Кто победил в межсезонье? Мы смотрим на каждую команду Power 4
Раньше межсезонье студенческого футбола характеризовалось легкой или умеренной турбулентностью с декабря по февраль, за которой следовал период затишья. Теперь этого нет.
Межсезонье наступает волнами, переворачивая составы команд и тренерские штабы, иногда не один раз, прежде чем все успокоится. Каждая команда должна быть готова минимизировать потери и добиться значительных успехов. Те, кто преуспевает, могут войти в историю. Те, кто терпит неудачу, также могут войти в историю. Просто посмотрите на Индиану и Флориду в 2024 году.
Репортеры студенческого футбола ESPN Адам Риттенберг, Макс Олсон, Эли Ледерман и Билл Коннелли взялись за сложнейшую задачу — составить рейтинг межсезонья для каждой команды Power 4, а также для занявшей второе место национальной сборной Notre Dame. У некоторых команд было больше игроков, вышедших на драфт НФЛ , или просто закончились права на участие, чем у других. Мы приняли эти потери во внимание, но по-настоящему сосредоточили наш анализ на трех областях:
Удержание ключевых (не имеющих права на драфт) игроков
Удержание ключевых тренеров или повышение квалификации персонала
Привлечение игроков, в основном через трансферный портал, но также и выпускников старших классов
Все три элемента имеют значение, поскольку эти команды строят свою команду для соответствия конференции и заявок на участие в плей-офф College Football. Впечатляющий улов портала не всегда означает отличное межсезонье, особенно если команда также теряет игроков и тренеров, которых хотела сохранить. Команды, которые не добавили многого из портала, но сохранили желанных игроков и помощников тренеров, в конечном итоге получают межсезонье, которое можно отпраздновать.
Ниже приведены наши рейтинги по конференциям и составы команд, а также национальный список 10 лучших команд в межсезонье.
Перейти к конференции: ACC | Большой 12 Big Ten | Нотр-Дам | SEC | Общая десятка лучших
Ключевые дополнения : DE Уилл Хелдт , WR Тристан Смит , LB Джеремайя Александр
Ключевые отступления : RB Фил Мафах , LB Барретт Картер , DB АрДжей Микенс
Лучшие новички : DT Амаре Адамс , RB Гидеон Дэвидсон , DE Ари Уотфорд
Крупнейшее изменение в тренерском составе : «Тиграм» нужна была встряска в обороне, и тренер Дабо Суинни нанял известного координатора защиты Тома Аллена, который покинул полуфиналистку национального чемпионата «Пенн Стэйт» ради «Клемсона». Аллен, бывший главный тренер «Индианы», руководил обороной «Пенн Стэйт», которая заняла 8-е место в национальном рейтинге по пропущенным очкам, и привнесет опыт и энергию в отряд «Клемсона», который резко сдал позиции прошлой осенью.
Что пошло не так : Не так много поводов для критики в том, что было относительно тихим, хотя и эффективным межсезоньем для состава Clemson, который вернулся хорошо подготовленным для еще одного забега плей-офф. Если придираться, стоит обратить внимание на отсутствие у Tigers проверенных, высококлассных замен для 1115-ярдового выносника Фила Мафы и двукратного лайнбекера All-America Барретта Картера. Четырехзвездный новичок Гидеон Дэвидсон может стать одним из лучших первокурсников страны, а лайнбекер All-America 2024 года Сэмми Браун выглядит следующим великим лайнбекером Clemson, но стремления Tigers к постсезону будут зависеть, по крайней мере частично, от развития игроков младшего класса на паре ключевых позиций.
Что пошло как надо : Клемсон наконец-то нырнул в портал трансфера за большой рыбой. Аллен прибыл, чтобы переделать вялый пас-раш Tigers, и Суинни и компания дали ему топового игрока для работы в лице трансферного краевого рашера Purdue Уилла Хелдта, пас-рашера третьего года, который прошлой осенью записал на свой счет 56 захватов и пять сэков. Добавив Хелдта в возвращающуюся защитную линию во главе с Ти Джеем Паркером и Питером Вудсом , Аллен и Клемсон имеют задатки грозного оборонительного фронта в 2025 году. Трансферный пас-кэтчер Тристан Смит (Юго-восточный Миссури Стейт) привлек внимание выдающейся игрой в весенней игре и присоединился к загруженной комнате широких ресиверов Tigers, поймав 76 передач на 943 ярда и шесть тачдаунов в 2024 году.
Мнение Коннелли: «Тигры» лидируют в стране по возврату продукции и потенциально сделали обновление в качестве координатора защиты. Это довольно хорошее межсезонье! Единственное, что их здесь сдерживает, — это просто хороший набор игроков. Хорошо, что Суинни теперь использует трансферный портал, но он все еще едва ли им пользуется.
Ключевые дополнения : QB Карсон Бек , DB Ксавье Лукас , DT Дэвид Блэй
Ключевые уходы : QB Кэм Уорд , WR Ксавьер Рестрепо , LB Франсиско Мауигоа.
Лучшие новобранцы : OC SJ Alofaituli , CB Jaboree Antoine , WR Joshua Moore
Самый большой тренерский ход : Майами нужно было перезагрузить оборону, и тренер Марио Кристобаль обратился к Кори Хетерману, который имел успешный опыт координатора FBS в Миннесоте и Джеймсе Мэдисоне. Хетерман курировал защиту Gophers, которая прошлой осенью была № 5 в стране по пропущенным ярдам и № 9 по пропущенным очкам.
Что пошло не так : Майами упустили несколько квотербеков портала трансфера, чтобы заменить Кэма Уорда, включая бывшего товарища Уорда по команде Washington State и трансфера из Оклахомы Джона Матира , прежде чем заполучить Карсона Бека. Та же травма UCL, которая закончила сезон Бека 2024 года, оставила его вне игры во время весеннего лагеря и станет историей, за которой стоит следить осенью. Семь выборов в драфте НФЛ — самое большое количество в программе с 2017 года — и более дюжины выходов портала оставляют «Харрикейнз» с большим количеством игроков, которых нужно заменить, особенно на позиции принимающего.
Что пошло правильно : Кристобаль получил Бека и добавил талантов мастерства вокруг себя в обновленном нападении Майами в это межсезонье. Трансферы широких ресиверов CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU) и Tony Johnson (Cincinnati) представляют интригующие новые возможности для команды, которая потеряла своих лучших шести ловцов паса с 2024 года. Бывший центровой Alabama и TCU Джеймс Брокермейер присоединяется к тому, что может стать сильнейшим наступательным звеном Кристобаля с момента прихода Hurricanes, с трансфером из North Dakota State Чармаром Брауном , прибывающим вместе с Марком Флетчером-младшим и Джорданом Лайлом в глубоком бэкфилде. Первоочередной задачей Хетермана будет ремонт негерметичной вторичной линии, которая боролась во второй половине сезона 2024 года. Большой состав новичков, среди которых Ксавье Лукас (Висконсин), Чарльз Брэнтли (Мичиганский государственный университет), Итан О'Коннор (Вашингтонский государственный университет) и Захария Пойзер (Джексонвиллский государственный университет), дает координатору первого года работы массу работы.
Мнение Коннелли : Набор? Хорошо. Смена координатора защиты? Необходимо. Если Хетерман — правильный выбор, а Бек здоров и великолепен, Майами стал лучше в это межсезонье. Но это пара больших «если».
Лэйн Киффин пошутил о предполагаемой сделке Карсона Бека с Майами на сумму 4,3 миллиона долларов.
Ключевые дополнения : квотербек Дэриан Менсах , защитник Джозайя Грин , защитник Калеб Уивер
Ключевые отступления : G Калеб Крингс , DT Кенди Чарльз , WR Джордан Мур
Лучшие новички : DE Bryce Davis , OLB Bradley Gompers , WR Jamien Little
Самый большой тренерский ход : способность Мэнни Диаса сохранить обоих своих основных координаторов и других после сезона с девятью победами заслуживает внимания, и он заполнил вакансию раннинбека Крисом Фостером из Northwestern. Он приносит опыт в штат из Восточной Каролины и Аппалачского штата, тренировал выдающихся защитников, таких как Китон Митчелл, и будет работать с ветераном-защитником Хакесом Муром , который возвращается после сезона, полного травм.
Что пошло не так : Blue Devils потеряли много игроков на позиции принимающего с уходом Джордана Мура и Эли Панкола, которые в общей сложности сделали 115 приемов на 1659 ярдов и 17 тачдаунов. Duke действительно нуждается в подъеме за счет трансферов Андрела Энтони , который сыграл всего восемь снэпов в прошлом сезоне, так как он оправился от травмы колена, и Купера Баркейта , отборочного игрока FCS All-America в Гарварде. Blue Devils также были немногочисленны в трансферах защиты, несмотря на потерю многих своих лучших игроков на этой стороне мяча, включая лучших тэклеров Оззи Николаса , Алекса Ховарда и Кэмерона Бержерона .
Что пошло правильно : После девяти побед в первый год Диаса, Дьюк не показал никаких признаков спада. Хотя квотербек Малик Мерфи установил рекорды в своем единственном сезоне в качестве Blue Devils, Дьюк смело заключил контракт с квотербеком Дэрианом Менсахом, который лучше подходит для нападения координатора Джонатана Брюэра. У Менса осталось три года права. Blue Devils также сохранили многих из своих лучших нестарших игроков, включая выдающегося корнербека Чендлера Риверса и атакующего тэкла Брайана Паркера II . Они не добавили много защитных трансферов, но Джозайя Грин и Джейден Франсуа должны помочь. Диас сохранил почти весь свой состав вместе.
Мнение Коннелли : Диас получил одного из лучших квотербеков в портале и будет наслаждаться надежной преемственностью во втором году. Однако текучка кадров в составе команды по навыкам и на позиции лайнбекера немного напрягает.
Ключевые приобретения: квотербек Томми Кастелланос , защитник Дьюс Робинсон , центральный защитник Джеремайя Уилсон
Ключевые отступления : CB Азарэйе Томас , DTДжошуа Фармер , WR Джа'Кхи Дуглас
Лучшие новобранцы : RB Ousmane Kromah , DT Kevin Wynn , OT Chastan Brown
Самый большой тренерский ход : После ошеломляющего спада с 13-1 до 2-10 тренеру Майку Норвеллу пришлось встряхнуть свой состав, пригласив ярких координаторов Гаса Малзана (нападение) и Тони Уайта (защита). Малзан — громкое имя, бывший главный тренер UCF, Auburn и Arkansas State, который был наставником Норвелла, но Уайт может быть еще более влиятельным, как ученик Рокки Лонга с опытом улучшения защиты.
Что пошло не так : «Семинолы», вероятно, приветствовали большую дозу текучести состава после провальной кампании программы 2024 года, но они потеряли нескольких бывших первоклассных рекрутов, таких как квотербек Люк Кроменхук , широкий ресивер Хайким Уильямс и защитник Марвин Джонс-младший . Весенний уход из портала младшего колледжа широкого ресивера Джордана Скотта, который присоединился к программе в январе, ознаменовал еще одно разочарование. Серия поздних добавлений в цикле рекрутинга 2025 года лишь немного компенсировала отказы от 10 перспективных игроков ESPN 300 прошлой осенью.
Что пошло правильно : Осень расскажет всю историю, но Норвелл, похоже, предпринял пару позитивных шагов к развороту с наймами координаторов Мальзана и Уайта, и у обоих будет множество трансферов для работы. Томми Кастелланос прибывает со свежим оружием в лице 6 футов 6 дюймов Дьюса Робинсона и бывшего скоростного игрока Теннесси Сквиррела Уайта за новой линией нападения. В защите Уайт приводит с собой из Небраски прорывного пас-рашера 2024 года Джеймса Уильямса (5,0 сэков прошлой осенью) в обновленную переднюю семерку с семью общими трансферами. Джеремайя Уилсон, № 11 в весеннем рейтинге портала ESPN, приезжает из Хьюстона и знаменует собой потенциальное пополнение во вторичной линии.
Мнение Коннелли : Посмотрим, насколько возможны улучшения после почти беспрецедентного провала, но Норвелл смыл с программы столько неприятных моментов, сколько мог, особенно в плане нападения.
Ключевые дополнения : QB Чендлер Моррис , WR Джамал Эдрин , S Девин Нил
Ключевые отставки : S Джонас Санкер , WR Малачи Филдс , C Брайан Стивенс
Лучшие новички : QB Коул Гир , OLB Айзея Риз , WR Айзея Робинсон
Самый большой тренерский ход : в Шарлоттсвилле сохраняется статус-кво, поскольку тренер Тони Эллиотт сохранил весь свой полевой состав с 2024 года, когда команда добилась улучшения с двумя победами. После агрессивного продвижения портала трансферов Вирджиния делает ставку на преемственность с координаторами Десом Китчингсом (нападение) и Джоном Рудзински (защита), а также на персонал, который пытался восстановить программу.
Что пошло не так : Не так уж много, так как у Вирджинии было самое гладкое и продуктивное межсезонье при Эллиотте. Однако команда потеряла своего лучшего ресивера в Малачи-Филдс в пользу Нотр-Дам, а также тайт-энда № 1Тайлера Невилла . Хотя Джамал Эдрин — интересное дополнение, от него многое зависит, чтобы перезапустить пасовую атаку с Чендлером Моррисом. Джонас Санкер был единственным выбором Вирджинии в первую команду All-ACC в 2024 году, и он оставляет значительную пустоту после того, как возглавил команду по общему количеству захватов (98) и захватов с потерей (8,5). Линия нападения Вирджинии довольно сильно изменилась с прошлого сезона с семью дополнениями через портал. Опытные трансферы должны помочь в этом, но группе все еще нужно выяснить, как кристаллизоваться.
Что пошло правильно : Вирджиния увеличила свои инвестиции и агрессивность в портале, чтобы дать Эллиотту то, что должно быть его лучшим составом с момента вступления в должность главного тренера. Команда добавила опытного квотербека Морриса, который имел 3774 ярда паса и 31 тачдаун за Северный Техас в прошлом сезоне, а также хорошую страховку в лице трансфера из Небраски Дэниела Кейлина . Эдрин является одним из ключевых дополнений в нападении, и Вирджиния усилила свою ответную игру с Кэмом Россом из Джеймса Мэдисона. Вирджиния сделала сильный рывок к трансферам линии нападения, и ее защитные дополнения могли действительно выделиться, включая лайнбекера Митчелла Мелтона (штат Огайо), сейфти Девина Нила (Луисвилл) и корнербека Джейсона Преварда (штат Морган).
Мнение Коннелли : Эллиотт сохранил своих координаторов и добавил несколько интересных плеймейкеров через портал. Это хорошо, хотя тот факт, что ему потребовалось так много трансферов после трех сезонов, не является обнадеживающим признаком укоренения сильной культуры.
