Future Power Rankings: come si posizionano tutte le 68 squadre di football universitario Power 4
Le future classifiche di potenza del football universitario sono state ripensate come parte di uno sport in continua evoluzione. Il continuo rimescolamento delle formazioni nel football universitario a causa del portale ha reso le proiezioni triennali meno sensate. Invece, le classifiche prenderanno in esame le prossime due stagioni – in questo caso, il 2025 e il 2026 – e fungeranno più da istantanea del panorama.
Invece di pubblicare le rate prima della classifica a squadre, le sto pubblicando tutte in una volta per le leghe Power 4 e Notre Dame. Il motivo: il portale primaverile cambia le cose, e le stanze dei quarterback o le singole unità possono apparire moderatamente o significativamente diverse entro la fine di maggio o l'inizio di giugno. Ad esempio, pensate a dove si sarebbe piazzato il Tennessee nella lista dei quarterback a febbraio e a quali sono le prospettive attuali.
La classifica verrà ampliata per includere tutte le squadre Power 4 e Notre Dame. Le squadre saranno valutate nelle seguenti categorie:
quarterback di ritorno
Probabilità di avere un QB pluriennale nel roster
Prospettive della linea offensiva/linea difensiva
Gestione del roster
Potere delle star (All-Americans, contendenti ai premi nazionali, contendenti all-conference)
Staff tecnico
Non tutti gli aspetti devono essere un punto di forza per migliorare la valutazione complessiva di una squadra. La maggior parte delle squadre probabilmente non può contare su un quarterback titolare con anni di esperienza nel proprio roster, data la volatilità del ruolo. Ma le squadre più promettenti di solito soddisfano almeno alcuni di questi requisiti, in particolare la gestione generale del roster (reclutamento e trasferimenti nelle scuole superiori), il gioco sulla linea di scrimmage e almeno un po' di star power.
Cominciamo con la nuova versione Power 4 di FPR, dal n. 68 fino al n. 1.
Vai a: I primi 25 | I primi 10
Classifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Ashton Daniels , titolare principale della squadra nel 2024, si è trasferito ad Auburn a dicembre dopo aver guidato i Cardinals sia in yard passate (1.700) che in yard corse (699) lo scorso autunno. Il sostituto Elijah Brown è ancora in squadra.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: È possibile. Molto dipende da chi sarà il prossimo allenatore a tempo indeterminato, ma Brown è solo al secondo anno e Dylan Rizk, trasferitosi dall'UCF, ha diverse stagioni di idoneità. Ben Gulbranson , trasferitosi dall'Oregon State, che ha chiuso con un record di 7-1 come titolare dei Beavers nel 2022, sta entrando nel suo ultimo anno di idoneità.
Prospettive linea offensiva/linea difensiva: la linea offensiva ha subito alcuni colpi al portale, sebbene Stanford abbia fatto tornare tre titolari nei tackle Kahlil House e Simione Pale e nella guardia Jack Leyrer . La squadra ha anche fatto alcuni progressi più avanti nel ciclo, aggiungendo Niki Prongos (UCLA), Nick Fattig (Texas Tech) e Nathan Mejia ( Sacramento State ). La linea difensiva di Stanford è stata uno dei pochi gruppi con un'interruzione minima, con il ritorno di Anthony Franklin , Zach Rowell e altri. Ma la linea ha bisogno di qualche stella per emergere.
Gestione del roster: un cambio di allenatore a fine marzo ha avuto gli effetti previsti sul roster, con il linebacker David Bailey , il wide receiver Emmett Mosley V e altri trasferiti. Stanford ha fatto alcune aggiunte chiave in primavera, tra cui il linebacker Hunter Barth (Cal), Gulbranson, Rizk, Fattig e il cornerback Breylan Thompson ( Yale ). La squadra ha anche aggiunto il wide receiver trasferito dal Wisconsin CJ Williams in inverno. Stanford ha firmato la classe di reclutamento n. 43 di ESPN per il 2025, ma probabilmente dovrà affrontare alcune sfide poiché le cose sono in sospeso.
Star power: ci sono alcuni giocatori rimasti da tenere d'occhio, sia in attacco che in difesa, ma Stanford avrà bisogno che i suoi trasferimenti diano risultati. I wide receiver Williams e David Pantelis (Yale) sono aggiunte interessanti, così come Thompson e Jordan Washington ( Dartmouth ) nel back end. Ma Stanford ha avuto un solo giocatore che ha ricevuto un riconoscimento All-ACC nel 2024 (Elic Ayomanor ).
Staff tecnico: l'ex allenatore della NFL Frank Reich guiderà il programma nel 2024, con l'aiuto degli assistenti che hanno lavorato sotto il suo predecessore Troy Taylor. Ma le prospettive sono piuttosto incerte, mentre il direttore generale Andrew Luck cerca di capire come ripristinare la sua alma mater.
Classifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: Non proprio. Hudson Card , titolare principale di Purdue nelle ultime due stagioni, è passato al football professionistico. Ryan Browne , che ha iniziato due partite nel 2024, è tornato ai Boilers dopo aver svolto gli allenamenti primaverili alla North Carolina.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto probabile. Il nuovo allenatore Barry Odom vorrebbe sicuramente trovare una soluzione a lungo termine per il ruolo di quarterback, data l'incertezza nel resto del roster. Browne ha i requisiti per giocare al secondo anno e si contenderà gli snap con diversi altri giocatori non senior, tra cui Malachi Singleton, proveniente dall'Arkansas, ed Evans Chuba, proveniente dallo Stato di Washington.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: preparatevi a imparare nuovi nomi su entrambi i fronti. Purdue ha perso tutti e cinque i giocatori di linea offensiva titolari di un gruppo in difficoltà nel 2024 e si è concentrato molto sul portale sotto il nuovo staff. Tra gli arrivi di trasferimento ci sono Jalen St. John , che ha seguito lo staff da UNLV a Purdue, Bradyn Joiner (Auburn) e Tyrell Green , una selezione FCS All-America all'Eastern Kentucky . Anche la linea difensiva è ricca di trasferimenti, anche se alcuni che si sono trasferiti prima della stagione 2024 dovrebbero avere un impatto sul gruppo. Purdue farà affidamento su trasferimenti come la selezione All-MAC 2024 CJ Nunnally IV ( Akron ) e TJ Lindsey (Auburn).
Gestione del roster: il roster è in gran parte irriconoscibile rispetto alla versione del 2024, che, nonostante le scarse prestazioni della squadra, presentava molti giocatori di talento - la sicurezza Dillon Thieneman , il defensive end Will Heldt , il tight end Max Klare e il cornerback Kyndrich Breedlove - che si sono trasferiti in altri programmi Power 4. Odom e il suo staff hanno aggiunto più di 50 trasferimenti, inclusi alcuni provenienti dalla UNLV, come St. John, il cornerback Tony Grimes e il tight end Christian Moore . Altri giocatori degni di nota includono Nunnally e il cornerback Chad Brown ( Nevada ).
Star power: molto dipenderà da come trasferimenti come St. John, Nunnally e le safety Crew Wakley (BYU) e An'Darius Coffey ( Memphis ) si adatteranno alla nuova squadra e al campionato. Purdue ha pochi giocatori rimasti decorati, anche se il running back senior Devin Mockobee , che ha guidato la squadra nelle corse in ciascuna delle ultime tre stagioni, potrebbe certamente lottare per il titolo All-Big Ten.
Staff tecnico: Odom è tornato a ricoprire un incarico Power 4 dopo aver portato l'UNLV a livelli storici nelle ultime due stagioni. Ha portato con sé diversi assistenti dei Rebels, tra cui il coordinatore difensivo Mike Scherer e l'allenatore dei wide receiver Cornell Ford, e ha ritrovato il coordinatore offensivo Josh Henson, che aveva ricoperto lo stesso ruolo sotto la guida di Odom al Missouri. Odom ha anche assunto Darin Hinshaw, un veterano coordinatore offensivo della FBS, per allenare i quarterback.
Classifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Il titolare principale Garrett Greene ha terminato la sua idoneità dopo la stagione 2024, sebbene il sostituto Nicco Marchiol , che ha sostituito Greene ed è titolare della WVU con un record di 3-0, sia rimasto con il nuovo staff tecnico.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto dipende dall'estate. Marchiol ha due anni di idoneità e conosce il programma dopo aver trascorso tre stagioni a Morgantown. Ma deve battere Jaylen Henderson , un veterano con precedenti esperienze alla Texas A&M e alla Fresno State . Henderson è all'ultimo anno e, se dovesse prevalere, il posto verrebbe cambiato nel 2026.
Prospettive linea offensiva/linea difensiva: come la maggior parte dei gruppi di posizione alla West Virginia, le linee difensive e offensive appariranno radicalmente diverse dal 2024. La WVU ha puntato molto sui linemen offensivi e si affiderà a Walter Young Bear ( Tulsa Golden ), Kimo Makane'ole (LSU) e altri, insieme a giocatori di riserva come il centro Landen Livingston e il tackle Nick Krahe . La linea difensiva vede il ritorno del senior Hammond Russell IV , che ha messo a segno tre sack la scorsa stagione, e ha ingaggiato un pass rusher di talento proveniente da un trasferimento, Jimmori Robinson dell'UTSA , così come altri giocatori di trasferimento con esperienza in Power 4, tra cui Eddie Kelly Jr. (Missouri).
