ligne défensive retrouve une pièce maîtresse en la personne de Carlos Allen Jr. , un joueur senior, et s'appuiera sur d'autres joueurs déjà en poste comme Brandon Mack et Latreveon McCutchin , ainsi que sur des transferts comme Eddie Walls III (Florida International).
Gestion des effectifs : Houston a investi le portail pour la deuxième intersaison consécutive sous la direction de l'entraîneur Willie Fritz et a bénéficié de renforts à la ligne offensive, au safety, à la ligne défensive et au tight end, où Tanner Koziol a quitté le Wisconsin. L'équipe a subi des pertes difficiles au printemps, notamment le safety All-Big 12 AJ Haulcy et le talentueux cornerback Jeremiah Wilson . Le recrutement des lycéens n'a pas encore connu de succès majeur sous la direction de Fritz.
Stars : Le départ de Haulcy prive Houston de tous les joueurs ayant intégré l'équipe All-Big 12 en 2024. Les Cougars réintègrent leur meilleur rusher Re'Shaun Sanford II et leur meilleur receveur Stephon Johnson , mais tous deux cherchent à améliorer leur production sous la direction du nouveau coordinateur offensif Slade Nagle. Allen et Mack ont brillé comme pass rushers l'automne dernier et méritent d'être suivis.
Entraîneurs : Fritz a dû remplacer ses deux coordinateurs après une première saison difficile, même si les nouveaux meneurs Nagle (attaque) et Austin Armstrong (défense) ont tous deux l'expérience nécessaire pour diriger des unités. Plusieurs entraîneurs clés de 2024 sont de retour, notamment en défense.
Classement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Quart-arrière de retour : Non. Billy Edwards Jr. a été transféré au Wisconsin après avoir débuté tous les matchs sauf un pour les Terrapins en 2024.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Très probable, selon les performances. Les candidats de Maryland pour remplacer Edwards – Justyn Martin , transféré de UCLA, Khristian Martin et Malik Washington – ne sont pas tous des seniors, et Khristian Martin et Washington sont éligibles pour le statut de freshman. Justyn Martin a disputé cinq matchs en trois saisons pour UCLA.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et la ligne défensive : Après une saison à 4-8, Maryland doit améliorer sa ligne offensive, qui a perdu Andre Roye Jr. , un tackle expérimenté titulaire, au profit de la ligne de départ. Les Terrapins ont recruté plusieurs joueurs de ligne provenant d'établissements plus modestes – Rahtrel Perry (Central Connecticut State) et Jayvin James (Akron) – et ont recruté le freshman Jaylen Gilchrist , une recrue nationale classée parmi les 125 meilleures d'ESPN en provenance de Virginie. La ligne défensive est jeune, manquant de joueurs seniors et de joueurs de retour peu productifs. Maryland a réalisé plusieurs gains lors de la ligne de départ de printemps avec Cam Rice (Ohio) et Sedrick Smith (Alabama A&M).
Gestion des effectifs : Une saison difficile sur le terrain en 2024 a entraîné plus de pertes de portail que de gains, le Maryland ayant vu partir Edwards, Roye, le joueur de ligne défensive Lavon Johnson , le secondeur Caleb Wheatland et d'autres. Les Terrapins ont recruté un tight end All-League en la personne de Dorian Fleming (Georgia State), de solides transferts au poste de receveur ( Jalil Farooq , Kaleb Webb ) et le cornerback Dontay Joyner , mais ils ont des lacunes dans leur équipe. L'entraîneur Mike Locksley continue d'exceller dans le recrutement des lycéens, en signant la 24e promotion d'ESPN pour 2025 et en détenant un engagement du joueur numéro 2 de la promotion 2026.
Stars : Après avoir perdu six choix de draft NFL d'une équipe à 4 victoires et 8 défaites, Maryland a besoin d'un nouveau groupe de joueurs exceptionnels pour émerger. Le botteur Bryce McFerson a été nommé All-Big Ten l'automne dernier, et le secondeur Daniel Wingate a réalisé une solide deuxième saison. Fleming, sélectionné dans la première équipe All-Sun Belt à Georgia State, sera présent dans l'attaque de passes du Maryland aux côtés de Farooq, titulaire de 25 matchs à Oklahoma City et nommé All-Big Ten en 2023. Joyner a démontré ses talents de meneur de jeu au poste de cornerback pour Arkansas State.
Personnel d'entraîneurs : Locksley est de retour pour sa septième saison, qui pourrait être cruciale avec un nouveau directeur sportif en charge et la pression pour éviter une répétition de 2024. Il a trois nouveaux coordonnateurs principaux vétérans en Pep Hamilton (attaque), Ted Monachino (défense) et Andre Powell (équipes spéciales), qui dirigeront un groupe d'assistants qui reviennent pour la plupart de la saison dernière.
Classement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quarterback : Plus ou moins. Blake Shapen a débuté la saison 2024 comme titulaire de Mississippi State et a réalisé de belles performances (974 yards à la passe, huit touchdowns en quatre matchs) avant une blessure à l'épaule. Michael Van Buren Jr. a pris les rênes et mené l'attaque de Mississippi State à l'automne, avant d'être transféré à LSU. Mais Shapen fera son retour après sa blessure à l'épaule qui a mis fin à sa saison 2024 après un début prometteur.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pour plusieurs saisons : Tout dépend de Shapen. S'il récupère son poste de titulaire, évite les blessures et réalise de bonnes performances, Mississippi State cherchera un nouveau quarterback en 2026. L'équipe a recruté Luke Kromenhoek , une recrue nationale du top 160 en 2024 qui a débuté deux matchs pour Florida State en première année, et Kamario Taylor , une recrue ESPN 300 pour 2025.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et défensive : Mississippi State aura besoin de beaucoup plus de sa ligne défensive et a fait appel à des recrues importantes comme les ailiers Red Hibbler (NC State) et Raishein Thomas (Northern Illinois) et le tackle Will Whitson (Coastal Carolina). Les Bulldogs font également revenir le tackle défensif Kai McClendon , titulaire pendant cinq matchs en tant que freshman et ayant enregistré 30 tackles. Le transfert d'Alabama Jamil Burroughs pourrait également être un facteur. L'entraîneur Jeff Lebby a retrouvé l'entraîneur de la ligne offensive Phil Loadholt pour renforcer un groupe qui comprendra également plusieurs transferts, dont les tackles Blake Steen (Virginie) et Jesse Ramil (James Madison) et le pivot Koby Keenum (Kentucky). Le garde gauche Jacoby Jackson , titulaire pendant 25 matchs à Mississippi State et Texas Tech, est de retour.
Gestion des effectifs : Après un bilan de 2 victoires pour 10 défaites, Mississippi State a perdu plus de 30 joueurs, même si seuls Van Buren, le receveur Kevin Coleman Jr. et quelques autres étaient titulaires. L'équipe a renforcé ses lignes offensive et défensive, renforçant l'attaque de Lebby avec le running back vedette de South Alabama, Fluff Bothwell , et plusieurs receveurs, dont Brenen Thompson d'Oklahoma. Mississippi State a également renforcé son équipe secondaire avec le safety d'Old Dominion , Jahron Manning , et d'autres. Malgré les difficultés sur le terrain, Mississippi State a recruté la 27e classe de recrutement du pays pour 2025, avec notamment Taylor et le défenseur du top 150, Tyler Lockhart .
Puissance des stars : La défense retrouve une pièce maîtresse : le safety junior Isaac Smith , sélectionné dans la deuxième équipe All-SEC l'automne dernier et leader de la ligue avec 127 plaquages, tout en forçant un fumble. Le running back/retourneur senior Davon Booth est également de retour, après avoir terminé avec 1 231 yards polyvalents l'automne dernier et avoir été sélectionné dans la troisième équipe All-SEC en tant que joueur polyvalent. Bothwell a été sélectionné dans la deuxième équipe All-Sun Belt pour South Alabama en 2024. Parmi les joueurs défensifs prometteurs, on compte le linebacker Nic Mitchell , de retour, et des nouveaux venus comme Hibbler et Thomas, qui ont réalisé des saisons productives en 2023.
Personnel d'entraîneurs : Lebby a certainement besoin de voir des améliorations au cours de la deuxième année. Il a conservé les coordinateurs défensifs Coleman Hutzler et Matt Barnes, ainsi que l'entraîneur des quarts Matt Holecek, tout en ajoutant Loadholt et plusieurs autres nouveaux venus au personnel.
58. Wildcats du Nord-OuestClassement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quart-arrière : en quelque sorte. Jack Lausch a débuté 10 des 12 matchs la saison dernière, mais il est pressenti pour être remplaçant cette saison après que Northwestern a ajouté le transfert de SMU Preston Stone .
Probabilité d'un quarterback pour plusieurs saisons : Très improbable. Northwestern a recruté Stone pour améliorer considérablement une attaque qui a terminé 128e au niveau national au niveau des points la saison dernière. Sauf blessure, il dirigera l'attaque lors de sa dernière année d'éligibilité.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et la ligne défensive : Les prévisions pour la ligne offensive sont nettement meilleures qu'en 2024, lorsque Northwestern avait du mal à aligner un groupe de titulaires. Northwestern a fait revenir le plaqueur gauche Caleb Tiernan et a recruté plusieurs titulaires potentiels via le portail, dont Evan Beerntsen (South Dakota State), Xavior Gray (Liberty) et Martes Lewis (Minnesota). La ligne défensive revient quasiment intacte, avec notamment l'ailier Anto Saka , un espoir de la draft NFL 2026, et son coéquipier Aidan Hubbard .
Gestion des effectifs : Northwestern a finalement été compétitif lors du portail hivernal après quelques ajustements d'admission et a recruté sa meilleure promotion de transferts avec Stone, Beerntsen, le receveur Griffin Wilde de South Dakota State et le secondeur Yanni Karlaftis de Purdue, entre autres. Les Wildcats ont perdu quelques joueurs clés, dont le cornerback Theran Johnson (Oregon) et le joueur de ligne offensive Josh Thompson (LSU), mais ils parviennent au moins à assurer le remplacement. Le recrutement des lycéens a été lent sous la direction de David Braun, dont la promotion 2025 s'est classée 73e au niveau national.
Stars : Tiernan a reçu une mention honorable All-Big Ten et débutera la saison comme l'un des meilleurs tackles de la ligue. Saka pourrait bien connaître une saison exceptionnelle, et les espoirs sont grands pour les jeunes arrières défensifs comme le cornerback de deuxième année Josh Fussell . Le rapide running back Joseph Himon II sera davantage mis en avant. Pour atteindre un bowl, Northwestern aura besoin de transferts importants comme Stone, Wilde, Beerntsen et le safety Dillon Tatum (Michigan State).
Entraîneurs : Braun entame une troisième saison importante et doit progresser avant que Northwestern n'inaugure le nouveau Ryan Field, doté de 850 millions de dollars, en 2026. Les coordinateurs Tim McGarigle (défense) et Zach Lujan (attaque) sont également de retour, même si Lujan sera surveillé de près après une première saison difficile dans la Big Ten. Braun a conservé tous ses assistants, sauf un.
57. Bearcats de CincinnatiClassement des puissances futures précédentes : Non classé
Retour du quarterback : Oui. Brendan Sorsby , un transfert de l'Indiana, est de retour à la barre après avoir réussi 2 813 yards et 18 touchdowns tout en complétant 64 % de ses passes et en courant pour 447 yards et neuf touchdowns l'automne dernier.
Probabilité d'un quarterback pluriannuel : Très probable, selon 2025. Sorsby a encore deux ans d'éligibilité et a réalisé une première saison solide sous la direction de Scott Satterfield, obtenant une mention honorable au All-Big 12. Un autre transfert n'est pas à exclure, mais Sorsby pourrait certainement être le quarterback numéro un de Cincinnati jusqu'en 2026.
Perspectives pour la ligne offensive et la ligne défensive : La ligne défensive pourrait être un atout majeur avec le tackle senior Dontay Corleone , sélectionné All-America 2022 et triple lauréat All-Conference, en tête du groupe. Cincinnati récupère également l'ailier titulaire Rob Jackson et recrute CJ McCray (Virginia Tech) et Jaylon White-McClain (Old Dominion). Le front offensif subit de nombreux revers et Cincinnati a été actif dans le portail, avec l'arrivée des tackles Joe Cotton (South Dakota), Taran Tyo (Ball State) et d'autres. Cincinnati retrouve un bon leadership avec le double capitaine Gavin Gerhardt et son compatriote senior Deondre Buford .
Gestion de l'alignement: Cincinnati a fait un bon travail en conservant Sorsby, Corleone, l'ailier rapproché Joe Royer et d'autres acteurs clés, et a abordé la ligne offensive ainsi que le récepteur large, où Cyrus Allen (Texas A&M) et d'autres arrivent. Le porteur de ballon Tawee Walker est à son troisième arrêt universitaire (Wisconsin, Oklahoma) en autant d'années mais pourrait renforcer une infraction qui perd le premier rusher Corey Kiner.
Star Power: Corleone est l'un des défenseurs les plus établis du pays et jouera sa dernière saison avec les Bearcats. Sorsby devrait être un candidat All-Big 12 s'il s'appuie sur sa performance en 2024. Royer sera sur le radar du John Mackey Award après avoir remporté les honneurs de la première équipe All-League après une saison de 50 coups. Le parieur Max Fletcher et les secondeurs Jake Golday et Jack Dingle seront également dans le mix pour All-Big 12.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Satterfield est toujours à la recherche de sa première apparition au Bowl à Cincinnati, mais a apparemment la liste pour en livrer un cet automne. Le personnel offensif reste en place sous le coordinateur Brad Glenn, tandis que Satterfield a effectué quelques ajustements du côté défensif, notamment la promotion de Cortney Braswell au coordinateur.
56. California Golden BearsPrécédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter arrière de retour: Non. Fernando Mendoza a été transféré en Indiana après une course productive à Cal, qui a ramassé l'Ohio State Transfer Devin Brown dans le portail. Mendoza a complété 68,7% de ses passes pour 3 004 verges la saison dernière.
Personnalité d'un QB pluriannuel: très probable. Cal pouvait aller avec Brown, un junior qui a commencé dans le Cotton Bowl après la saison 2023 et apporte des compétences à double menace. Ou l'équipe pourrait se tourner vers le nouveau recrue Jaron-kilk-keawe Sagapolutele , une recrue ESPN 300.
Ligne offensive / Perspectives de ligne défensive: Cal a plus de réponses sur la défense, y compris le front avec des rapatriés comme les seniors TJ Bollers , Nate Burrell et Aidan Keanaaina . Liberty Transfer TJ Bush Jr. est répertorié comme un secondeur extérieur, mais la sélection des États-Unis de la deuxième équipe devrait aider la ruée vers la course après avoir enregistré 5,5 sacs la saison dernière. La ligne offensive aura une saveur de transfert alors que Cal a ajouté plusieurs joueurs avec une expérience de départ, notamment Tyson Ruffins (Nevada) et Jordan Spasojevic-Moko (Charlotte).
Gestion de la liste: le temps nous dira si le portail de printemps de Cal sera aussi dommageable qu'il y paraît. Les Bears avaient un exode de joueurs offensifs, notamment l'ailier serré Jack Endries et les demi-portes Jaydn Ott et Jaivian Thomas . Leurs remplacements ne sont pas trop décorés, bien que Cal ait ajouté le récepteur large Jacob de Jésus , un retourneur hors concours de l'UNLV, dans le portail hivernal. Les ajouts de ligne offensive et un rusher de passe talentueux comme Bush pourraient également aider, mais les Bears ont certainement des trous entrant en 2025. Le recrutement du lycée n'a pas été trop éclaboussant, bien que Sagapolutele aide vraiment.
Star Power: Cal perd beaucoup de stars sur la défense, mais conserve également des contributeurs clés comme les secondeurs Cade Uluave et Ryan McCulloch . La défense a plusieurs transferts d'impact comme Bush et le secondeur Harrison Taggart (BYU). La plus grande question pour Cal sera de savoir si les remplacements du porteur de ballon, de l'extrémité serrée et du récepteur large se déroulent après les départs du portail.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Justin Wilcox entre dans sa huitième saison, mais les choses semblent un peu ténues après une finition décevante jusqu'en 2024 et une intersaison difficile. Il a fait venir Bryan Harsin, l'ancien entraîneur d'Auburn, de l'État de Boise et de l'État de l'Arkansas, pour superviser l'infraction, et a promu Terrence Brown et Vic So'oto pour servir de coordinateurs co-défensifs.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Oui. Taylen Green est de retour pour sa deuxième saison en tant que démarreur de l'Arkansas, après avoir passé 3154 verges avec 15 touchés et neuf interceptions, et terminant deuxième de l'équipe en se précipitant avec 602 verges et huit scores.
La probabilité d'un QB pluriannuel: hautement improbable. Green est le démarreur enraciné pour les Hogs et entre dans sa cinquième et dernière saison collégiale, et quatrième en tant que starter FBS (deux à Boise State, un à l'Arkansas). Le transfert de Madden Iamaleava signifie que le recrue de Redshirt KJ Jackson sauvegardera probablement le vert.
