A New Era Begins...

🦉 Rice Owls

Conference: American

Head Coach: Jacob Clayton

2025 Prediction: 11–1, AAC Championship Game Appearance

Welcome to the new-look Rice Owls, where defense is the identity and Max Balthazar is the heartbeat.

Head Coach Jacob Clayton takes over a Rice program entering a new era—and he's got the defensive pieces to make immediate noise. Anchored by a punishing middle four, the Owls’ defense will be a problem for every offense on the schedule. Junior linebacker DJ Arkansas brings tenacity and sideline-to-sideline speed, while veteran presence Andrew Awe (senior LB) and Blake Boenisch (senior DT) form a powerful spine. Add in rising junior TY Morris, and you’ve got one of the most seasoned and physical front sevens in the country.

But the real buzz in Houston? That’s on the back of Max Balthazar. The junior running back has all the tools: burst, vision, balance—and if he stays healthy, he could lead this offense into rare air. Some around the program are quietly whispering Heisman, and while it's early, the schedule sets up nicely for a campaign that builds steam.

Circle Week 6 on the calendar—that's when Rice hosts FAU in what could be the defining game of the season.

With a projected 11–1 finish and a likely spot in the American Conference Championship Game, Rice isn't just joining the party—they’re ready to host it.

Anonymous AAC Assistant Coach: “That middle of the defense is nasty—Boenisch and Awe are just grown men. If Balthazar stays healthy, I don’t think people understand how good he is. Rice could win the whole thing.”

🐔 Delaware Blue Hens

Conference: Conference USA

Head Coach: Bryan Vieger

2025 Prediction: 11–1, C-USA Champions

There’s no easing into the FBS for Delaware—just a full sprint, uphill, with no parachute. Fortunately, they’ve got Bryan Vieger leading the charge.

The Blue Hens enter their first FBS season with a head coach who’s done it all. Coach Vieger has the résumé, the edge, and the belief that this team can compete right away—and he's not wrong. But it won't be pretty.

Everything hinges on senior quarterback Zach Marker, a seasoned veteran with plenty of game reps but zero margin for error. Vieger's programs have always gone as the QB goes, and if Marker doesn’t carry this team on his back, Delaware could quickly tumble from contender to cautionary tale. Luckily for the Hens, Marker’s got poise, toughness, and just enough experience to thrive in this system.

As for the run game? Well... someone should tell Jo’Nathan Silver and Saeed St. Fleur to hit the portal before Week 1. The senior and junior backs are talented, sure—but they won’t sniff the ball in this offense. It’s air raid or bust, and the only way this team survives is by slinging it 60 times a game and hoping it’s enough.

Defensively, it’s a bleak picture. If the Blue Hens get more than one stop per game, it’ll be a miracle. Their only hope lies in junior free safeties KT Seay and Hasson Manning Jr, who will be asked to cover like their lives depend on it—because they kind of do. Outside of those two, there’s not much to lean on.

Key matchups include a Week 9 home game vs. Middle Tennessee, and a potential C-USA title decider in Week 12 on the road at Sam Houston State.

Delaware needs perfection from its offense and divine intervention on defense—but don’t count them out. Not with Vieger in charge. If anyone can take a paper-thin roster and turn it into a conference champion, it’s him.

Anonymous C-USA Coach:“I don’t know how they’ll get a single stop—but I also wouldn’t want to be the one trying to stop them. Marker’s the real deal, and Vieger’s got magic in October and November. Don’t be surprised if they’re holding the trophy.”

🦫 Oregon State Beavers

Conference: Pac-12 (2)

Head Coach: Uncle Matt

2025 Prediction: 7-5

It’s a new era in Corvallis, but the formula is painfully familiar: run until the wheels fall off and hope the quarterback finally figures it out. Welcome to Uncle Matt football.

The Beavers are back in the spotlight, this time as a key pillar in the Pac-12’s rebooted two-team operation. And with Coach Uncle Matt at the helm, one thing is certain—senior running back Anthony "Tanker" Hankerson is going to be run into the damn ground. Coach Matt has made a name for himself riding his running backs until their legs fall off, and Tanker might be the next great (and exhausted) name in that lineage. He’s powerful, relentless, and the clear offensive identity for Oregon State—but durability will be everything.

The bigger question? Junior quarterback Maalik Murphy. Once a prized blue-chip recruit, Murphy is now on his third stop in as many years. The arm talent is undeniable, the frame is NFL-ready—but the production? Still MIA. If Uncle Matt can finally unlock him, the Beavers become a real problem. If not, it’s going to be Tanker left doing all the work once again.