Gestione del roster: un massiccio turnover del roster è inevitabile quando si apportano cambiamenti agli allenatori nell'era del portale, e la West Virginia avrà essenzialmente una nuova squadra nel 2025. Alcune partenze saranno dolorose, soprattutto in attacco, con l'assenza del lineman Tomas Rimac e di altri, ma la West Virginia ha anche mantenuto il miglior corridore Jahiem White e Marchiol nel backfield. La squadra ha fatto un importante acquisto in Robinson, che si è aggiudicato il premio di Giocatore Difensivo dell'Anno della AAC lo scorso autunno, e ha rafforzato settori come la difesa secondaria e il wide receiver, dove Cam Vaughn ha seguito lo staff proveniente dalla Jacksonville State . Il cambio di allenatore non ha impedito alla WVU di ingaggiare la 40a classe di reclutamento di ESPN per il 2025.
Star power: ci sono alcuni giocatori rimasti di rilievo, tra cui White e Russell, che potrebbero ambire al riconoscimento All-Big 12. Ma le prospettive della WVU, almeno nel 2025, dipenderanno probabilmente dalla capacità dei suoi trasferimenti più importanti, come Robinson, Vaughn e i defensive back Michael Coats Jr. (Nevada) e Fred Perry (Jacksonville State), di soddisfare le aspettative.
Staff tecnico: Rich Rodriguez è incredibilmente tornato a casa, dove ha ottenuto un incredibile successo come allenatore dei Mountaineers prima di iniziare una strana odissea da allenatore. Lo staff comprende un interessante mix di allenatori con legami di lunga data con Rodriguez – Jeff Casteel, più il figlio Rhett Rodriguez, allenatore dei quarterback della squadra – e altri provenienti dall'esterno.
65. Cavalieri UCFClassifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. KJ Jefferson se n'è andato dopo una stagione inefficace all'UCF, e Dylan Rizk si è trasferito a Stanford. L'UCF riporterà Jacurri Brown , che ha totalizzato 66 passaggi in nove partite lo scorso autunno.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: Possibile, a seconda del 2025. Brown è in competizione con i trasferimenti Tayven Jackson (Indiana) e Cam Fancher ( Florida Atlantic ) per la posizione di vertice questo autunno. Se Fancher diventa QB1, UCF avrà un nuovo titolare nel 2026 perché è un senior.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: la linea offensiva è in una fase di cambiamento, dato che il tackle senior Paul Rubelt è l'unico titolare di ritorno dalla squadra del 2024. L'UCF si affiderà a trasferimenti come Carter Miller , una menzione d'onore per l'All-Sun Belt per Louisiana-Monroe, e Gaard Memmelaar (Washington). I Knights hanno un buon ritorno in difesa nel senior end Nyjalik Kelly (5,5 sack, tre fumble forzati) e costruiranno attorno a lui trasferimenti come Sincere Edwards di Pitt.
Gestione del roster: dopo un cambio di allenatore piuttosto sorprendente, l'UCF ha perso 11 giocatori titolari la scorsa stagione. Entrambe le linee sono state duramente colpite, sebbene il nuovo staff abbia integrato il roster con trasferimenti e abbia aggiunto il running back All-MAC Jaden Nixon ( Western Michigan ), oltre ad alcuni wide receiver di successo nelle piccole scuole, come DJ Black (Limestone) e Chris Domercant ( Chattanooga ).
Star power: l'UCF ha perso i suoi migliori giocatori – il running back RJ Harvey e il defensive tackle Lee Hunter – da una squadra dalle prestazioni deludenti, e dovrà ripartire da zero con il nuovo allenatore Scott Frost. Kelly ha dimostrato di saper lottare per il riconoscimento All-Big 12, e Nixon e diversi giocatori trasferiti potrebbero prosperare nell'attacco di Frost. Miller sarà un giocatore da tenere d'occhio in attacco.
Staff tecnico: Frost è tornato dove ha ottenuto un successo storico, ma riuscirà a riconquistare la magia dopo che le cose sono andate completamente diversamente in Nebraska? Ha fatto alcune assunzioni di rilievo, tra cui il coordinatore difensivo Alex Grinch, che ha ricoperto lo stesso ruolo a USC e Washington State; l'allenatore della linea offensiva Shawn Clark, ex capo allenatore degli Appalachian State Mountaineers; e l'allenatore dei quarterback McKenzie Milton, che ha brillato come quarterback per Frost a UCF.
64. Arizona WildcatsClassifica di potenza futura precedente: 25
Quarterback di ritorno: Incredibilmente sì. La lealtà di Noah Fifita non verrà dimenticata a Tucson. È rimasto in Arizona durante il cambio di allenatore da Jedd Fisch a Brent Brennan, e non se n'è andato nemmeno dopo che la squadra ha chiuso con un record di 4-8 e i suoi amici più cari sono partiti per la NFL o altre squadre.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto dipende dalla stagione 2025. Fifita ha l'idoneità per il ruolo junior e può concludere la sua carriera in Arizona come titolare per quattro anni nel 2026. Sebbene i suoi numeri siano scesi lo scorso autunno rispetto ai totali record del 2023, ha comunque mantenuto la media di 246,5 yard passate a partita, la migliore della sua carriera. La preoccupazione sorgerebbe se l'Arizona facesse un'altra stagione deludente e la scuola si liberasse di Brennan.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: dopo aver perso Jonah Savaiinaea, la scelta del draft NFL, e diversi altri pilastri della linea offensiva, l'Arizona avrà un atteggiamento diverso in attacco questo autunno. I giocatori del secondo anno Alexander Doost e Rhino Tapa'atoutai tornano entrambi con esperienza da titolari, e l'Arizona si è rivolta al portale per Ka'ena Decambra ( Hawaii ), Ty Buchanan (Texas Tech) e altri. Il defensive end senior Tre Smith è una buona opzione di pass-rushing attorno a cui costruire, e l'end Dominic Lolesio è tornato con diversi anni di esperienza. L'Arizona si è rivolta anche al portale per il tackle Tiaoalii Savea (Texas), l'end Malachi Bailey ( Alcorn State ) e altri per aumentare la profondità.
Gestione del roster: dopo una stagione difficile, l'Arizona ha avuto un ciclo di portali attivo che ha incluso una seconda ondata di giocatori che hanno lasciato per unirsi all'ex allenatore Fisch a Washington. Ma anche i Wildcats hanno fatto progressi, tra cui la linea difensiva, il running back ( Ismail Mahdi del Texas State ), il wide receiver ( Kris Hutson del Washington State, Luke Wysong del New Mexico ) e altrove. L'Arizona è rimasta indietro rispetto alla rivale Arizona State nel reclutamento e ha bisogno di una stagione forte per stabilizzare la situazione per Brennan.
Star power: Fifita ha il curriculum e l'esperienza per essere ancora una volta tra i quarterback più produttivi della Big 12. La safety Dalton Johnson ha ricevuto una menzione d'onore all-league lo scorso autunno. Mahdi è stato nominato due volte First Team All-Sun Belt, con una certa flessibilità di utilizzo, e il defensive back Jay'Vion Cole è rientrato nello staff dopo aver ottenuto successi con loro a San Jose State nel 2023.
Staff tecnico: Brennan è stato un acquisto positivo dopo l'improvvisa partenza di Fisch, ma una prima stagione difficile lo mette sotto pressione per consolidare il suo futuro e quello della squadra in autunno. Ha assunto un nuovo coordinatore offensivo, Seth Doege, ha promosso Danny Gonzales a coordinatore difensivo e ha portato con sé il veterano degli special team Craig Naivar e altri.
Classifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Hank Bachmeier ha concluso la sua carriera universitaria guidando Wake Forest con 2.593 yard passate e 16 touchdown la scorsa stagione, dopo le precedenti tappe alla Louisiana Tech e alla Boise State.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: dipende dall'estate. Se Wake Forest sceglie Robby Ashford , studente del sesto anno al college, alla sua quarta squadra, avrà bisogno di un nuovo titolare nel 2026. La squadra avrebbe un'opzione pluriennale in Deshawn Purdie , il robusto studente del secondo anno che ha giocato a Charlotte la scorsa stagione.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: il nuovo allenatore Jake Dickert ha lasciato la primavera entusiasta della linea offensiva, che vede il ritorno del veterano George Sell e l'arrivo di nuovi giocatori, tra cui Fa'alili Fa'amoe e Devin Kylany , che hanno seguito Dickert da Washington State. Anche Wake Forest ha rafforzato la sua linea difensiva con Gabe Kirschke (Colorado State), Dallas Afalava (Idaho) e altri giocatori per completare il ritorno di giocatori come BJ Williams .