Ligne offensive / lignes de ligne défensive: Sam Pittman était un entraîneur de ligne offensive en carrière avant de prendre le poste de tête à l'Arkansas, mais son équipe doit s'améliorer à l'avance cet automne. L'Arkansas doit construire autour de Fernando Carmona , gardien de la troisième équipe de l'équipe, et est allé au portail pour six monteurs de lignes. Corey Robinson II (Georgia Tech) devrait commencer au tacle gauche, tandis que le transfert UCF Caden Kitler pourrait commencer au centre. La ligne défensive perd un joueur productif à Landon Jackson et manque de nombreux rapatriés éprouvés. Abilene Christian Transfert David Oke devrait aider à l'intérieur, aux côtés de 389 livres Ian Geffrard et d'autres. L'Arkansas a également ajouté plusieurs transferts de bord, notamment Phillip Lee de Troy.
Gestion des alignements: Il n'y a pas de sucre en matière de pertes en attaque à la fois à la NFL et au portail, où Patrick Kutas (Ole Miss) et plusieurs autres joueurs de ligne offensive sont allés après la saison dernière. L'Arkansas a également perdu le récepteur large Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma), le secondeur Brad Spence (Texas) et d'autres. L'équipe a réalisé de bons gains de transfert, en particulier avec la ligne offensive et le récepteur large, le défenseur et la fin serrée, où l'arrivée de Rohan Jones du Montana State. Mais l'Arkansas entrera dans la chute avec certaines préoccupations potentielles en attaque.
Star Power: Les Razorbacks ramènent un joueur de la SEC de chaque côté du ballon à Carmona et le secondeur Xavian Sorey Jr. , Qui a mené l'équipe avec 99 plaqués et à égalité pour la tête de l'équipe avec 9,5 plaqués pour la défaite l'automne dernier. Si Green obtient une meilleure protection, il pourrait entrer dans la conversation sur toute la ligue. Le transfert de récepteur large O'Mega Blake a en moyenne 24,8 verges par rattrapage la saison dernière à Charlotte. Robinson, Kitler et les autres monteurs de lignes offensives de transfert devraient valoir la peine d'être regardés.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Pittman mérite le mérite d'avoir ravivé le programme après l'ère brutale de Chad Morris, mais il n'a que 18-22 au cours des trois dernières saisons et pourrait entrer dans sa dernière année en tant que HOG Head. L'Arkansas le fera reculer avec les coordinateurs Travis Wlliams (défense) et Bobby Petrino (infraction), et un personnel avec un minimum de changement par rapport à 2024.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarterback de retour: Non. Après une odyssée des quarts en 2024, le Wisconsin a regardé dans le Big Ten et a décroché le transfert du Maryland Billy Edwards Jr. , qui a commencé tout au long de la saison dernière.
Problème d'un QB pluriannuel: bas. Edwards a été amené pour sa dernière saison collégiale pour donner une main stable au Wisconsin au quart-arrière sous le coordinateur de première année Jeff Grimes. Si le sauvegarde projetée Danny O'Neil finit par prendre la plupart des représentants, il pourrait diriger l'offensive jusqu'en 2027.
Ligne offensive / ligne de défense Perspectives: Wisconsin a embauché Grimes en grande partie pour retrouver son bord le long de la ligne offensive. Le centre vétéran Jake Renfro est de retour, avec le gardien Joe Brunner et d'autres, mais l'équipe a perdu le plaqueur gauche projeté Kevin Heywood à une blessure au LCA. Le front défensif sera un transfert lourd, à l'exception du senior Ben Barten , alors que le Wisconsin a ajouté Corey Walker (Western Michigan), Charles Perkins (UT-Martin) et d'autres.
Gestion de la liste: Fickell a fait du Wisconsin une équipe de portail active, avec des résultats mitigés jusqu'à présent. Les Badgers ont ajouté Edwards, une grande ligne défensive, plusieurs dos défensifs des divisions universitaires inférieures ( Matthew Traynor , Geimere Latimer ) et une aide dans le jeu de passes. Après avoir perdu le transfert initial Tanner Koziol , le Wisconsin a ramassé Lance Mason de l'État du Missouri, une vedette du FCS. Le Wisconsin a pris davantage une stratégie de recrutement régionale / nationale, mais il est à craindre que l'équipe ne se concentre pas suffisamment sur les perspectives dans l'État.
Star Power: Cornerback Ricardo Hallman est un talent All-Big Ten avec une capacité de jeu éprouvée, tandis que Joe Huber a acquis une mention honorable la reconnaissance de toutes les conférences l'automne dernier. Le Wisconsin recherche cependant plus de monteurs de lignes sur le radar de récompense, et a besoin de plusieurs de ses transferts, idéalement Edwards, pour se dérouler cet automne. Le récepteur large de retour , Vinny Anthony II, a fourni une étincelle l'automne dernier.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: La location de Grimes est très importante, car Fickell devait pivoter après que le raid aérien n'a jamais vraiment pris son envol à Madison. Grimes et l'entraîneur de Line AJ Blazek sont chargés de restaurer certains des éléments de pouvoir qui ont défini l'offensive du Wisconsin pendant des décennies. Le personnel de Fickell a un mélange d'assistants plus jeunes - comme Kenny Guiton - et des vétérans comme le coordinateur défensif Mike Tressel pour une troisième saison.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter arrière de retour: Non. Anthony Colandrea , le démarreur de Virginie en 2024, transféré à l'UNLV alors que les Cavaliers ont remodelé la salle de quart avec deux ajouts de portail clés. Colandrea a réussi 2 125 verges par la passe avec 13 touchés et 11 interceptions l'automne dernier.
Probablement d'un QB pluriannuel: Slim. Virginia a fait appel à Chandler Morris senior en tant que starter projeté pour 2025. Morris, le fils de l'ancien entraîneur du collège Chad Morris, a relancé sa carrière la saison dernière au nord du Texas, passant pour 3 774 verges et 31 touchés pour l'attaque n ° 3 du pays. Son éligibilité expirera après la chute. Virginia a également ajouté le transfert du Nebraska Daniel Kaelin , un étudiant en deuxième année.
Ligne offensive / ligne défensive Perspectives: Virginia a des options sur la ligne offensive, entre un groupe de joueurs de retour avec une expérience de départ, y compris le tacle McKale Boley , et un contingent de transfert qui comprend le centre Brady Wilson de l'UAB. Une blessure au printemps du LCA pour le transfert de Louisville Monroe Mills pique, mais l'équipe a ajouté que James Madison Transfer Tyshawn Wyatt et d'autres. La Virginie a besoin de beaucoup plus d'une ruée vers les passes de ses monteurs de lignes et a ajouté trois extrémités - Cazeem Moore (Elon), Mitchell Melton (Ohio State) et Fisher Camac (Virginie) - du portail. Jahmeer Carter senior est de retour à l'intérieur, et le chasseur de transfert en Alabama Osborne a un plafond élevé.
Gestion de l'alignement: Virginia a fait son premier portail de transfert majeur cet hiver et cet hiver, ajoutant Morris et Kaelin au quart-arrière, mais également des joueurs de ligne offensive et défensive notable, un récepteur large expérimenté à Jahmal Edrine , une sécurité talentueuse à Devin Neal (Louisville) et d'autres. Les Hoos ont également perdu les meilleurs champs de Malachi à Notre Dame et ont fait quelques coups sur la ligne offensive, mais leurs gains ont décroché les départs. Virginia recherche un élan similaire dans le recrutement du secondaire après avoir signé la classe n ° 52 pour 2025.
Star Power: Le secondeur Kam Robinson a remporté la mention honorable des honneurs All-ACC en 2024 après avoir dirigé Virginia avec cinq interceptions et terminé deuxième des plaqués avec 64. Un autre défenseur le rejoindra-t-il dans le mélange All-ACC? Neal est certainement à regarder. Le porteur de ballon Xavier Brown était en moyenne de 6,1 verges par course pour Virginia l'automne dernier et devrait avoir un rôle plus important. Wilson est un joueur de ligne accompli et Edrine aura un grand rôle chez le récepteur.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Tony Elliott n'a que 11-23 à Virginie, mais il y a l'optimisme pour la 4e année avec une liste améliorée à plusieurs postes. Elliott a maintenu la continuité du personnel, alors que les coordinateurs des Kitchings (infraction) et John Rudzinski (défense) reviennent, ainsi que tous les entraîneurs de position.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Non. Le quart principal Brock Vandagriff a disparu après une saison au Royaume-Uni. Il n'a complété que 57,3% de ses passes avec 10 touchés et huit interceptions l'automne dernier. Le Kentucky est retourné au portail pour la Zach Calzada souvent parcoulée, qui a passé du temps à Texas A&M et Auburn avant deux saisons avec FCS Incarnate Word.
Probablement d'un QB pluriannuel: Slim. Le Kentucky a traversé des quarts d'un an à l'ère du portail et des chiffres pour faire de même avec Calzada, l'un des quarts les plus expérimentés du pays avec 32 départs FBS ou FCS. REDSHIRT Freshman Cutter Boley et Senior Beau Allen , qui est sur son deuxième passage avec le Kentucky, sont prêts à sauvegarder Calzada.
Ligne offensive / ligne de défense Perspectives: Kentucky doit obtenir sa ligne offensive pour reprendre le succès qui s'est produit pendant la majeure partie du mandat de l'entraîneur Mark Stoops. L'équipe a ajouté 11 nouveaux arrivants à la ligne, notamment la sélection de la première équipe All-Mac Alexander Wollschlaeger de Bowling Green, Shiyazh Pete de l'État du Nouveau-Mexique et Josh Braun de l'Arkansas. Le Kentucky ramène des pièces intérieures dans Jalen Farmer et Jager Burton . La ligne défensive n'a pas autant de transferts, mais certains importants dans Mi'quise Grace , le joueur défensif de l'année du Missouri Valley à Dakota du Sud, et David Gusta de l'État de Washington, un démarreur de 24 matchs. Le Kentucky reprend également les seniors Kahlil Saunders et Josaih Hayes .
Gestion de la liste: Kentucky avait besoin d'une réinitialisation sur sa ligne offensive et a probablement amélioré le groupe via le portail. Le point large du récepteur, quant à lui, a été durement frappé par les départs de Dane Key et Barion Brown et aura besoin de remplacements comme Kendrick Law (Alabama) pour intensifier. Le Kentucky a certainement besoin de Calzada pour mieux performer que Vandagriff, bien que la ligne offensive remodelée y jouera un rôle. L'offensive a également ramassé le premier rusher du Nebraska Dante Dowdell .
Star Power: Les meilleures équipes de l'entraîneur Mark Stoops ont des hors-procureur sur la défense. Des joueurs de retour comme le secondeur intérieur Alex Afari Jr. , Qui a mené l'équipe dans Tacles for Loss (11,5) l'automne dernier, valent la peine d'être regardés. Grace avait des chiffres incroyables au Dakota du Sud l'année dernière - 9,5 sacs, 17 plaqués pour la perte - et tentera de traduire sa production dans la SEC. Wollschlaeger est un autre ajout clé le long de la ligne de mêlée. Calzada a déjà été dans la SEC et devrait être meilleure après avoir redémarré sa carrière dans le FCS.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Stoops est de retour pour la 13e année, et bien que son profil global se démarque, il y a des inquiétudes quant à savoir si les choses sont devenues périmées depuis la saison des 10 victoires de 2021. Il a subi une perte majeure avec Vince Marrow, dont le Cloud recrute lui a débarqué un salaire général à sept chiffres à Kentucky, à gauche pour le rival à l'état Louisville pour devenir directeur général. Le coordinateur défensif vétéran Brad White est de retour, tout comme le coordinateur offensif Bush Hamdan, malgré les difficultés de l'unité l'automne dernier. Les entraîneurs de position de 2024 sont également principalement de retour.
51. Michigan State SpartansPrécédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour : Oui. Aidan Chiles , qui a suivi l'entraîneur Jonathan Smith de l'Oregon State à MSU, entrera dans sa deuxième saison en tant que starter des Spartans.
Personnalité d'un QB pluriannuel: très probable. Chiles porte l'admissibilité junior et se familiarise avec Smith, le coordinateur offensif Brian Lindgren et le personnel. Ses sauvegardes sont tous de jeunes joueurs. Chiles pourrait avoir une saison d'évasion et passer à autre chose, mais peu seraient surpris s'il dirigeait l'offensive MSU en 2026.
Ligne offensive / lignes défensives Perspectives: le seul choix de repêchage de la NFL du Michigan State est venu de la ligne offensive de Luke Newman, et le front aura un look différent cet automne. Les Spartiates se sont rendus au portail pour le plaqueur convoité Conner Moore (Montana State), la garde / centre senior Matt Gulbin (Wake Forest) et d'autres. À part Gulbin, MSU n'a pas beaucoup de seniors dans la rotation. Les Spartiates renvoient des joueurs de ligne défensive en rotation et ont ajouté deux recrues de ligne défensive trois étoiles dans la classe 2025 et s'attaquer à Grady Kelly (Florida State) et finir Isaac Smith (Texas Tech) du portail de transfert.
Gestion de l'alignement: la liste de l'État du Michigan a été assez fluide sous Smith, avec des transferts entrant et sortant, mais l'équipe a conservé le receveur large Nick Marsh , l'un de ses meilleurs jeunes fabricants de jeux et plusieurs autres retenus clés. L'équipe a réalisé des gains de portail, en particulier dans des endroits comme le récepteur large, la ligne offensive et le dos défensif. Smith a été assez silencieux dans le recrutement du lycée, bien que l'équipe ait un engagement de l'ESPN 300 Prospect Kayd Coffman pour la classe 2026.
Star Power: le Michigan State a perdu le joueur de tous les dix, le leader du repêchage et des interceptions Charles Brantley au portail (Miami). Le marais et le vétéran serré Jack Velling ont un potentiel de conférence, et Chiles est un quart-arrière talentueux qui cherche plus de cohérence. MSU misera sur une grande production de transferts comme Moore et les récepteurs larges Chrishon McCray et Omari Kelly .
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Smith entre dans sa deuxième saison avec un minimum de changements au personnel, car les coordinateurs Lindgren et Joe Rossi sont tous deux de retour. Jon Boyer, qui avait travaillé sous Smith à Oregon State, a rejoint le personnel comme entraîneur des quarts, et MSU a embauché James Adams de Wake Forest pour travailler avec les sécurités. Mais le thème principal de la continuité demeure.
50. Kansas JayhawksPrécédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Oui. Jalon Daniels est toujours à Lawrence, après avoir traversé une saison sans un revers majeur des blessures mais ne générant pas les résultats globaux qu'il voulait. Daniels entre dans sa sixième et dernière saison collégiale avec 6 751 verges par la passe et 1 043 verges au sol, représentant 64 touchés (45 passes, 19 Rush).
Probablement d'un QB pluriannuel: très mince. Daniels aura toutes les occasions de diriger l'offensive du Kansas lors de sa dernière saison universitaire. L'étudiant en deuxième année Cole Ballard a joué un peu et pourrait prendre le relais en 2026.
Ligne offensive / lignes de ligne défensive: le Kansas devrait se sentir bien dans son front défensif avec l'extrémité Dean Miller , qui a mené l'équipe avec six sacs l'automne dernier. Les Jayhawks retournent également des pièces intérieures solides à Caleb Taylor , DJ Withers et Tommy Dunn Jr. La ligne offensive a un mélange de débutants vétérans (le centre Bryce Foster et le gardien Kobe Baynes ), une étoile montante potentielle de l'étudiant en deuxième année Calvin Clements et plusieurs nouveaux arrivants ou joueurs entrant dans des projecteurs plus grands. Le Kansas a également ramassé plusieurs transferts intéressants, notamment Tyler Mercer du nord du Texas et Jack Tanner de Tulsa.
Gestion de l'alignement: le Kansas a perdu beaucoup de contributeurs clés à l'obtention du diplôme, mais a largement gardé les joueurs qu'il voulait pour une saison de rebond potentielle en 2025. L'équipe a également ajouté du portail à plusieurs postes, notamment le secondeur ( Joseph Sipp Jr. , Bangally Kamara , Trey Lathan ), récepteur large, ligne offensive, dos de dos défensif. Le Kansas aura besoin d'un bon taux de succès sur ses transferts pour percer cet automne. Le recrutement du Kansas High School est parti fort pour 2026 avec ESPN 300 Safety JJ Dunnigan et autres.
Star Power: Lorsqu'il est en bonne santé, Daniels peut toujours être l'un des quarts-arrière à double menace les plus électriques du pays. Il lancera un autre groupe de récepteurs, mais Kansas aime ce qu'il a ajouté du portail avec Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Alabama), Cam Pickett (Ball State) et autres. Miller sera définitivement sur le radar All-Big-12, ainsi que dans une partie du joueur de ligne offensive de retour. Le transfert de ballon Leshon Williams a obtenu des honneurs honorables de mention All-Big Ten tout en dirigeant l'Iowa en se précipitant en 2023.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: L'entraîneur Lance Leipold travaillera aux côtés de son troisième coordinateur offensif en autant de saisons, mais un visage familier à Jim Zebrowski, promu au co-coordinateur et entraîneur des quarts. Le coordinateur vétéran Matt Lubick a rejoint le personnel en tant que Co-OC, et Leipold a promu DK McDonald au coordinateur défensif après la retraite de Brian Borland.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: Non classé.
Quarter-arrière de retour: Non. Ethan Garbers a terminé sa carrière de l'UCLA en 2024 et a signé avec les Carolina Panthers en tant qu'agent libre non repêché.
La probabilité d'un QB pluriannuel: possible mais ne peut pas en compter. Le transfert du Tennessee Nico Iamaleava a trois ans d'admissibilité, mais il sera éligible au repêchage de la NFL en 2026 et pourrait chercher à lancer sa carrière professionnelle. Il pourrait également transférer à nouveau.