Circle the stretch run—Week 10 vs. Washington State, Week 11 vs. Sam Houston State, and Week 14 at Washington State. Throw in an early Week 2 battle against Fresno State, and you’ve got a brutal second half that will determine whether Oregon State survives the new-look Pac-12 gauntlet.

On paper, the Beavers should be the favorites to win the Pac-12 (2). But that’s only if the roster can survive Uncle Matt’s punishment tour. Depth will be tested, Tanker will be bruised, and Maalik Murphy has one last shot to prove he's more than potential on a clipboard.

Anonymous Pac-12 (2) Staffer: “Everyone knows what Uncle Matt’s gonna do—doesn’t matter. You still can’t stop it. But if Maalik doesn’t take a step forward and Tanker breaks down? It’s over. This team’s championship hopes ride on health and hope.”

🦉 Florida Atlantic Owls

Conference: American

Head Coach: Champ Jackson

2025 Prediction: 10–2

From columnist to commander, Champ Jackson has traded the keyboard for a clipboard. Now the whole country gets to see if he can actually coach the game he spent years writing about.

Once the face (and voice) of Saturday Night Chronicles, Champ Jackson stunned readers everywhere when he walked away from his column to take over the reins at FAU. He’s now the head coach of the Owls, and while the transition from wordsmith to whistle-blower has made for great headlines, the results on the field remain a giant question mark.

What isn’t a question is the offense. FAU should be able to move the ball behind a balanced attack led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp and a dynamic backfield duo in Xavier Terrell and Gemari Sands. The unit has enough firepower to hang with almost anyone—if they can stay efficient and mistake-free.

Defense, though? That’s where things fall apart. The Owls will need to rely on chaos theory—opponents making mistakes, turnovers falling into their laps, and the occasional miracle stop. Realistically, any hope of a good season hinges on the offense carrying the entire program.

Circle Week 6—a pivotal showdown on the road at Rice, week 9 at Navy.

Coach Jackson has “vision,” sure. But vision doesn’t tackle running backs or cover deep threats. His Owls are talented enough to go 10–2, but don’t be shocked if this whole thing crashes in spectacular fashion.

Anonymous AAC Assistant:“Champ’s got charisma, no doubt. But coaching ain’t tweeting. This team has talent on offense, but the defense is basically vibes and hope. If they go 10–2, I’ll eat my headset.”

🔷 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Conference: Conference USA

Head Coach: Réé Todd (pronounced “Rayay Todd”—he’s of French descent)

2025 Prediction: 7–5

Let’s get one thing clear up front: it’s pronounced Ray Todd. And if things go sideways in Murfreesboro this season, you’ll be hearing that name a lot.

Coach Réé Todd has a reputation—just not the good kind. Known for putting his players in brutal positions and then tossing them under the bus when it all falls apart, Todd’s offensive system is more confusing than creative. And unfortunately, senior quarterback Nicholas Vattiato might be the next victim. If he doesn’t learn the interception playbook quickly, he’s going to get benched, blamed, or both.

There is hope—a three-headed monster in the backfield. Sophomore running backs Jekail Middlebrook and Rickey Hunt Jr., along with junior Jaiden Credle, form one of the most intriguing RB rotations in the conference. If Middle Tennessee is going to do anything this year, it’ll be because the ground game takes over and controls the tempo. But if Coach Todd abandons the run (as he's known to do), it could get ugly.

Defensively, there’s little reason for optimism. The Blue Raiders are likely to give up a lot of points—and they won’t have the offense to match it. Expect a slow, grinding season where the defense bends, breaks, and keeps bending.

Key matchups include a Week 9 road trip to Delaware, followed by a late-season Week 13 home game against Sam Houston that could determine whether this team finishes above .500.

All in all, expect inconsistency, questionable decision-making, and the usual “coach blames the players” postgame quotes.

Anonymous C-USA Analyst:“Vattiato’s gonna need therapy after this season. That running back room is legit, but if Todd starts dialing up deep shots on 3rd and 1 again, they’re toast.”

⚓ Navy Midshipmen

Conference: American

Head Coach: Khail Sharp

2025 Prediction: 8–4

Triple option? Dead. Blake Horvath? Very much alive. Welcome to the wildest rebrand in college football.