Ключевые дополнения : QB Миллер Мосс , LB Клев Любин , WR ТрейШун Харри
Ключевые отставания : QB Тайлер Шоу , DE Эштон Джиллотт , CB Куинси Райли
Лучшие новобранцы : главный судья DE May , ILB Калеб Мателау , WR Камаре Уильямс
Самый большой тренерский переход : Дейон Бранч был частью вспомогательного персонала Луисвилля и даже исполнял обязанности главного тренера в победном матче 2022 года, но в феврале он присоединился к тренерам на поле на позиции, которую он хорошо знает — широкий ресивер. MVP Суперкубка XXXIX играл за Луисвилль, заслужив награды за первую команду всех лиг, и теперь будет тренировать группу, в которую входят выпускники Коллин Лейси и Крис Белл .
Что пошло не так : между выпусками Майкла Гонсалеса и Джонатана Мендосы и выходами Монро Миллса (Вирджиния) и Остина Коллинза (Сиракьюз) у «Кардиналс» осталось четыре из пяти лучших линейных нападения с точки зрения снэпов по сравнению с прошлым годом. В это межсезонье «Луисвилл» пополнился шестью трансферными линейными. Эту группу возглавляют Махаман Мусса (Пердью), Наир Джексон (Флорида Интернешнл) и Макилан Паундерс (Миссисипи Стейт), но эта непроверенная группа линии нападения остается потенциальной обузой для в остальном загруженного нападения. «Кардиналс» испытали подобную текучесть кадров во вторичной линии, где программа принесла пять трансферов — только один из них из Power 4 — для замены четырех стартеров на заднем конце защиты.
Что пошло правильно : Cardinals сохранили раннинбеков Айзека Брауна (1527 универсальных ярдов в 2024 году) и Дьюка Уотсона и добавили ловцов портальных пасов Дакари Коллинза (NC State) и ТрейШуна Харри (San Jose State) вместе с ветеранами-приемщиками Лейси и Беллом. Вместе они будут окружать трансферного квотербека USC Миллера Мосса, который прибудет, чтобы заменить Тайлера Шоу в нападении, которое заняло 13-е место в стране по ярдам за игру (449,2) год назад. Клев Любин (Coastal Carolina) присоединяется к Cardinals после того, как прошлой осенью сделал 9,5 сэков в своем первом сезоне FBS, став ценным приобретением межсезонья вместе с тремя другими новичками по трансферу в защитной линии, заменив шесть игроков, которые в общей сложности совершили более 200 захватов прошлой осенью.
Мнение Коннелли : Тренер Джефф Бром быстро стал одним из самых надежных покупателей порталов в стране, и его Кардиналы возвращают серьезную звездную мощь раннинбека. Но необходимость заполнять тонны дыр в принимающей, линии нападения, линии защиты и защитном бэке открывает так много возможностей для регресса.
Ключевые дополнения : WR Эрик Риверс , OT Малачи Карни , DL Акело Стоун
Ключевые отставки : WR Эрик Синглтон-младший , TEДжексон Хоуз , DT Зик Биггерс
Лучшие новобранцы : OT Джош Петти , S Тэй Харрис , DT Кристиан Гарретт
Самый большой тренерский ход : После потери координатора защиты Тайлера Сантуччи в НФЛ тренер Брент Ки выбрал помощника из Техаса Блейка Гидеона, чтобы тот возглавил подразделение. Гидеон не был координатором защиты — он курировал специальные команды в Хьюстоне и Оле-Мисс — но привнес большой опыт в секондер, где он был звездой безопасности в Техасе, прежде чем тренировать защитников в четырех программах.
Что пошло не так : уход Эрика Синглтона-младшего не был полностью неожиданным, но он, безусловно, обидел, так как он привнес элитную скорость в пасовую игру Georgia Tech, в среднем набирая 13,5 ярдов за прием. Yellow Jackets потеряли и другие заметные трансферы, такие как атакующий тэкл Кори Робинсон II , почетный игрок All-ACC, который приземлился в Arkansas, и лайнбекер Ромелло Хайт , который ушел в Texas Tech. Уход Сантуччи после всего лишь одного сезона создает потенциал для сбоев в защите. Хотя Гидеон хорошо проецирует, он раньше не был основным координатором защиты.
Что пошло правильно : После сезона, в котором Georgia Tech выиграл несколько важных игр, но мог бы выиграть больше в целом, состав настроен на потенциально большие дела этой осенью. Ки сохранил стартовый состав нападения в составе квотербека Хейнса Кинга и раннинбека Джамала Хейнса , а также резервного квотербека Аарона Фило , который может быть ключевым, учитывая историю травм Кинга. Лидер приемов Малик Резерфорд также вернулся после краткого рассмотрения перевода в декабре. Как недавно подробно рассказал коллега Дэн Мерфи , сейфти Клейтон Пауэлл-Ли был очень близок к тому, чтобы войти в портал, прежде чем вернуться. Одаренный атакующий плейколлер Бастер Фолкнер также вернулся к работе с Кингом.
Мнение Коннелли : Сохранение пары Фолкнер-Кинг было отличным, как и добавление, возможно, двух лучших игроков FIU к уже быстрому корпусу навыков. Однако, учитывая, насколько важна была физическая подготовка для успеха 2024 года, текучка кадров в окопах вызывает беспокойство.
Ключевые дополнения : Д.Э. Джакай Лэнг , О.Г. Аддисон Николс , DT Джеффри М'Ба.
Ключевые отступления : RB Brashard Smith , DT Jared Harrison-Hunte , DE Elijah Roberts
Лучшие новобранцы : OT Dramodd Odoms , QB Ty Hawkins , WR Daylon Singleton
Самый крупный тренерский переход : тренер Ретт Лэшли сохранил свой состав без изменений после выхода в финал ACC и CFP, что обеспечивает большую преемственность в преддверии 2025 года. Координатор защиты Скотт Саймонс рассматривался на роль главного тренера, но вернется в SMU на свой четвертый сезон, чтобы руководить подразделением плеймейкеров.
Что пошло не так : Смогут ли «Мустанги» сохранить свой успех 2024 года и продолжить результат 11-3, который привел SMU к игре за титул конференции и выходу в плей-офф в дебютном для программы ACC? Удержание Саймонса и координатора нападения Кейси Вудса поможет. Но отсутствие проверенного, сильного новичка, который заменит 1332-ярдового рашера Брашарда Смита или замену топ-кэтчеру Родерику Дэниелсу-младшему , может укусить «Мустанги». Сталь Саймонса также подвергнется испытанию, поскольку SMU потенциально готовится заменить более 80% своих стартовых 11 в защите, включая топ-тэклера Коби Уилсона и защитных тэклов Джареда Харрисона-Ханта и Элайджу Робертса.
Что пошло правильно : «Мустанги» сделали размер и глубину по обе стороны линии схватки приоритетом перед своим первым сезоном ACC прошлой осенью. Это окупилось для линии нападения, которая пропустила всего 18 сэков (T-30-е место в стране) и проложило путь для седьмого места в лиге по атаке с выносом. SMU понесли потери центрального Джакая Кларка и правого защитника Джастина Осборна с переводом из Оклахомы Джошуа Бейтса и Эддисона Николса из Арканзаса, стартового игрока в 12 играх прошлой осенью, вместе с ветераном, переведенным из Майами Зайоном Нельсоном . «Мустанги» получили аналогичные дивиденды от линии защиты, которая заняла седьмое место по ярдам с выносом за игру (100,7). Джеффри М'Ба, Дамардже Льюис и новичок портала Техасского государственного университета Терри Уэбб получат высокую задачу заменить Харрисона-Ханта и Робертса.
Мнение Коннелли : Лэшли сохранил своего квотербека и обоих координаторов. Это неоспоримый плюс, но довольно легко немного поволноваться о принимающем корпусе, а также о защите, которая может иметь до девяти новых стартеров.
Ключевые дополнения : OT Кендалл Стэнли , WR Катаурус Хикс , DE Блейн Спайерс
Ключевые отступления : OL Брэнсон Тейлор , TE Гэвин Бартоломью , WR Коната Мампфилд
Лучшие новобранцы : OT Jordan Fields , WR Bryce Yates , DE Trevor Sommers
Самый большой тренерский ход : Тренер Пэт Нардуцци не сильно изменил состав после активного межсезонья годом ранее. Координатор нападения Кейд Белл, который помог Питту подняться до 15-го места в первом сезоне, получил новый контракт с повышением в начале этого года. Он остается интригующим именем для наблюдения в предстоящих тренерских циклах.
Что пошло не так : Питт начал с 7-0 прошлой осенью и проиграл шесть раз подряд, чтобы закрыть сезон, затем получил пару ударов по защите из-за ухода из трансферного портала корнербека Райланда Ганди (Индиана) и защитника Синсера Эдвардса (UCF). Добавьте к этому градации безопасности All-ACC Донована Макмиллона и третьего по результативности тэклера Брэндона Джорджа , и Питту придется заполнять пробелы, перестраивая защиту, которая прошлой осенью заняла 91-е место в национальном рейтинге по пропущенным очкам (28,4). У «Пантерс» может быть замена Эдвардсу, если Блейн Спайерс сможет восстановить свою форму 2023 года. Второкурсник «Редширтс» Крус Брукинс будет среди тех, кто вернется, и Питт надеется, что они заполнят пустоту, образовавшуюся после ухода Макмиллона.
Что пошло правильно : По крайней мере, в течение половины сезона 2024 года Питт доказал, что может играть в победный футбол с квотербеком Эли Хольстейном и универсальным раннинбеком Десмондом Ридом , руководящими нападением. Пантерам нужно будет найти замену Конате Мампфилду, но они существенно усилили линию нападения, которая сильно боролась прошлой осенью, с трансферными дополнениями в виде атакующих тэклов Джеффа Перси (Мичиган) и Кендалла Стэнли (Шарлотт) вместе с защитником Кейтом Гувейей (Ричмонд). Если эта группа сможет найти сплоченность, Белл сможет получить больше от нападения, которое в среднем набирало 19,2 очка за игру в своих последних пяти играх регулярного сезона.
Мнение Коннелли : Нардуцци сохранил все блестящие атакующие части пазла, которые привели к улучшению в прошлом сезоне, что хорошо. Но посмотрим, смогут ли входящие трансферы дать толчок тому, что было посредственной защитой в течение двух лет подряд.
Ключевые дополнения : О.Л. Томас Римак , РБ Терион Стюарт , DE Джеймс Джонкам.
Ключевые уходы : РБ Бхайшул Тутен , DE Антваун Пауэлл-Рилэнд , CB Мансур Делан
Лучшие новички : WR Мика Мэтьюз , ILB Бретт Клаттербо , QB Келден Райан
Самый большой тренерский ход: Тренеру Бренту Праю пришлось заполнить две роли координаторов — Крис Марв был уволен, Тайлер Боуэн ушел в Огайо Стейт — и он пошел разными путями с заменами. Он привлек бывшего тренера Талсы Филипа Монтгомери, имеющего опыт координатора в Бэйлоре и других остановках, чтобы возглавить нападение. Сэм Сифкес — менее известное имя, но у него есть опыт координатора защиты в FCS и дивизионе III, и он провел последние четыре сезона с двумя командами NFL.
Что пошло не так : Текучка была темой межсезонья Hokies после разочаровывающего результата 7-6 прошлой осенью. Но не так много из этого было особенно хорошим, так как Virginia Tech увидела, как более двух десятков игроков покинули команду через трансферный портал, и потеряла нескольких ключевых игроков НФЛ. Среди тех, кто ушел в 2025 году, лучший выносной игрок Бхайшул Тутен, лидер сэков Антваун Пауэлл-Райланд и все пять стартеров из защитного звена, которое заняло первое место в стране по пропущенным ярдам за игру (215,9). С уходом через портал левого тэкла Ксавьера Чаплина (Auburn) и центрального Брелина Мура (LSU) Hokies могут представить пять новых стартеров в линии нападения этой осенью.
Что пошло правильно : Virginia Tech сохранила старшего квотербека Кайрона Дронеса и добавила подкрепления в портале, чтобы помочь Montgomery переломить нападение, которое прошлой осенью заняло 88-е место в стране по ярдам за игру (367,8). Трансферы раннинбеков Терион Стюарт (Боулинг Грин), Марселлос Хокинс (Центральный Миссури) и Брейдон Беннетт (Прибрежная Каролина) составляют интригующее трио, которое заменит Тутена и бывшего резервного Малачи Томаса (перевод из Пердью). Бывший раннинбек Теннесси Кэмерон Селдон, как ожидается, будет играть на позиции принимающего в Hokies в 2025 году, а Virginia Tech добавила необходимый опыт на этой позиции в лице ловцов пасов Донавона Грина (Уэйк Форест) и Айзеи Спенсера (Джексон Стэйт). Томас Римак, стартовый игрок в 29 играх в Западной Вирджинии, представляет собой самого опытного новичка программы в обновленной линии нападения.
Мнение Коннелли : Первые три сезона Прай в Блэксбурге были приличными, но не впечатляющими, и необходимость внести серьезные изменения — два координатора, двузначные трансферы защитников — может сделать все намного лучше или намного хуже. Диапазон возможных результатов для Tech в этом сезоне огромен.
Ключевые дополнения : S Джеремайя Джонсон , OT Тиг Андерсен , OLB Джозеф Адедире
Ключевые отступления : OT Энтони Белтон , WR Кевин Консепсьон , S Бишоп Фицджеральд
Лучшие новички : RB Деандре Десинор , OT Та'Хиан Уитсет , OC Айзек Соуэллс-младший .
Самый большой тренерский ход : После своего 12-го сезона в качестве тренера Дэйв Доерен сменил обоих координаторов, повысив ветерана-плейколлера Курта Ропера, чтобы тот курировал нападение, и пригласив Ди-джея Элиота, который имеет опыт координатора защиты Big 12 и SEC и работал в ACC в Florida State, чтобы тот руководил защитой. Ропер и Элиот работали вместе в Colorado в 2018 году, и их знакомство должно помочь, поскольку NC State выходит из своего худшего сезона с 2019 года.
Что пошло не так : После неудачного сезона 2024 года NC State потерпел несколько поражений в воротах, а именно Кевина Консепсьона, который лидировал в команде по приемам (48) и тачдаунам (6), и оказался в Texas A&M. У Бишопа Фицджеральда, почетного игрока All-ACC, было три перехвата и восемь разрывов паса. NC State также потерял лайнбекера Камала Боннера , 3-го раннера Кендрика Рафаэля , корнербека Брэндона Сисса и других. Крупные потери при трансферах, похоже, пришлись на защиту, у которой будет новая система под руководством Элиота и, возможно, более крутая кривая обучения.
Что пошло правильно : Несмотря на изменения, у NC State есть четкое видение нападения с квотербеком CJ Bailey , который завершил почти 65% своих передач с 17 тачдаунами в качестве новичка. Бейли прошел все межсезонье в качестве стартера и знаком с Ропером, который тренировал квотербеков. NC State сохранил ведущего ранера Hollywood Smothers , а также тайт-энда Justin Joly и вайд-ресиверов Noah Rogers и Wesley Grimes , которые должны помочь с уходом Concepcion. Команда не добавила тонну надежных защитных стартеров в портале, но набрала глубину с такими игроками, как лайнбекер Kenny Soares (Northwestern), энд Sabastian Harsh (Wyoming) и корнербек Jamel Johnson (Temple).