Ligne offensive / ligne de défense Perspectives: la ligne offensive sera un groupe fluide et un groupe à regarder entrer cette saison, car le plaqueur senior Garrett DiGiorgio est la seule constante. L'UCLA a ajouté plusieurs transferts de puissance 4, dont Courtland Ford (Kentucky). La ligne défensive aura également un look différent avec Jay Toia à la NFL, bien que des vétérans comme Siale Taupaki et Devin Aupiu soient de retour.
Gestion de l'alignement: Le portail du printemps a changé les perspectives de l'UCLA alors qu'Iamaleava, une recrue du top 25 en 2023, change la donne pour le programme de l'entraîneur Deshaun Foster. L'UCLA a également ajouté le transfert de porteur de ballon Jaivien Thomas de Cal et a potentiellement solidifié ses futures perspectives de QB avec le frère cadet d'Iamelava, Madden, une classe top 150 de la recrue de 2025. Les Bruins se sont également chargés dans le secondaire avec des transferts de puissance 4 et ajouté au récepteur avec Mikey Matthews de CAL.
Star Power: Le plafond d'Iamaleava est incroyablement élevé, bien qu'il s'adapte à beaucoup de choses dans un court laps de temps. D'autres transferts pourraient être des candidats à All-Big Ten, dont Thomas, qui a eu une solide finition à Cal l'automne dernier, et des dos défensifs comme Andre Jordan Jr. (État de l'Oregon) et Benjamin Perry (Louisville). DiGiorgio sera l'un des joueurs de ligne offensive les plus expérimentés des Big Ten.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Après avoir conservé les assistants de Chip Kelly au cours de l'année 1, Foster a révisé le personnel pendant l'intersaison. Il a embauché Tino Sunseri de l'Indiana en tant que coordinateur offensif et a fait appel à des assistants avec des liens UCLA / West Coast comme Demetrice Martin, Burl Toler III, Jethro Franklin et AJ Steward. La coordinatrice défensive Ikaika Malloe a été l'une des seules hollovers de 2024.
48. Vanderbilt CommodoresPrécédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Oui. Diego Pavia est de retour pour électrifier la SEC et le football universitaire pendant une année de plus, après avoir reçu une dérogation pour jouer une saison supplémentaire depuis qu'il a commencé au collège junior. Pavia était au centre des grands moments de Vanderbilt en 2024, passant pour 2 293 verges et 20 touchés, et menant l'équipe à se précipiter avec 801 verges et huit touchés.
La probabilité d'un QB pluriannuel: extrêmement improbable. Vanderbilt a construit son attaque autour de Pavia, le catalyseur à la fois en tant que passeur et en tant que rusher. Pavia passera à autre chose après la saison 2025 et Vanderbilt pourrait aller avec la réserve vétéran Drew Dickey ou un joueur avec plus d'expérience de jeu via le portail.
Ligne offensive / ligne de ligne défensive: Pavia est de retour mais jouera derrière une ligne offensive différente en 2025. Le plaqueur senior Chase Mitchell , entrant dans sa troisième saison FBS en tant que starter, le seul pilier de retour, alors que Vanderbilt a ajouté Jordan White (Liberty), Isaia Glass (Oklahoma State), Bryce Henderson (Dakota du Sud) et d'autres de la portale. La ligne défensive a moins de questions urgentes, du moins avec le premier groupe, malgré le transfert de De'Marion Thomas à l'Oklahoma State. Vanderbilt renvoie un avantage productif dans les Capers de Miles seniors (3 sacs, 8 plaqués pour la perte, 3 échappés forcés en 2024), d'autres options expérimentées comme Yilanan Ouattara et Zaylin Wood , et un jeune joueur prometteur en deuxième année Glenn Seabrooks III . Le transfert du Texas Aaron Bryant devrait aider, mais les Commodores recherchent toujours plus de profondeur globale.
Gestion des alignements: la conservation de la Pavia pour une deuxième saison est énorme, car Vanderbilt essaie de s'appuyer sur sa première apparition au bol depuis 2018. Les Commodores ont également conservé Eli Stowers , un ailier serré All-SEC, le demi de coin Martel Hight , un retourneur de botté de dégagement entièrement-sec et un groupe de secondeur productif de Juniors Bryan Linalwell et Randon Fontenette , et Seniors Langston Patterson et Nickdi . L'équipe a subi des pertes de portail notables sur la ligne offensive et la sécurité, mais rien qui ne devrait pas détourner les progrès. Les ajouts de ligne offensive de Vanderbilt devraient aider, et l'équipe a également fait venir des jeunes défenseurs prometteurs comme la sécurité CJ Heard (Florida Atlantic). Le recrutement du lycée de l'équipe a baissé en 2025, mais une saison forte devrait aider à augmenter la classe 2026.
Star Power: Pavia a remporté les honneurs AP de la deuxième équipe AP et sera sur le radar pour la ligue et éventuellement les honneurs nationaux en tant qu'interprète incontournable. Il lancera à nouveau à Stowers, une sélection de la première équipe All-SEC qui a mené Vandy avec 49 réceptions pour 638 verges l'automne dernier. Hight a en moyenne 14,7 verges sur les retours de botté de dégagement et a égalé la tête de l'équipe avec deux interceptions. Les secondeurs se projettent comme l'un des meilleurs groupes de la SEC, alors que les meilleurs plaqueurs reviennent avec Rinaldi, qui avait un sommet de six sacs en équipe l'automne dernier. Les joueurs de retour de Vanderbilt aux trois niveaux de la défense donnent à l'entraîneur Clark Lea sa meilleure unité, ce qui devrait refléter dans les choix de conférence.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Lea a une chance de renforcer une certaine cohérence dans son alma mater et a reflété l'approche dans un personnel qui ne changera pas beaucoup, sauf pour certaines responsabilités. L'entraîneur secondaire Steve Gregory dirigera la défense, un rôle que Lea a joué en 2024, tandis que l'entraîneur des secondeurs Nick Lezynski a été promu coordinateur co-défensif. Tim Beck continuera de superviser le personnel offensif et de travailler avec Pavia, qu'il a entraîné dans l'État du Nouveau-Mexique.
47. Boston College EaglesPrécédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Oui. Grayson James est devenu le démarreur du Boston College au cours de la seconde moitié de la saison et est de retour après avoir passé 1 202 verges et six touchés, tout en ajoutant trois scores précipités.
La probabilité d'un QB pluriannuel: cela dépend de la pré-saison. James entre dans sa dernière saison collégiale, et le Boston College aura besoin d'un nouveau QB en 2026 s'il conserve le travail. Mais l'équipe a également amené l'Alabama Transfer Dylan Lonergan , une ancienne recrue du Top-40 avec l'éligibilité de deuxième année.
Ligne offensive / lignes défensives Perspectives: les meilleures équipes de la Colombie-Britannique prospèrent sur la ligne offensive, mais le groupe entre dans une année de transition après avoir perdu trois partants à la NFL. Le plaqueur gauche Jude Bowry a un plafond élevé et Logan Taylor est l'un des joueurs de ligne les plus expérimentés de l'ACC. Les Eagles doivent construire autour d'eux avec d'autres retenus et transferts comme Tommy Matheson de Princeton. La ligne défensive de la Colombie-Britannique a également pris un coup avec le rusher de passes record, Donovan Ezeiruaku, s'est rendu au repêchage. Le groupe compte cependant plusieurs rapatriés, notamment les seniors Quintayvious Hutchins et Owen Stoure . La ruée vers les passes sera un espace à surveiller après un gros pic en 2024.
Gestion de l'alignement: l'entraîneur Bill O'Brien ne veut pas être un programme de transfert de volume, et bien que le Boston College ait perdu quelques joueurs, il a priorisé la rétention et ajoutant aux zones cibles comme les lignes offensives et défensives, où plusieurs coureurs de passes de petit collier se joignent à la liste. Lonergan pourrait également être important pour l'avenir du programme. L'objectif de recrutement dans l'État et le recrutement d'État d'O'Brien apparaît, alors que les classements de classe 2026 du Boston College n ° 22 au niveau national.
Star Power: Une autre année sous O'Brien pourrait stimuler l'offensive et des joueurs comme James, le récepteur large Lewis Bond (67 captures, 689 verges de réception en 2024) et l'ailier serré Jeremiah Franklin . Taylor a obtenu des honneurs honorables de Mention All-ACC dans chacune des deux dernières saisons. Hutchins sera plus un rusher de passes en vedette après avoir enregistré 3,5 sacs et huit hurries de quart-arrière la saison dernière.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: O'Brien a pris le travail de la Colombie-Britannique très tard et bénéficiera d'une intersaison complète alors qu'il s'appuie sur un début de 7 victoires. Le personnel revient pour la plupart intact avec les coordinateurs primaires Tim Lewis (défense) et Will Lawing (infraction) reviendra tous les deux.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Oui. Kyron Drones est de retour pour sa saison senior après une campagne quelque peu décevante de 2024 au cours de laquelle il a terminé avec 1 562 verges par la passe, 10 touchés et six interceptions en neuf matchs.
La probabilité d'un QB pluriannuel: hautement improbable. Les Hokies sont prêts à rouler avec les drones une dernière fois, espérant la brillance à double menace qu'il a parfois affichée en 2023. La sauvegarde vétéran Pop Watson revient également avec l'éligibilité de deuxième année.
Ligne offensive / Perspectives de ligne défensive: le nouvel entraîneur de la ligne offensive Matt Moore a apporté plusieurs transferts avec lui de la Virginie-Occidentale, notamment Tomas Rimac , une mention honorable All-Big 12 Sélection l'automne dernier. Les Hokies ont également ramassé la réserve Auburn Jaden Muskrat dans le portail de printemps pour aider à la profondeur, comme seulement quelques joueurs de ligne avec une expérience de départ. Tackle défensif Kelvin Gilliam Jr. a commencé six matchs la saison dernière et est de retour, et Virginia Tech a ajouté plusieurs transferts de vétérans autour de lui, notamment la vedette du FCS Arias Nash (Mercer) et James Djonkam (Eastern Michigan), qui est passé d'un secondeur à l'autre ce printemps.
Gestion de l'alignement: Après une saison qui n'a pas réussi, Virginia Tech n'a pas perdu surtout plusieurs acteurs clés, en particulier dans la salle offensive et le secondaire. Les Hokies ont conservé des drones, ainsi que le secondeur productif tandem Jaden Keller et Caleb Woodson . Rimac aidera immédiatement à l'avance, ainsi que plusieurs joueurs de ligne offensive plus jeunes de Virginie-Occidentale. Le transfert de Bowling Green Terion Stewart aidera à remplir la production de la perte de Bhayshul Tuten. Djonkam et Nash font partie des transferts d'impact sur la défense. Les deux dernières classes de recrutement de Virginia Tech ont oscillé autour du n ° 40 à l'échelle nationale.
Star Power: Drones est capable de se disputer pour les honneurs de toute la ligue avec une meilleure santé et une meilleure performance. Il aura une aide à l'attaque avec des transferts tels que Rimac et Stewart, une sélection All-MAC de la première équipe en 2024. Keller et Woodson sont des joueurs prouvés qui peuvent diriger la défense jusqu'en 2026, tandis que le botteur John Love , une mention honorable All-ACC après s'être connecté sur 16 des 18 tentatives de but sur le terrain, est également de retour. Djonkam est un autre joueur à surveiller après une saison productive dans l'est du Michigan.
Personnel d'entraîneurs: Brent Pry a une fiche de 16-21 à Virginia Tech et doit fournir de meilleurs résultats cet automne pour garantir son avenir. Il a deux nouveaux coordinateurs à Philip Montgomery, l'ancien entraîneur de Tulsa, qui supervisera l'offensive, et le coordinateur défensif Sam Siefkes, venu de la NFL. Pry a conservé ses entraîneurs de position à partir de 2024.
Précédent Future Power Ranking: non classé
Quarter-arrière de retour: Oui. L'Alabama Transfer Eli Holstein a mené Pitt avec 2 228 verges par la passe, 17 touchés et 10 interceptions la saison dernière. Nate Yarnell a également joué de manière significative et transféré, mais Holstein est de retour avec les Panthers.
Personnalité d'un QB pluriannuel: très probable. Holstein sera un étudiant en deuxième année en chemise rouge en 2025, travaillant une fois de plus sous le coordinateur offensif Kade Bell, qui a amélioré l'unité de l'automne dernier. Un autre transfert est toujours possible, mais Holstein est en ligne pour diriger l'offensive pendant un certain temps.
Ligne offensive / ligne défensive Perspectives: Pitt a besoin de la ligne offensive pour s'améliorer après une performance décevante en 2024. L'équipe se tournera vers des retenus vétérans comme le tacle Ryan Baer , mais également plusieurs transferts, dont Kendall Stanley (Charlotte) et Keith Gouveia (Richmond). La ligne défensive a moins de questions immédiates, car le rusher de passe talentueux Jimmy Scott (six sacs en 2024) est de retour pendant au moins un an de plus, ainsi que les plaqués Sean Fitzsimmons , Nick James et autres. Les transferts Blaine Spires (Utah State) et Jaeden Moore (Oregon) devraient aider à l'avance.
Roster management: The Panthers lost more numbers in the portal than they gained and will miss several departing defenders. But they also got help for key areas, especially both lines but also wide receiver and in the secondary. Pitt retained one of the ACC's better offensive backfields in Holstein and running back Desmond Reid , a first-team all-league selection. Standout linebacker Kyle Louis and others are also back for 2025. Pitt's recruiting classes have hovered in the mid-40s nationally, but coach Pat Narduzzi has a good eye for talent.
Star power: Reid nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 and will return as one of the ACC's top running backs and punt returners. Louis, who had four interceptions and seven sacks from the linebacker spot, is a definite Butkus Award candidate and could contend for even more. Fellow linebacker Rasheem Biles also comes off an All-ACC season. The key will be whether Pitt's line transfers hit right away, especially players such as Stanley and Spires.
Coaching staff: Narduzzi is entering his 11th season and has stability on his staff with Bell and longtime defensive coordinator Randy Bates back for 2025. The key for 2026 might be keeping Bell, a young, on-the-rise playcaller who capitalized on his opportunity last season.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Not really. Jacolby Criswell started the majority of games for UNC last fall but transferred to East Tennessee State in January. North Carolina brought in South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez as its likely 2025 starter. But Max Johnson , the former Texas A&M and LSU quarterback who started the 2024 opener for UNC before sustaining a broken leg, is still with the Heels, hoping for one final opportunity.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Fairly likely. Predicting anything at North Carolina beyond 2025 is tricky, but Lopez has three seasons of eligibility remaining after recording 2,559 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, and 465 rushing yards and seven scores last year at South Alabama. UNC also landed Bryce Baker , ESPN's No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Like many groups at North Carolina, the defensive line will rely mostly on transfers this fall. The team picked up a nice player in UConn's Pryce Yates , as well as several Power 4 players with potential, including Arizona's Isaiah Johnson . UNC also was active in the portal for offensive linemen, adding Troy's Daniel King and others in the winter, and Jacksonville State's Will O'Steen in the spring. But the difference on the O-line is the return of Heels starters Trevyon Green , Austin Blaske and Aidan Banfield . Blaske and Banfield initially entered the portal after UNC made its coaching change but then opted to stay.
Roster management: The roster has been reshaped several times since coach Bill Belichick arrived, including in the spring when key defenders Beau Atkinson (Ohio State) and Amare Campbell (Penn State) left for the Big Ten. UNC made gains with players such as Lopez, King, Boise State linebacker Andrew Simpson and several defenders who moved with defensive coordinator Steve Belichick from Washington, including cornerback Thaddeus Dixon and Khmori House . The team also retained key linemen in Blaske and Banfield, and wide receiver Kobe Paysour . Bill Belichick landed Baker and others to finalize the 2025 class, and 2026 recruiting is off to a very strong start with the No. 13 class.
Star power: UNC lost its All-ACC players from 2024 and will be leaning on its transfers and a few holdovers to populate that list in future seasons. Lopez will be in the spotlight, and Simpson comes in with All-Mountain West honors from Boise State. Dixon earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors at Washington and should contend for similar recognition at UNC. The key will be whether a new staff can get more out of holdovers such as Green, Paysour and running back Davion Gause .
Coaching staff: Belichick's arrival is unlike any in recent college football history and makes predicting the next few seasons next to impossible. His recruiting gains are encouraging, though, and North Carolina has a fairly favorable 2025 schedule that should help with such a reshaped roster. The staff includes two of Belichick's sons, former UConn coach Bob Diaco, several veteran assistants and one holdover, former Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens.
Bill Belichick tells 'SportsCenter' he approaches UNC with a pro mindset to prepare players both on and off the field.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Athan Kaliakmanis will enter his second season as Rutgers' starter after starting for a year and a half at Minnesota. He was the only Big Ten player to make every pass attempt for his team in 2024 and finished with 2,696 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very slim. Kaliakmanis is Rutgers' established starter, has a long history with offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca and will be out of eligibility after 2025. The team's other quarterbacks carry sophomore or freshman eligibility.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The offensive line projects as a clear strength for Rutgers this fall, as long as it can replace All-Big Ten left tackle Hollin Pierce. Veterans such as Gus Zilinskas and Kwabena Asamoah are back, and Rutgers regains Bryan Felter , a 2023 honorable mention All-Big Ten selection who missed the second half of last season with injury. Rutgers' defensive line will be less reliant on returnees, although end Jordan Walker and others will factor in. The key there will be transfers, especially prized pickups such as Eric O'Neill , who had 13 sacks for James Madison last season.