Gestione del roster: il cambio di allenatore da Dave Clawson a Dickert ha portato con sé le prevedibili turbolenze nel roster. Wake Forest ha perso gli offensive linemen Luke Petitbon (Florida State) e Matt Gulbin (Michigan State), il cornerback Jamare Glasker (Maryland), il wide receiver Horatio Fields (Auburn) e altri giocatori di rilievo. Ma i Demon Deacons hanno anche mantenuto alcuni dei loro migliori giocatori, tra cui il running back Demond Claiborne e la safety Nick Andersen . L'inserimento di Dickert nella linea offensiva da Washington State dovrebbe essere d'aiuto, e Wake Forest ha anche ottenuto buoni guadagni nella difesa secondaria con Ashaad Williams (North Alabama) e altri. Dickert cercherà di potenziare il reclutamento di Wake Forest, che si è attestato intorno al 50% nella classifica di ESPN.
Star power: il ritorno di Claiborne è significativo, poiché cercherà di consolidare una stagione in cui si è guadagnato il terzo posto nella squadra All-ACC sia come running back che come giocatore polivalente. Anche Andersen è stato inserito nella terza squadra All-League. Il linebacker Dylan Hazen e la safety Davaughn Patterson sono tornati dopo anni di grande successo. Poi ci sono i trasferimenti, tra cui Fa'amoe, Kirschke e Williams.
Staff tecnico: Dickert è un vero outsider con una prospettiva diversa, ma il suo approccio potrebbe essere ciò di cui Wake Forest ha bisogno nell'era del portale/ricavi. Il suo staff include diversi giocatori importati da Washington State, il veterano coordinatore difensivo Scottie Hazelton e l'allenatore dei quarterback Dan Enos, ma anche giovani promettenti come il coordinatore offensivo Rob Ezell.
62. Oklahoma State CowboysClassifica di potenza futura precedente: 23
Quarterback di ritorno: No. L'Oklahoma State ha dovuto riorganizzare completamente l'attacco e in autunno avrà due QB per lo più inesperti, Zane Flores e Hauss Hejny , in lizza per il ruolo di leader.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto dipende dal 2025. Proiettare qualcosa all'Oklahoma State oltre la prossima stagione è un'impresa rischiosa, ma Flores e Hejny avranno l'idoneità da matricola redshirt a partire dall'autunno. Chiunque si dimostri un'opzione valida potrebbe essere ben posizionato per il 2026 e oltre.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: la linea offensiva ha subito una revisione fuori stagione e farà molto affidamento sui suoi trasferimenti, tra cui veterani come Markell Samuel degli Appalachian State e giocatori più giovani come Kasen Carpenter di Tulsa. La linea difensiva di Oklahoma State ha nomi più noti, tra cui il tackle Iman Oates , e ha anche aggiunto trasferimenti chiave come Kyran Duhon , una seconda selezione All-Conference USA da vera matricola alla UTEP.
Gestione del roster: stagioni come quella del 2024 dell'Oklahoma State comportano delle conseguenze, con 26 giocatori in borsa di studio trasferiti durante l'inverno e la primavera. L'Oklahoma State non ha aggiunto un quarterback di comprovata esperienza e ha richiamato solo una manciata di giocatori – diversi nel reparto secondario – che avevano avuto ruoli di rilievo lo scorso autunno. La squadra avrà bisogno che i suoi trasferimenti siano efficaci fin da subito, soprattutto in attacco e in difesa. L'Oklahoma State rimane un'operazione di reclutamento per lo più tranquilla, concentrata sullo sviluppo.
Star power: la chiave sarà se giocatori trasferiti come Duhon e il linebacker Bryan McCoy (Akron) riusciranno a replicare il successo ottenuto in altre università dell'Oklahoma State. Anche la difesa secondaria potrebbe essere un punto da tenere d'occhio, con i Pokes che riporteranno in campo Parker Robertson , Dylan Smith e Cam Smith , tutti e tre con un'esperienza significativa nel 2024.
Staff tecnico: Mike Gundy è ancora lì, ma si trova su un terreno molto sottile, alla sua ventunesima stagione alla guida della sua alma mater. Ha sostituito entrambi i suoi coordinatori dopo la sua stagione peggiore e ha ingaggiato i veterani Todd Grantham (difesa) e Doug Meacham (attacco) per supervisionare le unità. L'Oklahoma State ha anche un nuovo gruppo di allenatori di posizione, tra cui Kevin Johns, ex coordinatore offensivo Power 4, che lavora con i quarterback.
61. Houston CougarsClassifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: Più o meno. Zeon Chriss , che ha iniziato sette partite, è tornato per la sua stagione da junior. Chriss ha impiegato circa metà degli snap la scorsa stagione e ha totalizzato 824 yard passate con quattro touchdown e otto intercetti. Ma è ampiamente previsto che Conner Weigman, proveniente dal Texas A&M, partirà titolare per Houston questo autunno.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: Molto probabile. Weigman arriva con l'idoneità al ruolo di junior dopo aver iniziato 13 partite con la Texas A&M. Sarà eleggibile al draft nel 2026, ma probabilmente trarrebbe beneficio da diversi anni a Houston. Anche Chriss ha due anni di idoneità.
Prospettive linea offensiva/linea difensiva: i Cougars avevano bisogno di cambiamenti in tutto l'attacco e li hanno ottenuti, inclusa una linea in cui trasferimenti come Dalton Merryman (Texas Tech), McKenzie Agnello (New Mexico) e Matthew Wykoff (Cal) avranno probabilmente un ruolo di primo piano. Houston ha anche recuperato i titolari David Ndukwe e Demetrius Hunter . Il fronte difensivo ritrova un buon centro nel senior Carlos Allen Jr. e si appoggerà ad altri rimasti come Brandon Mack e Latreveon McCutchin , così come trasferimenti come Eddie Walls III (Florida International).
Gestione del roster: Houston si è tuffata nel portale per la seconda offseason consecutiva sotto la guida di coach Willie Fritz, ottenendo supporto in linea offensiva, safety, linea difensiva e tight end, con Tanner Koziol proveniente dal Wisconsin. La squadra ha subito alcune difficili perdite primaverili, tra cui la safety All-Big 12 AJ Haulcy e il talentuoso cornerback Jeremiah Wilson . Il reclutamento nelle scuole superiori non ha ancora fatto molto scalpore sotto la guida di Fritz.
Star power: la partenza di Haulcy lascia Houston senza giocatori di ritorno che siano stati inseriti nella squadra All-Big 12 nel 2024. I Cougars hanno di nuovo il miglior corridore Re'Shaun Sanford II e il miglior ricevitore Stephon Johnson , ma entrambi puntano ad aumentare la loro produzione sotto la guida del nuovo coordinatore offensivo Slade Nagle. Allen e Mack hanno brillato come pass rusher lo scorso autunno e meritano di essere tenuti d'occhio.
Staff tecnico: Fritz ha dovuto sostituire entrambi i suoi coordinatori dopo una prima stagione difficile, sebbene i nuovi playcaller Nagle (attacco) e Austin Armstrong (difesa) abbiano entrambi esperienza nella gestione delle unità. Diversi allenatori chiave del 2024 tornano, soprattutto in difesa.
Classifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Billy Edwards Jr. si è trasferito al Wisconsin dopo aver iniziato tutte le partite tranne una per i Terrapins nel 2024.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: Molto probabile, a seconda delle prestazioni. I candidati del Maryland per sostituire Edwards – Justyn Martin , Khristian Martin e Malik Washington , provenienti da UCLA – non sono tutti giocatori senior, e Khristian Martin e Washington hanno l'idoneità per il ruolo di freshman. Justyn Martin ha giocato cinque partite in tre stagioni per UCLA.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: dopo una stagione con un record di 4-8, il Maryland deve migliorare la sua linea offensiva, che ha perso Andre Roye Jr. , un tackle con esperienza da titolare, passato al portale. I Terrapins hanno acquisito diversi trasferimenti di linea da scuole più piccole – Rahtrel Perry (Central Connecticut State) e Jayvin James (Akron) – e hanno ingaggiato la matricola Jaylen Gilchrist , una recluta della Virginia tra le prime 125 secondo ESPN. La linea difensiva è giovane, con giocatori dell'ultimo anno e poca produzione tra i giocatori di ritorno. Il Maryland ha ottenuto diversi miglioramenti nel portale primaverile con Cam Rice (Ohio) e Sedrick Smith (Alabama A&M).
Gestione del roster: una stagione difficile sul campo nel 2024 ha portato a più perdite di portali che guadagni, con il Maryland che ha visto partire Edwards, Roye, il defensive lineman Lavon Johnson , il linebacker Caleb Wheatland e altri. I Terrapins hanno aggiunto un tight end di All-League in Dorian Fleming (Georgia State), alcuni solidi trasferimenti come ricevitori ( Jalil Farooq , Kaleb Webb ) e il cornerback Dontay Joyner , ma hanno alcune lacune nei due profondi. L'allenatore Mike Locksley continua a eccellere nel reclutamento delle scuole superiori, ingaggiando la classe n. 24 di ESPN per il 2025 e mantenendo un impegno dal giocatore n. 2 nella classe del 2026.
