Looking Ahead: Key Storylines and Team Previews for the 2025 Season

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the landscape is set for another thrilling year filled with rising contenders, rebuilding programs, and teams looking to prove themselves on the national stage. From Arkansas State’s stellar 2024 campaign to South Alabama’s impressive playoff run and Tulane’s battle to replace a Heisman winner, each program faces its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. With coaching changes, key player departures, and an influx of fresh talent from the latest recruiting classes, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Here's a comprehensive look at where each team stands heading into 2025, based on last season’s performances, recruiting successes, and the key storylines that will shape the road ahead.

Power Rankings for 2025 Season:

1. Arkansas State Red Wolves

• 2024 Recap: 13-1 record, bowl win over ECU, finished ranked 14th.

• Recruiting Class: 42nd nationally.

• Outlook: Coming off an incredible season with a strong recruiting class to back it up, Arkansas State remains the team to beat. They have momentum and a solid foundation.

2. South Alabama Jaguars

• 2024 Recap: 12-2 record, playoff run to the second round, finished ranked 10th.

• Recruiting Class: 106th nationally.

• Outlook: Despite the poor recruiting class and potential challenges, South Alabama's recent success and playoff experience keep them high on the list, but they face a tough road ahead.

3. Tulane Green Wave

• 2024 Recap: 10-3 record, lost in the first round of the playoffs, finished ranked 11th.

• Recruiting Class: 27th nationally.

• Outlook: Tulane has a solid recruiting class to help mitigate the loss of Heisman winner Makhi Hughes. They have the tools to remain competitive, but replacing their key player will be challenging.

4. UNLV Rebels

• 2024 Recap: 11-3 record, Mountain West Conference champions, finished ranked 19th.

• Recruiting Class: 54th nationally.

• Outlook: With an influx of speedy QB recruits, UNLV looks primed to build on their conference championship. They have the potential for another strong season in 2025.

5. North Texas Mean Green (UNT)

• 2024 Recap: 10-4 record, American Athletic Conference champions, first-round playoff loss, finished ranked 13th.

• Recruiting Class: 33rd nationally.

• Outlook: UNT has momentum from their conference title, but the departure of Rodrick Brown and a mid-tier recruiting class may limit their ceiling.

6. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

• 2024 Recap: 10-4 record, won their bowl game.

• Recruiting Class: 31st nationally.

• Outlook: Despite the loss of key players like Noah Kim and Kendall Karr, Coastal Carolina has a top recruiting class that could help them stay competitive.

7. East Carolina Pirates (ECU)

• 2024 Recap: 10-4 record, bowl loss to Arkansas State, finished ranked 21st.

• Recruiting Class: 90th nationally.

• Outlook: ECU will need to rely on player development to compensate for a weaker recruiting class.

8. Wyoming Cowboys

• 2024 Recap: 10-3 record, won their bowl game, finished ranked 20th.

• Recruiting Class: 66th nationally.

• Outlook: Wyoming must rebuild after losing star RB Harrison Waylee and contending with controversy over their exclusion from the MWC championship.

9. South Florida Bulls (USF)

• 2024 Recap: 7-6 record, bowl win under new head coach Bryan Marin.

• Recruiting Class: 59th nationally.

• Outlook: With a new coach and a transitional phase, USF will focus on developing their recruits and leveraging their bowl win for future success.

10. Utah State Aggies

• 2024 Recap: 6-7 record, bowl loss.

• Recruiting Class: 30th nationally.

• Outlook: A strong recruiting class gives Utah State some hope, but they need to prove they can turn potential into performance.

11. Troy Trojans

• 2024 Recap: 7-6 record, landed a 5-star recruit despite coaching rumors.

• Recruiting Class: 53rd nationally.

• Outlook: Troy’s unexpected recruitment of a 5-star talent provides some upside, but they need to convert potential into consistent performance.