Мнение Коннелли : Внезапный крах защиты нужно было решить, и Доерен привлек опытного (хотя и не вдохновляющего) координатора и много новых трансферов. Это хорошо, хотя трудно чувствовать себя слишком сильно, хорошо или плохо, относительно общих ходов здесь.
Ключевые приобретения : квотербек Джио Лопес , защитник Прайс Йейтс , защитник Дэниел Кинг
Ключевые отступления : RB Omarion Hampton , DE Beau Atkinson , OT Howard Sampson
Лучшие новички : квотербек Брайс Бейкер , нападающий Эдриан Уилсон , защитник Никко Маджио
Самый большой тренерский ход : в UNC все спокойно, за исключением шестикратного победителя Суперкубка Билла Беличика, который занял пост тренера, наняв сыновей Стива и Брайана в команду, и добавив в команду других известных имен, таких как бывший тренер UConn Боб Диако и бывший полузащитник Северной Каролины и НФЛ Натрон Минс. Эпоха «Чапел Билла» станет настоящим экспериментом, поскольку Северная Каролина делает ставку на футбол.
Что пошло не так : Ожидалось некоторое волнение вокруг найма Беличика и совершенно нового способа работы. Северная Каролина потеряла нескольких стартовых игроков, включая Бо Аткинсона, который лидировал в команде по сэкам (7,5) и захватам с потерей (12) в прошлом сезоне, и лайнбекера Амаре Кэмпбелла (6,5 сэков, 10,5 захватов с потерей в 2024 году). Оба могли бы стать центральными фигурами для защиты, которая уже теряет тэкла Джахвари Ритци , лайнбекера Пауэра Эколса , корнербека Элию Хаззи и других. Северная Каролина также потеряла вероятную опцию глубины в линии нападения в тэкле Заке Райсе , 8-м рекруте ESPN в классе 2022 года.
Что пошло правильно : Северная Каролина нашла своего квотербека в весеннем портале с Джио Лопесом, левшой двойной угрозы, который занял 22-е место в стране по общему нападению (274,7 YPG) в прошлом сезоне за Южную Алабаму. Лопес дает координатору Фредди Китченсу строительный блок, а Северная Каролина возвращает широкого ресивера Коби Пейсура и добавляет скоростную угрозу Азайю Джонсона из Мичиганского штата. Потеря Омариона Хэмптона, безусловно, скажется на игре за вынос, но Северная Каролина добавила в группу трансфера из Мичигана Бенджамина Холла . Новый состав, по-видимому, добился определенных успехов с помощью своих защитных трансферов, включая Прайса Йейтса и Гэвина Гибсона , продуктивного никеля в Восточной Каролине прошлой осенью. Северная Каролина также добавила несколько хороших вариантов для увеличения глубины своей линии нападения.
Мнение Коннелли : Привлечение одного из лучших футбольных тренеров всех времен, безусловно, было хорошим началом, но драма за пределами поля не внушает оптимизма, и, за исключением, может быть, шестерки защитников, трудно гарантировать, что у «Хиллз» есть хоть одна команда, которая более талантлива, чем год назад.
13. Бостонский колледж ИглзКлючевые дополнения : G Томми Мэтисон , OT Амир Джонсон , QB Дилан Лонерган
Ключевые отставки : DE Донован Эзейруаку , OT Оззи Трапило , C Дрю Кендалл
Лучшие новобранцы : OLB Гриффин Коллинз , RB Мехи Додд , QB Шейкер Рейсиг
Самый большой тренерский ход : Eagles наняли Джордана Томаса , чтобы он курировал линию защиты, которая потеряла выдающегося пас-рашера Донована Эзейруаку и других. Томас провел последние три сезона в качестве помощника тренера линии защиты в Cleveland Browns, но он бывший игрок и помощник в San Diego State, все более популярном тренерском дереве из-за успехов в защите под руководством Рокки Лонга.
Что пошло не так : лучшие команды Бостонского колледжа формируются на линии схватки, и Eagles почувствуют уход Эзейруаку, Оззи Трапило, Дрю Кендалла и других. Эзейруаку был игроком защиты года ACC, а Eagles не добавили много очевидных трансферов влияния на защиту. Трансферы, такие как лайнбекер Мичигана Джейсон Хьюлетт, имеют потенциал, но Бостонскому колледжу понадобятся такие оставшиеся игроки, как КП Прайс , Дэйвеон Крауч и Картер Дэвис , чтобы тащить отряд. Беговая игра будет выглядеть по-другому, поскольку Кай Робишо и Трешон Уорд уйдут. BC добавили трансфер Вона Пембертона , запасного в Ball State.
Что пошло правильно : Орлы сохранили многих из своих лучших игроков, в том числе широкий приемник Льюиса Бонда и продуктивных защитников, таких как Прайс, Крауч и Дэвис. Позиционная группа под руководством тренера Билла О'Брайена.
Взятие Коннелли : Орлы определенно потеряли больше, чем они получили в окопах, но это было относительно тихое межсезонье для O'Brien & Co., и тишина определенно не должна быть плохой вещью.
Ключевые дополнения : QB Стив Анжели , QB Рики Коллинз , От Кам Прингл
Ключевые отъезды : QB Kyle McCord , RBLequint Allen , WR Trebor Pena
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : S Demetres Samuel , OT Jayden Mann , ILB Antoine Deslauriers
Крупнейший коучинг : тренер Фрэн Браун оставил координатора наступления Джеффа Никсона, несмотря на некоторые внешние интересы, и добавил двух новых помощников в специальных командах Координатора команды Рикки Брумфилд и тренера широких приемников Майлза Уайта, бывшего НФЛ и CFL Wideout.
Что пошло не так : Orange не мог ничего сделать с отъездами из НФЛ плеймейкеров Кайла МакКорда, Лекинта Аллена и Оронде Гэдсден II или наступательной линии Savion Washington и Jakob Bradford . Закончите в первом году под Брауном.
Что пошло правильно : у Сиракузы не было другого защитника, как МакКорд, но, по крайней мере, есть варианты, так как программа продвигается вперед без прохождения лидера колледжа в 2024 году. Остается неопределенным для апельсина, в вариантах защитника есть прочность.
Взятие Коннелли : Браун держался за Никсона и приземлился на два интригующих новых QBS.
Ключевые дополнения : OT Fa'alili Fa'amoe , de Gabe Kirschke , C Devin Kylany
Ключевые отъезды : C Luke Petitbon , CB Jamare Glasker , WR Horatio Fields
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : QB Elijah Oehlke , De Cole Funderburk , OT Will Saba
Самый большой тренерский шаг : новый тренер Джейк Диккерт сделал переходную капитал из штата Вашингтон и принес с собой нескольких помощников, но оба координатора, Роб Эзелл (нападение) и Скотти Хазелтон (защита), не были в штате Дикерта. Штат, штат Канзас и штат Северная Дакота.
Что пошло не так : Уэйк Форест не удивительно потерял большую группу для портала на фоне тренерского перехода, в том числе трех вероятных ключевых участников в широком приемнике в Горацио -Филдс, Дэусе Александра и Донавона Грин . Приземлился с Миссури.
Что пошло правильно : команда сохранила своего лучшего нападающего в бегающем за счет Демонда Клэйборн , который затмил 1000 мчащихся ярдов в прошлом сезоне и получила отличные отзывы от новых тренеров. С борьбой с Фаалили Фаамо и Центром Девин Кайлани и широкой группой приемника с Карлосом Эрнандесом .
Взгляд Коннелли : после 4-8 сезонов полный капитальный ремонт не является худшей вещью в мире.
16. Калифорнийские золотые медведиКлючевые дополнения : QB Devin Brown , de TJ Bush Jr. , LB Harrison Taggart
Ключевые отъезды : QB Фернандо Мендоса , RB Jaydn Ott , LB Teddye Buchanan
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele , Og Justin Hasenhuetl , Te Jacob Houseworth
Крупний коучинг : Кэл имеет два новых координатора, хотя Брайан Харсин, бывший тренер Оберн, Бойсе и штат Арканзас, является хедлайнером.
То, что пошло не так : простое, Кэл был раздавлен исходящими переводами, особенно в нападении, где медведи потеряли 18 игроков из команды, которая финишировала 6-7 год назад. OZA (Индиана), верхний широкий приемник Nyziah Hunter (Небраска) и ведущий жесткий конец Джека Эндрис ( Техас), плюс несколько новичков на линии наступления, Харсин выпустит его работу в его дебютном сезоне, наблюдая за полностью отремонтированным наступлением медведей.
Что пошло правильно : хотя Кэл проиграл свой стартер 2024 года, программа обеспечила свое нынешнее и будущее в квотербеке с прибытием портала Брауна и первокурсника Джарона-Кеа-Сагаполутеле, перспектива ESPN 300, который вернулся к медведям после подписания в течение дня, который выйдет из-за того, что он будет работать в течение For-Forcure, с большим переходом, а также в Sale Preservise, а также в Sale Pronessedse, а также на выпадении, а также в Areforsiess Offersisted, а также в Arefor-Free-Offersisted, и в линейной перепаде. который объединил 40 стартов прошлой осенью.
Взятие Коннелли : Изменение координаторов может оказаться хорошей вещью, но внезапная потеря производства весной значительно изменила тенор межсезонья.
Ключевые дополнения : WR CJ Williams , OT Niki Prongos , LB Hunter Barth
Ключевые отъезды : WRElic Ayomanor , OLB David Bailey , WR Emmett Mosley V
Лучшие новобранцы : WR Jonanthony Hall , De Adam Shovlin , DT Kole Briehler
Крупний коучинговый ход : увольнение Троя Тейлора в конце марта потрясло программу Стэнфорда в преддверии своего третьего сезона в качестве главного тренера.
Что пошло не так : неожиданные тренерские изменения всегда приносят некоторые неровности, и Стэнфорд, безусловно, не был пощажен от увольнения Тейлора. Команда в приемах (48) и получение ярдов (525).
Что пошло правильно : не так много. Апрель, координатор со стороны оборонительных технологий Энди Томпсон и Нейт Байхам, которые были повышены от тренера с жесткими концами до координатора наступления.
Взятие Коннелли : Стэнфорд добился нулевого прогресса за два года под руководством Тейлора, поэтому даже неловкое изменение коучинга не должно быть плохой вещью.
1. Texas Tech Red RaidersКлючевые дополнения : DT Lee Hunter , OLB David Bailey , Ot Howard Sampson
Ключевые отъезды : RB Tahj Brooks , Ol Caleb Rogers , WR Джош Келли
Ведущие новобранцы : WR Bryson Jones , OG Connor Carty , OLB Brock Golwas
Крупний коучинг : тренер Джои МакГуайр имеет два новых координатора опередить долгожданный сезон в Лаббоке. оскорбление.
Что пошло не так : не так много, McGuire, GM Джеймс Бланшар и председатель Billionaire Cody Campbel Как и A & M.
Что пошло правильно : если вы готовы потратить миллионы на переводы, вы можете получить кого - то, кого вы хотите? Ио )
В прошлом сезоне Connelly
Ключевые дополнения : WR Jaren Hamilton , RB Kanye Udoh , WR Jalen Moss
Ключевые отъезды : RB Cam Skattebo , OL Leif Fautanu , DB Shamari Simmons
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : QB Cameron Dyer , ILB Isaiah hosefa , S Joseph Smith
Самый большой тренерский ход : после победы в Большой 12 и впервые достигнув CFP, штат Аризона сохранил свой тренерский штаб нетронутым координатором Маркуса Арройо, финалиста премии Broyles (лучшего помощника нации) и бывшего главного тренера UNLV, может вскоре получить еще одну возможность, чтобы возглавить программу, но он вернется с тренером Кенни Диллингем в Tempe.
Что пошло не так : не так уж и много , чтобы придираться к тому, как в межсезонье было удержание талантов.
Что пошло правильно : Диллингем должен быть в восторге от того, как все накапливается в 3 года. Государство Аризона возвращает тонну опыта из своего отряда CFP , в том числе 25 игроков с стартами в прошлом сезоне . Уходящие пожилые люди.
Взгляд Коннелли : ASU имеет один из лучших процентов добычи в стране, и он держал обоих координаторов после прорыва в конце сезона.
Ключевые дополнения : WR Kobe Prentice , LB Travion Barnes , QB Walker White
Ключевые отъезды : LB Мэтт Джонс , LB Garmon Randolph , WR Hal Presley
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : РБ Майкл Тернер , Де Камарин Морган , Д.Т. Джексон Блэквелл
Крупний коучинг : тренер Дейв Аранда стал защитником во время сезона отскок Бэйлора в 2024 году, и он сделал ключевые дополнения к своему защитнику этой зимой.
Что пошло не так : Аранда и его сотрудники вышли из горячего места в 2024 году с потрясающим поворотом с 2-4 до 8-5.
То, что пошло правильно : Сойер Робертсон был откровением в прошлом сезоне, создавая 83,7 QBR (пятый лучший в FBS) и приводил к тому, что в среднем набрал 41,3 очка за игру во второй половине регулярного сезона (второе место в FBS). США в прошлом сезоне после того, как набрал 129- х снаряжения в Орегоне.
Взятие Коннелли : Как и ASU, Бэйлор улучшился по обе стороны мяча в 2024 году (особенно в конце сезона), сохранил свои координаторы и теперь возвращает высокие уровни производства.
4. Циклоны штата АйоваКлючевые дополнения : WR Chase Sowell , WR Xavier Townsend , DL Tamatoa McDonough
Ключевые отъезды : WR Jayden Higgins , WR Jaylin Noel , CBDarien Porter
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : де Джек Лимбо , де Трей Вердон , RB Ryver Peppers
Крупнейший коучинговый ход : тренер Мэтт Кэмпбелл должен был заполнить несколько вакансий в наступательном персонале в последние годы, и сделал это снова с Тони Лэндри, который будет тренировать бегущие спины ISU после того, как Тайлер Рол присоединился к Детройтскому Львам, который был координатором в 2024 году в штате Северная Дакота.
Что пошло не так : начало защитного линии Тайлера Онадима, перенесенного в Техасский A & M, и безопасность Малик Вердон , ставшая профессионалом, затем не выходил из строя, были единственными значимыми отъездами, которые циклоны должны были иметь дело с этим межсезонье.
Что пошло правильно : Циклоны знали, что им придется заменить Хиггинса и Ноэля в 2025 году, и приземлились на две цели на своей доске в Соуэлле, талантливой 6-футовой 4-футовой 4-футовой. Сотрудники не стали тяжелыми на портальных пикапах прислали четкое сообщение, что им нравится их глубина, молодежь и импульс после исторического сезона для программы.