Il potere delle stelle: dopo aver perso sei scelte al draft NFL da una squadra con un record di 4-8, il Maryland ha bisogno di un nuovo gruppo di giocatori di spicco. Il punter Bryce McFerson è stato inserito nell'All-Big Ten lo scorso autunno, e il linebacker Daniel Wingate ha alle spalle una solida seconda stagione. Fleming, selezionato nella prima squadra All-Sun Belt della Georgia State, sarà presente nell'attacco di passaggio del Maryland insieme a Farooq, titolare con 25 partite all'Oklahoma e inserito nella menzione d'onore All-Big Ten nel 2023. Joyner ha dimostrato capacità di playmaking come cornerback per l'Arkansas State.
Staff tecnico: Locksley è tornato per la sua settima stagione, che potrebbe essere fondamentale con un nuovo direttore atletico al comando e la pressione per evitare una ripetizione del 2024. Ha tre nuovi coordinatori primari veterani in Pep Hamilton (attacco), Ted Monachino (difesa) e Andre Powell (special team), che guideranno un gruppo di assistenti che per la maggior parte tornano dalla scorsa stagione.
Classifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: Più o meno. Blake Shapen ha aperto la stagione 2024 come titolare del Mississippi State e ha giocato bene (974 yard passate, otto touchdown in quattro partite) prima di un infortunio alla spalla. Michael Van Buren Jr. ha preso il suo posto e ha guidato l'attacco del Mississippi State per l'autunno, prima di trasferirsi alla LSU. Ma Shapen tornerà dall'infortunio alla spalla che ha posto fine alla sua stagione 2024 dopo un inizio promettente.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto dipende da Shapen. Se riconquisterà il ruolo di leader, eviterà infortuni e giocherà bene, Mississippi State cercherà un nuovo quarterback nel 2026. La squadra ha ingaggiato Luke Kromenhoek , una recluta tra le prime 160 a livello nazionale nel 2024, che ha iniziato due partite per Florida State da matricola, e ha ingaggiato Kamario Taylor , una recluta di ESPN 300 per il 2025.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: il Mississippi State avrà bisogno di molto di più dalla sua linea difensiva e si è rivolto al portale per acquisti significativi come gli edge Red Hibbler (NC State) e Raishein Thomas (Northern Illinois) e il tackle Will Whitson (Coastal Carolina). I Bulldogs riportano anche il defensive tackle Kai McClendon , che ha iniziato cinque partite da matricola e ha registrato 30 tackle. Anche il trasferimento dall'Alabama Jamil Burroughs potrebbe essere un fattore. L'allenatore Jeff Lebby si è riunito con l'allenatore della linea offensiva Phil Loadholt per migliorare un gruppo che includerà anche diversi trasferimenti, tra cui i tackle Blake Steen (Virginia) e Jesse Ramil (James Madison) e il centro Koby Keenum (Kentucky). La guardia sinistra Jacoby Jackson , titolare in 25 partite con il Mississippi State e il Texas Tech, è tornata all'ovile.
Gestione del roster: dopo un record di 2-10, il Mississippi State ha perso più di 30 giocatori a favore del portale, sebbene solo Van Buren, il wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. e pochi altri fossero titolari fissi. La squadra ha rimpolpato le sue linee offensive e difensive, aggiungendo più abilità all'attacco di Lebby con il running back di spicco del South Alabama Fluff Bothwell e diversi wide receiver, tra cui Brenen Thompson dell'Oklahoma. Il Mississippi State ha anche aggiunto alla difesa secondaria la safety dell'Old Dominion Jahron Manning e altri. Nonostante le difficoltà in campo, il Mississippi State ha ingaggiato la classe di reclutamento numero 27 della nazione per il 2025, evidenziata da Taylor e dal difensore tra i primi 150 Tyler Lockhart .
Star power: la difesa vede il ritorno di un pilastro, il safety junior Isaac Smith , che lo scorso autunno si è aggiudicato il secondo posto nella squadra All-SEC e ha guidato la lega con 127 tackle, oltre a un fumble forzato. Anche il running back/ritornatore senior Davon Booth è tornato, dopo aver chiuso lo scorso autunno con 1.231 yard totali e aver ricevuto il terzo posto nella squadra All-SEC come giocatore polivalente. Bothwell si è aggiudicato il secondo posto nella squadra All-Sun Belt per il South Alabama nel 2024. Tra i potenziali difensori di spicco ci sono il linebacker di ritorno Nic Mitchell e nuovi arrivati come Hibbler e Thomas, che hanno avuto stagioni produttive nel 2023.
Staff tecnico: Lebby ha sicuramente bisogno di miglioramenti nel secondo anno. Ha confermato i coordinatori difensivi Coleman Hutzler e Matt Barnes, così come l'allenatore dei quarterback Matt Holecek, aggiungendo Loadholt e diversi altri nuovi arrivati allo staff.
58. Gatti selvatici del nord-ovestClassifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: Più o meno. Jack Lausch è partito titolare in 10 delle 12 partite della scorsa stagione, ma è destinato a fare da riserva in questa stagione dopo che la Northwestern ha aggiunto Preston Stone , proveniente dalla SMU.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: altamente improbabile. La Northwestern ha aggiunto Stone per migliorare significativamente un attacco che la scorsa stagione si è classificato 128° a livello nazionale per punti segnati. Salvo infortunio, guiderà l'attacco nel suo ultimo anno di idoneità.
Prospettive per la linea offensiva/difensiva: le previsioni per la linea offensiva sono decisamente migliori rispetto al 2024, quando la Northwestern University riusciva a malapena a schierare un gruppo titolare. La Northwestern University ha richiamato il tackle sinistro Caleb Tiernan e ha aggiunto diversi probabili titolari tramite il portale, tra cui Evan Beerntsen della South Dakota State, Xavior Gray della Liberty University e Martes Lewis del Minnesota. La linea difensiva torna pressoché intatta, con l'ala Anto Saka , una prospettiva del draft NFL 2026, e il collega Aidan Hubbard .
Gestione del roster: la Northwestern University è finalmente tornata competitiva nel portale invernale dopo alcune modifiche alle ammissioni e ha ingaggiato la sua migliore classe di trasferimento con Stone, Beerntsen, il wide receiver della South Dakota State Griffin Wilde , il linebacker della Purdue Yanni Karlaftis e altri. I Wildcats hanno perso alcuni giocatori chiave, tra cui il cornerback Theran Johnson (Oregon) e l'offensive lineman Josh Thompson (LSU), ma sono almeno in grado di sostituire i giocatori. Il reclutamento nelle scuole superiori è stato lento sotto la guida di David Braun, la cui classe del 2025 si è classificata al 73° posto a livello nazionale.
Potere delle stelle: Tiernan si è guadagnato la menzione d'onore All-Big Ten e inizierà la stagione come uno dei migliori tackle della lega. Saka potrebbe essere in lizza per una stagione di successo e le speranze sono alte per i giovani defensive back come il cornerback del secondo anno Josh Fussell . Il veloce running back Joseph Himon II sarà più presente. Per raggiungere una partita di bowl, la Northwestern avrà bisogno di grandi trasferimenti da giocatori come Stone, Wilde, Beerntsen e la safety Dillon Tatum (Michigan State).
Staff tecnico: Braun affronta una terza stagione importante e deve dimostrare di essere in forma prima che la Northwestern presenti il nuovo Ryan Field da 850 milioni di dollari nel 2026. Anche i coordinatori Tim McGarigle (difesa) e Zach Lujan (attacco) sono tornati, anche se Lujan sarà tenuto sotto stretta osservazione dopo una prima stagione difficile nella Big Ten. Braun ha mantenuto tutti gli assistenti tranne uno.
57. Cincinnati BearcatsClassifica di potenza futura precedente: Non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: Sì. Brendan Sorsby , un giocatore trasferitosi dall'Indiana, è tornato al timone dopo aver lanciato per 2.813 yard e 18 touchdown, completando il 64% dei suoi passaggi e correndo per 447 yard e nove touchdown lo scorso autunno.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: Molto probabile, a seconda del 2025. Sorsby ha ancora due anni di idoneità e ha disputato una solida prima stagione sotto la guida di coach Scott Satterfield, ottenendo una menzione d'onore All-Big 12. Non si può escludere un altro trasferimento, ma Sorsby potrebbe certamente essere il QB1 di Cincinnati fino al 2026.
Prospettive linea offensiva/linea difensiva: la linea difensiva potrebbe essere un punto di forza significativo con il tackle senior Dontay Corleone , selezionato All-America 2022 e tre volte onorato All-Conference, a guidare il gruppo. Cincinnati recupera anche l'ala titolare Rob Jackson e aggiunge i trasferimenti CJ McCray (Virginia Tech) e Jaylon White-McClain (Old Dominion) al mix. Il fronte offensivo perde parecchio e Cincnnati è stata attiva nel portale, aggiungendo i tackle Joe Cotton (South Dakota), Taran Tyo (Ball State) e altri. Cincinnati riporta una buona leadership con il due volte capitano Gavin Gerhardt e il collega senior Deondre Buford .