Roster management: Rutgers had its roster set up for a big 2024 season and must replace three NFL draft picks and other key players. The team lost some familiar names on defense in the portal but also made key gains, including O'Neill, Ohio Edge Bradley Weaver , Marshall CB Jacobie Henderson and several contributors in the passing game, including North Texas wide receiver DT Sheffield . Rutgers' high school recruiting has improved, including ESPN's No. 28 class for 2025 and a 2026 class that currently ranks 19th nationally.
Star power: The offensive line is an area to watch as Zilinskas, Asamoah and Felter all have earned All-Big Ten recognition in their careers. Junior wide receiver Ian Strong is also worth watching after a five-touchdown season. But if Rutgers improves its wins total, transfers such as O'Neill, Weaver and others will be making an immediate impact and contending for all-league honors and possibly more.
Coaching staff: Coach Greg Schiano sets the tone for all things at Rutgers and understands how to navigate the environment. He retained Ciarrocca and the offensive staff, but the defensive side will have a new look with Robb Smith -- beginning his third stint as a Rutgers defensive coordinator -- and Zach Sparber taking over as co-DCs.
Previous future power ranking : Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. NC State's 2024 season fell short of expectations, but CJ Bailey 's emergence at quarterback was a major bright spot. He completed nearly 65% of his passes with 17 touchdowns, while adding five rushing scores.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very high. Bailey is a true sophomore and will be the centerpiece of NC State's offense. He'll once again be coached by Kurt Roper, who was elevated to offensive coordinator. Although a transfer can never be ruled out, NC State is all-in on Bailey.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both groups lose All-ACC performers, and Davin Vann 's departure certainly will be felt on the defensive front. The good news is NC State retains Travali Price , who had 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2024, and veteran interior lineman Brandon Cleveland . Utah State transfer Cian Slone , a second-team All-Mountain West selection last fall, joins the group. NC State returns one of the ACC's most experienced linemen in guard Anthony Carter Jr . (26 career starts), as well as tackle Jacarrius Peak . Transfers Teague Andersen (Utah State) and Jalen Grant (Purdue) should be immediate contributors.
Roster management: NC State took some hits in the portal, especially in the secondary with Bishop Fitzgerald (USC), Tamarcus Cooley (LSU) and Brandon Cisse (South Carolina) moving on. The team didn't add a ton of transfers but addressed defensive needs at linebacker -- Slone, Tra Thomas ( Temple Owls ), Kenny Soares Jr . (Northwestern), AJ Richardson ( Norfolk State ) -- and in the back end. Anderson and Grant should help offset some of the O-line losses. After signing the No. 27 recruiting class in 2024, NC State dipped to No. 43 this year.
Star power: NC State thinks Bailey can be one of the ACC's top quarterbacks, as he has size, accuracy and the ability to move around. Senior linebacker Sean Brown earned honorable mention All-ACC honors last season, when he led the team in tackles (96) and quarterback hurries (13). Price is another returnee to watch on defense, and NC State is bullish on top running back Hollywood Smothers . The key will be whether any transfers enter the All-ACC mix.
Coaching staff: Doeren is entering his 13th season at NC State and has only one losing regular season since his debut in 2013. But this fall feels important after the team backslid in 2024, and Doeren has new coordinators in Roper and DJ Eliot (defense), who worked together at Colorado in 2018. The staff is filled with veteran position coaches, including Joker Phillips and Garett Tujague.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: No. Kyle McCord is NFL-bound after leading the FBS with 4,779 passing yards during his only season with the Orange. McCord had all but three pass attempts for Syracuse in 2024.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Syracuse finds itself in an interesting spot after naming LSU transfer Rickie Collins its starter this spring, but then adding Notre Dame QB Steve Angeli in the portal. Both Collins and Angeli have multiple years of eligibility left. The key is who will emerge as the starter.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The new quarterback will be playing behind a largely revamped line, as Syracuse loses quite a bit of experience up front. Mark Petry will have a key role as he moves from guard to center, and the team also will lean on returnees Da'Metrius Weatherspoon and Trevion Mack at the tackle spots, as well as South Carolina transfer Kam Pringle and Louisville transfer Austin Collins . Syracuse added defensive line transfers Chris Thomas Jr . ( Marshall ), Dion Wilson Jr . ( New Mexico State ) and David Reese (Cal) to support some holdovers entering bigger roles.
Roster management: The team saw All-ACC wide receiver Trebor Pena , defensive lineman Maraad Watson and several others transfer to Power 4 programs but added more than it lost. Coach Fran Brown bolstered the quarterback room with Collins and Angeli, while adding to both lines with some experienced players from major programs. Brown has not surprisingly improved Syracuse's high school recruiting in the Northeast, and the 2026 class ranks No. 8 nationally, highlighted by ESPN 300 defensive end Kamron Wilson.
Star power: Syracuse was represented very well on the 2024 All-ACC teams, but all of those players have moved on to pro ball or other college teams. Nixon's offense provides opportunities for stardom, whether that's for Collins or Angeli, a new wide receiver or several of the returning linemen (Petry) and transfers (Pringle). The safety spot is another spot to watch as veterans Duce Chestnut and Devin Grant are both back after productive seasons.
Coaching staff: Brown exceeded all external expectations in his first season, bringing a different flavor and philosophy to a program that needed a jolt. He retained primary coordinators Jeff Nixon (offense) and Elijah Robinson (defense) despite some outside interest, while adding a new special teams coordinator in Ricky Brumfield.
40. Minnesota Golden GophersPrevious future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: No. Max Brosmer has moved on after his one season as Minnesota's QB1, and backup Drake Lindsey is in line to be the team's starter after five pass attempts in three games last fall.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Rather than go to the portal for another QB filler, Minnesota groomed Lindsey for this moment. If he performs as expected, Lindsey should lead Minnesota's offense through at least the 2026 season.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The offensive line is in an interesting spot as Aireontae Ersery and others move on to the NFL and the portal. Minnesota will be transfer-heavy up front other than Greg Johnson and Ashton Beers and needs better overall results with an unproven quarterback. Anthony Smith is a potential high-level pass rusher, and Deven Eastern brings production to the interior line, but Minnesota will need its transfers to deliver.
Roster management: Minnesota hit the portal hard on offense, adding linemen such as Kentucky's Dylan Ray and UCF's Marcellus Marshall , and wide receivers such as Javon Tracy ( Miami of Ohio ) and Logan Loya (UCLA). The Gophers were more selective on defense but added cornerback Jaylen Bowden from North Carolina Central . Minnesota has a consistent but unflashy recruiting approach.
Star power: Cornerback Koi Perich earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and likely will have a role on offense. Running back Darius Taylor is an effective rusher when healthy, and Smith could be primed for a breakout season at defensive end. Minnesota's success always hinges on its line play, and the offensive line transfers are worth tracking.
Coaching staff: PJ Fleck enters his ninth season at Minnesota and keeps a consistent approach, even when losing notable assistants. The Gophers have continuity on their offensive staff with Greg Harbaugh Jr. and Matt Simon back as coordinators, and seek the same on defense after promoting Danny Collins, a longtime Fleck assistant, to coordinator.
Previous future power ranking: 9
Returning quarterback: Somewhat. Primary starterDJ Uiagalelei missed the second half of the season with injury, which required Brock Glenn to make five starts. But Glenn likely will be slotted behind Tommy Castellanos , the Boston College transfer who started 20 games for the Eagles.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Unlikely. Castellanos, a dual threat who initially started college at UCF to play for current Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, should get the first opportunity in his final year of eligibility. In 2023, he became the first Boston College player to eclipse 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. If FSU turns away from Castellanos, it has Glenn and a few other non-senior options.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The Seminoles' defensive front has a centerpiece in Darrell Jackson Jr ., an honorable mention All-ACC selection with NFL potential. Nebraska transfer James Williams will be an immediate contributor, while tackle Daniel Lyons should see an increased role. The offensive line needs greater stability after a turbulent 2024, and will turn to veteran transfers such as Luke Petitbon (Wake Forest), Adrian Medley (UCF) and Micah Pettus (Ole Miss).
Roster management: Florida State has pillaged the transfer portal in both good times and bad, and will need its newcomers to engineer a turnaround after a 2-10 disaster. Castellanos could provide the lift Uiagalelei didn't, and will be throwing to transfer wide receivers Duce Robinson (USC) and Squirrel White (Tennessee). FSU added several impact transfers on defense, including Williams and cornerback Jeremiah Wilson (Houston). The team also lost several notable defensive linemen and others to the portal. High school recruiting has lagged under coach Mike Norvell, as FSU's 2025 class finished just outside the top 25. The 2026 class ranks 25th.
Star power: Among returning players, Jackson jumps out as an All-ACC candidate along with 2024 leading tackler Shyheim Brown and a few others. But the real potential comes with FSU's transfer haul, namely players such as Williams, Wilson, Robinson, Petitbon and White. The Seminoles will need to hit big on several newcomers after having only three nonspecialists receive All-ACC recognition in 2024.
Coaching staff: Norvell went from ACC Coach of the Year in 2023 to a historic nosedive last fall. He reshaped his staff with Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White, who left Nebraska for a risk-reward opportunity in Tallahassee. FSU also gets new coaches for both lines, as Terrance Knighton (defensive line) came with White from Nebraska and Herb Hand (offensive line) joined Malzahn from UCF.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Josh Hoover is back for his second full season as TCU's starter after taking a significant step last fall, finishing with a team-record 3,949 yards and 27 touchdowns on 66.5% completions. Despite interest from other programs, Hoover is set to lead the Frogs again.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: On track. Hoover will be a senior in 2026 and could finish his TCU career as a four-year starter. TCU will do all it can to retain him, after Tennessee made a push when Nico Iamaleava transferred out.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The defensive front projects well with the Deal brothers, Devean and Markis , returning after combining for 15 tackles for loss in 2024. Markis Deal has three years of eligibility left, as does Zachary Chapman , who recorded three sacks last fall. Washington State transfer Ansel Din-Mbuh could solidify the interior for multiple seasons. TCU's offensive line has a few more questions, especially after James Brockermeyer transferred, but gets veteran Coltin Deery for another year. Cade Bennett , an All-Mountain West selection at San Diego State who missed all of 2024 with injury, is back.
Roster management: TCU took a few hits in the portal, including Brockermeyer and backup quarterback Hauss Hejny , but kept Hoover and its core together to set up a potentially big season in 2025. The Frogs made portal gains in the secondary with Elijah Jackson (Washington) and Kylin Jackson (LSU), as well as at wide receiver with Jordan Dwyer (Idaho) and Joseph Manjack IV (Houston).
Star power: Hoover deserves more regional and national buzz after nearly reaching the 4,000-yard passing mark in 2024. He's among a talented returning group of returning starters in the Big 12. Two-time captain Bud Clark earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 and could be a national awards candidate this fall. Deal had 5.5 sacks in his first season with TCU and should be on the All-Big 12 radar, in addition to linebacker Namdi Obiazor . Transfers Dwyer, Elijah Jackson and Din-Mbuh are worth watching.
Coaching staff: A solid finish to 2024 helped the program get back on track for Sonny Dykes, who will enter his fifth season as TCU's coach. Dykes has stability at coordinator with playcallers Andy Avalos (defense) and Kendal Briles (offense) both back. There are quite a few new position coaches for 2025, including veterans Brian Norwood (safeties) and Randy Clements (offensive line).
Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down his top prospects to watch for the 2026 NFL draft, including Penn State quarterback Drew Allar,
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: No.Payton Thorne 's two-year run as Auburn's starter came to end, as he had improved numbers last fall with 2,713 passing yards and 21 touchdowns on 62.8% completions.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Quite likely. Auburn hopes a second opportunity to start will click for Jackson Arnold , whose highly anticipated debut at Oklahoma never really got on track. Arnold, the nation's No. 3 recruit in 2023, could solidify Auburn at the position through at least 2026. The team also has some insurance with Stanford transfer Ashton Daniels , a senior this fall.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Auburn allowed 27 sacks last season and wants to shore up its protection for Arnold with players such as transfers Xavier Chaplin (Virginia Tech) and Mason Murphy (USC). The tackle depth looks strong with senior Izavion Miller also back. Auburn returns a solid interior group with guards Dillon Wade and Jeremiah Wright , and center Connor Lew . Keldric Faulk , the team's sacks leader in 2024 with seven, returns to lead a defensive line group that looks solid inside with senior Quientrail Jamison-Travis and sophomore Malik Blocton .
Roster management: Auburn gained more than it lost in the portal, as most of the team's departures were reserves at positions like defensive back and quarterback. Offensive lineman Percy Lewis was a starter, but the Tigers added Chaplin and Murphy. Arnold is obviously the biggest pickup, as Auburn could be the second-chance opportunity he needs. The team got him some help with wide receivers Eric Singleton Jr . (Georgia Tech) and Horatio Fields (Wake Forest). The defense added to its depth, too, with All-MAC cornerback Raion Strader (Miami) and others. Freeze is showing his recruiting clout with consecutive top-10 classes and a 2026 group that ranks in the top 25.
Star power: Auburn doesn't return any All-SEC players but could have several in 2025, especially with a loaded wide receiver group, as Singleton and Fields join talented sophomores Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons . Chaplin earned honorable mention All-ACC honors at Virginia Tech, and Strader was among the MAC's top defensive backs. Faulk should be one of the SEC's top pass rushers this fall, and other returning linemen such as Wright and Wade could gain all-league recognition.
Coaching staff: Freeze understands the SEC better than most and recognizes that a winning record is needed , at minimum, in Year 3 with an upgraded roster. Auburn retained offensive and defensive coordinators Derrick Nix and DJ Durkin but has a new special teams chief in Chad Lunsford, the former Georgia Southern coach.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Dylan Raiola returns for his second season as Nebraska's starter after passing for 2,819 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a true freshman. Raiola was the No. 11 overall recruit in the 2024 class.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Strong. Raiola has to play two more college seasons, so the only way Nebraska doesn't get him back for a third season, barring a catastrophic injury, is if he transfers after the 2025 season. He'll be once again working with coordinator Dana Holgorsen, appointed to the role in November.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Nebraska certainly has options at offensive line, a good thing at a position group where injuries are common. Justin Evans is a building block for the group and, along with Gunnar Gottula and others, can play through 2026. Nebraska also picked up veteran transfers Rocco Spindler (Notre Dame) and Elijah Pritchett (Alabama). The defensive front has some immediate question marks as Riley Van Poppel , Elijah Jeudy and others move into bigger roles.
Roster management: The Huskers addressed several needs in the portal, namely at wide receiver with Kentucky's Dane Key and Cal's Nyziah Hunter , but also along both lines with Spindler, Pritchett, edge rusher Dasan McCullough (Oklahoma) and Williams Nwaneri , a top recruit from the state who returns after redshirting for Missouri. Nebraska also lost some contributors in the portal. Coach Matt Rhule has signed back-to-back top-25 recruiting classes.
Star power: Raiola is certainly capable of All-Big Ten play and possibly more in his second season. Key has all-conference potential after a strong career at Kentucky. Returning defensive backs are also on the radar, including safety DeShon Singleton and cornerback Ceyair Wright . Nebraska also is hoping to hit on other transfers, including McCullough, Hunter and others.
Coaching staff: Rhule helped end Nebraska's historic bowl drought in 2024. The next phase will be truly contending in the Big Ten and possibly for a CFP berth. Rhule has Holgorsen in place to return as OC, but after losing talented defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State, Nebraska promoted John Butler to the playcalling role. The Huskers have vast experience on their defensive staff, as longtime Rhule DC Phil Snow moves into a more involved role as associate head coach.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: No. Shedeur Sanders produced a record-setting two-year run at Colorado, had his number retired and then became a fifth-round NFL draft pick to the Cleveland Browns.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Fairly likely. Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter , who led the Flames to an undefeated regular season and a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2023, enters his final year of eligibility. But Colorado could at some point turn to decorated incoming freshman Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis, pegged as the team's quarterback of the future.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The defensive line was a bright spot for much of last season, especially a pass rush that produced 37 sacks and 52 quarterback hurries. Colorado must replace BJ Green and others but returns ends Arden Walker and Samuel Okunlola , who combined for 7.5 sacks and 13 hurries. Veteran tackle Amari McNeill is also back, and Colorado added transfers such as Jehiem Oatis (Alabama). Colorado's offensive line remains an area to watch and once again will be transfer-heavy with Xavier Hill (Memphis), Zarian McGill ( Louisiana Tech ), Zy Crisler (Illinois) and others. The group returns an anchor in talented sophomore tackle Jordan Seaton , as well as guard Tyler Brown .
Roster management: Colorado not surprisingly was active in the portal, adding Salter as a potential one-year answer at quarterback, and addressing both lines of scrimmage, the secondary and linebacker. The team also sustained some potentially significant portal losses at offensive line, cornerback and running back. Colorado signed ESPN's No. 34 class for 2025.
Star power: The Buffs lost more than most teams with Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy winnerTravis Hunter and others departing. Who's left? Seaton is back, Walker and Okunlola are both All-Big 12 candidates on the line, and Salter was Conference USA's MVP and a Maxwell Award finalist in 2023. Hill earned first-team All-AAC honors last fall after being a second-team selection in 2023. Alejandro Mata is back as one of the nation's more experienced kickers.