Взятие Коннелли : это было чрезвычайно в межсезонье штата Айова.
Ключевые дополнения : S Gunner Maldonado , WR Jerand Bradley , OL George Fitzpatrick
Ключевые вылеты : RB DJ Giddens , De Brendan Mott , CBJacob Parrish
Верхние входящие новобранцы : Te Linkon Cure , Og Brock Heath , S RJ Collins
Крупное коучинг : после одного сезона в качестве координатора наступления, но 12 на персонале тренера Криса Климана Конор Райли отправился в НФЛ, приоритет приоритет в том, чтобы назвать Мэтт Уэллс, координатор команды. Ветеран IRED Big 12 Помощник Люка Уэллса, чтобы тренировать жесткие концы.
Что пошло не так : три поражения в ноябре выбили K-State из титульной гонки Большой 12 после того, как он поднялся на № 16 в рейтинге CFP. Человеческий лимит в реестре на 2025 год. Для многих программ Большого 12 сильные программы развития развития стали важным компонентом для долгосрочного успеха.
Что пошло правильно : Wildcats успешно боролась с любыми усилиями, чтобы вмешиваться в Johnson и потерял только двух стипендиальных игроков во время декабрьского трансферного окна, которые в итоге подписали контракт с программами Power 4. URE, № 66 Рекрут в 2025 году ESPN 300 и принес одну из самых высоких подписчиков в истории программы.
Взятие Коннелли : что Джонсон будет иметь своего третьего координатора наступления за три сезона, но в большинстве подразделений все еще может похвастаться превосходной непрерывностью, и Климан был агрессивен с дополнениями к порталу как на линии наступления, так и во вторичной, достаточно, чтобы у диких кошек имел топ-15 возвращающихся производственных уровней.
Ключевые дополнения : WR Джордан Дуайер , WR Джозеф Манджек IV , DT Ansel Din-Mbuh
Ключевые отъезды : WR Джек Бех , WR Savion Williams , OL James Brockermeyer
Лучшие новобранцы : де Чед Вудфорк , де Джаред Мартин , WR Терри Шелтон
Крупний коучинг : координаторы Энди Авалос (защита) и Кендал Брилз (атака), но тренер Сонни Дайкс добавили новые лица по обе стороны мяча. KES выросла как в группе на поле, так и персонал персонала с мужчинами, у которых есть корни Big 12/Texas.
Что пошло не так : после ухабительного старта 3-3, рогатые лягушки наслаждались сильным финишем с шестью победами за последние семь игр, сняв хороший отскок с 5-7 в 2023 году. Отряд Дайкса должен заменить 11 стартеров от твердого, тяжелого переноса старшего класса, которые дали два топ-100 драфтов в Bechh и Williams. Майами и Хейни, резервный QB, переезжая в штат Оклахома.
Что пошло правильно : несколько школ спросили о наличии TCU, стартового QB Josh Hoover , чьи 3949 проходящих ярдов в прошлом сезоне занимают второе место среди всех возвращающихся FBS QBS позади LSU Garret Nussmeier . DS в прошлом сезоне в FCS Adaho.
Взятие Коннелли : лягушки заканчивали год как один из лучших 12 и удерживался в Гувере, и оба координатора.
Ключевые дополнения : QB Devon Dammier , RB Wayshawn Parker , WR Райан Дэвис
Ключевые отъезды : DTJunior Tafuna , LB Karene Reid , CB Zemaiah Vaughn
Лучшие новобранцы : ILB Christian Thatcher , Olb Cyrus Polu , QB Wyatt Becker
Biggest coaching move : Utah coach Kyle Whittingham might be entering his final season, but he'll have a new offensive coordinator in Jason Beck, hired to boost a unit that finished 102nd nationally in scoring last fall. Beck played quarterback at BYU and has coaching experience in the state, both at BYU and Weber State. He held coordinator roles at Syracuse and New Mexico, and he brought Lobos quarterback Devon Dampier with him to the Utes.
Что пошло не так : предсезонный фронт-вершина перенесла жестокую работу 5-7 в течение первого года в своей новой конференции-сезон, разбитый травмами, несоответствия и проигрышной серии из семи игр. Это межсезонье, создав много места для новичков, чтобы помочь переделать этот список.
Что пошло правильно : Dampier был одним из самых захватывающих плеймейкеров в группе из 5 уровней и первой командой All-Mountain West в прошлом сезоне, что привело к конференции с 3934 ярдами, включая 1166 ярдов и 19 TDS в игре на беге. Годовой проект НФЛ.
Взятие Коннелли : Глубина может быть проблемой в отношении защиты, но это межсезонье было о перезагрузке преступления, которое развалилось из -за травм защитника и отсутствия идей.
8. Цинциннати МедвежьяКлючевые дополнения : Ол Джо Коттон , WR Cyrus Allen , CB Matthew McDoom
Ключевые отъезды : ОлДжон Уильямс , Ол Люк Кандра , Р.Б. Кори Кинер
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : RB Zion Johnson , WR Giyahni Kontosis , QB Zebulin Kinsey
Крупнейший коучинговый ход : тренер Скотт Саттерфилд внес коррективы для защитника, нанимая Адама Брейтуэйта, у которого есть опыт координатора FCS, тренер, и старший аналитик LSU Эдди Хикс в качестве тренера по поводу угловых защитников.
Что пошло не так : в 2024 году Цинциннати пережил жесткий поздний сезон, пропустив право на участие в чаше, проиграв пять подряд после старта 5-2.
То, что пошло правильно : Bearcats позаботился о бизнесе в декабре и переиздал своих лучших игроков, в том числе QB Брендан Сорсби , оборонительные снасти Dontay Corleone и жесткий конец Джо Ройера . Колдуэлл .
Взятие Коннелли : Bearcats пользуются твердыми уровнями добычи, и Satterfield сделал некоторые необходимые дополнения в защите (особенно в среднем).
Ключевые дополнения : DT Keanu Tanuvasa , Te Carsen Ryan , DT Justin Kirkland
Ключевые отъезды : де Тайлер Бэтти , ОлКалеб Этьен , CB Jakob Robinson
Верхние входящие новобранцы : OT Austin Pay , WR Lamason Waller , OT Siosiua Vete
Самый большой тренерский шаг : после сезона 11 победы, BYU сохранил лучших координаторов Джей Хилл (защита) и Аарона Родерика (нападение) и имел минимальные изменения в штате Калани Ситаке.
Что пошло не так : Cougars появилась в одной игре, не говоря уже о чемпионате «Большой 12» на втором курсе в лиге Одинокий, возвращающий All-Big 12, вступающий в 2025 год ,-Kicker Will Ferrin .
Что пошло правильно : Cougars имеет надежный возвращающийся стартовый QB в Джейке Ретцлаф , который в 2024 году выдвинул более 3300 ярдов и 26 TD, и приносит еще шесть нападающих из своих Alamo Bowl Route of Colorado, которые они нуждались в Reload Atsural Line, с четырьмя старшими стартерами , перенесшимись в Alamo Advalce Advals. UIT .
Взятие Коннелли : Возвращение вашего защитника и оба координатора после хорошего года никогда не бывает плохой, но Cougars заменяют несколько стартовых и не принесли большую часть портальной дороги.
Ключевые дополнения : DT Jehiem Oatis , WR Джозеф Уильямс , QB Kaidon Salter
Ключевые вылеты : WR/CBTravis Hunter , QB Shedeur Sanders , DL BJ Green II
Лучшие входящие новобранцы : QB Джулиан Льюис , De London Merritt , OT Carde Smith
Крупнейший коучинговый ход : Coach Prime не только сохранил координатор обороны Роберта Ливингстона, который получил интерес в НФЛ и заключил новый улучшенный контракт с Колорадо, но и добавил еще один зал профессионального футбола в штат Marshall Faulk.
What went wrong : Critics expected Coach Prime to move on after Year 2, but he's fully committed to leading the Buffaloes into the future and earned a five-year, $54 million extension after a breakthrough 2024 season. This was always going to be a challenging offseason with two superstars and a bunch of seniors going pro. The Buffs did lose eight players -- who earned starts last season -- to the portal, and Sanders had to make new hires to replace four assistant coaches. But the program is rolling right along with two exciting options at QB and another big portal class.
What went right : Lewis, the No. 12 overall recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300, flipping from USC to Colorado last November was a massive moment for this program that kicked off another busy offseason of roster additions. The Buffaloes inked four ESPN 300 recruits, secured a proven 29-game starting QB in Salter and landed one of the most talented defensive linemen in the portal in Oatis. They've also done a nice job of addressing their needs at wide receiver and along the offensive line. While Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are irreplaceable talents, Colorado has added plenty of help this offseason to keep this program in Big 12 title contention.
Connelly's take : Between Salter and Lewis, maybe no one in the conference has higher upside at QB than Colorado. But the Buffaloes lost about 17 starters -- including nine from a good offense -- and Sanders chose not to load up quite as much in the portal. That makes this feel like a transition year of sorts.
11. Houston CougarsKey additions : QB Conner Weigman , TE Tanner Koziol , LB Carmycah Glass
Key departures : CB Jeremiah Wilson , S AJ Haulcy , QB Donovan Smith
Top incoming recruits : QB Austin Carlisle , TE Wyatt Herbel , DL Travis Buhake
Biggest coaching move : After a rough first season at Houston, coach Willie Fritz will have two new coordinators. Austin Armstrong takes over the defense after two seasons at Florida, where he was the SEC's youngest coordinator (31) when he took over in 2023. Slade Nagle, who worked under Fritz as a Tulane assistant from 2016 to 2023, will lead the offense, a role he held for Tulane in 2023.
What went wrong : Fritz's debut season with the Cougars featured some encouraging moments, including upset wins over TCU and Kansas State, but an offense that averaged a Big-12-worst 12.9 points per game in league play made it tough to compete. The Cougars lost defensive coordinator Shiel Wood to Texas Tech, lost receivers Joseph Manjack IV (TCU) and Jonah Wilson (Texas A&M) to the portal after the season and lost three talented DBs in Wilson (Florida State), Haulcy (LSU) and Keionte Scott (Miami) after the spring. They're counting on another big injection of transfer talent to help expedite this rebuilding process.
What went right : The addition of Weigman, ESPN's No. 1 quarterback recruit in 2022, was a huge first step in the Cougars' efforts to revamp their offense for Year 2. Transfer receiver Harvey Broussard (Louisiana) and the tight end duo of Tanner Koziol (Wisconsin) and Luke McGary (Tulsa) should boost their passing attack, and the offensive line got lots of veteran help. This staff found quality pickups at linebacker and in the secondary during the spring transfer window, bringing the portal class up to 28 signees. It's not an exceedingly splashy group, but they found good players to help power this turnaround.
Connelly's take : Fritz overhauled the offense in a very necessary way, and the passing game looks a lot sturdier now. That's good. The defensive overhaul, however, was less voluntary, and the Coogs will need a number of newcomers to hit immediately.
12. Oklahoma State CowboysKey additions : DE Kyran Duhon , OL Markell Samuel , CB Jaylin Davies
Key departures : WR Brennan Presley , RB Ollie Gordon II , LB Nick Martin
Top incoming recruits : DE Michael Riles , OT Jaylan Beckley , OLB Carl'veon Young
Biggest coaching move : The worst season in coach Mike Gundy's long tenure brought expected major changes. Oklahoma State fired longtime offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and brought back a familiar name in Doug Meacham, a former Cowboys lineman with Big 12 coordinator experience. Gundy made an even more notable hire on defense in Todd Grantham, the former defensive coordinator at Georgia, Florida and other college and NFL spots.
What went wrong : It's been a fascinating offseason full of change in Stillwater. Gundy agreed to return in 2025 on a restructured deal with a $1 million pay cut after a brutal 3-9 season with a squad that was expected to contend for a Big 12 title. He replaced all 10 of his full-time assistant coaches. His university president stepped down in February. He and his new coaches fully leaned into portal recruiting to remake their roster with 26 scholarship players transferring out this offseason. After all the turbulence and turnover that followed the worst season of the Gundy era, the Cowboys will look totally different entering his 21st season.
What went right : This brand-new coaching staff has a ton of work and a ton of teaching to do with 38 new transfers coming in. But if they can pull this off, Oklahoma State could be one of the most improved teams in the Big 12 this fall. The combo of Zane Flores and TCU transfer Hauss Hejny at QB is young but promising, and the Pokes managed to land veteran starting offensive linemen in the portal. Grantham is working with a ton of new talent on defense, especially up front. Gundy's willingness to get better faster might have been out of necessity, but this looks like a really solid portal class that could help flip the Pokes' fortunes.
Connelly's take : It's hard to predict great success just because the Pokes will have new veteran coordinators and most of a new roster, but that transfusion was necessary after 2024's collapse. The receiving corps additions are particularly intriguing. We'll see if it's enough for a turnaround.
Key additions : DL Jimmori Robinson , WR Cam Vaughn , CB Michael Coats Jr .
Key departures : OL Wyatt Milum , OL Tomas Rimac , QB Garrett Greene
Top incoming recruits : CB Dawayne Galloway , DT Taylor Brown , DE Brandon Caesar
Biggest coaching move : Rich Rodriguez is back at his alma mater, 17 years after his infamous departure to Michigan. His staff is filled with notable names, including assistant quarterbacks coach Pat White, the former WVU star, and Jeff Casteel, the Mountaineers' former defensive coordinator. Rodriguez also brought in defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who held the same role under Rodriguez at Jacksonville State before spending last fall at Oklahoma.
What went wrong : Rodriguez is working on one of the more dramatic roster flips in the Power 4 during his first offseason back at West Virginia. The Mountaineers have had 47 scholarship players hit the portal during this transition. A bunch of proven starters moved on after the firing of former coach Neal Brown, including Rimac (Virginia Tech), running back CJ Donaldson Jr . (Ohio State), receiver Hudson Clement (Illinois) and linebacker Josiah Trotter (Missouri). Rodriguez and his coaches have loaded up with more than 40 newcomers via the portal to replace them, but this is going to be quite a reset for the roster with a ton of new faces filling the two-deep.
What went right : In this era of college football, it's better to execute a roster makeover of this magnitude before Year 1 rather than after. The new staff has won battles for some coveted players in the portal including Robinson, who earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year last season at UTSA, and brought quality starters such as Vaughn and DB Fred Perry with them from Jacksonville State. They also managed to keep several key players like QB Nicco Marchiol and running back Jahiem White out of the portal. But these Mountaineers are going to look practically brand-new in 2025. If a lot of these waiver wire pickups work out and they can develop good depth, West Virginia could catch up quickly to their Big 12 peers.
Connelly's take : Rodriguez was not shy in both bringing players from and seemingly sending players to the portal. WVU could have as many as 19 or 20 new starters in 2025, though between Alley and a few Jacksonville State transfers, he'll recognize at least some of the faces around him.