Gestione dei roster: Cincinnati ha fatto un buon lavoro mantenendo Sorsby, Corleone, Joe Royer e altri attori chiave e si è rivolto al punto di linea offensiva e ad ampio ricevitore, dove arrivano Cyrus Allen (Texas A&M) e altri. Running Back Tawee Walker è alla sua terza fermata del college (Wisconsin, Oklahoma) in altrettanti anni, ma potrebbe rafforzare un'offesa che perde il leader di Rusher Corey Kiner.
Star Power: Corleone è uno dei difensori più affermati del paese e giocherà la sua ultima stagione con i Bearcats. Sorsby dovrebbe essere un candidato All-Big 12 se costruisce sulla sua performance del 2024. Royer sarà sul John Mackey Award Radar dopo aver ottenuto onori della prima squadra per tutta la squadra dopo una stagione di 50 catture. Punter Max Fletcher e linebacker Jake Golday e Jack Dingle saranno anche nel mix per All-Big 12.
Staff di coaching: Satterfield sta ancora cercando la sua prima apparizione in ciotola a Cincinnati, ma apparentemente ha il roster per consegnarne uno in autunno. Il personale offensivo rimane in atto sotto il coordinatore Brad Glenn, mentre Satterfield ha apportato alcune modifiche al lato difensivo, tra cui la promozione di Cortney Braswell al co-coordinatore.
56. California Golden BearsPrecedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Fernando Mendoza si è trasferito in Indiana dopo una corsa produttiva a CAL, che ha raccolto Devin Brown del trasferimento dello stato dell'Ohio nel portale. Mendoza ha completato il 68,7% dei suoi passaggi per 3.004 yard la scorsa stagione.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: altamente probabile. Cal potrebbe andare con Brown, un giovane che ha iniziato nel Cotton Bowl dopo la stagione 2023 e porta abilità a doppia minaccia. Oppure la squadra potrebbe rivolgersi alla matricola in arrivo Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele , una recluta ESPN 300.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Cal ha più risposte sulla difesa, tra cui il fronte con rimpatriati come gli anziani TJ Bollers , Nate Burrell e Aidan Keanaina . Liberty Transfer tj Bush jr . è elencato come linebacker esterno, ma la selezione USA All-Conference della seconda squadra dovrebbe aiutare il passaggio dopo aver registrato 5,5 sacchi la scorsa stagione. La linea offensiva avrà un sapore di trasferimento mentre Cal ha aggiunto diversi giocatori con esperienza di partenza, tra cui Tyson Ruffins (Nevada) e Jordan Spasojevic-Moko (Charlotte).
Gestione dei roster: il tempo dirà se il portale primaverile di Cal sarà dannoso come sembra. Gli Bears avevano un esodo di giocatori offensivi, tra cui Jack Endries e le spalle di Jaydn Ott e Jaivian Thomas . I loro sostituti non sono troppo decorati, sebbene Cal abbia aggiunto un ampio ricevitore Jacob de Jesus , un ritorno straordinario da UNLV, nel portale invernale. Anche le aggiunte di linea offensive e un talentuoso pass -rusher come Bush potrebbero aiutare, ma gli Orsi hanno sicuramente buchi che entrano nel 2025. Il reclutamento delle scuole superiori non è stato eccessivamente schizzoso, sebbene Sagapolutele aiuta davvero.
Star Power: Cal perde molte stelle in difesa, ma mantiene anche i principali collaboratori come i linebacker Cade Uluave e Ryan McCulloch . La difesa ha diversi trasferimenti di impatto come Bush e il linebacker Harrison Taggart (BYU). La domanda più grande per Cal sarà se i sostituti di corsa indietro, end e ampio ricevitore si esce dopo le partenze del portale.
Staff di coaching: Justin Wilcox sta entrando nella sua ottava stagione, ma le cose sembrano un po 'tenue dopo un traguardo deludente al 2024 e una sfocatura impegnativa. Ha portato Bryan Harsin, ex allenatore di Auburn, Boise State e Arkansas State, per supervisionare il reato e ha promosso Terrence Brown e Vic So'oto per servire come coordinatori co-difensivi.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: sì. Taylen Green è tornato per la sua seconda stagione come antipasto dell'Arkansas, dopo aver superato 3.154 yard con 15 touchdown e nove intercettazioni, e finendo secondo nella squadra in corsa con 602 yard e otto punteggi.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: altamente improbabile. Green è l'antipasto radicato per i maiali ed entra nella sua quinta e ultima stagione universitaria, e quarto come antipasto FBS (due a Boise State, uno all'Arkansas). Il trasferimento di Madden Iiamaleava significa che la matricola della maglietta rossa KJ Jackson probabilmente sosterrà il verde.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Sam Pittman è stato un allenatore di linea offensivo di carriera prima di prendere il lavoro all'Arkansas, ma la sua squadra deve migliorare in anticipo questo autunno. L'Arkansas deve costruire attorno a Fernando Carmona della terza squadra, e è andato al portale per sei guardalinee. Corey Robinson II (Georgia Tech) si prevede che inizi a sinistra, mentre UCF Transfer Caden Kitler potrebbe iniziare al centro. La linea difensiva perde un giocatore produttivo a Landon Jackson e manca di molti rimpatriati comprovati. Il trasferimento cristiano di Abilene David Oke dovrebbe aiutare all'interno, insieme a Ian Geffrard da 389 libbre e altri. L'Arkansas ha anche aggiunto diversi trasferimenti di bordo, tra cui Phillip Lee di Troy.
Gestione dei roster: non c'è zucchero per le perdite in attacco sia alla NFL che al portale, in cui Patrick Kutas (Ole Miss) e molti altri guardalinee offensivi sono andati dopo la scorsa stagione. L'Arkansas ha anche perso l'ampio ricevitore Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma), il linebacker Brad Spence (Texas) e altri. La squadra ha ottenuto buoni guadagni di trasferimento, in particolare con il raggio di linea offensivo e ad ampio ricevitore, estremità difensiva e end stretta, dove arriva Rohan Jones del Montana State. Ma l'Arkansas entrerà nella caduta con alcune potenziali preoccupazioni in attacco.
Star Power: i Razorbacks riportano un giocatore All-Sec su ogni lato della palla di Carmona e il linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. , Che ha guidato la squadra con 99 contrasti e legato per il vantaggio della squadra con 9,5 contrasti per la perdita lo scorso autunno. Se Green ottiene una protezione migliore, potrebbe entrare nella conversazione per tutta la lega. L'ampio trasferimento del ricevitore O'Mega Blake ha segnato in media 24,8 iarde per cattura la scorsa stagione a Charlotte. Devono valere la pena guardare Robinson, Kitler e gli altri guardalinee offensivi del trasferimento.
Staff di coaching: Pittman merita il merito di aver rianimato il programma dopo la brutale era di Chad Morris, ma ha solo 18-22 nelle ultime tre stagioni e potrebbe entrare nell'ultimo anno come Hag Hog. L'Arkansas lo tornerà indietro con i coordinatori Travis Wlliams (difesa) e Bobby Petrino (offesa) e uno staff con un cambiamento minimo dal 2024.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione di quarterback: No. Dopo un'odissea di quarterback nel 2024 non ha prodotto risultati, il Wisconsin ha guardato all'interno dei Big Ten e ha ottenuto il trasferimento del Maryland Billy Edwards Jr. , Che è iniziato per tutta la scorsa stagione.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: basso. Edwards è stato portato per la sua ultima stagione universitaria per dare a Wisconsin una mano stabile al quarterback sotto il coordinatore del primo anno Jeff Grimes. Se il backup proiettato Danny O'Neil finisce per prendere la maggior parte delle ripetizioni, potrebbe condurre l'offesa fino al 2027.
Offensive Line/difensiva Prospettive: Wisconsin ha assunto Grimes in gran parte per riguadagnare il bordo lungo la linea offensiva. Il centro veterano Jake Renfro è tornato, insieme alla guardia Joe Brunner e ad altri, ma il team ha perso il placcaggio di sinistra Kevin Heywood per un infortunio all'ACL. Il fronte difensivo sarà trasferimento pesante ad eccezione dell'anziano Ben Barten , poiché il Wisconsin ha aggiunto Corey Walker (Western Michigan), Charles Perkins (UT-Martin) e altri.
Gestione dei roster: Fickell ha reso il Wisconsin un team di portale attivo, con risultati contrastanti finora. I Badger hanno aggiunto Edwards, un grande raggio di linea difensivo, diversi schienali difensivi delle divisioni del college inferiori ( Matthew Traynor , Geimere Latimer ) e qualche aiuto nel gioco di passaggio. Dopo aver perso il trasferimento iniziale di Tanner Koziol , il Wisconsin ha raccolto Lance Mason dello stato del Missouri, uno straordinario FCS. Il Wisconsin ha preso più di una strategia di reclutamento regionale/nazionale, ma c'è preoccupazione che il team non si stia concentrando abbastanza sulle prospettive nello stato.