Under new head coach Khail Sharp, the Midshipmen are undergoing a full-blown identity crisis in the best way possible—ditching the old-school option attack and embracing the modern spread. And leading the charge is senior quarterback Blake Horvath, a legitimate superstar with wheels, touch, and just enough ego to make it fun.

He’ll be joined by running back Eli Heidenreich, who’s got the burst to be a game-changer—though we’re still waiting to confirm whether his allegiance lies with the U.S. Navy or the 1940s German one (kidding... mostly).

What makes Navy such a fascinating watch this year is how they piece it all together. They’ve got one of the most stacked running back rooms in the country and... only four scholarship wide receivers. That means you'll see a ton of position versatility, jet sweeps from fullbacks, slot routes from tailbacks, and possibly a few wideouts in camo by midseason.

Top-end talent? It’s elite—on both sides of the ball. Depth? Nonexistent. This team is a couple of rolled ankles away from playing a kicker at slot corner.

Key games include Week 5 at home against Rice, a battle of brawn and brains, and a must-see Week 9 showdown hosting FAU.

If Navy can stay healthy, this team is absolutely capable of making a run. But if the injury bug hits, things could unravel quickly.

Anonymous AAC Staffer:“They’ve got the guys to scare anyone. But after that first wave? It's all walk-ons and wishbones. Horvath’s gonna have to be a magician—and maybe a trainer too.”

💙 San Jose State Spartans

Conference: Mountain West

Head Coach: Fran Chione

2025 Prediction: 10–2, Mountain West Contender

If this team stays healthy, they’re going to win the Mountain West. If not, they might be pulling linebackers to play quarterback.

Coach Fran Chione enters 2025 with a dangerous top-line roster and a defense that might be the best you’ll hear about all season—at least the first 11 guys. The problem? That's basically all they’ve got. San Jose State’s success will hinge entirely on whether that starting unit can stay upright through a brutal schedule.

Offensively, the biggest storyline is the quarterback battle between sophomore Adam Matthews and senior Walker Eget. Matthews has more long-term upside, but Eget brings experience and just enough moxie to manage games. Whoever wins the job will be tasked with dragging a middling offense to glory—likely by playing clean, mistake-free football and letting the defense handle the rest.

And what a defense it is. Physical, smart, and relentless, this Spartan unit has the potential to stonewall just about everyone—especially early in the year when the bodies are still fresh.

Circle Week 2, when San Jose State travels to face preseason No. 1 Texas in what might be the best measuring stick game of the entire year. Then, in Week 14, the Valley Trophy showdown vs. Fresno State could very well double as the Mountain West title game.

Depth is a concern, sure. But with a clean bill of health, this team can run the table in the conference and cause major national headaches.

Anonymous MWC Coach:“Fran’s got a championship-level defense—no doubt. If the offense doesn’t screw it up and they avoid injuries, I’d bet my paycheck they’re lifting the trophy.”

🐾 Texas State Bobcats

Conference: Sun Belt

Head Coach: Mason Oxsheer

2025 Prediction: 10–2, Sun Belt Champions

No team in America has more questions—and fewer obstacles—than the Texas State Bobcats.

Head Coach Mason Oxsheer might not say it out loud, but he knows it: the Bobcats were gifted one of the easiest schedules in the country. No marquee matchups, no real gauntlets—just a long stretch of teams who can't stop what Texas State is trying to do.

The Bobcats are loaded at the skill positions on offense, with game-breaking speed and depth at wide receiver and running back. The issue? No offensive line to speak of, and five quarterbacks battling to be the least mediocre. The likely starter is Holden Geriner, who’s shown flashes of competence—enough to take the reins of an offense that really just needs someone to keep the car on the road.

On defense, the safeties and edge rushers provide the muscle. The pass rush is legit, and the backend has playmakers who can erase mistakes. But opponents who attack the boundaries or target the middle of the field will find plenty of daylight. This unit has a high ceiling but a soft middle—and smart coordinators will test it.

Now, if this team had a tougher schedule? We’d be talking about a scrappy group clawing for a bowl bid. But thanks to their featherweight slate, they should sleepwalk their way to a 10–2 record and a Sun Belt championship.

Anonymous Sun Belt Coach:“Put these guys in another conference and they’re .500. But with this schedule? They might not break a sweat until December. It’s like watching a sports car race golf carts.”

🐾 Sam Houston State Bearkats

Conference: Conference USA

Head Coach: Will Cardin

2025 Prediction: 5–7

It’s Year 1 of survival mode in Huntsville—and for Coach Will Cardin, it might be the only shot he gets.