Coaching staff: Deion Sanders is back for Year 3, although the season represents Phase 2 of his tenure with his sons, Hunter and other notables leaving Boulder. He retained both of his coordinators, Pat Shurmur and on-the-rise DC Robert Livingston, and added another Pro Football Hall of Famer to the staff in running backs coach Marshall Faulk.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: No. Maalik Murphy set records in his only season as Duke's starter, but the team moved on from him and pursued Tulane's Darian Mensah , one of the top quarterbacks in the winter portal.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Extremely likely. Duke made a major investment in Mensah, in part because he has three years of eligibility left. Mensah completed nearly 66% of his passes for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, and his mobility makes him a good fit for Jonathan Brewer's offense.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Duke's defensive front projects as a strength, as top pass rusher Wesley Williams (7.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries) is back alongside fellow end Vincent Anthony Jr . and tackle Aaron Hall . The Blue Devils also added Dartmouth transfer Josiah Green for the interior. The offensive line that will protect Mensah returns four starters, including second-team All-ACC safety Brian Parker II and veteran guard Justin Pickett . Duke had a few injuries during spring ball but should have a talented and deep group in the fall.
Roster management: Duke seems to be in a very good place under coach Manny Diaz. The Mensah investment and ability to retain standout players such as All-ACC defensive backs Chandler Rivers and Terry Moore sends a message that Duke is here to compete. Duke gained more than it lost in the portal, addressing a need at wide receiver and picking up key players for the defensive back seven, including Caleb Weaver , a first-team All-Conference USA selection for Sam Houston . Diaz's defensive recruiting clout showed up in a 2025 class ranked 35th nationally.
Star power: Mensah generated most of the offseason buzz and certainly could become an all-league player with his new team. But Duke has other standouts, namely Rivers, a national awards candidate, along with Moore, Parker, Hall, linebacker Tre Freeman and others. The Blue Devils' defense should once again be one of the ACC's best, and if the offense clicks with Mensah, look out. Running back Jaquez Moore is worth monitoring as he returns from injury.
Coaching staff: Duke's momentum can be seen with Diaz and a staff that returns almost entirely intact from a 9-4 team. Coordinators Brewer and Jonathan Patke are settled into their roles, and Diaz has retained several promising young position coaches excited about the program's direction.
Previous future power ranking: 17
Returning quarterback: Kind of. Will Rogers started most of the 2024 season for Washington, but coach Jedd Fisch wisely pivoted to freshman Demond Williams Jr . down the stretch. After an impressive finish, Williams will enter the fall as Washington's clear QB1.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Williams has three years of eligibility left and has positioned himself to lead the Huskies' offense through 2026, if not longer.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: After a transition year in 2024, Washington needs both groups to stabilize a bit. The offensive line returns some experience with tackle Drew Azzopardi , center Landen Hatchett and others, and brings back Geirean Hatchett after a year at Oklahoma. Washington will have a new-look defensive front under coordinator Ryan Walters, which includes transfers Anterio Thompson ( Western Michigan ) and Simote Pepa (Utah).
Roster management: A second wave of transfers followed coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington, including veteran defenders in cornerback Tacario Davis and linebacker Jacob Manu . Defense was definitely Washington's portal focus this year with safety Alex McLaughlin ( Northern Arizona ) and others. Fisch signed ESPN's No. 17 recruiting class for 2025 and the 2026 class ranks 24th.
Star power: Williams has high-level potential and will be joined by All-Big Ten candidates in running back Jonah Coleman and wide receiver Denzel Boston . Washington doesn't return any bona fide stars on defense, but several of the transfers should be worth watching, including Davis and Manu.
Coaching staff: Fisch can truly settle in after a chaotic first season and has mostly good stability on the offensive staff, where Jimmie Dougherty slides in at offensive coordinator following Brennan Carroll's departure. The immediate intrigue will be on defense as Walters, after a brief and rocky tenure as Purdue's coach, takes over as the playcaller.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Sawyer Robertson shined in his first full season as Baylor's starter, passing for 3,071 yards with 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and added 230 rushing yards and four rushing scores
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Highly unlikely. Robertson is the focal point for Baylor's offense in his final college season, and for good reason after his strong finish to 2024. If Robertson goes down with injury, Baylor could end up with a multiyear quarterback in Walker White , the Auburn transfer.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Offensive line should be a strength for the Bears with four returning starters, including guard Omar Aigbedion , who earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition. Senior Sidney Fugar , a transfer from South Carolina after the 2023 season, moved from left guard to left tackle last fall and brings experience and versatility. The defensive line brings back some experience in Jackie Marshall , an honorable mention All-Big 12 performer, and fellow senior Cooper Lanz , who has played both end and tackle. Baylor added some bulk inside with Texas A&M transfer Samu Taumanupepe , who weighs 380 pounds.
Roster management: After a bounce-back season in 2024, Baylor had a solid offseason, retaining its top offensive weapons, including Robertson, All-Big 12 wide receiver Josh Cameron and Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Bryson Washington at running back. The Bears made some smart transfer additions with wide receiver Kobe Prentice (Alabama), defensive back Devin Turner (Northwestern), linebacker Travion Barnes (Florida International) and others. High school recruiting is on a steadier path after a dip, and Baylor's 2026 class projects well.
Star power: Baylor won't be able to hide entering the 2025 season, especially on offense with Robertson, Cameron, Washington and tight end Michael Trigg all back in the fold. Washington should be a star there through 2026, too. Marshall is among the defensive headliners, along with linebacker Keaton Thomas and safety Devyn Bobby . Several incoming transfers could contend for all-league honors.
Coaching staff: Coach Dave Aranda made it through a hot seat season with the program seemingly on much stronger footing. He will once again handle defensive playcalling, while offensive coordinator Jake Spavital is back for a second season. Aranda made some adjustments to the defensive staff and hired cornerbacks coach Paul Gonzales, who spent the past 13 seasons with rival TCU.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Haynes King is back for his third season as the Yellow Jackets' starter, after making dramatic improvements in his accuracy and lowering his interceptions total last fall. King completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,114 yards and had only two interceptions on 269 attempts.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very slim. Georgia Tech is building its offense around King, who enters his sixth and final season. The team has a lot of confidence in backup Aaron Philo , a redshirt freshman, but likely would make a change only if a major injury occurs.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Brent Key is a former Georgia Tech offensive lineman who coached the O-line before taking over the program, which he has built largely around, you guessed it, the offensive front. The Yellow Jackets return one of the nation's best guard tandems in Keylan Rutledge , a 2024 first-team All-ACC selection, and fellow senior Joe Fusile . Ethan Mackenny started eight games at left tackle as a true freshman and is a multiyear contributor for Key. The defensive line will initially be more transfer heavy with Brayden Manley ( Mercer ) and former Yellow Jacket Akelo Stone (Ole Miss), although returning senior tackle Jordan van den Berg should lead the group.
Roster management: Georgia Tech lost standout receiver Eric Singleton Jr ., outside linebacker Romello Height and several contributors to the portal, but it retained King, running back Justice Haynes , wide receiver Malik Rutherford and others from a team that showed it can compete with anyone. The team also supplemented both lines through the portal and filled Singleton's spot with Florida Atlantic's Eric Rivers , a first-team All-Conference USA selection. Key's recruiting prowess showed with the No. 19 class for 2025, a jump from No. 34 in 2024.
Star power: Georgia Tech returns arguably the ACC's best offensive backfield tandem in King and Haynes, and has several linemen -- Rutledge, van den Berg -- who received all-league recognition last fall. Rutherford and linebacker Kyle Efford also earned All-ACC recognition. Rivers is an impact player at wide receiver, and several of the transfer linemen, including Manley and Stone, have all-league potential.
Coaching staff: Key has shown he can win the big games at his alma mater. Now he needs to win more of them, especially with increased access to the CFP. Georgia Tech brings back Buster Faulkner, one of the nation's more creative offensive playcallers. The team will have a new defensive coordinator in Blake Gideon, who is in the role for the first time.
Previous future power ranking: 14
Returning quarterback: No. After two very difficult seasons at quarterback, impacted by Cam Rising 's injuries, Utah is moving forward with Devon Dampier , a dynamic dual threat who earned first-team All-Mountain West honors at New Mexico in 2024.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Utah brought in Dampier and offensive coordinator Jason Beck as a package deal, with the goal of Dampier leading Utah's offense through the 2026 season. He made 13 starts at New Mexico and led the Mountain West in total offense with 3,934 yards.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The defensive line is traditionally a strength but has some holes to fill afterJunior Tafuna moved on to the NFL, and Keanu Tanuvasa transferred to rival BYU. Logan Fano is back at defensive end after a decent 2024 season. Tackles Aliki Vimahi and Dallas Vakalahi both have started games and Vakalahi has only sophomore eligibility. Utah is hoping several transfers can fill out the depth. Utah's offensive line returns all five starters and could be among the nation's best. The team retained tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu , and has a veteran interior group.
Roster management: Utah had a significant portal exodus with 30 scholarship players transferring out, but the team retained Spencer Fano, a first-team All-Big-12 selection, and Lomu, as both could have left for other Power 4 programs. Although the Utes offense has turned over significantly, it needed to after the last two seasons. Dampier is a big get at quarterback, along with running backs Wayshawn Parker (Washington State) and NaQuari Rogers (New Mexico), and wide receiver Ryan Davis (New Mexico) and several others. Utah signed ESPN's No. 33 recruiting class for 2025, a nice job from 2024 (No. 50).
Star power: Dampier led the Mountain West in yards per carry last fall (7.52), in addition to finishing second in passing. He's a potential plug-and-play superstar. Utah's other offensive transfers at running back and wide receiver are also worth watching, but the real star power potential is at the line of scrimmage. Spencer Fano is an established star, and others like Lomu and Logan Fano could contend for All-Big-12 honors. Linebacker Lander Barton , Utah's leading tackler in 2024, has started games in each of the past three seasons, and nickel Smith Snowden has shown playmaking ability.
Coaching staff: Kyle Whittingham said he wouldn't coach past 65 but reached the milestone in November. A stronger 2025 season could accelerate the coaching transition to longtime defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. Utah needed a reset on offense and gets it with Beck, who has Power 4 coordinator experience from Syracuse and also worked at Virginia and BYU.
29. Texas Tech Red RaidersPrevious future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Behren Morton was Texas Tech's primary starter throughout the 2024 season, after earning 12 combined starts in 2022 and 2023, when he earned honorable mention All-Big-12 honors. He enters his final season ranked in Texas Tech's top 10 in several major categories, including touchdown passes (49) and passing yards (6,209).
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Slim, pending health. Morton will be Texas Tech's QB1 in 2025 before moving on. But he's coming off of surgery to his throwing shoulder, which caused him to miss time in 2023. If there are further problems, Texas Tech will turn to talented backup Will Hammond , just a redshirt freshman.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Texas Tech's pedal-down offseason drew national interest, but the biggest gains were made along the lines, especially the defensive front with transfers Lee Hunter (UCF), David Bailey (Stanford), Romello Height (Georgia Tech) and others. The D-line will be transfer-reliant but also returns Terrell Tilmon , who was second on the team with 3.5 sacks last fall. Texas Tech's interior offensive line returns experienced players like guard Davion Carter . The group likely will turn to transfers Howard Sampson (North Carolina) and Hunter Zambrano ( Illinois State ).
Roster management: Texas Tech finished No. 2 in our national offseason rankings list after super booster Cody Campbell fueled a portal push that produced one of the most talented rosters in team history. The Red Raiders made upgrades to both lines and brought back wide receiver Micah Hudson after a brief detour to Texas A&M. Texas Tech had some portal losses, too, but came out far ahead. The team's 2025 recruiting class placed just outside ESPN's top 50.
Star power: Morton has been efficient and effective when healthy and should be in contention for All-Big-12 honors, at the very least. Several incoming defensive transfers arrive with accolades -- including Hunter, Bailey and tight end Terrance Carter (Louisiana) -- while others could rise into at least all-league contention. Hudson had only eight receptions last year but is a former Top 25 national recruit.
Coaching staff: After three solid seasons, coach Joey McGuire has what he needs to take the next step. In addition to the roster gains, Texas Tech added two coveted coordinators in Mack Leftwich (offense) and Shiel Wood (defense). The team also retained general manager James Blanchard after Notre Dame made a push.
28. Texas A&M AggiesPrevious future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Marcel Reed is back for his second season as Texas A&M's top QB after passing for 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, while adding 543 rushing yards and seven scores. He will look for more efficiency and explosiveness in the throw game.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Reed is only a redshirt sophomore and projects as a quarterback who will need several college seasons for development. Texas A&M added UAB transfer Jacob Zeno , a seventh-year player who started his career at Baylor and has 17 career starts. Redshirt freshman Miles O'Neill rounds out the depth.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: If Texas A&M takes a step under second-year coach Mike Elko, the offensive line likely will lead the charge. The Aggies return all five starters, including third-team All-SEC left tackle Trey Zuhn III and senior guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams , who has 28 career starts between A&M and Kansas. The group's depth also stands out as Mark Nabou Jr ., who entered 2024 as the starting center but sustained a season-ending injury in the opener, is also back. Texas A&M had three defensive linemen selected among the top 62 picks of the NFL draft, and features a somewhat new-look group with transfers TJ Searcy (Florida), Dayon Hayes (Colorado) and Tyler Onyedim (Iowa State) joining holdovers like end Cashius Howell and tackle Albert Regis .
Roster management: The Aggies successfully held onto key players and, in the case of the offensive line, an entire position group from 2024. Reed will share a backfield with both Le'Veon Moss and Rueben Owens , who returns after missing all of last season with a foot injury. Texas A&M also retained leading tackler Taurean York , Howell, cornerback Will Lee III and others from a defense that must improve. The team had an interesting offseason at wide receiver, as Kyron Hudson didn't pan out and Noah Thomas transferred, but Texas A&M added NC State standout KC Concepcion and others. The Aggies also made gains at the edge and cornerback spot, adding Washington's Jordan Shaw . Elko signed ESPN's No. 9 recruiting class for 2025, highlighted by several standout linemen, and the 2026 class ranks No. 6.
Star power: Texas A&M returns three All-SEC players from 2024 in Moss (second team), Lee (second team) and Zuhn (third team). They all could work their way into national consideration this fall. Moss had 10 rushing touchdowns before a knee injury, but has responded well. The key will be: Who else steps up? Concepcion was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2023 and gives Reed an explosive threat on the perimeter. York led Texas A&M in both tackles and tackles for loss last season, and should be among the league's top linebackers. Safety Marcus Ratcliffe showed his playmaking ability with three interceptions last fall. Texas A&M also should get more linemen into All-SEC contention, whether they're holdovers on offense or transfers on defense.
Coaching staff: Despite a poor finish to 2024, Elko did some good things in Year 1 and not surprisingly will run it back with coordinators Jay Bateman (defense) and Collin Klein (offense), and most of his position coaches. The team added Lyle Hemphill, a veteran defensive assistant who served as James Madison's coordinator in 2024, as associate head coach for defense.
Previous future power ranking: 16
Returning quarterback: No. Oklahoma's offense needed a reset after 2024, when Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr . took the majority of snaps. Arnold is off to Auburn, and while Hawkins is back, Oklahoma landed the biggest quarterback transfer prize of the cycle in Washington State's John Mateer .
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Oklahoma will build around Mateer, a dual-threat dynamo who thrived under new Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle last fall at WSU. Hawkins is just a sophomore with some experience from last season (120 pass attempts).
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Oklahoma's defense wasn't the problem last season and the line projects to be among the nation's best this fall. The team returns an A-list pass rusher in R Mason Thomas , who had nine sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles while earning second-team All-SEC honors. OU is loaded at defensive tackle with the return of Damonic Williams , Gracen Halton , Jayden Jackson and David Stone , the former top-10 recruit who briefly entered the portal this spring before returning. Florida State transfer Marvin Jones Jr . will take some of the attention away from Thomas. Despite a down year on the offensive line, OU resisted a heavy portal push and will run it back with senior center Troy Everett and several sophomores with starting experience ( Heath Ozaeta , Logan Howland ). The group needs better luck on the health front.
Roster management: If coach Brent Venables puts Oklahoma back in contention for conference titles and CFP appearances, many will point to the past offseason. Oklahoma had significant portal pickups like Mateer, Jones, Cal running back Jaydn Ott , Oklahoma State linebacker Kendal Daniels and a group of wide receivers that includes JaVonnie Gibson , an FCS All-America selection at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Sooners also retained top defenders like Thomas, Halton, linebacker Kip Lewis and a promising young secondary that includes brothers Peyton Bowen and Eli Bowen . Venables still signed a top-20 recruiting class for 2025 despite last year's struggles, after bringing in the No. 8 class for 2024.
Star power: Mateer arrives in Norman with massive expectations, but he also has the skill set to electrify Oklahoma's offense and gain league and national recognition. If certain players around him stay healthy, like Ott and wide receiver Deion Burks , Oklahoma should have multiple candidates for the All-SEC teams. Thomas was a playmaking machine in 2024 and will be on the radar for national awards. Halton had five sacks, two forced fumbles and a safety from the tackle spot in 2024 and also belongs in this group. Daniels is a former Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and led Oklahoma State in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5.5) last fall.
Coaching staff: Venables enters a pivotal fourth year but has momentum from an offseason that not only included a nice transfer haul, but Arbuckle and others are joining the staff. Oklahoma hired Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy as general manager and Kevin Wilson, the former Indiana and Tulsa coach who served as OU's offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops, as an analyst.