Star Power: il cornerback Ricardo Hallman è un talento All-Big Dieci con comprovata abilità di gioco, mentre Joe Huber ha ottenuto il riconoscimento d'onore della menzione per tutte le conferenze lo scorso autunno. Il Wisconsin è alla ricerca di più guardalinee sul radar dei premi, e ha bisogno di molti dei suoi trasferimenti, idealmente Edwards, per andare fuori questo autunno. Il restituzione di un ampio ricevitore Vinny Anthony II ha fornito una scintilla lo scorso autunno.
Staff di coaching: il noleggio di Grimes è molto significativo, poiché Fickell aveva bisogno di ruotare dopo che il raid aereo non ha mai fatto il volo a Madison. L'allenatore di Grimes e Line AJ Blazek ha il compito di ripristinare alcuni degli elementi di potere che hanno definito l'offesa del Wisconsin per decenni. Il personale di Fickell ha un mix di assistenti più giovani - come Kenny Guiton - e veterani come il coordinatore difensivo Mike Tressel per la terza stagione.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Anthony Corandrea , Virginia's Starter nel 2024, trasferito su UNLV mentre i Cavaliers rimodellavano la sala da quarterback con due aggiunte chiave del portale. Corandrea aveva 2.125 yard di passaggio con 13 touchdown e 11 intercettazioni lo scorso autunno.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: slim. Virginia ha portato Chandler Morris senior come antipasto previsto per il 2025. Morris, figlio dell'ex allenatore del college Chad Morris, ha ripreso la sua carriera la scorsa stagione nel Nord Texas, passando per 3.774 yard e 31 touchdown per l'offesa n. 3 della nazione. La sua ammissibilità scadrà dopo la caduta. Virginia ha anche aggiunto il trasferimento del Nebraska Daniel Kaelin , un secondo anno.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Virginia ha opzioni sulla linea offensiva, tra un gruppo di giocatori di ritorno con esperienza di partenza, tra cui l'attrezzatura McKale Boley e un contingente di trasferimento che include Center Brady Wilson di UAB. Un infortunio all'ACL di primavera a Louisville Transfer Monroe Mills punta, ma la squadra ha aggiunto James Madison Trans Tyshawn Wyatt e altri. Virginia ha bisogno di una corsa di passaggio dai suoi guardalinee e ha aggiunto tre estremità - Cazeem Moore (Elon), Mitchell Melton (Ohio State) e Fisher Camac (Virginia) - dal portale. L'anziano Jahmeer Carter è tornato all'interno e l'Alabama Transfer Hunter Osborne ha un soffitto alto.
Gestione dei roster: Virginia ha fatto la sua prima grande spinta del portale di trasferimento questo inverno e primavera, aggiungendo Morris e Kaelin al quarterback, ma anche notevole guardalinee offensivo e difensivo, un ampio ricevitore esperto in Jahmal Edrine , una talentuosa sicurezza a Devin Neal (Louisville) e altri. Gli Hoos hanno anche perso i migliori campi di Malachi a Notre Dame e hanno ottenuto alcuni colpi sulla linea offensiva, ma i loro guadagni hanno superato le partenze. Virginia è alla ricerca di slancio simile nel reclutamento del liceo dopo aver firmato la classe n. 52 per il 2025.
Star Power: il linebacker Kam Robinson ha guadagnato onore onore di All-ACC nel 2024 dopo aver guidato la Virginia con cinque intercettazioni e aver terminato il secondo in contrasti con 64. Un altro difensore si unirà a lui nel mix All-ACC? Neal è sicuramente uno da guardare. Running Back Xavier Brown ha segnato una media di 6,1 iarde per carry per la Virginia lo scorso autunno e dovrebbe avere un ruolo più importante. Wilson è un abile guardalinee ed edrine avrà un ruolo importante nel ricevitore.
Staff di coaching: Tony Elliott è solo 11-23 in Virginia, ma c'è ottimismo per l'anno 4 con un elenco aggiornato in diverse posizioni. Elliott ha mantenuto la continuità del personale, poiché i coordinatori des Kitchings (offesa) e John Rudzinski (difesa) tornano, insieme a tutti gli allenatori di posizione.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: No. Il quarterback primario Brock Vandagriff è andato dopo una stagione nel Regno Unito. Ha completato solo il 57,3% dei suoi passaggi con 10 touchdown e otto intercettazioni lo scorso autunno. Il Kentucky tornò al portale per lo Zach Calzada , che trascorreva del tempo in Texas A&M e Auburn prima di due stagioni con FCS Incarnate Word.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: slim. Il Kentucky ha attraversato i quarterback di un anno nell'era del portale e cifre per fare lo stesso con Calzada, uno dei quarterback più esperti della nazione con 32 FBS o FCS. La matricola Redshirt Cutter Boley e il senior Beau Allen , che sono al secondo periodo con il Kentucky, sono destinati a sostenere Calzada.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Kentucky deve ottenere la sua linea offensiva per riconquistare il successo che si è verificato durante la maggior parte del mandato di Coach Mark Stoops. Il team ha aggiunto 11 nuovi arrivati alla linea, tra cui la selezione All-Mac della prima squadra Alexander Wollschlaeger di Bowling Green, Shiyazh Pete dal New Mexico State e Josh Braun dell'Arkansas. Il Kentucky riporta alcuni pezzi interni in Jalen Farmer e Jager Burton . La linea difensiva non ha tanti trasferimenti, ma alcuni importanti in Mi'quise Grace , il difensore dell'anno del Missouri Valley nel South Dakota e David Gusta di Washington State, un antipasto a 24 partite. Il Kentucky riprende anche gli anziani Kahlil Saunders e Josaih Hayes .
Gestione dei roster: il Kentucky aveva bisogno di un ripristino sulla sua linea offensiva e probabilmente ha aggiornato il gruppo attraverso il portale. L'ampio punto del ricevitore, nel frattempo, è stato colpito duramente dalle partenze di Dane Key e Barion Brown e avrà bisogno di sostituti come Kendrick Law (Alabama) per intensificare. Il Kentucky ha certamente bisogno di Calzada per esibirsi meglio di Vandagriff, sebbene la linea offensiva rimodellata avrà un ruolo lì. L'offesa ha anche raccolto il leader del Nebraska Dante Dowdell .
Star Power: le migliori squadre di Coach Mark Mark hanno dei protagonisti in difesa. Vale la pena guardare giocatori di ritorno come il linebacker all'interno del linebacker Alex Afari Jr. , Che ha guidato la squadra in contrasti per la perdita (11,5). Grace aveva un numero incredibile al South Dakota l'anno scorso - 9,5 sacchi, 17 contrasti per la perdita - e proverà a tradurre la sua produzione nella SEC. Wollschlaeger è un'altra aggiunta chiave lungo la linea di scrimmage. Calzada è già stato nella SEC e dovrebbe essere migliore dopo aver riavviato la sua carriera negli FC.
Staff di coaching: Stoops è tornato per il 13 ° anno e, sebbene il suo profilo generale si distingua, ci sono alcune preoccupazioni sul fatto che le cose siano diventate stanziate dalla stagione di 10 vittorie del 2021. Ha subito una perdita grave con Vince Marrow, il cui nuvola di reclutamento gli ha ottenuto uno stipendio di sette cifre a Kentucky, è partito per il rivale in stato Louisville per diventare direttore generale. Il coordinatore difensivo veterano Brad White è tornato, così come il coordinatore offensivo Bush Hamdan, nonostante le lotte dell'unità lo scorso autunno. Anche le posizioni degli allenatori del 2024 sono per lo più indietro.
51. Michigan State SpartansPrecedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback : sì. Aidan Chiles , che ha seguito l'allenatore Jonathan Smith dall'Oregon State a MSU, entrerà nella sua seconda stagione come antipasto degli Spartani.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto probabile. Chiles trasporta l'ammissibilità junior e ha una grande familiarità con Smith, il coordinatore offensivo Brian Lindgren e il personale. I suoi backup sono tutti giovani giocatori. Chiles potrebbe avere una stagione di breakout e andare avanti, ma pochi sarebbero sorpresi se sta guidando l'offesa MSU nel 2026.
Offensive Line/difensiva Prospettive: la scelta del Draft NFL solitario del Michigan State 2025 proveniva dalla linea offensiva di Luke Newman, e il fronte avrà un aspetto diverso in autunno. Gli Spartani andarono al portale per ambita attrezzatura Conner Moore (Stato del Montana), guardia/centro senior Matt Gulbin (Wake Forest) e altri. Oltre a Gulbin, MSU non ha molti anziani nella rotazione. Gli Spartani restituiscono alcuni guardalinee difensivi rotazionali e hanno aggiunto due reclute difensive a tre stelle nella classe 2025 e attrezza Grady Kelly (Florida State) e finiscono Isaac Smith (Texas Tech) dal portale di trasferimento.