This senior-heavy squad gives Coach Will one small window to put together a winning season before the bottom falls out. With expectations already low and the roster poised for a mass exodus, 2025 is do-or-die in every sense.

The Bearkats will lean heavily on their trio of experienced running backs—Shane Porter, Alton McCaskill, and Elijah Green—all seniors who have seen enough football to carry the load and hopefully keep things respectable. If Sam Houston has any hope of competing, it’ll come from grinding out games on the ground and controlling the clock.

But let’s not sugarcoat it: expectations are bleak. The locker room knows it, the fanbase knows it, and the underclassmen are probably already prepping their transfer portal highlights. This is a one-year rental of competence before a full-blown rebuild.

Key matchups include a Week 1 test against UNLV, a late-season trip to Oregon State in Week 11, and a pair of conference-defining games—hosting Delaware in Week 12 and traveling to Middle Tennessee in Week 13.

If they somehow scrape together a winning record, it’ll be nothing short of miraculous. More likely? A 5–7 finish, followed by mass graduation and a portal purge. Coach Cardin better start racking up those frequent flyer miles now—he’s going to be on a national recruiting tour just to field a roster in 2026.

Anonymous C-USA Staffer:“Will’s a good guy, but this roster’s a ticking time bomb. Everyone’s either graduating or dipping. He better enjoy this senior class—he won’t get another one like it.”

🔴 UNLV Rebels

Conference: Mountain West

Head Coach: Hayden Tindal

2025 Prediction: 12–0, Mountain West Champions

The quarterback situation is murky. The run game is unstoppable. The defense is fine. And somehow, that adds up to 12–0.

Coach Hayden Tindal has quietly built a juggernaut in the desert. With a favorable schedule and a backfield that looks more like an SEC rotation, UNLV is poised to run through the Mountain West—and not just figuratively.

The biggest storyline? The quarterback battle between Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea. Orji is a bowling ball with cleats, a physical presence who can run through linebackers and take over games with sheer will. Colandrea, on the other hand, was once hailed as a future star—but the tape rarely matches the hype. Expect this decision to be week-to-week… or even drive-to-drive, depending on who Coach Tindal trusts in the moment.

Thankfully, the quarterback doesn’t have to be the star—not when you’ve got the three-headed monster of Jai'Den Thomas, Jaylon Glover, and Keyvone Lee. These backs will wear down defenses, control tempo, and score in bunches. UNLV’s offense might not be flashy at QB, but it will be relentless on the ground.

Defensively, it’s a competent unit—not elite, but solid enough to hold most opponents under 30. The real star is senior corner Denver Harris, a true lockdown threat who will erase one side of the field every Saturday.

Week 1 at Sam Houston State should be a tone-setter, but after that, the Rebels have a clear path to 12–0 and a Mountain West title.

Anonymous MWC Assistant:“They don’t need a quarterback. Just hand the ball off 40 times and let Denver Harris do the rest. If they stay healthy, nobody’s beating them.”

🐶 Fresno State Bulldogs

Conference: Mountain West

Head Coach: Joey Clayton

2025 Prediction: 11–1

Balanced like a perfectly ripe Fresno chili—this team’s got flavor, heat, and just enough kick to ruin someone’s perfect season.

Under Coach Joey Clayton, Fresno State rolls into 2025 with a roster that’s built to win now. There’s balance across the board, veteran leadership, and a little bit of everything—just like a late-night Valley taco.

Offensively, the Bulldogs are spicy. The backfield duo of sophomore Bryson Donelson and senior Elijah Gilliam offers thunder and lightning, patience and punch. Add in quarterback E.J. Warner, who’s been slinging it like he grew up watching old Kurt Warner highlight reels (because he did), and you’ve got a group that can score from anywhere on the field.

The Week 2 showdown at Oregon State will tell us a lot about how real this team is. But the one you really need to circle? Week 14 at San Jose State for the Valley Trophy—which could also decide the Mountain West title.

Defensively, Fresno’s identity is pressure and coverage. They’ll bring the heat off the edge and trust their deep, talented secondary to hold up behind it. With the pass rush humming and corners blanketing receivers, this group should be able to create turnovers and give their offense plenty of extra possessions.

With the talent on both sides of the ball and a physical identity, Fresno State is a legitimate threat to go 11–1 and crash the Mountain West title party.

Anonymous MWC Coach:“They don’t do anything fancy—but they do everything well. If Warner gets hot late in the year, Fresno might ruin UNLV’s whole December.”