Previous future power ranking: 11
Returning quarterback: Yes. Miller Moss started most of the 2024 season for USC but was benched down the stretch as Jayden Maiava got the final four starts.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Somewhat likely. Maiava enters his fourth year but has two years of eligibility left. He started throughout 2023 at UNLV and helped the Rebels reach the Mountain West championship game. Maiava seemingly would benefit from two full seasons with coach Lincoln Riley, but a breakout 2025 season could change things.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Riley has emphasized line play more in the last year, as USC added mass to hold up better in the Big Ten. The Trojans return an interesting non-senior core in Devan Thompkins , Braylan Shelby and Kameryn Fountain , and add Kentucky transfer Keeshawn Silver . USC's offensive line also brings back non-seniors with experience, like tackle Elijah Paige and guard Alani Noa , but will need transfers J'onre Reed (Syracuse) and DJ Wingfield (Purdue) to perform.
Roster management: Riley wants to become less transfer-reliant after too many boom-or-bust outcomes during his first three seasons. He beefed up USC's personnel department and the result is a 2026 recruiting class currently ranked No. 1 nationally. The incoming transfer class isn't as decorated but should help in areas like offensive and defensive line, secondary and running back.
Star power: There's not many no-doubt national stars entering the season, but USC could get there with wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane , Paige on the offensive line and returning defenders like safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry . The transfers could certainly factor in here, including at running back, where Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders arrive.
Coaching staff: Riley needs a true breakthrough in Year 4, but USC finally has the infrastructure to build better and more stable rosters for the future. Coordinator D'Anton Lynn leads an impressive defensive staff that returns from 2024, and Riley's influence remains on the offensive side, as he bumped Luke Huard to coordinator after Josh Henson departed.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Jake Retzlaff is set to return after starting for BYU's 11-win team last fall, although his status could change depending on the civil lawsuit filed against him by a woman alleging he raped and strangled her in 2023.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Possible. Retzlaff has junior eligibility and could lead the Cougars offense through 2026. His legal situation might change things, though, and reserves McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet both have FBS starting experience.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: BYU is in the unique position of losing offensive line experience but still retaining some with seniors Weylin Lapuaho , Bruce Mitchell and Isaiah Jatta . Lapuaho earned honorable mention All-Big-12 honors. The Cougars also added transfers Andrew Gentry (Michigan) and Kyle Sfarcioc (Southern Utah). BYU's defensive line has some turnover for 2025, although senior end Logan Lutui is back, and Utah transfer Keanu Tanuvasa is a big addition inside. The Cougars will need to build some depth at tackle for 2025 and 2026.
Roster management: The team lost a few key players to the portal, especially in the spring, but addressed the defensive line with additions like Tanuvasa, Tausili Akana (Texas) and Justin Kirkland (Oklahoma State). BYU also picked up the Bachmeier brothers, quarterback Bear and wide receiver Tiger , who should help with depth. High school recruiting has fluctuated a bit, but BYU still does well in its state and in Texas, and the 2026 class currently ranks No. 20.
Star power: BYU lost a lot to the draft and will need to replace standouts in the defensive back seven. Linebacker Jack Kelly returns after earning Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors in 2024. BYU brings back leading receiver Chase Roberts , and leading rusher LJ Martin is also back with two years of eligibility left. Lapuaho could emerge as one of the league's better offensive linemen, and kicker Will Ferrin was a first-team all-league selection in 2024.
Coaching staff: Kalani Sitake has good stability on the staff as he enters his 10th season overseeing the team at his alma mater. Primary coordinators Jay Hill (defense) and Aaron Roderick (offense) are both back, and the staff had minimal changes coming off of an 11-2 season.
Previous future power ranking: 21
Returning quarterback: No. Tyler Shough was an NFL second-round draft pick after a successful season under coach Jeff Brohm. Louisville once again went to the portal for his likely replacement in Miller Moss (USC).
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Highly unlikely. Moss, who had a record Holiday Bowl performance against Louisville in 2023 and opened the 2024 season as USC's starter, is entering his final year of eligibility. Louisville will go with him barring injury. Junior Brady Allen and redshirt freshman Deuce Adams are competing to back him up.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Louisville took some hits on the offensive line with the transfers of Monroe Mills (Virginia) and Austin Collins (Syracuse), but veterans Pete Nygra and Rasheed Miller are both back at center and tackle, respectively. The key will be whether transfers like Jordan Church (Florida Atlantic) and Mahamane Moussa (Purdue) can shore up spots. The defensive front loses top pass rusher Ashton Gillotte , but brings back tackles Jordan Guerad and Rene Konga , and has high hopes for end Micah Carter . Rutgers transfer Wesley Bailey started 25 games from 2022 to 2023 and should have a key role.
Roster management: Louisville's roster has been fairly fluid under Brohm, who once again took a transfer quarterback, as well as bolstered groups like wide receiver and defensive back. There were some key losses at offensive line, but the team retained star running back Isaac Brown and backup Duke Watson , and added some possible impact transfers on defense like outside linebacker Clev Lubin , who had 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles for Coastal Carolina last season.
Star power: Brown earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2024 and will be one of the nation's top sophomores this fall. Wide receivers Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy , a first-team All-Sun Belt selection at South Alabama who played in only five games for Louisville last fall, are both all-league candidates. The key will be who steps up on defense after some key departures. Linebacker Stanquan Clark has been productive, and transfers like Bailey, Lubin and safety JoJo Evans (Florida International) are worth watching.
Coaching staff: Brohm is entrenched at his alma mater and his hometown, boasting a 19-8 record (12-4 in ACC play). He returns primary coordinators Brian Brohm (offense) and Mark Hagen and Ron English (defense), and elevated former Louisville great and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch to wide receivers coach from a support role. Brohm also scored a major in-state coup, swiping ace recruiter Vince Marrow from rival Kentucky to become Louisville's new general manager.
Previous future power ranking: 18
Returning quarterback: No. Cade McNamara moved on after two disappointing seasons, and Brendan Sullivan transferred to Tulane after starting three games last fall.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very slim. Iowa brought in South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski to elevate the offense, and Gronowski picked Iowa to boost his NFL profile in his final college season.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: After several turbulent seasons, Iowa's offensive line stabilized in 2024 and once again looks like one of the team's signature position groups. Veterans Logan Jones , Gennings Dunker and Beau Stephens are all back for 2025, and the group has juniors and sophomores ready to step up, while also adding Division II standout Bryce George . Seniors Aaron Graves and Ethan Hurkett lead a defensive line that looks solid in some spots and has a few questions as well.
Roster management: Iowa will never be a volume portal team with Kirk Ferentz as coach, but it has become more aggressive in taking transfer quarterbacks like Gronowski and Hank Brown (Auburn). Iowa also added several defensive linemen and wide receiver Sam Phillips from Chattanooga. The Hawkeyes don't pop in high school recruiting rankings but continue to find good developmental prospects within the state and region.
Star power: Gronowski's championship experience and ability gives him a chance to become one of the Big Ten's better quarterbacks this fall. Iowa brings back All-Big Ten offensive linemen in Jones and Dunker, and Graves, and Hurkett, and other defenders like safety Xavier Nwankpa should contend for league honors.
Coaching staff: Kirk Ferentz turns 70 in August but continues pushing forward as the nation's longest-tenured coach. After the offensive staff shakeup in 2023, the team returned coordinator Tim Lester and most of the staff. Veteran assistants like Phil Parker, LeVar Woods and Seth Wallace are all back, too.
Previous future power ranking: 20
Returning quarterback: No. Brady Cook 's run of 39 starts for Missouri is over, as he capped his career with 10,222 yards of total offense. Cook had 2,535 passing yards last fall.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: It depends on preseason camp. Beau Pribula transferred from Penn State before the team's CFP run and landed at Missouri, where he will attempt to start in his final college season after backing up Drew Allar . If Sam Horn beats out Pribula for the top job, he could start through the 2026 season as he has junior eligibility.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The defensive front brings back a nice foundation in seniors end Zion Young and interior players Chris McClellan and Sterling Webb . Missouri is doubling down on its existing defensive tackle depth, although the team added Georgia transfer Damon Wilson II , who had two sacks last fall, to the edge. The team went heavier into the portal for offensive linemen, including seventh-year tackle Keagen Trost (Wake Forest), West Virginia tackle Johnny Williams IV and others. Missouri brings back a nice interior foundation with junior guard Cayden Green and senior center Connor Tollison .
Roster management: Missouri lost two top 40 NFL draft picks from the offense (tackleArmand Membou , wide receiverLuther Burden III ) and Cook, as well as productive defenders like end Johnny Walker Jr . But most of the team's portal departures were younger players like Williams Nwaneri , a former Top 25 national recruit. Missouri added Pribula and some help around him with wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr . (Mississippi State) and running back Ahmad Hardy (Louisiana-Monroe). Safety Jalen Catalon joins his fourth college team after a good run at UNLV, and the front seven should benefit from Wilson, linebacker Josiah Trotter (West Virginia) and others. Missouri signed Top 25 recruiting classes in 2024 and 2025.
Star power: A new group of standouts must emerge after the NFL departures, but Missouri has a nice veteran core, especially on defense with safety Daylan Carnell , linebacker Triston Newson and linemen like Tollison, Young and Green, ESPN's No. 55 recruit in the 2023 class. Transfers like Coleman and Hardy, a first-team All-Sun Belt selection, should help right away, and Catalon is a former All-America selection at Arkansas who earned first-team All-Mountain West honors last fall at UNLV.
Coaching staff: After 21 wins the past two seasons, coach Eliah Drinkwitz has Missouri on a promising path. He retained coordinators Kirby Moore (offense) and Corey Batoon (defense) from last year, and had minimal changes on the staff as the team tried to reload.
Previous future power ranking: 19
Returning quarterback: Yes. Avery Johnson is back for his second year as the starter, after setting a team record with 25 touchdown passes in 2024 and helping the offense set records for yards per play (6.57) and yards per rush (6.1). Johnson was on Tennessee's radar as a possible Nico Iamaleava replacement, but he remained at K-State.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Quite likely. Johnson is a junior and can headline the Kansas State offense again in 2026. He has room to grow as a passer, especially from an efficiency standpoint, and will be working this fall with coordinator Matt Wells, who coached the quarterbacks last fall.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Protecting Johnson is paramount, and Kansas State has a good foundation on the interior with center Sam Hecht , a second-team All-Big-12 selection in 2024, and guard Taylor Poitier . The team also added several Power 4 transfers, including tackle George Fitzpatrick from Ohio State. K-State's defensive line lacks a superstar like Brendan Mott , but depth should be a strength with sophomore Chiddi Obiazor , senior Cody Stufflebean and several big and seasoned tackles coming back.
Roster management: Kansas State kept Johnson, who was pursued by other programs despite a mixed results season in 2024. The team lost a chunk of players to the portal in December and several more in the spring, but also made some gains at all three levels on defense, including South Alabama cornerback Amarion Fortenberry , as well as offensive line, wide receiver and elsewhere. Coach Chris Klieman pulled in a strong 2025 recruiting class featuring ESPN 300 tight end Linkon Cure .
Star power: Johnson can be a Big 12 and national awards candidate, especially if he displays better accuracy as a passer. Tight end Garrett Oakley is back for at least another season after earning second-team All-Big-12 honors in 2024. Junior Austin Romaine also was a second-team all-league selection after leading Kansas State in tackles, and linemen like Hecht and Obiazor should be in contention for honors.
Coaching staff: Klieman is a model of consistency and will enter his seventh year at K-State, having won eight games or more in all but one. He lost longtime assistant Conor Riley to the NFL but replaced him with Wells, a former Big 12 head coach who worked with Johnson. Riley had coached the offensive line, but Brian Lepak slid over from tight ends to work with the group.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: No.Kurtis Rourke earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in his lone season with IU, and helped the Hoosiers to a team-record 11 wins and a CFP appearance. He was a seventh-round NFL draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers .
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: It depends on 2025. Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza arrives at Indiana with two years of eligibility left and 19 career starts. But if he builds on his 2024 numbers with an even better team, he could position himself well even amid a more crowded 2026 NFL draft class for quarterbacks. Mendoza, whose younger brother also plays QB for IU, also could look to play through 2026.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Indiana's offensive line got exposed in the biggest games last season, and will have a mostly different look with a mix of returnees ( Carter Smith , Bray Lynch , Drew Evans ) and notable transfers ( Pat Coogan , Kahlil Benson , Zen Michalski ). The defensive front returns All-Big Ten end Mikail Kamara but also will rely on veteran transfers like Hosea Wheeler (Western Kentucky).
Roster management: The Hoosiers thrived in the portal for the second straight season but this time didn't have the benefit of raiding their new coach's former team. Indiana took some big swings and landed Mendoza, Coogan, running back Roman Hemby , defensive backs Devan Boykin and Louis Moore , and others from Power 4 programs. Indiana's high school recruiting is less decorated, but the program has been very competitive with transfers.
Star power: Indiana lost only two NFL draft picks from a playoff team but returns plenty of established standouts, especially on defense. The Hoosiers regain All-Big Ten players in Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt , a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2024, is also back. Mendoza and several transfers should be in the mix for awards.
Coaching staff: Reigning Big Ten Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti is back after a transformative first season in Bloomington. He retained his top coordinators Bryant Haines (defense) and Mike Shanahan, strength coach Derek Owings and others, and lost only one on-field assistant. If Indiana continues to invest, it should remain a top-half Big Ten program.
19. Iowa State CyclonesPrevious future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Rocco Becht is back for his third season as Iowa State's starter, after earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in 2024. He finished in the top 20 nationally for both passing yards (3,505) and passing touchdowns (25).
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Quite likely. Becht redshirted in 2022 and will be eligible for a final season in 2026. Although he could always move on, he doesn't project as a surefire NFL prospect and likely will be back with coach Matt Campbell and the Cyclones.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The offensive line has experience and versatility coming back, as tackles James Neal and Tyler Miller have started games, as well as several interior players. Some have non-senior eligibility, including Brendan Black and Trevor Buhr , and ISU added Big Ten transfers in Austin Barrett (Indiana) and Derek Jensen (Wisconsin). ISU's defensive line has more immediate questions outside of senior tackle Domonique Orange . Junior Ikenna Ezeogu and sophomore Zaimir Hawk will be in bigger roles, and ISU added to its edge position with transfers Vontroy Malone (Tulsa) and Tamatoa McDonough (Yale).
Roster management: Iowa State lost 10 transfers in the winter period and several more in the spring, including linebacker Jack Sadowsky V , who had starting experience. But the team kept most of its key contributors and made some important portal additions, including at wide receiver with Chase Sowell (East Carolina) and Xavier Townsend (UCF), defensive end and the secondary with cornerback Tre Bell (Lindenwood) and others. Iowa State is an unapologetically developmental program and doesn't aim for much sizzle in high school recruiting.
Star power: Becht certainly should be in the mix for All-Big 12 honors and potentially national ones. Although he loses his top receivers to the NFL, he regains talented tight ends Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer . Orange and kicker Kyle Konrardy earned honorable mention all-league honors in 2024, and several of the returning offensive linemen have all-league potential.
Coaching staff: Campbell is back for his 10th season in Ames and has good continuity on his staff with longtime defensive coordinator Jon Heacock and Taylor Mouser, who enters his second season as OC. Running backs coach Jake Landry is the only significant addition to the on-field staff.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. LaNorris Sellers is back after a breakout season when he passed for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 674 yards and seven scores. He earned third-team All-SEC honors.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Everything hinges on Sellers' development. Sellers is just a redshirt sophomore and has the size and skills to play in the NFL . But he's not there yet and must significantly cut down on turnovers to solidify himself as a top prospect. If Sellers departs in 2026, South Carolina could turn to Ohio State transfer Air Noland , the No. 52 overall recruit in the 2024 class.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: South Carolina lost a lot on the defensive front with Kyle Kennard , the Nagurski Trophy winner and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, moving on along with Tonka Hemingway and TJ Sanders . The group has a multiyear centerpiece in Dylan Stewart , who had 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles as a freshman. South Carolina has some returnees and transfer options at tackle but will need multiple players to take on bigger roles, including talented senior Nick Barrett and possibly junior college transfer Zavion Hardy . The Gamecocks also must build around Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr . at end. The offensive line returns promising non-seniors at tackle in Josiah Thompson and Cason Henry . South Carolina's interior line will look different, as transfers like Boaz Stanley (Troy) and Nick Sharpe (Wake Forest) get a look alongside returnee Trovon Baugh .
Roster management: The Gamecocks knew they would be losing a lot to the NFL from a top-20 team. Their goal was keeping their top non-seniors, which they did -- Sellers, Stewart, cornerbacks Jalon Kilgore and Judge Collier , and young receivers Mazeo Bennett Jr . and Nyck Harbor are all back. South Carolina lost some scholarship players to the portal but not many key contributors. The team also added much-needed transfers at defensive tackle, interior offensive line and added a potential starter in the secondary in NC State cornerback Brandon Cisse . Utah State running back Rahsul Faison , an All-Mountain West selection, could be a big addition, but he's still waiting on an NCAA waiver. South Carolina signed top-20 classes in each of the past two years, which should help offset any upcoming losses.
Star power: South Carolina has a national awards candidate on each side of the ball in Sellers and Stewart. The question is: Who joins them? Kilgore had a team-high five interceptions last season and will be one to watch on defense, along with Collier, DQ Smith and Thomas. South Carolina will look for more from its returning receivers, namely Bennett and Harbor, and Faison should be on the All-SEC radar, if cleared.