Gestione dei roster: il roster dello Stato del Michigan è stato abbastanza fluido sotto Smith, con i trasferimenti che entravano e uscivano, ma la squadra ha mantenuto l'ampio ricevitore Nick Marsh , uno dei suoi migliori giovani registi e molti altri Holdovers. La squadra ha ottenuto alcuni guadagni portali, specialmente in punti come ampio ricevitore, linea offensiva e difensiva. Smith è stato abbastanza silenzioso nel reclutamento delle scuole superiori, sebbene la squadra abbia un impegno da ESPN 300 Prospect Kayd Coffman per la classe 2026.
Star Power: il Michigan State ha perso All-Big Ten Player Newman a causa del leader della bozza e delle intercettazioni Charles Brantley nel portale (Miami). Marsh e veterano stretto Jack Velling hanno un potenziale per tutta la conferenza e Chiles è un talentuoso quarterback che cerca più coerenza. MSU farà bancare sulla grande produzione da trasferimenti come Moore e ampi ricevitori Chrishon McCray e Omari Kelly .
Staff di coaching: Smith entra nella sua seconda stagione con cambiamenti minimi nello staff, poiché i coordinatori Lindgren e Joe Rossi sono entrambi tornati. Jon Boyer, che aveva lavorato sotto Smith nello Stato dell'Oregon, si unì allo staff come allenatore di quarterback e MSU assunse James Adams da Wake Forest per lavorare con le sicurezze. Ma il tema principale della continuità rimane.
50. Kansas JayhawksPrecedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: sì. Jalon Daniels è ancora a Lawrence, dopo aver attraversato una stagione senza una grave battuta d'arresto, ma non ha generato i risultati complessivi che voleva. Daniels entra nella sua sesta e ultima stagione universitaria con 6.751 yard di passaggio e 1.043 yard di corsa, rappresentando 64 touchdown (45 passaggi, 19 corse).
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto sottile. Daniels avrà tutte le opportunità di guidare l'offesa del Kansas nella sua ultima stagione universitaria. Il secondo anno del terzo anno Cole Ballard ha giocato un po 'e apparentemente potrebbe subentrare nel 2026.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Kansas dovrebbe sentirsi bene con il suo fronte difensivo con Dean Miller , che ha guidato la squadra con sei sacchi lo scorso autunno. I Jayhawks restituiscono anche solidi pezzi interni a Caleb Taylor , DJ Withers e Tommy Dunn Jr. La linea offensiva ha un mix di antipasti di ritorno veterano (Center Bryce Foster e Guard Kobe Baynes ), una potenziale stella nascente nel secondo anno Calvin Clements e diversi nuovi arrivati o giocatori che entrano in riflettori più grandi. Kansas ha anche raccolto diversi trasferimenti interessanti, tra cui Tyler Mercer del Nord del Texas e Jack Tanner di Tulsa.
Gestione dei roster: il Kansas ha perso molti collaboratori chiave alla laurea, ma in gran parte ha mantenuto i giocatori che voleva per una potenziale stagione di rimbalzo nel 2025. La squadra ha anche aggiunto dal portale in diverse posizioni, tra cui il linebacker ( Joseph Sipp Jr. , Bangally Kamara , Trey Lathan ), ampio ricevitore, linea offensiva, tornando indietro e difensiva. Il Kansas avrà bisogno di un buon tasso di hit sui suoi trasferimenti per sfondare questo autunno. Il reclutamento del liceo del Kansas è iniziato per un forte inizio per il 2026 con ESPN 300 Safety JJ Dunnigan e altri.
Star Power: quando sano, Daniels può ancora essere uno dei quarterback a doppia minaccia più elettrici della nazione. Lancerà a un diverso gruppo di ricevitori, ma al Kansas piace ciò che ha aggiunto dal portale con Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Alabama), Cam Pickett (Ball State) e altri. Miller sarà sicuramente sul radar All-Big-12, così come alcuni dei guardalinee offensivi di ritorno. Running Back Transfer Leshon Williams ha guadagnato la menzione d'onore All-Big Ten onori mentre guida l'Iowa a correre nel 2023.
Staff di coaching: l'allenatore Lance LeiPold lavorerà a fianco del suo terzo coordinatore offensivo in altrettante stagioni, ma una faccia familiare a Jim Zebrowski, promossa da coordinatore e allenatore di quarterback. Il coordinatore veterano Matt Lubick si è unito allo staff come co-OC e LeiPold ha promosso DK McDonald a coordinatore difensivo dopo che Brian Borland si è ritirato.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato.
Quarterback di ritorno: No. Ethan Garbers ha concluso la sua carriera dell'UCLA nel 2024 e ha firmato con le Carolina Panthers come agente libero non redatto.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: possibile ma non può contare su di esso. Il trasferimento del Tennessee Nico Iiamaleava ha rimasto tre anni di ammissibilità, ma sarà idoneo alla NFL nel 2026 e potrebbe cercare di dare il via alla sua carriera professionale. Poteva anche trasferirsi di nuovo.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: la linea offensiva sarà un gruppo fluido e uno da guardare ad entrare in questa stagione, poiché l'attrezzatura senior Garrett DiGiorgio è l'unica costante. L'UCLA ha aggiunto diversi trasferimenti di Power 4, tra cui Courtland Ford (Kentucky). La linea difensiva avrà anche un aspetto diverso con Jay Toia alla NFL, anche se veterani come Siale Taupaki e Devin Aupiu sono tornati.
Gestione dei roster: il portale di primavera ha cambiato le prospettive dell'UCLA come Iiamaleava, una recluta tra i 25 migliori nel 2023, è un potenziale punto di svolta per il programma di Coach Deshaun Foster. L'UCLA ha anche aggiunto il trasferimento di running back thomas Jaivian da Cal e potenzialmente ha consolidato la sua futura prospettiva QB con il fratello minore di Imelava, Madden, una classe Top-150 della recluta 2025. I Bruins sono stati anche caricati nel secondario con trasferimenti di potenza 4 e hanno aggiunto al ricevitore con Mikey Matthews di Cal.
Star Power: il soffitto di Iiamaleava è incredibilmente alto, anche se si adatterà a molte cose in un breve periodo di tempo. Altri trasferimenti potrebbero essere All-Big Dieci candidati, tra cui Thomas, che ha avuto un forte traguardo a Cal lo scorso autunno e difensive come Andre Jordan Jr. (Oregon State) e Benjamin Perry (Louisville). Digiorgio sarà uno dei guardalinee offensivi più esperti dei Big Ten.
Personale di coaching: dopo aver mantenuto gli assistenti di Chip Kelly nell'anno 1, Foster ha revisionato il personale in bassa stagione. Ha assunto Tino Sunseri dall'Indiana come coordinatore offensivo e ha portato assistenti con legami UCLA/West Coast come Demetrice Martin, Burl Toler III, Jethro Franklin e AJ Steward. La coordinatrice difensiva Ikaika Maloe è stata una delle uniche holdovers del 2024.
48. Vanderbilt CommodoresPrecedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: sì. Diego Pavia è tornato ad elettrificare la SEC e il college per un altro anno, dopo aver ricevuto una deroga per giocare una stagione in più da quando ha iniziato al college junior. Pavia era al centro dei grandi momenti di Vanderbilt nel 2024, passando per 2.293 yard e 20 touchdown, e portando la squadra a correre con 801 yard e otto touchdown.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: estremamente improbabile. Vanderbilt ha costruito la sua offesa intorno a Pavia, il catalizzatore sia come passante che come rusher. Pavia andrà avanti dopo la stagione 2025 e Vanderbilt potrebbe andare con la riserva veterana Drew Dickey o un giocatore con più esperienza di gioco attraverso il portale.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Pavia è tornata ma giocherà dietro una linea offensiva dall'aspetto diverso nel 2025. Attrezzatura senior Chase Mitchell , entrando nella sua terza stagione FBS come antipasto, l'unico pilastro di ritorno, come Vanderbilt ha aggiunto Jordan White (Liberty), Isaia Glass (Oklahoma State), Bryce Henderson (South Dakota) e altri dal portale. La linea difensiva ha meno domande urgenti, almeno con il primo gruppo, nonostante il trasferimento di De'marion Thomas nello stato dell'Oklahoma. Vanderbilt restituisce un vantaggio produttivo nei cavalieri di Miles senior (3 sacchi, 8 placcaggi per la perdita, 3 fumbles forzati nel 2024), altre opzioni esperte come Yilanan Ouattara e Zaylin Wood e un promettente giovane giocatore nel secondo anno Glenn Seabrooks III . Il trasferimento del Texas Aaron Bryant dovrebbe aiutare, ma i Commodore sono ancora alla ricerca di una profondità complessiva.