14. Kansas JayhawksKey additions : WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr ., LB Bangally Kamara , LB Trey Lathan
Key departures : RB Devin Neal , CB Cobee Bryant , CB Mello Dotson
Top incoming recruits : QB David McComb , WR Jaden Nickens , OLB Malachi Curvey
Biggest coaching move : The Jayhawks will have their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, but Jim Zebrowski is a familiar name after coaching Jalon Daniels and the KU quarterbacks for the past three seasons. Coach Lance Leipold also brought in Matt Lubick, a veteran coordinator who spent 2022 and 2023 as a senior analyst at Kansas, to serve as co-offensive coordinator.
What went wrong : The Jayhawks flashed their potential in November with a three-game win streak over top-25 opponents and a strong finish to a tough 5-7 season. The fact that the Jayhawks lost only nine scholarship players to the portal, even with Leipold making key changes to his coaching staff, shows there's still a high level of buy-in to build on. Zebrowski and newly promoted defensive coordinator DK McDonald will put their own spin on things, but this offseason is all about getting back to playing with consistency after the ups and downs of 2025.
What went right : Kansas had to replace one of the most impactful senior classes in program history, but Daniels agreed to return for one final season. The sixth-year senior QB will lead a team that features 24 new additions via the portal. The staff did a nice job of restocking at wide receiver with Henderson, Cam Pickett (Ball State), Levi Wentz (Albany) and Bryson Canty (Columbia) and succeeded in landing veteran starters at linebacker. This staff has always been able to find gems while scouting the portal and should have enough competitive depth to get back to playing to the standard Leipold has set. Another key to bouncing back: The Jayhawks will be back on their home turf this season when the first phase of renovations at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium are completed.
Connelly's take : KU wasn't as bad as its record last season, but now Leipold must engineer a bounce back with two new coordinators and about 16 new starters. He wasn't shy about using the portal to fill holes and could find the answers he needs, but in a conference loaded with continuity, the Jayhawks have less than most.
15. Arizona WildcatsKey additions : WR Kris Hutson , CB Michael Dansby , RB Ismail Mahdi
Key departures : WR Tetairoa McMillan , OL Jonah Savaiinaea , CB Tacario Davis
Top incoming recruits : WR Isaiah Mizell , RB Cornelius Warren , CB Swayde Griffin
Biggest coaching move : Arizona's win total dropped from 10 to four under first-year coach Brent Brennan, who not surprisingly overhauled his staff. Brennan promoted Danny Gonzales, the former New Mexico coach who served as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in 2024, to oversee the defense. He brought in Seth Doege, who helped Marshall to a Sun Belt title last fall, as offensive coordinator. Craig Naivar comes over from Coastal Carolina to coordinate special teams.
What went wrong : Heavy attrition was to be expected after a disappointing 4-8 debut season, and the Wildcats have seen 37 scholarship players exit via the portal this offseason. Davis, LB Jacob Manu and DL Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei joined their former coaches at Washington. Gunner Maldonado (Kansas State) and Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia) were also tough losses for the secondary. Offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr ., a 26-game starter, is now at Tennessee, and the offensive line is a big question mark entering 2025 with lots of newcomers needing to step up. It's telling, though, that only eight of Arizona's 37 transfers have landed on other Power 4 rosters.
What went right : There's reason for optimism about Arizona's offensive direction under Doege after last year's suboptimal setup. Brennan was able to keep Fifita on board and worked hard to get the roster flipped with more than 25 transfers. No one receiver is going to match McMillan's production, but they appear to have done a nice job adding to that room. They trust their ability to evaluate with a significant number of newcomers coming from the FCS ranks. The Wildcats were in a tough no-man's-land after winning 10 games in 2023, with win-now expectations for a new staff coaching in a new conference, and the results were brutal. This offseason brought a much-needed reset.
Connelly's take : The staff overhaul was warranted, and while Brennan leaned heavily on the FCS ranks to solidify the defensive front six, he could field almost an entirely new lineup of players who were starters elsewhere if he wanted to. Experience levels will be solid.
16. UCF KnightsKey additions : QB Tayven Jackson , DL Sincere Edwards , OL Carter Miller
Key departures : RB RJ Harvey , WR Kobe Hudson , DT Lee Hunter
Top incoming recruits : RB Taevion Swint , DT RyShawn Perry , CB Rukeem Stroud
Biggest coaching move : Scott Frost is back at the program he elevated to national prominence with a 13-0 season in 2017. Frost, out of college football since being fired by Nebraska early in the 2022 season, oversees a coaching staff with notable names such as defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, offensive line coach Shawn Clark and quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton, the former UCF star.
What went wrong : The transition that Gus Malzahn set off by leaving for the Florida State OC job had quite a cost in terms of roster attrition. The Knights have had 34 scholarship players depart this offseason, including 11 who started games last season. They were hit especially hard along the offensive line with Adrian Medley (Florida State), Marcellus Marshall (Minnesota), Caden Kitler (Arkansas) and Waltclaire Flynn (Georgia) moving on. Hunter, an All-Big 12 selection, became one of the most coveted players in the portal and landed at Texas Tech. Tight end Randy Pittman Jr . also followed Malzahn to the Seminoles. Add in a large senior class moving on and you get a major roster rebuild for Frost and his new staff.
What went right : The Knights have attacked their needs well in the portal windows and have loaded up with 34 transfer signees. Frost is working with a rebuilt QB room featuring Jackson, who started six games at Indiana, competing with Jacurri Brown , Cam Fancher (FAU) and Davi Belfort (Virginia Tech). Running back Jaden Nixon , a first-team All-MAC pick at Western Michigan last season, will try to help replace Harvey's production. There are lots of new faces at receiver and on the offensive line, and Grinch is working with 16 new transfers on defense.
Connelly's take : Last time Frost took over in Orlando, he was inheriting pieces from an 0-12 team. So it has been worse! But UCF has the lowest returning production levels in the conference, and Frost will start out with an offense that boasts almost literally no proven pieces. This renovation might take a little while.
Key additions : WR Trebor Pena , WR Devonte Ross , LB Amare Campbell
Key departures : DE Abdul Carter , TE Tyler Warren , WR Harrison Wallace III
Top incoming recruits : TE Andrew Olesh , CB Daryus Dixson , WR Lyrick Samuel
Biggest coaching move : Penn State fans can take issue with certain things about James Franklin but not his ability to hire coordinators. After bringing in Manny Diaz, Andy Kotelnicki and Tom Allen in the past two offseasons, Franklin made a major splash with Jim Knowles, who moved over from national champion Ohio State to replace Allen as defensive coordinator. Knowles, a Philadelphia native, is one of the nation's most respected playcallers.
What went wrong : Allen's departure after only one year forced Penn State into another change, although the team couldn't have found a better replacement than Knowles. The Lions had two players selected in the top 15 of the NFL draft in Carter and Warren. The team didn't really add to either position other than Texas A&M transfer Enai White , a projected reserve. Penn State also lost Wallace, its top wide receiver in 2024, to Ole Miss, as well as big-play threat Omari Evans to Washington. The Lions also saw several rotational defenders transfer out, including cornerback Cam Miller , who had 27 tackles, an interception and five pass breakups last season.
What went right : After a heartbreaking loss in the CFP semifinal, Penn State kept much of its core together. The offensive backfield will once again feature quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen . Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is back, as well as linebackers Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca , safety Zakee Wheatley , cornerback AJ Harris and others. Penn State didn't add many transfers but addressed by far its biggest need at wide receiver with Pena, a 2024 second-team All-ACC selection at Syracuse who had 84 catches for 941 yards and 9 touchdowns, as well as Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC). The team also made a key late addition in Campbell, who gives Knowles a proven pass-rushing threat.
Connelly's take : Typically having to hire your fourth defensive coordinator in five years isn't great, especially when you also lose three starters from a dynamite front seven. But pilfering your rival's awesome defensive coordinator and keeping all of your offensive stars (while using the portal for receiver upgrades) is a good way to nail the offseason.
Heather Dinich breaks down why defensive coordinator Jim Knowles opted to leave Ohio State for Penn State.
Key additions : OT Isaiah World , S Dillon Thieneman , RB Makhi Hughes
Key departures : OT Josh Conerly Jr ., DT Derrick Harmon , WR Tez Johnson
Top incoming recruits : WR Dakorien Moore , CB Na'eem Offord , OT Douglas Utu
Biggest coaching move : Dan Lanning kept the core of a staff that helped Oregon to a Big Ten title and the No. 1 seed in the first 12-team CFP. The only significant change came at wide receivers coach, as Lanning hired Syracuse's Ross Douglas to replace Junior Adams, who left for the NFL. Douglas also has coaching experience with the New England Patriots.
What went wrong : Not much. Lanning avoided major staff losses and most of Oregon's outgoing transfers projected as rotational players. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele , who signed with Oregon in early December before flipping to Cal in January, could end up hurting the Ducks' future quarterback plans beyond Dante Moore , the team's projected starter this fall. Oregon lost several defensive reserves such as edge Emar'rion Winston and safety Tyler Turner , who both landed at Baylor. The team added the oft-traveled Bear Alexander to bolster the defensive line but didn't add any other impact linemen for a group that lost Harmon, a first-round draft pick, as well as third-round picks Jordan Burch and Jamaree Caldwell .
What went right : Lanning retained his top assistants and best non-NFL-bound players, and he made several key additions in the portal, especially for the secondary. The key returnees include wide receiver Evan Stewart , defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher . Oregon also landed several of the best portal players at their respective positions, including World, Hughes and Thieneman. The Ducks further addressed their offensive line departures with Alex Harkey (Texas State) and Emmanuel Pregnon (USC). They landed two All-Big Ten defensive backs in Thieneman and cornerback Theran Johnson from Northwestern. Although Alexander is a wild card, if Oregon's coaches can maximize his ability, they'll have something.
Connelly's take : Lanning's program remains in good shape overall and landed at least a couple of dynamite pieces in the portal. But the Ducks just had so much to replace overall, and there's almost nowhere to go from 13-1 but down.
Key additions : WR Hudson Clement , DT James Thompson Jr ., WR Justin Bowick
Key departures : WR Pat Bryant , WR Zakhari Franklin , RB Josh McCray
Top incoming recruits : DE Erik Gayle , TE Logan Farrell , WR Brayden Trimble
Biggest coaching move : Bret Bielema retained all of his primary assistants following a 10-win season, and made some interesting additions to support staff. Among them: former Ball State coach Mike Neu, hired as a senior offensive assistant, and James White, a former star running back for Bielema and Wisconsin who played eight NFL seasons and will assist Thad Ward with the Illini running backs.
What went wrong : Almost nothing until the spring transfer portal, when Josh McCray, Illinois' leading rusher in 2024, entered and transferred to Georgia. McCray had 609 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he earned Cheez-It Citrus Bowl MVP honors in his final game with the Illini. Although Illinois returns Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin , who showed some production last fall, McCray would have been a nice player to feature. Wide receiver is the only position where Illinois loses significant production with both Bryant and Franklin departing. While Clement and Bowick are solid additions, neither has had the production of the two wideouts they're replacing.
What went right : Bielema kept almost every key contributor -- player and coach -- from Illinois' best season since the Rose Bowl team in 2007. Draftable players such as linebacker Gabe Jacas , safety Xavier Scott , offensive tackle JC Davis and quarterback Luke Altmyer all return from a 10-win team. Altmyer is especially significant, as Tennessee made a push to add him following Nico Iamaleava's departure. The Illini will have their best offensive line in Bielema's tenure with all five starters back. Although Illinois didn't have to add a ton of transfers, it addressed wide receiver and brought in Wisconsin defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. and several other Badgers expected to contribute.
Connelly's take : Last year's 5-1 record in one-score finishes is going to be hard to match, but the Illini rank in the top five in returning production and held onto both coordinators after last year's delightful run. Almost no one enjoys better continuity in 2025.
Key additions : QB Fernando Mendoza , C Pat Coogan , DT Hosea Wheeler
Key departures : DT CJ West , QBKurtis Rourke , LBJailin Walker
Top incoming recruits : S Byron Baldwin , WR LeBron Bond , DE Triston Abram
Biggest coaching move : Indiana's increased resources in football showed as Curt Cignetti retained primary coordinators Bryant Haines (defense) and Mike Shanahan (offense). He lost only one assistant, co-OC and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri, and hired an interesting replacement in Chandler Whitmer. Whitner is a former college quarterback with some coaching experience with two NFL teams as well as Clemson and Ohio State.
What went wrong : Not much as the Hoosiers lost only one major assistant, Sunseri, who left for the primary coordinator role at UCLA, and IU generally worked the transfer portal to their favor. Indiana lost starting cornerback Jamier Johnson and several rotational players on the offensive and defensive lines. After a 2024 season where Indiana generally avoided major injuries outside of a ruptured Achilles sustained by offensive lineman Drew Evans , the team's overall depth could be tested more this fall.
What went right : Indiana brought back All-Big Ten players on both sides of the ball in defensive end Mikail Kamara , linebacker Aiden Fisher , cornerback D'Angelo Ponds and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt . The Hoosiers addressed Rourke's NFL departure by adding Mendoza, one of the top quarterbacks in the portal, and brought in accomplished running backs Roman Hemby (Maryland) and Lee Beebe Jr . (UAB). Indiana knew it would need replacements on both lines and added Coogan (Notre Dame), Wheeler (Western Kentucky), offensive tackle Zen Michalski (Ohio State), guard Kahlil Benson (Colorado) and defensive lineman Stephen Daley (Kent State).
Connelly's take : After last year's amazing breakthrough, Indiana probably would have loved a bit more continuity, but winning big with a huge load of transfers likely means you'll have to take on another huge load of transfers the next year. At least the coordinators stayed.
Key additions : TE Max Klare , DE Beau Atkinson , OT Ethan Onianwa
Key departures : WR Emeka Egbuka , DT Tyleik Williams , OL Donovan Jackson
Top incoming recruits : QB Tavien St. Clair , CB Devin Sanchez , OLB Riley Pettijohn
Biggest coaching move : The Buckeyes lost both coordinators from the national title team, but there's more intrigue on defense as Matt Patricia, the former Detroit Lions coach who hasn't coached in college since serving as a Syracuse graduate assistant in 2003, replaces Jim Knowles. Coach Ryan Day moved Brian Hartline back into the primary offensive coordinator, and the splashiest move on that side was hiring offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, the former OC at Virginia Tech.
What went wrong : Staff turnover after a national championship is somewhat expected, but Knowles' departure to another Big Ten contender in Penn State is at least a small blow. He dramatically elevated Ohio State's defense during his tenure, and his departure coincides with eight players being selected in the NFL draft, including the entire starting defensive line. Although Patricia is a big name, his success hasn't come at the college level. Ohio State also lost some rotational players on defense, offensive line and quarterback to the portal. Day will enter the fall with his least experienced quarterbacks room since arriving at Ohio State.