12. Texas State Bobcats

• 2024 Recap: 6-7 record, bowl loss.

• Recruiting Class: 98th nationally.

• Outlook: Texas State is in a rebuilding phase, with a poor recruiting class and significant losses of senior players.

13. Nevada Wolf Pack

• 2024 Recap: 4-8 record.

• Recruiting Class: 107th nationally.

• Outlook: Nevada faces a tough season ahead with a disappointing 2024 and one of the lowest-ranked recruiting classes. They’ll need substantial improvement to be competitive.

Arkansas State Red Wolves

• 2024 Season Recap: Arkansas State enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, finishing with an impressive 13-1 record, including a convincing bowl win over ECU. The Red Wolves capped off the year ranked 14th nationally, marking one of the program’s most successful seasons in recent memory. Their performance has solidified their status as a rising force in college football.

• Key Additions: The Red Wolves' 2025 recruiting class is ranked 42nd in the nation, bringing in several promising talents who could contribute immediately. While not a top-10 class, it provides valuable depth and fills key positions, helping Arkansas State to continue building on its current momentum.

• Recruiting Impact: Arkansas State’s recruiting success reflects their growing appeal as a program on the rise. The class may not be filled with blue-chip prospects, but it offers a balanced mix of players who can develop under strong coaching and potentially become key contributors in the near future.

• Outlook for 2025: With a successful 2024 campaign and a solid recruiting class, Arkansas State is poised to maintain its upward trajectory going into 2025. The Red Wolves have momentum on their side and a roster capable of competing at a high level again. The challenge will be sustaining their success against tougher competition and navigating heightened expectations, but Arkansas State is well-positioned for another strong season.

South Alabama Jaguars

• 2024 Season Recap: South Alabama capped off a remarkable season with a 12-2 record, advancing to the second round of the playoffs before falling to Georgia in the Peach Bowl. Their impressive run earned them a final national ranking of 10th, marking one of the best seasons in program history under Coach Mason's leadership.

• Key Losses and Challenges: Despite their success, South Alabama faces significant challenges heading into the 2025 season. The Jaguars will have to contend with the departure of key players and a lackluster recruiting class ranked 106th nationally. This class lacks the high-end talent needed to seamlessly replace the outgoing contributors, putting added pressure on Coach Mason and his staff to find new ways to keep the team competitive.

• Recruiting Impact: The 106th-ranked recruiting class is a concern for a team hoping to replicate its 2024 success. With upcoming rule changes potentially impacting player eligibility and transfer regulations, South Alabama will need to find creative solutions to maintain their standing, relying heavily on internal development and maximizing the potential of their existing roster.

• Outlook for 2025: The path ahead looks challenging for South Alabama. While the Jaguars have momentum from their playoff run, the combination of a poor recruiting class and potential rule changes may make it difficult to sustain their success. Coach Mason will need to work with a less talented incoming group, finding ways to out-coach and out-scheme opponents to keep South Alabama in contention. The 2025 season will test the program's resilience and ability to adapt to new circumstances.

Tulane Green Wave

• 2024 Season Recap: Tulane finished the 2024 season with a strong 10-3 record, ending the year ranked 11th in the nation. Their playoff journey was cut short with a hard-fought first-round loss to Utah. Despite the early exit, Tulane demonstrated they could compete with top teams, showcasing resilience throughout the season.

• Key Losses: The biggest challenge for Tulane in 2025 will be replacing Heisman Trophy winner Makhi Hughes, who declared for the NFL. Hughes was the centerpiece of their offense and a game-changer in key moments. His departure leaves a significant gap that Tulane must fill to maintain their competitive edge.

• Recruiting Impact: Tulane’s recruiting class is ranked 27th nationally, underscoring the program's growing appeal. The new recruits will be crucial in stepping up to compensate for the loss of Hughes and help the Green Wave stay competitive in the upcoming season.