Coaching staff: Coach Shane Beamer rebounded from a tough 2023 season to win nine games and nearly reach the CFP last season. He now must show he can reload and sustain after so many NFL departures. South Carolina elevated former Alabama coach Mike Shula as offensive coordinator after Dowell Loggains left for Appalachian State. Defensive coordinator Clayton White is back for his fifth season, and the rest of the staff is intact.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Luke Altmyer is back for his third season as Illinois' primary starter, despite generating interest from Tennessee as a transfer candidate.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Highly unlikely. Altmyer is entrenched as Illinois' QB1 for his final college season after earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He enters 2025 as one of the nation's most experienced signal-callers, and possibly a national awards candidate. Illinois has some insurance with transfer Ethan Hampton , but he, too, will depart in 2026.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Coach Bret Bielema's best Wisconsin teams had A-list offensive lines, and Illinois will have its best of Bielema's tenure. The Illini retained tackle JC Davis , a third-team All-Big Ten selection, as well as fellow seniors Josh Kreutz , Josh Gesky and Melvin Priestly . Illinois will have significant turnover in 2026 but the line looks very solid. The defensive line has an opposite look with many transfers in immediate roles, including James Thompson Jr . and Curt Neal , both from Wisconsin.
Roster management: After a 10-win season, Illinois has set itself up well for future success. The team's ability to retain Altmyer, Davis, star outside linebacker Gabe Jacas and others bodes well for the future. Illinois added at wide receiver, its primary position of need, with Hudson Clement (West Virginia) and Justin Bowick (Ball State), and also at defensive line. Running back Josh McCray was the only big portal loss. Illinois' in-state recruiting has been on the rise, as the team landed Nasir Rankin , a top-175 national prospect from Chicago for the 2026 class.
Star power: The Illini have plenty for 2025, including Jacas, a national awards candidate and a headache for opposing offenses. All-Big Ten safety Xavier Scott is also back, along with Davis and Altmyer. Illinois has other defenders to watch, including safety Miles Scott and linebacker Dylan Rosiek . The only concern is how much the roster will turn over for 2026.
Coaching staff: Bielema is the coach Illinois has waited decades for. He understands how to win in the Big Ten and can adjust to current roster challenges. Armed with a six-year contract extension, Bielema retained his staff from 2024, including primary coordinators Barry Lunney Jr. (offense) and Aaron Henry (defense).
Previous future power ranking: 15
Returning quarterback: No. Jaxson Dart was the No. 25 overall selection in the NFL draft after finishing his Ole Miss career with whopping totals for passing yards (10,617), total offensive yards (12,115) and touchdown passes (72). Ole Miss will pass the QB torch this fall.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Coach Lane Kiffin has been developing sophomore Austin Simmons to be Dart's likely successor. He should lead the offense for multiple seasons, but Kiffin also got some insurance in Trinidad Chambliss , who helped Ferris State to a Division II national title, as well as Oklahoma State transfer Maealiuaki Smith . Redshirt freshman AJ Maddox also returns.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The defensive front will look mostly different after losing NFL first-round draft pick Walter Nolen III , ends Princely Umanmielen and Jared Ivey , and tackle JJ Pegues to the pros. Ole Miss does bring back a promising group with senior tackle Zxavian Harris and promising sophomores Kam Franklin and Jamarious Brown . The team also addressed the pass-rushing departures with transfers Princewill Umanmielen (Nebraska) and Da'Shawn Womack (LSU). Ole Miss' offensive line likely will be fluid until the season, after injuries cropped up this spring. Tackles Diego Pounds and Jayden Williams return with starting experience, and Ole Miss added a potential plug-and-play transfer in Patrick Kutas (Arkansas), as well as promising younger linemen such as Delano Townsend (UAB).
Roster management: Ole Miss had one of its most talented rosters in decades last fall and won 10 games but fell short of the CFP. Kiffin has had good success in the portal and continued during this cycle to load up on defensive backs, edge rushers, offensive linemen like Kutas and a group of receivers headlined by De'Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State) and Harrison Wallace III (Penn State). They join top returning wideout, junior Cayden Lee , among several key holdovers -- junior linebacker Suntarine Perkins , Harris, tight end Dae'Quan Wright -- from 2024. The Rebels took a few portal hits in the secondary but most of their outgoing transfers were reserves. Ole Miss has relied less on high school players, but signed ESPN's No. 16 class for 2025.
Star power: Perkins earned third-team All-SEC honors last fall after leading the team in tackles for loss (14) and tying for the top spot in sacks (10.5). Wide receiver will be a spot to watch as Lee, Stribling and Wallace all compete for catches and postseason recognition. Ole Miss added second-team All-Sun Belt running back Damien Taylor , and some of the incoming linemen -- Umanmielen, Kutas, Williams -- could be in the All-SEC mix. Running back Logan Diggs also could be worth watching as he comes back from an ACL injury.
Coaching staff: Kiffin and his staff face an interesting roster reset after losing so many top-level talents. The coaches will do so without dealing with much change, as coordinators Pete Golding (defense) and Charlie Weis Jr. (offense) are back, alongside most of the position coaches. Kiffin has done a nice job of keeping assistants amid a successful stretch on the field.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Top 10 national recruit DJ Lagway emerged as Florida's starter last season, and displayed impressive deep-ball accuracy, finishing with 1,915 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. He didn't throw this spring because of a shoulder injury but should be ready for preseason camp.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Extremely likely. Florida rightfully is riding with Lagway and the only question entering 2025 concerns his shoulder/elbow health. The team added some veteran insurance behind him with Louisville transfer Harrison Bailey .
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both groups project well, especially an offensive line that returns four starters, including All-America center Jake Slaughter and guard Damieon George Jr . The Gators excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, and promising sophomore Bryce Lovett is pegged to take over at right tackle. Florida brings back one of the SEC's top defensive line tandems in senior tackle Caleb Banks and senior end Tyreak Sapp , who led the team in both sacks (7) and tackles for loss (13). Jamari Lyons is back from a broken ankle, and edge George Gumbs Jr . had five sacks last fall.
Roster management: A small number of incoming transfers (seven) underscores how pleased Florida is with its returning group. The Gators retained several players who could have gone to the NFL, especially linemen Slaughter, Banks and Sapp. They also brought back one of the nation's top young offensive backfields in Lagway and running back Jadan Baugh . Florida added veteran transfer wide receiver J.Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) and several depth pieces in the secondary and defensive front. The Gators signed consecutive No. 10 recruiting classes.
Star power: Coach Billy Napier has his best roster entering Year 4, headlined by an established star in Slaughter, experienced defensive linemen in Banks and Sapp, and a group of exciting non-seniors, including Lagway, Baugh and safety Bryce Thornton . Sturdivant led Cal in receiving in 2022 and earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. Both of Florida's lines could be well-represented on the All-SEC teams.
Coaching staff: Napier is in a much stronger position after a strong finish to 2024. He brought in Vinnie Sunseri to replace Austin Armstrong at defensive coordinator and work alongside veteran Ron Roberts. Russ Callaway is back to lead the offensive staff and work with Lagway.
Previous future power ranking: 22
Returning quarterback: Yes. Kevin Jennings certainly wasn't at his best in his most recent performance -- throwing three interceptions against Penn State in a CFP first-round game -- but he still helped the Mustangs to the ACC title game and the playoff in their first season as an ACC member. Jennings put up excellent overall numbers in his first season as the starter, passing for 3,245 yards and 23 touchdowns, and adding five rushing scores.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. Jennings will be a redshirt junior this fall and is set up to lead SMU through the 2026 season. SMU has good continuity around him with offensive coordinator Casey Woods and quarterbacks coach D'Eriq King.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: SMU's defensive line gets overlooked at times with all the attention on the offense, but coach Rhett Lashlee and his staff have built very good fronts. Despite some key departures, the Mustangs bring back senior ends Cameron Robertson and Isaiah Smith , who combined for 14 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 2024. The team also addressed the interior with Purdue transfer Jeffrey M'Ba and also picked up some depth. SMU's offensive line returns tackle PJ Williams and guard Logan Parr , who both earned third-team All-ACC honors last fall, and tackle Savion Byrd . Transfer Addison Nichols started throughout 2024 for Arkansas.
Roster management: Lashlee and his staff continue to do a nice job here, retaining a number of All-ACC players while being targeted with portal additions and helping positions like defensive tackle and the interior offensive line. The overall number of defenders leaving could impact 2025 but SMU has others ready for bigger roles. SMU lost quarterback recruit Keelon Russell to Alabama but still signed ESPN's No. 30 class for 2025.
Star power: After a CFP breakthrough, SMU returns several standouts on both sides of the ball. Jennings has a great opportunity to rebound after a rough postseason, and will have some protection up front with Williams, Parr and Byrd, as well as a proven target in tight end RJ Maryland . The defense retains some sizzle, as first-team All-ACC selection Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses form a nice tandem at safety. Defensive ends Robertson and Smith should contend for all-league honors.
Coaching staff: Lashlee has taken SMU to the next level and brings back his staff despite head coaching interest in coordinators Woods and Scott Symons (defense). The only uncertainty is whether Lashlee, who will undoubtedly be targeted by SEC teams with vacancies, remains in Dallas or tries to make a move in 2026.
Previous future power ranking: 5
Returning quarterback: No (thankfully?). Michigan needed a reset at quarterback after a dreadful passing season, and will turn to No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene this season.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Extremely. The Wolverines have gone all in with Underwood, their first mega high school signing of the NIL era. Unless things go very wrong, Underwood will be leading Michigan's offense through the 2026 season and beyond.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Line play propelled Michigan's run to three consecutive Big Ten titles and the 2023 national championship, but both groups have been hit by NFL exits. The defensive line should be solid this fall if tackle transfers Tre Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne Jr . (Alabama) pan out. The offensive line enters a significant season with less-established players, and young tackles like Andrew Sprague and Evan Link must keep developing.
Roster management: Coach Sherrone Moore is starting to flex some recruiting muscle, as Michigan finished with ESPN's No. 7 class for 2025, boosted by Underwood. Michigan has been smart and selective in the portal, and its additions along both lines and at running back with Alabama transfer Justice Haynes will impact the upcoming season.
Star power: There are massive expectations around Underwood, and his development the next two seasons will shape Michigan's overall outlook. The Wolverines return one of the nation's best kickers in Dominic Zvada , and defenders like end Derrick Moore and cornerback Zeke Berry should contend for All-Big Ten honors.
Coaching staff: Moore has settled in after much of the staff followed predecessor Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers. He will be judged largely on the success of offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who had no previous ties to Moore or Michigan. The team retained defensive coordinator Wink Martindale for a second season.
Previous future power ranking: Not ranked
Returning quarterback: Yes. Redshirt sophomore Sam Leavitt is back after helping Arizona State to a Big 12 title and a CFP appearance. The Big 12 Freshman and Newcomer of the Year set an ASU freshman record with 3,328 yards of total offense.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Hinges on the upcoming season. Leavitt has three years of eligibility left but also can move to the NFL after the 2025 season. Coach Kenny Dillingham thinks he will be a coveted pro prospect, as he showed accuracy, efficiency and the ability to throw the deep ball.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: The offensive line returns good experience and depth despite losing first-team All-Big 12 center Leif Fautanu . Four seniors with starting experience -- tackles Josh Atkins and Max Iheanachor , guard Kyle Scott and guard/center Ben Coleman are all back. ASU also added Texas State transfer Jimeto Obigbo as an answer at guard. The defensive front drew strong reviews this spring behind a veteran core -- seniors Clayton Smith , Prince Dorbah , Justin Wodtly and Jacob Kongaika , and junior CJ Fite . ASU has been excellent against the run but looks for more pass-rushing production.
Roster management: Dillingham has taken a refreshing approach toward the portal, making some good additions -- especially in the secondary -- with Kyndrich Breedlove (Purdue), Adrian Wilson (Washington State) and others, as well as at running back with Army's Kanye Udoh . The Sun Devils are off to a promising start in 2026 recruiting with ESPN's No. 9 class.
Star power: Arizona State has plenty coming off of the CFP team. Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson are both All-America type candidates. Senior tight end Chamon Metayer earned All-Big-12 recognition in 2024, as did safety Xavion Alford on the defensive side. Several linemen should be in the all-league mix this year, including Smith at defensive end and Coleman, who shifts to center.
Coaching staff: Dillingham has made ASU a desirable destination for both players and coaches. ASU returns both primary coordinators from the Big 12 championship team, including OC Marcus Arroyo, a Broyles Award finalist in 2024. The staff has a nice mix of youth and experience, on top of a big name like wide receivers coach Hines Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham explains the differences his team is facing this season after coming off a Big 12 title last season.
Previous future power ranking: 24
Returning quarterback: No. Cam Ward had record-setting numbers in his only season at the U, before becoming the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft. Miami made arguably an even bigger transfer portal splash in landing Carson Beck , a multiyear starter at Georgia.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very slim. Beck, who entered the 2024 season as one of the top NFL prospects at quarterback, will be playing his sixth and final college season. Miami will give him the reins before changing QBs again in 2026. Backup Emory Williams , who started twice in 2023 and performed well in Miami's spring game, is a redshirt sophomore.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Coach Mario Cristobal doubled down on emphasizing line play this offseason, and hopes a mix of experienced returnees and transfers produces the right formula. Defensive ends Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr . anchor the front after combining for nine sacks last season. Bain has high NFL draft potential entering his junior season. Junior Ahmad Moten is back to man one of the interior spots. Cristobal will build the offensive line around junior tackle Francis Mauigoa and transfer center James Brockermeyer , an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection at TCU. The O-line depth, not surprisingly, is strong.
Roster management: If championships were awarded for portal prowess and recruiting, Cristobal would have a few at Miami. He's relentless with both transfers and high school recruits, and has upgraded the program in both areas. Miami's transfer haul includes Beck, a strong crop of defensive backs that includes Charles Brantley (Michigan State) and Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin), Brockermeyer and a new-look wide receiver group that includes CJ Daniels (LSU). Miami lost a few contributors but gained more. Cristobal has signed consecutive top-15 recruiting classes, and the 2026 group ranks 15th.
Star power: Miami isn't lacking here with Beck, a two-year starter at Georgia, as well as returnees such as Mauigoa, Bain and Mesidor on the offensive line, and running backs Mark Fletcher Jr . and Jordan Lyle . Several of the non-QB transfers should be in the mix, too, including Brantley, Lucas, Brockermeyer and Daniels.
Coaching staff: After falling just shy of the CFP in 2024, Miami has no excuses as it enters its fourth season under Cristobal. Shannon Dawson is back after coordinating the nation's top offense last season, and Cristobal made a smart hire with new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman from Minnesota. Hetherman will oversee a staff with three new position coaches.
Previous future power ranking: 4
Returning quarterback: No. Jalen Milroe is off to the NFL after two seasons as Alabama's starter. He had 2,884 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, and led the Tide in rushing with 726 yards and 20 scores.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Very likely. All three players competing for the top job -- redshirt junior Ty Simpson , redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and incoming freshman Keelon Russell -- have multiple seasons of eligibility left. Simpson had 25 pass attempts in six games last fall.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Alabama certainly will miss NFL first-round draft pick Tyler Booker on its offensive line, but a good core of starters returns, including second-team All-SEC tackle Kadyn Proctor , center Parker Brailsford and guard Jaeden Roberts . The team can build around them with Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry and others, but the overall outlook is good through 2026. Alabama lacked a dominant pass rusher last season but returns a solid interior tandem in senior Tim Keenan III and junior James Smith . LT Overton is back at end after a team-high nine quarterback hurries. Florida transfer Kelby Collins will be a factor.
Roster management: The Tide took more depth hits with portal losses but kept their mainstay players at most positions, including wide receiver Ryan Williams , Proctor, linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive backs Domani Jackson , Zabien Brown and Keon Sabb . Alabama didn't add a ton of transfers but addressed depth on both lines and on the perimeter with wide receiver Isaiah Horton (Miami) and tight end Brody Dalton (Troy). Coach Kalen DeBoer's first full recruiting class ranked No. 4 nationally, including Russell, a five-star player, and 14 other ESPN 300 prospects. The 2026 class, though, is off to a slower start.
Star power: There's a reason Williams is one of the cover players for EA Sports College Football 26. He should be in contention for national honors, along with Proctor, Lawson and potentially others. The 325-pound Keenan could be poised for a big year at defensive tackle, and Alabama's retention in the secondary could produce more All-SEC-type players. Jam Miller should be Alabama's featured running back after rushing for 668 yards last fall.
Coaching staff: DeBoer should have more of an imprint on the roster and program in Year 2, but must deliver a CFP appearance, at minimum. He reunited with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, his OC at Washington and Fresno State, and retained the rest of his on-field staff.
Previous future power ranking: 13
Returning quarterback: Surprisingly, no. Nico Iamaleava 's stunning departure at the end of spring practice dramatically altered Tennessee's plans at QB. Iamaleava was only a sophomore and conceivably could have led the offense through at least 2026. Instead, Tennessee had to scramble for a replacement in the spring portal.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Highly unlikely. After making runs at several established Power 4 quarterbacks, Tennessee added Joey Aguilar in what was essentially a QB swap with UCLA. Aguilar went through the spring with the Bruins after transferring from Appalachian State, where he had two 3,000-yard passing seasons. He's a senior, so Tennessee will need a new starter in 2026, possibly redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger or incoming freshman George MacIntyre , an ESPN 300 recruit.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Tennessee not only will have a new quarterback but a largely new offensive line blocking for him. Cooper Mays and several other interior line mainstays are gone as the Vols build around tackle Lance Heard with transfers Sam Pendleton (Notre Dame) and Wendell Moe (Arizona). Other returnees will take on bigger roles along with the addition of decorated incoming freshman tackle David Sanders Jr ., ESPN's No. 7 overall recruit. There are fewer questions on the defensive line despite James Pearce Jr .'s exit to the NFL, as Tennessee returns senior tackles Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi , and senior edge Joshua Josephs , who had a team-high three forced fumbles in 2024. Dominic Bailey and Tyre West add depth to the end spot after combining for four sacks last season.