What went right : Ohio State knew it would lose a large and decorated group to the NFL, but it retained its top returning players -- wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate , safety Caleb Downs and cornerback Davison Igbinosun . The Buckeyes aren't a volume transfer portal team but made several impact additions, including Klare, a very coveted tight end from Purdue, as well as Atkinson, who had 7.5 sacks for North Carolina last year and will help replace ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer . Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels will help protect Ohio State's next quarterback, and West Virginia running back transfer CJ Donaldson Jr . will help offset the draft losses of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins .
Connelly's take : The Buckeyes might start the year as a justifiable preseason No. 1, but that doesn't mean they've made major offseason upgrades. Ryan Day will start his title defense with infinitely fewer proven coordinators, a new quarterback and a new defensive line.
Key additions : WR Dane Key , T Elijah Pritchett , G Rocco Spindler
Key departures : DT Ty Robinson , DT Nash Hutmacher , RB Dante Dowdell
Top incoming recruits : OLB Christian Jones , OLB Dawson Merritt , WR Cortez Mills
Biggest coaching move : Matt Rhule took a layered approach to replace defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State. He promoted John Butler , who coached the Huskers secondary in 2024 and has coordinator experience at Penn State and time in the NFL, to White's role. Rhule also brought back Phil Snow, a defensive coordinator under Rhule with Temple, Baylor and the Carolina Panthers, as associate head coach. He hired Daikiel Shorts Jr. to oversee wide receivers, which helped land Key from Kentucky.
What went wrong : White's departure hurts as Nebraska had a top-20 defense, and he left for a much shakier situation at Florida State. Although Butler and Snow both have great familiarity with Rhule, the unit goes through another transition. Nebraska's defensive line turns over quite a bit without Robinson, a fourth-round NFL draft pick, and Hutmacher plus the transfer of pass rushers Jimari Butler (LSU) and James Williams (Florida State). The Huskers lost Dowdell, their leading rusher, to Kentucky and somewhat surprisingly didn't add any transfers to help fill the production void. Homegrown quarterback prospect Daniel Kaelin transferred to Virginia, an unsurprising move, but one that hurts Nebraska's depth.
What went right : Nebraska had to retain quarterback Dylan Raiola and did, as the former five-star recruit will enter his second season as the starter and have consistency with playcaller Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers also kept a top defensive playmaker in Malcolm Hartzog Jr ., who led the team with four interceptions last season. Raiola needed more receiving targets with several graduation losses, and Nebraska brought in productive transfers Key (Kentucky) and Nyziah Hunter (Cal), who combined for 87 receptions and 1,263 yards last season. Spindler started for national runner-up Notre Dame in 2024, and will add to the offensive line alongside Pritchett, a starter at Alabama.
Connelly's take : Rhule made Holgorsen a full-timer, held onto Raiola and used the portal to add both a pair of former blue-chip linemen and maybe Kentucky's most exciting player. Obviously, losing White hurts, but it definitely feels like the Huskers gained more than they lost here.
Key additions : RB Eli Sanders , CB DJ Harvey , S Bishop Fitzgerald
Key departures : CB Jaylin Smith , G Emmanuel Pregnon, WR Zachariah Branch
Top incoming recruits : DE Jahkeem Stewart , QB Husan Longstreet , OT Aaron Dunn
Biggest coaching move : USC's biggest staff splashes came on the support side with new general manager Chad Bowden and others joining Lincoln Riley. The biggest on-field move was Rob Ryan, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator, joining as linebackers coach and assistant head coach for defense. Riley also promoted Luke Huard to offensive coordinator as Josh Henson left for Purdue.
What went wrong : USC had only three players selected in the NFL draft, a number that figures to rise in the coming years. The team absorbed more damage with transfer portal exits, including Pregnon, a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2024, and receiver/returner Branch leaving for Georgia alongside his brother, Zion, a safety who had 19 tackles last fall. Starting right tackle Mason Murphy transferred to Auburn, and several likely reserve offensive linemen also hit the portal. USC's running backs room, already losing top rusher Woody Marks to the NFL, saw Quinten Joyner transfer to Texas Tech.
What went right : Riley wants to rely less on transfers and showed greater selectivity during the offseason while upgrading high school recruiting and keeping several significant players from the 2024 team. USC has stability on offense with quarterback Jayden Maiava , offensive linemen Elijah Paige and Alani Noa , and productive wide receiver tandem Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon . Key defensive holdovers included safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry . USC upgraded its depth at both defensive back (Harvey, Fitzgerald) and running back (Sanders, junior college star Waymond Jordan). The team also added defensive tackle transfer Keeshawn Silver , a former top 10 national recruit, from Kentucky.
Connelly's take : Nothing great, nothing terrible. Riley recruited well and held onto both Lynn and his starting quarterback, but the defensive turnover might be a bit too much to ensure another year of improvement.
Key additions : DT Tre Williams , RB Justice Haynes , DB TJ Metcalf
Key departures : DT Mason Graham , TE Colston Loveland , EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Top incoming recruits : QB Bryce Underwood , OT Ty Haywood , OLB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng
Biggest coaching move : Michigan needed changes on offense after tumbling to 113th nationally in scoring and 130th in passing last season. Coach Sherrone Moore brought in new coordinator Chip Lindsey, who has worked with quarterbacks like Drake Maye , Jarrett Stidham , Nick Mullens and others. Lindsey is the former head coach at Troy.
What went wrong : Michigan ended the 2024 season on a high, but it still went 8-5 with a roster that would produce three first-round draft picks and five in the top 90. The Wolverines knew they would lose a lot in the defensive front seven and made portal gains, but they still will enter the fall with questions. The team didn't make splashy additions for a passing game that lost Loveland, the team's receptions leader, and finished only above the service academies in production last fall. Wide receiver transfer Donaven McCulley left Indiana early last season after recording only two catches, and Anthony Simpson played in only two games last year at UMass because of injury. Also, Moore's self-imposed two-game suspension and the uncertainty around the NCAA investigation added to the offseason angst.
What went right : Moore settled on a new offensive vision with Lindsey, a proven playcaller and quarterback developer. Michigan addressed its defensive tackle losses with transfers Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne Jr . (Alabama), who drew good reviews this spring. Alabama running back transfer Justice Haynes should help offset the losses of Mullings and Donovan Edwards . The 2025 season likely will be about Underwood's development, but quarterback transfer Mikey Keene has 35 career starts with 8,245 passing yards with 65 touchdowns. Metcalf, a transfer from Arkansas, will help offset some of the losses in the secondary. Michigan also retained key defenders such as linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham .
Connelly's take : Michigan floated into the offseason by beating Ohio State and Alabama and stealing the No. 1 prospect in the country from LSU. The Wolverines have top-20 returning production levels and an "it almost literally can't get worse" situation at QB. It's hard to imagine a happier offseason.
Key additions : QB Nico Iamaleava , RB Jaivian Thomas , CB Andre Jordan Jr .
Key departures : LB Carson Schwesinger , DE Oluwafemi Oladejo , DT Jay Toia
Top incoming recruits : QB Madden Iamaleava , CB Jadyn Hudson , RB Karson Cox
Biggest coaching move : Coach DeShaun Foster retained only two assistants as he went through his first full offseason at the helm of the Bruins. His new hires include offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, who had great success at Indiana and James Madison, as well as veteran defensive line coach Jethro Franklin and secondary coach Demetrice Martin, who coached defensive backs at UCLA from 2014 to 2019 and has extensive experience on the West Coast.
What went wrong : Change can be good, but can there be too many moving parts? UCLA will find out this fall. The Bruins certainly will have a tough time replacing its NFL departures on defense, especially Schwesinger, a Butkus Award finalist, along with Oladejo, Toia and productive linebacker Kain Medrano . UCLA also lost notable players in the transfer portal, including running back TJ Harden , the team's leading rusher in 2024, who is off to SMU. Also gone are cornerback Jaylin Davies (Oklahoma State) and wide receivers Logan Loya (Minnesota) and J.Michael Sturdivant (Florida).
What went right : There are clear risks to taking on Nico Iamaleava and his brother Madden, a one-time UCLA commit, but the rewards are greater for a Bruins program seeking more relevancy under Foster. If Nico Iamaleava maximizes his talents in Sunseri's offense, UCLA will have one of the Big Ten's best quarterbacks this fall. The team benefited from Cal's turbulent offseason by adding Thomas (626 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) and wide receiver Mikey Matthews (32 receptions). UCLA reshaped its secondary with experienced players at both cornerback (Jordan, Jamier Johnson) and safety ( Ben Perry , Bryon Threats , Key Lawrence ). The Bruins also picked up several reserve defensive backs.
Connelly's take : That a bad offense got massively overhauled is probably a good thing. That a pretty good defense lost almost every starter is probably a bad thing. Ikaika Malloe has quite a bit of work to do.
Key additions : CB Tacario Davis , S Alex McLaughlin , OT Carver Willis
Key departures : LB Carson Bruener , CB Thaddeus Dixon , TE Keleki Latu
Top incoming recruits : OLB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale , ATH Dylan Robinson , WR Marcus Harris
Biggest coaching move : Jedd Fisch lost both of his coordinators after Year 1 at Washington, although he promoted Jimmie Dougherty, who coached quarterbacks under Fisch the past three seasons, to offensive coordinator. The bigger changes come on defense, where former Purdue coach Ryan Walters steps in. Walters has coordinator experience from Illinois, Missouri and Colorado, and he will oversee a staff that includes safeties coach Taylor Mays, a former three-time All-America safety at USC.
What went wrong : After a late start and so much change in 2024, Washington ideally didn't want to be replacing both coordinators again so soon. Fisch certainly doesn't want to endure two Year 1s. The defense lost Bruener, its best player, to the NFL and had several portal departures, including Dixon, who had a team-high 10 pass breakups last season. Both he and reserve safety Peyton Waters followed coordinator Steve Belichick to North Carolina. The passing game loses a lot with Latu and receiversGiles Jackson and Jeremiah Hunter all moving onto pro ball. Washington briefly addressed the group with Texas' Johntay Cook II before quickly dismissing him from the team.
What went right : Washington got ahead of its quarterback transition by starting Demond Williams Jr . late last season and then retaining him. He could be one of the nation's top young quarterbacks. Williams has support with running back Jonah Coleman , wide receiver Denzel Boston and others, including Penn State receiver transfer Omari Evans. Washington's bigger moves came on defense, including the Walters hire and the additions of Davis (Arizona) and McLaughlin (Northern Arizona) in the secondary, and linebackers Taariq Al-Uqdah (Washington State), Xe'ree Alexander (UCF) and Jacob Manu , a first-team All-Pac-12 selection under Fisch at Arizona in 2023.
Connelly's take : An offensive coordinator change doesn't hurt much after solid regression, and adding five FBS starters -- and a proven coordinator -- to a defense that was already pretty solid offsets the offensive uncertainty.
Key additions : DE Eric O'Neill , DE Bradley Weaver , WR DT Sheffield
Key departures : RBKyle Monangai , CB Robert Longerbeam , DE Wesley Bailey T
Top incoming recruits : WR Michael Thomas III , OLB DJ McClary , S Tariq Hayer
Biggest coaching move : After Joe Harasymiak left to become UMass head coach, Greg Schiano turned to a familiar name in Robb Smith, who had two previous stints as Scarlet Knights DC (2012, 2021-22). Smith will serve as co-coordinator alongside Zach Sparber, who had a successful run at James Madison. Several defensive position coaches were shuffled from previous roles.
What went wrong : Harasymiak's departure hurts a bit -- even though Rutgers has schematic continuity with Smith -- as a number of defensive players hit the portal in the winter and spring. Bailey was in line to be a significant contributor last season before an injury. He'll instead suit up for Louisville in 2024. Rutgers linebacker Mohamed Toure , a former team captain who battled knee injuries, entered the portal this spring. Linebacker Timmy Hinspeter , a likely rotational piece, followed Harasymiak to UMass. Offensive tackle Ja'Elyne Matthews , a decorated in-state recruit, transferred to Florida State, as part of a small group of linemen to depart the program this spring.
What went right : Rutgers compiled an excellent collection of portal defenders, and added weapons to help quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis . O'Neill and Weaver, who combined for 21.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss last season at James Madison and Ohio, respectively, form an excellent pass-rushing tandem. Schiano added to the secondary with cornerbacks Jacobie Henderson (Marshall) and Cam Miller (Penn State). Rutgers had fewer transfers on offense but boosted its passing game with Sheffield, who had 66 receptions and 11 touchdowns for North Texas last season. The team also addressed Monangai's departure with running back CJ Campbell Jr ., a 2024 third-team All-AAC selection at Florida Atlantic.
Connelly's take : The offense enjoys excellent continuity, and the defense enjoys very little. Schiano added a couple of shop-wreckers up front in O'Neill and Weaver, but when your defense loses about eight starters and its coordinator, that's still pretty tough.
12. Michigan State SpartansKey additions : OT Conner Moore , RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver , WR Omari Kelly
Key departures : G Luke Newman , CB Charles Brantley , LB Jordan Turner
Top incoming recruits : RB Jace Clarizio , DT Derrick Simmons , OG Drew Nichols
Biggest coaching move : Coach Jonathan Smith retained most of his staff despite a 5-7 season but brought in two new assistants in safeties coach James Adams and quarterbacks coach Jon Boyer. Smith has familiarity with Boyer, who worked on his Oregon State staff for five seasons in different support roles. Together, they look to help Aidan Chiles find his groove after a bumpy first season at MSU.
What went wrong : Michigan State lost a small group of key contributors following Smith's first season, including Brantley, who transferred to Miami after leading the Spartans in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (7). The Spartans also lost edge Anthony Jones (UCLA) and safety Dillon Tatum (Northwestern) to other Big Ten teams. The wide receiver room took some hits with Aziah Johnson (North Carolina) and Jaron Glover (Mississippi State) moving on, although Michigan State addressed the spot with transfer additions. Although Michigan State addressed most of its needs through the portal, it didn't make the splashiest additions, leaning on the Group of 5 and FCS ranks.
What went right : The Spartans avoided major roster turnover despite the team's third consecutive losing season. They brought back their quarterback in Chiles, their top young playmaker in wide receiver Nick Marsh and key defenders such as safety Nikai Martinez and linebacker Darius Snow . The Spartans also added several potential impact transfers, such as Moore, an FCS All-America selection at Montana State, Tau-Tolliver from Sacramento State and Burt from Eastern Illinois. Wide receivers Kelly (Middle Tennessee) and Chrishon McCray (Kent State) should complement Marsh, and several of Michigan State's offensive and defensive line transfers arrive with experience.
Connelly's take : Smith plumbed smaller schools for stars, and the Spartans should be infinitely more experienced in 2025. You would love a few more proven pieces, but sometimes you nail the offseason by simply not screwing up the offseason.
Key additions : QB Mark Gronowski , WR Sam Phillips , DT Jonah Pace
Key departures : RBKaleb Johnson , LB Jay Higgins , G Connor Colby
Top incoming recruits : DE Iose Epenesa , TE Thomas Meyer , OG Lucas Allgeyer
Biggest coaching move : Continuity is king in Iowa City, where coach Kirk Ferentz returns for his 27th year at the helm. He has only one new primary assistant this fall in running backs coach Omar Young, who has recent NFL experience with New England and Chicago, and last coached in college at Eastern Illinois in 2021. He replaces Ladell Betts, the former Iowa running back who left for the New York Giants.