• Outlook for 2025: With Hughes gone, Tulane will need to find new ways to produce offensively. However, the strength of their recruiting class and the solid foundation built in 2024 suggest they have the potential to remain a strong contender. The focus will be on leveraging their momentum to make another push for the playoffs.

UNLV Rebels

• 2024 Season Recap: UNLV had an impressive 2024 season, finishing with an 11-3 record and securing the Mountain West Conference championship. Their strong performance earned them a final ranking of 19th nationally, a testament to the strides the program has made under Coach Hayden’s leadership.

• Key Additions: The Rebels are set to welcome a promising group of recruits, highlighted by several big-time quarterback prospects known for their speed and athleticism. These recruits could be game-changers, adding a new dimension to an already potent offense.

• Recruiting Impact: UNLV's recruiting class is ranked 54th nationally, bolstered by the addition of dynamic quarterbacks and a few other key positions. While not the highest-ranked class, it is a solid group that addresses specific needs and adds depth to the roster.

• Outlook for 2025: With momentum from a conference championship and a solid recruiting class, UNLV looks poised to build on their success in 2025. The infusion of speedy quarterback talent could make their offense even more explosive. If they can integrate their new recruits and maintain their current level of play, the Rebels have a great chance to remain at the top of the Mountain West and potentially push for a higher national ranking.

North Texas Mean Green (UNT)

• 2024 Season Recap: UNT capped off the 2024 season by winning the American Athletic Conference (AAC) title, finishing with a 10-4 record and earning a spot in the playoffs. Their season concluded with a first-round loss to Alabama, but they still managed to end the year with a national ranking of 13th, marking a successful campaign overall.

• Key Losses: The departure of Rodrick Brown is a major setback for UNT as they prepare for the 2025 season. Brown was a versatile and impactful player whose leadership on the field will be tough to replace. His absence will require other players to step up and fill the void he leaves behind.

• Recruiting Impact: Despite losing a key player, UNT has recruited well, bringing in the 33rd-ranked recruiting class in the nation. The staff has focused on filling specific gaps left by departing seniors, and this group is expected to provide some immediate contributors to help keep UNT competitive.

• Outlook for 2025: Riding the momentum of an AAC championship, UNT is looking to build on their success in 2025. The challenge will be to quickly develop new leaders and maintain their competitive edge in the conference. With a strong recruiting class, the Mean Green have a solid foundation to make another run at a conference title and potentially advance further in the playoffs.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

• 2024 Season Recap: Coastal Carolina wrapped up a strong 2024 season with a 10-4 record, capped by a bowl game victory. The Chanticleers demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level, maintaining their reputation as a formidable program in their conference.

• Key Losses: Coastal Carolina faces significant challenges heading into 2025 with the departure of two key players. Quarterback Noah Kim, who threw for 40 touchdowns, leaves behind a huge gap in the offense as the team’s primary playmaker. Additionally, Kendall Karr, who finished as the third-best tight end in the country, has graduated, removing a critical target and blocker from the lineup. Replacing their production will be a tall order for the Chanticleers.

• Recruiting Impact: Coastal Carolina's recruiting class is ranked 31st nationally, bringing in several highly regarded prospects who could make an immediate impact. This is one of the better classes in program history, and it provides a solid foundation for rebuilding around the losses of Kim and Karr. However, the success of this group will largely depend on how quickly they can adjust to the college level.

• Outlook for 2025: The Chanticleers enter 2025 with high hopes but also some uncertainty. The loss of Kim and Karr will test the team's depth and adaptability, but the strong recruiting class offers a glimmer of hope for the future. If Coastal Carolina can effectively integrate their new recruits and find a way to replace the offensive firepower lost, they could remain a strong contender in their conference and beyond.

East Carolina Pirates (ECU)

• 2024 Season Recap: ECU wrapped up the 2024 season with a 10-4 record, finishing ranked 21st in the nation. Despite a strong season, their campaign ended on a disappointing note with a loss to Arkansas State in their bowl game. The Pirates showed resilience throughout the season but will be looking to rebound after a tough final game.