Roster management: Iamaleava's departure was jarring and creates more doubt about a Tennessee team that reached the CFP last fall but loses four players to the NFL draft and other key contributors. The Vols didn't do a ton in the portal other than their offensive line additions and grabbing running back Star Thomas , a productive transfer from Duke. Tennessee lost a number of defensive contributors to other Power 4 programs, as well as Squirrel White and several other wide receivers. Colorado transfer Colton Hood is a nice pickup for the secondary. The Vols retained standout cornerback Jermod McCoy , linebacker and top tackler Arion Carter and others on defense, and productive tight end Miles Kitselman and several key wideouts. Tennessee is recruiting well with top-15 classes in 2024 and 2025, and ranks No. 18 for its 2026 class.
Star power: McCoy earned second-team All-SEC honors last season after sharing the team lead with four interceptions, while adding a forced fumble. Carter, Josephs and other returning defenders should be all-conference contenders. Coach Josh Heupel's offense creates opportunities for stardom, which should help Aguilar, Thomas, the returning receivers and other running backs like sophomores DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis . Moe was a second-team All-Pac 12 selection for Arizona in 2023.
Coaching staff: After leading Tennessee to its first playoff appearance, Heupel has exceeded most outside expectations with a 37-15 record in Knoxville. He brings back primary coordinators Tim Banks (defense) and Joey Halzle (offense), while making a few changes to the group of position coaches.
Paul Finebaum breaks down the quarterback situations for Georgia, Texas and Tennessee ahead of the college football season.
Previous future power ranking: 8
Returning quarterback: Yes. Garrett Nussmeier waited his turn to start and capitalized in 2024, finishing fifth nationally in passing yards (4,052) and rising into the top 10 across several LSU career passing category charts. He's 10-4 as LSU's starter with two bowl MVP awards.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Extremely unlikely. Nussmeier is back for his fifth and final season and will be a top Heisman Trophy candidate and NFL draft prospect. He ranks ninth in LSU history with 5,772 passing yards despite starting only one full season. LSU added sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr ., who became Mississippi State's primary starter last fall, as a backup.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: LSU lost players on both lines to the NFL, including offensive tackleWill Campbell , the No. 4 selection. The defensive front projects as one of the team's stronger groups, as LSU added key transfers Patrick Payton (Florida State), Jack Pyburn (Florida), Jimari Butler (Nebraska) and others. Payton has 15 career sacks. The Tigers also have several promising sophomores, including Dominick McKinley , who had three sacks last fall. Sophomore DJ Chester is the only returning starter on the offensive line, which added notable transfers in center Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and guard Josh Thompson (Northwestern). Coach Brian Kelly likes the depth of a group without many seniors.
Roster management: The Tigers had collected several good transfers in the portal era but hadn't made an all-out push like what happened in the winter and spring. LSU made key gains at wide receiver with Barion Brown (Kentucky) and Nic Anderson (Oklahoma), both lines, the tight end room with Bauer Sharp (Oklahoma) and the secondary with cornerback Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech) and others. The Tigers also retained Nussmeier, standout linebacker Whit Weeks and top receiver Aaron Anderson , didn't lose many mainstays and brought in the nation's No. 8 recruiting class, which includes potential early contributors like cornerback DJ Pickett and running back Harlem Berry . The 2026 class currently ranks 11th nationally.
Star power: Nussmeier will be on all the national award lists as he tries to build on a 4,000-yard passing season and take LSU back to the CFP. LSU's offense also could put players like Brown, Nic Anderson, Aaron Anderson, Sharp and top rusher Caden Durham on the All-SEC radar. The Tigers bring back Weeks, a first-team All-SEC player who will be in the national awards conversation, as well as all-conference return specialist Zavion Thomas . Delane earned third-team All-ACC honors last fall, and several of LSU's transfer linemen -- Thompson, Moore, Payton -- should contend for those lists.
Coaching staff: Kelly is still seeking his first CFP appearance at LSU, where his three predecessors -- Ed Orgeron, Les Miles and Nick Saban -- had already won national titles by this point in their tenures. (Orgeron was interim coach in 2016.) He has good staff continuity with coordinators Blake Baker (defense) and Joe Sloan (offense), and added former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins as tight ends coach.
Previous future power ranking: 12
Returning quarterback: Yes. Cade Klubnik is back for his third and final season as Clemson's starter, after taking a significant step in 2024. He accounted for 43 touchdowns and finished with 3,639 passing yards and 4,102 yards of total offense.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Highly unlikely. The 2025 season belongs to Klubnik, who will leave Clemson as one of its most accomplished quarterbacks. Barring a major injury, Klubnik will lead the Tigers before moving onto the NFL. Backup Christopher Vizzina is a redshirt sophomore.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Clemson's best teams have excellent defensive lines, and the 2025 version projects very well. All-America candidates TJ Parker and Peter Woods are back, and both are projected as top picks for the 2026 NFL draft. Clemson finally dipped its toe into the transfer portal and added Purdue defensive end Will Heldt , who had five sacks and 10 tackles for loss last fall. Veteran tackle DeMonte Capehart is also back. The offensive line returns four starters, including three -- center Ryan Linthicum , tackle Tristan Leigh and guard Walker Parks -- who received honorable mention All-ACC honors.
Roster management: The big change is coach Dabo Swinney's willingness to add a few portal pieces. Heldt joins an already talented defensive line, and Missouri State's Tristan Smith provides a big frame (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) for the receiving corps. Clemson had a relatively small number of outgoing transfers, although defensive tackle Tre Williams could be missed.
Star power: Clemson is loaded on both sides of the ball and at positions where it historically thrives, like defensive line and wide receiver. Parker and Woods are national awards candidates, along with Klubnik and wide receiver Antonio Williams , a first-team All-ACC selection last year. Cornerback Avieon Terrell was a second-team all-league selection, and several offensive linemen should gain consideration, including Linthicum, Parks and Leigh.
Coaching staff: After a surprising ACC title and a not surprising early CFP exit, Swinney has a team poised for a national title push. He made a necessary defensive coordinator change to boost a regressing unit and hired Tom Allen, the former Indiana coach who helped Penn State to the CFP semifinal as coordinator in 2024.
Previous future power ranking: 10
Returning quarterback: Yes. Drew Allar returns for his third season as Penn State's starter after earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and finishing as a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Not happening. Barring injury, Allar will play his final college season and then become one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL draft.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Penn State's rise to become a national contender not surprisingly has coincided with improvement and stability along the offensive line under coach Phil Trautwein. Seniors Drew Shelton and Nick Dawkins should carry the group in 2026, and several non-seniors like junior guard Olaivavega Ioane are in the fold. PSU must replace All-America end Abdul Carter but has another star pass rusher in Dani Dennis-Sutton , and veterans like tackle Zane Durant .
Roster management: Penn State had a fairly light portal year except for at its most pressing position of need: wide receiver, where it added All-ACC selection Trebor Pena (Syracuse), as well as Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC). The team did a great job retaining its top stars, including Allar, Dennis-Sutton and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen . After hovering around the top 10-15 in recruiting classes, Penn State is off to a strong start for 2026 with the No. 4 class.
Star power: There is plenty for 2025 as Allar, Singleton, Allen and Dennis-Sutton will be on the national radar. Pena could be among the Big Ten's top receivers and several others are worth watching, including Ioane, defensive backs AJ Harris and Zakee Wheatley and linebackers Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca .
Coaching staff: James Franklin reached his second Big Ten title game and secured his first two CFP victories in 2024, but the "Big Game James" label still will follow him, especially in a 2025 season packed with pressure. He retained talented offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and much of the staff, and made a major splash by hiring defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State.
Previous future power ranking: 7
Returning quarterback: No. Riley Leonard helped Notre Dame to its first three CFP wins and a national title game appearance in his only year with the Irish. He was a sixth-round NFL draft pick by Indianapolis.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster: Definite potential. Notre Dame will go with redshirt freshman CJ Carr or third-year sophomore Kenny Minchey as its starter in 2025. Carr, ESPN's No. 36 overall recruit in the 2024 class, has been labeled Notre Dame's quarterback of the future and could enter that role this fall.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Notre Dame's depth along both lines showed up repeatedly in 2024 after a string of major injuries. The upshot is an offensive line that, despite no seniors as projected starters, should be one of the nation's most talented groups. Notre Dame could have a remarkably similar O-line the next two seasons with tackle Anthonie Knapp and guard/tackle Charles Jagusah carrying sophomore eligibility. The defensive line must replace more in the short term but regains edges Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore from injury and returns Joshua Burnham , Gabriel Rubio and others.
Roster management: Coach Marcus Freeman has accelerated Notre Dame's recruiting efforts, as the team's 2026 recruiting class currently sits at No. 3 in ESPN's national rankings. The Irish aren't a volume transfer program, but they addressed a clear need at wide receiver with Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin). Notre Dame also enhanced its depth in the secondary with cornerback DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and safety Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech). The Irish did a good job retaining arguably the nation's best running back room and its gifted young offensive linemen.
Star power: The team has a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate in running back Jeremiyah Love , whose electric speed and added bulk likely will increase his usage. Several offensive linemen should be in the mix for national awards, as will defenders like linebacker Drayk Bowen , cornerback Leonard Moore and safety Adon Shuler .
Coaching staff: After some unsightly losses, Freeman's run to the national title game established him as one of the sport's top young coaches. An offensive staff led by coordinator Mike Denbrock is loaded with experience. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash fills big shoes in replacing Al Golden, the Broyles Award winner.
Previous future power ranking: 6
Returning quarterback: No. For the second straight year, Oregon must replace a record-setting quarterback in Dillon Gabriel , an NFL third-round draft pick of Cleveland.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: A definite possibility. Dante Moore will be entering his third college season and second at Oregon after transferring in from UCLA. Moore, ESPN's No. 2 overall recruit in 2023, started five games for UCLA but barely played last fall and might benefit from two full seasons as a college starter.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Coach Dan Lanning has been masterful in building up Oregon's line play, but both groups will be tested after recent NFL draft losses. The defensive end spot looks strong with juniors Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti both back, but there are some immediate questions inside. Oregon's offensive line will be transfer-heavy in the short term with Isaiah World (Nevada), Alex Harkey (Texas State) and Emmanuel Pregnon (USC) arriving.
Roster management: Lanning has been everything Oregon asked for and more in the personnel space. Oregon is consistently contending for top recruits and transfers, adding several for 2025 at offensive line, running back Makhi Hughes (Tulane) and defensive backs Dillon Thieneman (Purdue) and Theran Johnson (Northwestern). Oregon signed top-eight recruiting classes in the past three seasons. In the 2025 class, the Ducks signed five-star receiver Dakorien Moore , who could make an immediate impact this fall .
Star power: Despite losing a team-record 10 players to the NFL draft, Oregon retained potential national award candidates like Uiagalelei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher while adding impact transfers like Hughes, World, Thieneman and Johnson. Moore certainly has the ability to become Oregon's next impact quarterback. Another top player, receiver Evan Stewart , would likely have been a big name in the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in early June that could limit his availability this season .
Coaching staff: Lanning has made Oregon a place where both players and coaches want to stay. He retained his coordinators and lost only one assistant to the NFL from the Big Ten championship team. Oregon's staff is filled with younger coaches who thrive in recruiting.
Previous future power ranking: 1
Returning quarterback: Kind of. Carson Beck was Georgia's primary starter the past two seasons, but his elbow injury in the SEC championship game put the spotlight on Gunner Stockton , who finished that contest and started the CFP quarterfinal against Notre Dame. Now, Stockton is back as a redshirt junior.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: A lot depends on this fall. Georgia opted not to add a proven transfer following Beck's departure, and will go with Stockton, the No. 110 overall recruit in 2022, who has waited his turn. If he pans out, he could play through 2026. Georgia also has redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi and other younger quarterbacks, but could go transfer hunting.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both lines lose players to the NFL draft, including defensive end Mykel Williams , the No. 11 pick. Georgia returns Christen Miller , who started 10 games on the defensive line, along with Gabe Harris Jr . and Jordan Hall , who was limited by injuries last fall. The offensive line brings back only one starter in Earnest Greene III , who enters his third year with the top group, but needs part-time starters Micah Morris and Drew Bobo to take on bigger roles, and other depth pieces to develop.
Roster management: Georgia's decision not to add a transfer quarterback will be scrutinized if Stockton struggles, but the team brought in talent at other offensive skill spots, including wide receivers Zachariah Branch (USC) and Noah Thomas (Texas A&M), and running back Josh McCray , who led 10-win Illinois in rushing last fall. The team added to its depth on defense and retained most of its best players other than Beck, a surprise portal entry. Georgia signed ESPN's top-ranked recruiting class in 2024 and No. 2 class this year.
Star power: Georgia loses most of its All-SEC players other than cornerback Daylen Everette and punter Brett Thorson , both third-team selections. Miller should be in the mix for all-league honors, but there aren't many obvious candidates along the lines. Running back Nate Frazier will be in more of a featured role after a solid freshman season. Branch has high-level potential as a receiver and a return man, and Thomas led Texas A&M in receiving last fall. Georgia also has more experience in the secondary with safety KJ Bolden and others coming back.
Coaching staff: Smart won his third SEC title last fall but is looking for his first CFP win since claiming the second of consecutive national titles in 2023. Despite speculation about offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, there was no change there and most of the staff returns, including defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, a candidate for North Carolina's coaching vacancy.
Previous future power ranking: 2
Returning quarterback: No. Will Howard helped Ohio State to a national title in his only season as a Buckeye, and then was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the NFL draft.
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Quite likely. Ohio State has the smallest and least experienced quarterback room of coach Ryan Day's tenure, mainly because Julian Sayin is in line to take over. Sayin, a redshirt freshman who transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban retired, was ESPN's No. 9 recruit in the 2024 class. He must beat out junior Lincoln Kienholz but could lead the offense at least through 2026.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Both lines will look different after losing three first-round NFL draft picks -- Donovan Jackson , Tyleik Williams and Josh Simmons -- and three others in the top 150 selections. New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen must build around juniors Carson Hinzman and Luke Montgomery , as well as several transfers. Veteran D-line coach Larry Johnson needs the next wave of rush men, including ends Kenyatta Jackson Jr . and Caden Curry , to slide in for those gone to the league.
Roster management: Ohio State addressed both lines in the portal, starting in the winter with offensive tackles Ethan Onianwa (Rice) and Phillip Daniels (Minnesota), and then adding pass rusher Beau Atkinson from North Carolina. Tight end Max Klare (Purdue) could be a massive addition to the passing game. The Buckeyes had top-5 recruiting classes in 2024 and 2025, and their 2026 class ranks No. 3.
Star power: Despite losing a record-tying 14 players to the NFL draft, Ohio State might have the nation's best overall player in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith , who will also play in 2026, and perhaps the best defender in Caleb Downs . Linebacker Sonny Styles projects as one of the nation's top linebackers, and transfers like Klare on offense and Atkinson on defense should make a big impact.
Coaching staff: Day is a new man after winning his first national title, which validates so much of his success. He oversees one of the top personnel operations in the sport, although there are some renewed questions about his coordinator spots, with Brian Hartline returning as the primary OC and longtime NFL coach Matt Patricia coming in to run the defense.
Previous future power ranking: 3
Returning quarterback: No. Quinn Ewers was Texas' primary starter for the past three seasons and became a seventh-round NFL draft pick by Miami Dolphins .
Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Wouldn't rule it out. Arch Manning finally becomes QB1 for the Longhorns, and he could position himself as a top NFL draft selection in 2026. But Manning is in a unique situation because of his background and the money he has already earned in college. He doesn't need to rush off to begin his pro career and could benefit from a second season as the starter under coach Steve Sarkisian.
Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Sarkisian got the Texas job largely because of his reputation with playcalling and quarterbacks, but his greatest gains have come up front, especially elevating an underperforming offensive line. The challenge will be replacing six linemen (three offense, three defense) selected in the NFL draft. Senior guard DJ Campbell is the only offensive line starter returning, and Texas will need tackle Trevor Goosby and others to step up. There are a few more certainties on the defensive front with Colin Simmons and Ethan Burke both back, but the interior will have some questions.
Roster management: Sarkisian has backed up the recruiting expectations, signing ESPN's top-rated 2025 class after bringing in the No. 5 class in 2024. Texas was selective in the portal and made quite possibly its biggest splash in the spring with tight end Jack Endries from Cal. The defensive tackle spot has been hit hard by the past two NFL drafts, and Texas supplemented with transfers Cole Brevard (Purdue), Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Hero Kanu (Ohio State).
Star power: Manning will be the most-watched player in the sport entering the fall and seemingly has the talent to become a national awards candidate. Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr . will be on the radar for top defensive honors, and safety Michael Taaffe , sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo and others are worth watching.
Coaching staff: Sarkisian's growth as a head coach has been on full display the past few seasons, as he led Texas to CFP appearances in different conferences. He's at an A-list job and likely isn't going anywhere, and he has done a good job establishing and maintaining a veteran staff that includes coordinators Kyle Flood (offense), Pete Kwiatkowski (defense) and Jeff Banks (special teams).
espn