What went wrong : Iowa didn't add transfers at running back or tight end after losing Johnson -- who rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, and finished third on the team in receptions -- and Luke Lachey , who was second in receptions. Phillips was productive at the FCS level and top receiver Jacob Gill returns, but will that be enough to boost a passing attack that has been the worst among non-service academies over the past four seasons? Quarterback Brendan Sullivan , who started three games last season, transferred before the end of spring practice, although his departure wasn't a huge surprise after Iowa added Gronowski and Auburn transfer Hank Brown .
What went right : After the Cade McNamara saga went horribly wrong, Iowa has genuine hope for a breakthrough on offense with Gronowski leading the unit. He helped South Dakota State to an FCS national championship in 2023 and has eclipsed 2,700 passing yards in each of the past three seasons. Although he missed spring practice after shoulder surgery, he's on track for full participation this summer. Iowa added a few pieces along the defensive line and kept the players it expects to take on bigger roles throughout the defense. Ferentz continues to have great continuity on his staff with defensive coordinator Phil Parker and others.
Connelly's take : Ferentz, the king of continuity, never has too noisy an offseason. But his Hawkeyes need new difference-makers at quarterback, linebacker and defensive back. That's at least a little bit scary, isn't it?
14. Northwestern WildcatsKey additions : QB Preston Stone , WR Griffin Wilde , LB Yanni Karlaftis
Key departures : CB Theran Johnson , G/T Josh Thompson , LB Xander Mueller
Top incoming recruits : RB Daniel Anderson , QB Marcus Romain , OT Michael O'Connell
Biggest coaching move : Northwestern retained offensive coordinator Zach Lujan despite a season where the Wildcats finished 128th nationally in scoring and 130th in yards. The only change comes at running backs coach, where Braun hired Aristotle Thompson, who coached Cal standouts Jadyn Ott and Jaivian Thomas the past few seasons.
What went wrong : The Wildcats have struggled to retain some productive defensive backs in the portal era and lost Johnson and Devin Turner , who combined for five interceptions and 13 pass breakups last fall, to Oregon and Baylor, respectively. Northwestern also has lost a few offensive linemen in recent years, with Thompson moving on to LSU after earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Although Wilde is a key addition to a depleted passing game, Northwestern added only one more transfer in Stanford's Chase Farrell , a promising but unproven player, rather than going pedal down into the portal for more guarantees.
What went right : Some on-campus policy adjustments allowed Northwestern to become a true winter portal player for the first time. The Wildcats landed the quarterback they desperately needed in Stone, who started for SMU's league title-winning team in 2023. They also addressed a depleted offensive line with several experienced transfers, including guards Evan Beerntsen (South Dakota State), Martes Lewis (Minnesota) and tackle Xavior Gray . Wilde, a standout receiver at South Dakota State, gives Stone a top option. Northwestern also helped its defense with transfers Karlaftis (Purdue), Fred Davis (Jacksonville State) and late addition Dillon Tatum (Michigan State). The team also retained talented linemen Anto Saka and Caleb Tiernan .
Connelly's take : After a year in which the defense went from great to decent and the offense went from bad to atrocious, you would have maybe expected a bit more turnover in the coaching staff. Braun made some decent portal additions, but his two most proven offensive players are a quarterback who got benched last year and an FCS receiver.
15. Minnesota Golden GophersKey additions : WR Javon Tracy , G Marcellus Marshall , CB Jaylen Bowden
Key departures : OT Aireontae Ersery , CBJustin Walley , OT Phillip Daniels
Top incoming recruits : OLB Emmanuel Karmo , QB Jackson Kollock , OT Daniel Shipp
Biggest coaching move : Coach PJ Fleck has prioritized continuity in his recent coordinator hires and selected Danny Collins, the team's safeties coach, to replace Corey Hetherman as defensive coordinator. Collins has spent the past 13 seasons working for Fleck, who reshaped much of the defensive staff and hired former Purdue and SMU defensive coordinator Kevin Kane to coach nickelbacks and outside linebackers.
What went wrong : Fleck has lost several key assistants in recent years and Hetherman's departure to Miami -- after coordinating a top 10 defense in 2024 -- could sting a bit. Minnesota knew Ersery was NFL-bound, but losing Daniels (who started some games last season) as well as key reserve Martes Lewis created even more turnover for an offensive line that will look quite a bit different in 2025. The Gophers lost top receiver Daniel Jackson , one of only three players with more than 28 receptions last season. Despite Minnesota success on defense, it didn't land too many impact transfers.
What went right : Minnesota retained many of its core pieces, including first-team All-Big Ten nickel Koi Perich -- who will have a role on offense as well this fall -- and running back Darius Taylor . The team also added depth at both receiver and running back in the portal, which should help new quarterback Drake Lindsey . Offensive line transfers such as Marshall, who has starting experience from both UCF and Kent State, as well as Kahlee Tafai and Dylan Ray give the offensive line a chance to reload. Bowden had a good spring for the secondary, which has become one of Minnesota's signature position groups for NFL-level talent.
Connelly's take : Losing Hetherman and both starting cornerbacks hurts. The offense could benefit from portal upgrades in the skill corps, but having a fourth starting quarterback in four years -- and a redshirt freshman at that -- isn't great.
Key additions : QB Billy Edwards Jr., OLB Mason Reiger , DL Charles Perkins
Key departures : SHunter Wohler , RB Tawee Walker , WR Will Pauling
Top incoming recruits : QB Carter Smith , ILB Mason Posa , OT Logan Powell
Biggest coaching move : The Air Raid didn't work in Madison, as many coaches predicted it wouldn't, and new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is viewed as a return to Wisconsin's roots. Grimes played and coached offensive line and will emphasize the power run in different ways. Coach Luke Fickell also shifted Kenny Guiton, the former Ohio State quarterback, from wide receivers coach to oversee the QBs.
What went wrong : Wisconsin made the necessary pivot on offense to Grimes and a more traditional scheme, but did the team bring in enough through the portal? Edwards could stabilize the quarterback situation, but the Badgers lost Walker, their leading rusher, to Cincinnati and Pauling, their top receiver, to Notre Dame. Wisconsin seemingly upgraded the tight end spot with Ball State's Tanner Koziol , but he transferred out in the spring and the team scrambled to add Missouri State's Lance Mason . The Badgers' limited portal approach on offense outside of wide receiver and quarterback could be costly. Wisconsin addressed its depth needs on defense, but not adding a transfer running back seemed odd.
What went right : The Badgers correctly reset their offensive approach and Edwards has the talent to thrive in the right situation. Wisconsin also needed new bodies on defense after a season where it generated only 17 sacks and four interceptions. The team not only brought back linebacker Christian Alliegro , defensive backs Preston Zachman and Ricardo Hallman , and others, but added transfers like Reiger, cornerback Geimere Latimer II , outside linebacker Corey Parker and defensive linemen Perkins and Parker Petersen . The staff's ability to develop defensive transfers mostly from Group of 5 or FCS programs could make a massive difference this fall.
Connelly's take : The offense is undergoing extremely necessary changes, and the defense is adding a couple of known FBS starters and a number of smaller-school stars. The Badgers have top-20 returning production levels but incorporated some welcome changes.
Key additions : CB Dontay Joyner , TE Dorian Fleming , OT Rahtrel Perry
Key departures : WR Tai Felton , LB Caleb Wheatland , RB Roman Hemby
Top incoming recruits : DE Zahir Mathis , OT Jaylen Gilchrist , QB Malik Washington
Biggest coaching move : After a 4-8 season, coach Mike Locksley made significant changes to the staff, including bringing in veterans Pep Hamilton (offensive coordinator) and Ted Monachino (defensive coordinator). Both have NFL coordinator experience and have notable college stops, including Michigan and Stanford (Hamilton), and North Carolina and Arizona State (Monachino).
What went wrong : Maryland had more NFL draft picks (6) than wins (4) and saw several key contributors enter the portal. Starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr . and Hemby, a three-year starter, both transferred within the Big Ten at Wisconsin and Indiana, respectively. Maryland lacks a proven quarterback on the roster. Others to depart included defensive tackle Lavon Johnson (Texas), and offensive linemen Terez Davis (Ole Miss) and Jayvin James (Mississippi State). After a tough 2024 season on the offensive line, Maryland's room turned over significantly. A late defensive coordinator change creates potential flux with that unit, which lost four NFL draft picks.
What went right : Maryland addressed several areas of need in the portal with players such as Joyner, who had two interceptions against Big Ten teams last season for Arkansas State, and Perry, an intriguing standout from the FCS who could help stabilize the Terrapins' offensive front. Cornerback Jamare Glasker , who started at Wake Forest last season, also should help. Fleming is a good replacement for tight end Preston Howard , and Locksley has a good track record with receivers such as Jalil Farooq , a solid contributor at Oklahoma in 2022 and 2023 before missing almost all of last season with a broken foot.
Connelly's take : Adding new coordinators after both the offense and defense regressed could turn out to be a good thing, but the spring run of transfers was awfully alarming.
Key additions : CB Tony Grimes , DE CJ Nunnally IV , OT Jalen St. John
Key departures : TE Max Klare, S Dillon Thieneman, DE Will Heldt
Top incoming recruits : RB Ziaire Stevens , CB Zyntreacs Otey , DE Landon Brooks
Biggest coaching move : Despite Purdue's history on offense, the school went with another defensive-minded coach in Barry Odom after a very rough two seasons with Ryan Walters. Odom, who went 19-8 at UNLV, should provide a clear vision for improvement and hired a staff that includes several of his UNLV assistants as well as veteran newcomers such as offensive coordinator Josh Henson and quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw.
What went wrong : Purdue lost a huge group of coveted players to the portal. Klare, Thieneman and Heldt were all among the top transfers at their respective positions and landed with CFP contenders Ohio State, Oregon and Clemson. The Boilers also lost cornerbacks Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Green , both to Arizona State, defensive lineman Jeffrey M'ba (SMU), offensive lineman Mahamane Moussa (Louisville), wide receivers Jaron Tibbs (Kansas State) and Jahmal Edrine (Virginia) and others. Although retaining all-conference-level players during a coaching change is difficult, Odom certainly could have benefited from more returning starters on defense and a veteran quarterback transfer.
What went right : Odom and his staff had to be extremely aggressive in the portal and added key players on both sides of the ball. Grimes and St. John followed the coaches from UNLV to Purdue, along with linebacker Mani Powell , tight end Christian Moore and several others. The defensive additions are especially intriguing, as Purdue brought in Nunnally, a first-team All-MAC selection at Akron last fall, as well as safety Crew Wakley (BYU), cornerback Chad Brown (Nevada) and others. The staff retained running back Devin Mockobee , which will help with an inexperienced quarterback, and an interesting group of offensive lineman that includes Canadian college star Giordano Vaccaro .
Connelly's take : The Boilermakers have the worst returning production and recruiting rankings in the conference and therefore rank last here. But that's only because there's no "nowhere to go but up" factor built into the formula. Odom hasn't added known studs, but Purdue will have almost no choice but to improve in 2025.
Key additions : WR Malachi Fields , CB DeVonta Smith , WR Will Pauling
Key departures : S Xavier Watts , QBRiley Leonard , DT Rylie Mills
Top incoming recruits : OLB Madden Faraimo , OT Will Black , TE James Flanigan
Biggest coaching move : Notre Dame will miss defensive coordinator Al Golden, who won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach, before returning to the NFL. Coach Marcus Freeman went with experience in hiring Chris Ash -- the former Rutgers head coach and defensive coordinator at Ohio State, Texas, Arkansas and Wisconsin -- to oversee a defense that had four players selected in the NFL draft.
What went wrong : Notre Dame knew it would be losing several defensive standouts to the NFL, which played out during draft weekend. The Irish aren't a volume transfer portal team and returned a large group of defenders with starting experience. But the team's defensive transfer additions might have been a tad underwhelming, outside of defensive backs DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech). Notre Dame knew it likely couldn't carry three quarterbacks past spring practice, but Steve Angeli's portal entry leaves the Irish without any real game experience at the position. Three offensive linemen with starting experience Pat Coogan , Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton -- all transferred out.
What went right : The Irish kept their most important players, likely prevented a significant dip and set up another push for the CFP and a national title. Although teams can never have enough capable offensive linemen and some of the transfer departures sting, Notre Dame retained younger, more talented players who could form one of the nation's best O-lines for multiple seasons. Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiyah Love returns, but so do Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams , as Notre Dame will have arguably the nation's top running backs room. The Irish also addressed their biggest offensive need at wide receiver with transfers Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin).
Connelly's take : Freeman didn't need a ton of portal additions -- we'll see if he brought in enough at receiver -- and will be banking on a young blue-chip player at quarterback. Replacing Golden with Ash feels pretty uninspiring, but lord knows Ash will inherit some experienced pieces.
Key additions : WR Nic Anderson , WR Barion Brown , DB Mansoor Delane
Key departures : OLWill Campbell , TE Mason Taylor , DE Bradyn Swinson
Top incoming recruits : OT Solomon Thomas , CB DJ Pickett , RB Harlem Berry
Biggest coaching move : LSU had the quietest coaching staff offseason since Brian Kelly arrived on the Bayou in 2022. All of the team's primary coordinators are back and the only notable changes were at defensive line coach, with former LSU All-America defensive tackle Kyle Williams taking over for Bo Davis, and former Florida State OC Alex Atkins coming in as tight ends coach and run game coordinator.
What went wrong : The last-minute loss of No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood to Michigan, after the quarterback's nearly year-long commitment, was a brutal setback late in a season that ended with LSU outside the Top 25 at 9-4. Starting QB Garrett Nussmeier bypassing the NFL draft and returning for another season did help soften that blow, and the Tigers ended up losing only two starters -- receiver CJ Daniels (Miami) and DB Sage Ryan (Ole Miss) -- among the 22 scholarship players who entered the portal after the season.
What went right : LSU set out to build an elite portal class in December and won a lot of tough battles for proven starters at critical positions. Nussmeier gets to work with two extremely talented wideouts in Anderson (Oklahoma) and Brown (Kentucky), new additions at tight end and two of the top offensive linemen in the portal in center Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and guard Josh Thompson (Northwestern). Second-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker is getting a ton of help with five transfer D-linemen and four new DBs, and nobody will be shocked if Pickett, their five-star freshman cornerback, is playing early and often.
Connelly's take : Kelly retained one of the most proven quarterbacks in the SEC and brought in the most celebrated transfer class in the league as well. One might have suggested bringing in another O-lineman or two, but it sure seems like the Tigers enjoyed the best offseason this side of Norman.