• Key Losses: While ECU has managed to keep most of its core intact, the team will need to replace a few key contributors lost to graduation. The challenge will be developing depth, particularly in positions where experience is thin.

• Recruiting Impact: ECU's recruiting class for 2025 is ranked 90th nationally, a significant drop compared to other programs in their conference. With a lower-ranked class, the Pirates will need to rely on player development and maximizing the potential of their recruits to maintain their competitive standing.

• Outlook for 2025: Despite their recruiting challenges, ECU aims to build on the momentum from a season where they finished in the top 25. The Pirates will need to make the most of their existing talent and hope for some breakout performances from lesser-known players. If they can overcome their recruiting hurdles and strengthen their lineup, ECU has the potential to remain a formidable force in their conference and push for another strong finish.

Wyoming Cowboys

• 2024 Season Recap: Wyoming wrapped up the 2024 season with a strong 10-3 record, capped by a bowl game victory and a final national ranking of 20th. However, their season was overshadowed by controversy as they were controversially left out of the Mountain West Conference (MWC) championship game, a decision that led to the university filing a lawsuit against the MWC.

• Key Losses: The departure of star running back Harrison Waylee is a significant blow to Wyoming’s offense heading into the 2025 season. Waylee was a workhorse for the Cowboys, providing both consistency and explosiveness out of the backfield. Replacing his production will be a major challenge for the team.

• Recruiting Impact: Wyoming's recruiting class is ranked 66th nationally. While not among the elite, this class brings some much-needed depth to various positions, although it lacks a standout recruit to replace Waylee’s impact.

• Outlook for 2025: Despite the controversy and the loss of a key player, Wyoming is determined to build on their strong 2024 performance. The team will use the perceived slight as motivation, and with a solid group of returning players and some new recruits, they aim to compete for a spot in the MWC championship. The legal battle with the conference could provide additional fuel for a team with something to prove in 2025.

South Florida Bulls (USF)

• 2024 Season Recap: USF ended the 2024 season on a positive note with a bowl game victory, finishing with a 7-6 record. The bowl win marked the debut of new head coach Bryan Marin, who took over the program just before the game. Marin's first impression was a strong one, energizing the team and setting a new tone for the future.

• Key Changes: The biggest change for USF heading into 2025 is the arrival of Coach Bryan Marin. Known for his dynamic approach and ability to quickly turn programs around, Marin has already begun to make his mark. His challenge will be to build on the momentum from the bowl win and implement his vision for the team.

• Recruiting Impact: USF's recruiting class is ranked 59th nationally, featuring a lot of recruits with solid depth but lacking in high-end talent. While there may not be any immediate game-changers, Marin and his staff will focus on developing these players and building a cohesive unit.

• Outlook for 2025: Under Coach Marin's leadership, USF is looking to take a step forward in 2025. The key will be leveraging the bowl game win as a springboard while developing the new recruits into contributors. The road may be challenging given the lack of high-end talent, but Marin's track record and fresh approach provide hope for a brighter future in Tampa.

Utah State Aggies

• 2024 Season Recap: Utah State ended the 2024 season with a 6-7 record after a tough loss in their bowl game. While the record may not seem impressive, the Aggies were victims of a particularly challenging schedule that tested their resilience throughout the year. Despite the sub-.500 finish, there were glimpses of promise that suggest a brighter future.

• Key Storylines: The big question for Utah State heading into 2025 is whether they can use the adversity faced in 2024 as a building block or if they will continue to struggle to break through against stronger competition. There is reason for optimism, but consistency will be key if they want to rise above mediocrity.

• Recruiting Impact: The Aggies secured the 30th ranked recruiting class nationally, a significant boost for the program. This class brings in much-needed talent and depth, potentially providing the spark that Utah State needs to get over the hump. With a focus on both sides of the ball, the Aggies hope these recruits will make an immediate impact.