Gestione dei roster: il mantenimento di Pavia per una seconda stagione è enorme, poiché Vanderbilt cerca di costruire sulla sua prima apparizione in ciotola dal 2018. I Commodores hanno anche mantenuto Eli Stowers All-Sec. Il team ha subito notevoli perdite di portale sulla linea offensiva e sulla sicurezza, ma nulla che dovrebbe riparare i progressi. Le aggiunte di linea offensiva di Vanderbilt dovrebbero aiutare e il team ha anche introdotto giovani difensori promettenti come Safety CJ Heard ( Florida Atlantic ). Il reclutamento del liceo della squadra è immerso nel 2025, ma una stagione forte dovrebbe aiutare a migliorare la classe 2026.
Star Power: Pavia ha guadagnato gli onori AL-SEC della seconda squadra AP e sarà sul radar per la lega e possibilmente gli onori nazionali come performer da non perdere. Lancerà ancora una volta a Stowers, una selezione All-SEC della prima squadra che ha guidato Vandy con 49 ricevimenti per 638 yard lo scorso autunno. Hight ha segnato in media 14,7 iarde sui ritorni di punt e legato per il vantaggio della squadra con due intercettazioni. I linebackers si progettano come uno dei migliori gruppi della SEC, mentre i migliori attaccanti ritornano insieme a Rinaldi, che lo scorso autunno ha avuto sei sacchi a livello di squadra. I giocatori di ritorno di Vanderbilt a tutti e tre i livelli della difesa danno all'allenatore Clark Lea la sua migliore unità, che dovrebbe riflettere nelle scelte di tutte le conferenze.
Personale di coaching: Lea ha la possibilità di costruire un po 'di coerenza nella sua alma mater e ha riflettuto l'approccio in uno staff che non cambierà molto tranne che per determinate responsabilità. L'allenatore secondario Steve Gregory gestirà la difesa, un ruolo che Lea ha assunto nel 2024, mentre l'allenatore di linebackers Nick Lezynski è stato promosso coordinatore di co-difensore. Tim Beck continuerà a supervisionare il personale offensivo e lavorare con Pavia, che ha allenato nello stato del New Mexico.
47. Boston College EaglesPrecedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: sì. Grayson James è emerso come antipasto del Boston College durante la seconda metà della stagione ed è tornato dopo essere passato per 1.202 yard e sei touchdown, aggiungendo tre punteggi in corsa.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: dipende dalla preseason. James sta entrando nella sua ultima stagione universitaria e il Boston College avrà bisogno di un nuovo QB nel 2026 se mantiene il lavoro. Ma il team ha anche portato in Alabama Transfer Dylan Lonergan , una ex recluta top-40 con al secondo anno.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: le migliori squadre di BC prosperano sulla linea offensiva, ma il gruppo sta entrando in un anno di transizione dopo aver perso tre antipasti contro la NFL. L'attacco di sinistra Jude Bowry ha un soffitto alto e Logan Taylor è uno dei guardalinee più esperti dell'ACC. Gli Eagles devono costruirsi attorno a loro con altri holdover e trasferimenti come Tommy Matheson di Princeton. La linea difensiva di BC ha anche avuto un successo con il rusher del passaggio da record Donovan Ezeiruaku diretto alla bozza. Il gruppo ha diversi rimpatriati, tuttavia, tra cui gli anziani Quintayvius Hutchins e Owen Stoudmire . La corsa al passaggio sarà un'area da guardare dopo un grande picco nel 2024.
Gestione dei roster: l'allenatore Bill O'Brien non vuole essere un programma di trasferimento di volume e mentre il Boston College ha perso alcuni giocatori, ha dato la priorità alla fidelizzazione e aggiungendo aree bersaglio come le linee offensive e difensive, in cui diversi Rushers Pass di piccole dimensioni si uniscono al roster. Lonergan potrebbe anche essere significativo per il futuro del programma. Si sta presentando l'attenzione di reclutamento in stato e regionale di O'Brien, mentre la classe 2026 del Boston College è n. 22 a livello nazionale.
Star Power: un altro anno sotto O'Brien potrebbe aumentare l'offesa e giocatori come James, conducendo l'ampio ricevitore Lewis Bond (67 catture, 689 yard di ricezione nel 2024) e Jeremiah Franklin . Taylor ha guadagnato onore l'onore di All-ACC in ciascuno dei due Offseason. Hutchins sarà più un pass -rusher in primo piano dopo aver registrato 3,5 sacchi e otto quarterback si affrettano la scorsa stagione.
Staff di coaching: O'Brien ha preso il lavoro BC molto tardi e beneficerà di una bassa stagione mentre si basa su un debutto a 7 vittorie. Il personale restituisce per lo più intatto con i coordinatori primari Tim Lewis (difesa) e il Will Lawing (offesa) che tornano entrambi.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: sì. Kyron Droni è tornato per la sua stagione senior dopo una campagna del 2024 un po 'deludente in cui ha chiuso con 1.562 yard di passaggio, 10 touchdown e sei intercettazioni in nove partite.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: altamente improbabile. Gli Hokies sono pronti a cavalcare con i droni un'ultima volta, sperando per lo splendore a doppia minaccia che ha mostrato a volte nel 2023. Anche il veterano backup Pop Watson ritorna con il secondo anno idoneità.
Offensive Line/difensiva Prospettive: il nuovo allenatore della linea offensiva Matt Moore ha portato con sé diversi trasferimenti dalla Virginia Occidentale, in particolare Tomas Rimac , una selezione onorevole di All-Big 12 lo scorso autunno. Gli Hokies hanno anche raccolto la riserva di Auburn Jaden Muskrat nel portale di primavera per aiutare con profondità, poiché solo pochi guardalinee con esperienza di partenza di partenza. Attrezzatura difensiva Kelvin Gilliam Jr. Ha iniziato sei partite la scorsa stagione ed è tornato, e Virginia Tech ha aggiunto diversi trasferimenti veterani intorno a lui, tra cui FCS Standut Arias Nash (Mercer) e James Djonkam (Michigan orientale), che si sono trasferiti dal linebacker a Edge questa primavera.
Gestione dei roster: dopo una stagione che non è stata a corto di aspettative, Virginia Tech non sorprendentemente ha perso diversi giocatori chiave, specialmente nella stanza delle linee offensive e nel secondario. Gli Hokies hanno mantenuto i droni, tuttavia, così come il linebacker produttivo Tandem Jaden Keller e Caleb Woodson . Rimac aiuterà immediatamente in anticipo, insieme a diversi guardalinee offensivi più giovani della West Virginia. Bowling Green Transfer Terion Stewart aiuterà a riempire la produzione dalla perdita di Bhayshul Tuten. Djonkam e Nash sono tra i trasferimenti di impatto sulla difesa. Le ultime due lezioni di reclutamento della Virginia Tech sono passate intorno al numero 40 a livello nazionale.
Star Power: i droni sono in grado di contendere onori per tutte le campionati con una migliore salute e prestazioni. Avrà un po 'di aiuto in attacco con trasferimenti come Rimac e Stewart, una selezione All-MAC in prima squadra nel 2024. Keller e Woodson sono giocatori comprovati che possono guidare la difesa fino al 2026, mentre il kicker John Love , una selezione onorevole di All-ACC dopo essersi connesse su 16 di 18 tentativi di goal in campo, è tornato. Djonkam è un altro giocatore da guardare dopo una stagione produttiva nel Michigan orientale.
Staff di coaching: Brent Pry è 16-21 alla Virginia Tech e deve fornire risultati migliori in autunno per assicurarsi il suo futuro. Ha due nuovi coordinatori a Philip Montgomery, l'ex allenatore di Tulsa, che supervisionerà l'offesa, e il coordinatore difensivo Sam Siefkes, che è venuto dalla NFL. Pry ha mantenuto i suoi allenatori di posizione dal 2024.
Precedente classifica del potere futuro: non classificato
Restituzione del quarterback: sì. L'Alabama Transfer Eli Holstein ha guidato Pitt con 2.228 yard di passaggio, 17 touchdown e 10 intercettazioni la scorsa stagione. Anche Nate Yarnell ha giocato in modo significativo e trasferito, ma Holstein è tornato con le Pantere.
Probabilità di un QB pluriennale: molto probabile. Holstein sarà un secondo anno della maglietta rossa nel 2025, di nuovo lavorando sotto il coordinatore offensivo Kade Bell, che ha migliorato l'unità sostanzialmente lo scorso autunno. Un altro trasferimento è sempre possibile, ma Holstein è in linea per guidare l'offesa per un po '.
Offensive Line/difensiva Outlook: Pitt ha bisogno della linea offensiva per migliorare dopo una performance deludente nel 2024. La squadra cercherà di sostenere i veterani come il placcaggio Ryan Baer , ma anche diversi trasferimenti, tra cui Kendall Stanley (Charlotte) e Keith Gouveia (Richmond). La linea difensiva ha meno domande immediate, poiché il talentuoso Rusher Pass Jimmy Scott (sei sacchi nel 2024) è tornato per almeno un altro anno, insieme ai contrasti Sean Fitzsimmons , Nick James e altri. I trasferimenti di Blaine Spires (Utah State) e Jaeden Moore (Oregon) dovrebbero aiutare in anticipo.
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).
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