• Outlook for 2025: With a highly-ranked recruiting class, Utah State has something to build on going into the 2025 season. The question remains whether the team can turn that potential into performance on the field. If they can find a way to capitalize on their new talent and avoid the pitfalls of a tough schedule, the Aggies could surprise some people. Otherwise, they risk remaining an average team trying to find its footing in a competitive landscape.

Troy Trojans

• 2024 Season Recap: Troy concluded the 2024 season with a 7-6 record, battling through a tumultuous year marked by off-field distractions and inconsistent performances. Despite the rumors swirling about Coach Khail potentially leaving for Liberty or Appalachian State, the Trojans managed to hold their ground and put together a solid season.

• Key Developments: In a surprising turn of events, Troy landed a 5-star recruit, a significant boost for the program’s future. This recruit, combined with their 53rd-ranked recruiting class, represents a promising step forward for the Trojans, who are looking to build on a season that showed flashes of potential but lacked consistent results.

• Recruiting Impact: With a recruiting class ranked 53rd nationally, the addition of a 5-star recruit has breathed new life into the program. This class brings a blend of raw talent and depth, which could help Troy strengthen key positions and address areas of need as they prepare for the 2025 season.

• Outlook for 2025: With Coach Khail staying put, at least for now, and the addition of a high-profile recruit, Troy is poised to take a significant step forward. The challenge will be turning potential into performance on the field, especially as they look to build momentum in a competitive Sun Belt Conference. If Coach Khail can integrate the new talent effectively and the Trojans find their rhythm, they could be a dark horse to watch in 2025.

Texas State Bobcats

• 2024 Season Recap: Under the leadership of Coach Uncle Matt, Texas State concluded the 2024 season with a 6-7 record, ending on a sour note with a bowl game loss. Despite some competitive moments throughout the season, the Bobcats struggled to find consistency and fell short of their goals.

• Key Losses: Texas State faces a tough road ahead in 2025, with a significant number of seniors departing from the 2024 squad. This loss of experienced talent will put added pressure on the remaining roster to step up and fill key roles, making it even more challenging for the Bobcats to compete at a high level in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC).

• Recruiting Impact: The 98th-ranked recruiting class does little to ease concerns about the team's future. Poor recruiting, combined with the departure of several senior players, leaves Texas State with a talent gap that could be difficult to overcome. The incoming class lacks the standout talent needed to make an immediate impact, raising questions about the program’s direction.

• Outlook for 2025: It will be a challenging year for Texas State as Coach Uncle Matt tries to navigate a transition period with a roster that's thin on proven talent. To take a step forward in the SBC, the Bobcats will need significant development from their younger players and find a way to make the most out of a recruiting class that falls short of expectations. Without considerable improvements, Texas State may struggle to rise above the bottom tier of the conference in 2025.

Nevada Wolf Pack

• 2024 Season Recap: Nevada had a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a disappointing 4-8 record. The Wolf Pack struggled to find consistency throughout the year, and their overall performance reflected a team in need of significant improvement to compete at a higher level.

• Key Losses: With a 4-8 finish, Nevada didn't lose any players of major significance heading into 2025. The silver lining here is that the team retains much of its roster, providing an opportunity for development and growth from within.

• Recruiting Impact: Nevada's recruiting class for 2025 is ranked 107th nationally, one of the lowest in their conference. With limited incoming talent, the Wolf Pack will rely heavily on internal development and coaching adjustments to make strides in the upcoming season.

• Outlook for 2025: Nevada faces an uphill battle as they head into the 2025 season. To avoid another subpar year, the team will need to take significant steps forward in every aspect of their game. Improvement will hinge on better execution, player development, and finding ways to maximize the potential of their current roster. The Wolf Pack will need to make the most of their offseason to position themselves for a more competitive showing in 2025.