Key additions : QB John Mateer , RB Jaydn Ott , LB Kendal Daniels
Key departures : LB Danny Stutsman , S Billy Bowman Jr ., WR Nic Anderson
Top incoming recruits : OT Michael Fasusi , DE CJ Nickson , WR Elijah Thomas
Biggest coaching move : Entering a pivotal year, coach Brent Venables made a major offensive coordinator hire in Ben Arbuckle, who brought Mateer with him from Washington State. Arbuckle coached Cam Ward and Mateer in Pullman, and he should immediately boost a Sooners offense that finished 97th nationally in scoring last season.
What went wrong : Almost nothing went right for the Sooners in 2024 across a disastrous SEC debut that resulted in the program's second losing season since 1998 and turned up the heat on Venables' seat. That prompted the offensive overhaul. Past Mateer, Ott, Florida State edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr . and Daniels marked Oklahoma's flashiest bits of portal business. But questions remain over whether the Sooners did enough to bolster the wide receiver and offensive line units that cratered their season a year ago.
What went right : Oklahoma got its quarterback situation sorted when it swapped Arnold (Auburn) for Mateer, who accounted for 3,319 passing yards and 44 total touchdowns last fall. The fourth-year passer provides the Sooners with dual-threat playmaking ability, but also a certain confidence Oklahoma sorely lacked in 2024. If he can stay healthy, Ott, who rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 scores in 2023, is another new weapon for Arbuckle's offense. And the Sooners added plenty of new options in the passing game with JaVonnie Gibson (UAPB) and Isaiah Sategna (Arkansas) among four new wide receivers joining returners Deion Burks and Jayden Gibson .
Connelly's take : No one needed a good offseason more desperately than Venables, but he probably put together the best offseason in college football. We'll see if it translates to wins against another brutal schedule, but Arbuckle, Mateer & Co. should produce a solid turnaround in the points department. Offseason national champions.
Key additions : WR Eric Singleton Jr ., QB Jackson Arnold , OL Xavier Chaplin
Key departures : RB Jarquez Hunter , WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith , LB Jalen McLeod
Top incoming recruits : CB Blake Woodby , DE Jared Smith , QB Deuce Knight
Biggest coaching move : Head coach Hugh Freeze retained his coordinators despite a 5-7 season but added several new position coaches, including Chad Lunsford, the former Georgia Southern coach, who will oversee special teams. Roc Bellantoni, an Auburn assistant in 2021 and 2022, returned as outside linebackers coach.
What went wrong : The Tigers endured a rough 2-6 run through SEC play in Year 2 under Freeze and still have more building to do, but it's clear this roster is heading in the right direction. Among the 23 scholarship players who hit the portal this offseason, only two -- OL Percy Lewis (Ole Miss) and DB Caleb Wooden (Arkansas) -- earned more than three starts last season. They experienced significant attrition in a couple of spots, with seven defensive backs and three backup quarterbacks moving on, but in most cases they recruited over their departures.
What went right : Freeze and his staff went into December determined to load up with a strong portal class and certainly accomplished their mission. The duo of Arnold and Knight gives this program an extremely bright future at quarterback. Arnold had a rocky season as Oklahoma's starter, but the former five-star recruit is working with a much better supporting cast on offense with Singleton, a coveted transfer from Georgia Tech, and Horatio Fields (Wake Forest) teaming up with rising sophomores Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons . Chaplin (Virginia Tech) was a massive get at left tackle. Nine incoming transfers on defense will help create a lot more competitive depth for a squad that is counting on a bunch of standouts from its 2024 recruiting class to shine as second-year players.
Connelly's take : There's continuity atop the coaching org chart, and there will be plenty of blue chippers on the two-deep. Hugh Freeze had a solid offseason as we're defining it, but the season will ride on whether Auburn's completely new quarterbacks room produces an SEC-caliber starter.
Key additions : DT Maraad Watson , TE Jack Endries , WR Emmett Mosley V
Key departures : OT Kelvin Banks Jr ., CBJahdae Barron , WR Matthew Golden
Top incoming recruits : DT Justus Terry , S Jonah Williams , WR Jaime Ffrench
Biggest coaching move : Coach Steve Sarkisian retained primary coordinators Pete Kwiatkowski (defense), Kyle Flood (offense) and Jeff Banks (special teams) after his second straight CFP run. He lost safeties coach Blake Gideon to Georgia Tech but replaced him with veteran Duane Akina, who coached Longhorns defensive backs under Mack Brown from 2001 to 2013.
What went wrong : It's hard to find much on this front with a Texas program that just reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. Quarterback Quinn Ewers sliding to the seventh round of the NFL draft was unfortunate, as was offensive tackle Cameron Williams falling to the sixth after going pro early. The Longhorns must replace 13 players who were in the starting lineup against the Buckeyes, nearly all of whom are now on NFL rosters. But as the Arch Manning era officially gets underway in Austin, Sarkisian has this program looking ready to reload.
What went right : This has been a smooth offseason in a lot of ways for Sarkisian and his staff entering Year 5. The Longhorns finished with ESPN's No. 1 ranked recruiting class , inking 17 ESPN 300 prospects and closing by winning a battle with Georgia for Terry, the No. 8 overall recruit. They dealt with minimal roster attrition and had no trouble addressing their few remaining needs in the portal. The staff boosted depth up front with five new D-linemen, found a new No. 1 tight end in Endries and upgraded on special teams with kicker Mason Shipley (Texas) and punter Jack Bouwmeester (Utah) coming in. A school-record 12 draft picks -- and 23 over the past two years -- show how far this program has come in four years under Sarkisian. Now the pressure is on to go play for a national title.
Connelly's take : If Manning takes the leap people expect, that could paper over a bunch of cracks, especially considering the continuity at coordinator. But even with good recruiting and decent portal work, losing four offensive line starters and your top four on the defensive line feels pretty scary.
Key additions : WR J.Michael Sturdivant , CB Micheal Caraway Jr ., DT Brendan Bett
Key departures : WR Chimere Dike , DT Cam Jackson , CB Jason Marshall Jr .
Top incoming recruits : WR Vernell Brown III , WR Dallas Wilson , ILB Ty Jackson
Biggest coaching move : Florida's defensive staff received a mini shakeup with Austin Armstrong joining Houston in the same role. Coach Billy Napier brought in Vinnie Sunseri, a rising young assistant with NFL and college experience, to replace Armstrong and work alongside veteran Ron Roberts. Deron Wilson also comes over from Arkansas to coach defensive backs.
What went wrong : The Gators salvaged their 2024 season and saved Napier's job in the back half of the 2024 season, then dove into as quiet of an offseason of roster turnover as an SEC program could seemingly ever ask for in 2025. Quarterback DJ Lagway 's limited participation in spring camp (shoulder) ahead of his first full season as a starter was not ideal, nor was losing the collection of talent that included Dike and leading tacklers Trikweze Bridges and Shemar James to the NFL. But the Gators held onto the deep base of young talent that fueled last fall's late-season resurgence and return seemingly well-equipped to contend with one of the nation's toughest schedules in 2025.
What went right : Florida has a quarterback in Lagway and a lead running back in Freshman All-SEC Jadan Baugh . But the Gators had work to do replacing Dike and 2024 receiving yards leader Elijhah Badger . Sturdivant arrives from UCLA as an experienced option, while ESPN 300 freshmen Brown, Wilson and Naeshaun Montgomery round out a young, talented wide receiver group around Eugene Wilson III , who returns after undergoing season-ending hip surgery last fall. The late addition of cornerback recruit J'Vari Flowers , No. 73 in the 2025 ESPN 300, marked an impressive final flourish for the Gators' 10th-ranked signing class.
Connelly's take : Florida has top-20 returning production levels, which can mean something pretty great when you finish the season as strong as the Gators did. The portal movement was light, which could turn out to be either a great sign (they already had what they needed) or a foreboding one (they overestimated what they had). We'll see.
Key additions : WR Zachariah Branch , WR Noah Thomas , LB Elo Modozie
Key departures : DL Mykel Williams , DL Jalon Walker , SMalaki Starks
Top incoming recruits : DT Elijah Griffin , DE Isaiah Gibson , OLB Zayden Walker
Biggest coaching move : Despite a shaky season on offense, coach Kirby Smart kept Mike Bobo as the unit's coordinator. Most of the on-field staff is back after defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and tight ends coach Todd Hartley received head coach interest. Smart promoted Andrew Thacker, the former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator to nickels/stars coach.
What went wrong : The SEC champs' season didn't end the way they'd hoped with a CFP quarterfinal exit, and the way it ended put them in a difficult position with their quarterback plan for 2025. The timing of Carson Beck's injury, draft declaration and belated portal decision made it tough to get involved in the transfer QB market. Smart and his staff briefly explored bringing in Fernando Mendoza but ultimately stuck with backup Gunner Stockton , who started the CFP game, as their best option. This year's squad must replace 13 NFL draft picks and 17 transfer departures but has a ton of young talent ready to step up.
What went right : Smart and his staff did an excellent job of addressing their roster needs over the course of the offseason. They secured serious upgrades at wide receiver in Branch (USC) and Thomas (Texas A&M) after finishing with 36 drops last season, most among all Power 4 offenses, per ESPN Research. Daylen Everette and Christen Miller bypassing the draft was big for their defense, and the Bulldogs got much-needed help at outside linebacker with the post-spring addition of Modozie, an All-AAC performer at Army, plus experienced depth at safety with three transfer pickups. Josh McCray , Illinois' leading rusher last season, is also coming in this summer to give Georgia a strong No. 2 back behind Nate Frazier .
Connelly's take : Recruiting will always be strong in Athens, but Smart has never shown much interest in mastering the portal; we'll see if that backfires after the loss of about 15 starters. (We'll see if loyalty to the offensive coordinator backfires, too.) The developmental pipeline must continue to produce.
7. Texas A&M AggiesKey additions : WR Kevin Concepcion , WR Mario Craver , CB Julian Humphrey
Key departures : DE Shemar Stewart , DE Nic Scourton , DTShemar Turner
Top incoming recruits : OT Lamont Rogers , WR Jerome Myles , CB Adonyss Currie
Biggest coaching move : Coach Mike Elko will have much-needed continuity on his staff entering Year 2, as coordinators Jay Bateman (defense) and Collin Klein (offense) are back. Elko added a notable assistant to the defensive staff in Lyle Hemphill, a former defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, Duke and, most recently, James Madison.
What went wrong : The Aggies' 2024 season peaked in a 38-23 win over LSU on Oct. 26. From there, Texas A&M slid heavily, dropping each of its last four games against Power 4 opponents. Likely most troubling to Elko is the fact that his defense gave up nearly 35 points per game across those losses. In 2025, Texas A&M is looking to rebuild better on defense, but without a trio of star defensive linemen who helped the Aggies create the 24th-most pressure in college football last fall. A failed transfer experiment with former five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson this spring marked a speed bump in the program's offseason efforts to reinforce its pass-catching depth.
What went right : The Aggies held onto all five starters from an offensive line that powered the SEC's second-leading rushing attack in 2024. That bodes well for second-year starting quarterback Marcel Reed and returning rushers Rueben Owens , Le'Veon Moss and Amari Daniels . As crucially, Texas A&M brought in much-needed talent at wide receiver between Concepcion (NC State), a former freshman All-American and Craver (Mississippi State), a 2024 breakout player. Texas tight end transfer Amari Niblack has the tools to replace Tre Watson 's downfield production from a year ago. On defense, transfers TJ Searcy (Florida), Tyler Onyedim (Iowa State) and Dayon Hayes (Colorado) will all play a role in Elko's revamped defensive line unit.
Connelly's take : A&M has what a lot of other SEC schools lack: continuity at coordinator, experience at quarterback and a veteran-heavy offensive line and secondary. There will be lots of new names, however, in the receiving corps and on the defensive front. Will Elko's portal work there stave off problems?
Key additions : WR Isaiah Horton , OL Kam Dewberry , TE Brody Dalton
Key departures : OL Tyler Booker , LB Jihaad Campbell , QB Jalen Milroe
Top incoming recruits : QB Keelon Russell , CB Dijon Lee Jr ., CB Ivan Taylor
Biggest coaching move : Coach Kalen DeBoer reunites with longtime friend and assistant Ryan Grubb, who will serve as Alabama's primary offensive coordinator after a year with the Seattle Seahawks. Grubb was instrumental in Washington's run to the national title game under DeBoer in 2023, and helped groom quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and other standouts.
What went wrong : The transition to Year 2 under DeBoer saw 23 scholarship players move on from the program, including running back Justice Haynes and defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr . transferring to Michigan, nickel DeVonta Smith going to Notre Dame and tackle Elijah Pritchett joining Nebraska. It's not surprising that all 23 of those outgoing players, most of whom were recruited by Nick Saban's staff, landed at other Power 4 programs. At a few spots, like wide receiver and tight end, the Tide will need young reserves or newcomers to step up and prove they're ready to contribute.
What went right : The Crimson Tide have a strong core of returning starters to build around with 14 players who started six-plus games in 2024. Quarterback is the big exception with Ty Simpson , Austin Mack and Russell competing for the starting gig. Simpson holds the lead following spring practice, but whoever earns the job will benefit from a strong supporting cast and Grubb's arrival in Tuscaloosa. Horton is a big 6-foot-4 target who put up 616 receiving yards at Miami last season. He'll form a trio with Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard that should be among the conference's best. On defense, the Tide did a nice job of fortifying their depth with quality portal additions like Nikhai Hill-Green (Colorado) and blue-chip recruits like Lee who could contribute early.
Connelly's take : DeBoer reunited with Grubb and neither needed nor got much out of the portal. He kept the blue-chip train rolling in recruiting, and Grubb has what he needs at quarterback, so everything should fall into place pretty nicely.
Each member of the SEC Now crew goes over their boldest predictions on who will have a breakout year, take home the SEC Championship, and potential Heisman candidates.
Key additions : QB Beau Pribula , RB Ahmad Hardy , DE Damon Wilson II
Key departures : WRLuther Burden III , OTArmand Membou , QB Brady Cook
Top incoming recruits : DE Javion Hilson , QB Matt Zollers , RB Marquise Davis
Biggest coaching move : Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has been mentioned as a candidate for other jobs, but he will return for his third year as Missouri moves on from longtime quarterback Brady Cook. Coach Eliah Drinkwitz selected Derek Nicholson, who has spent the past five seasons with Miami and Louisville, to lead the linebackers.
What went wrong : After leading Missouri to its first back-to-back 10-win seasons in a decade, Drinkwitz faces the challenge of getting the Tigers over the hump and into the program's first-ever CFP berth. He'll embark on that mission in 2025 without field general Brady Cook, star pass catcher Luther Burden III, No. 7 overall pick Armand Membou and top tacklers Corey Flagg Jr . and Johnny Walker Jr., all of whom landed in the NFL this spring. The portal departures of former ESPN 300 signees Williams Nwaneri and Jaylen Brown marked blips in an otherwise effective roster retool for the Tigers this offseason.
What went right : There's a lot of ifs on the roster, but if Missouri's portal moves pan out, the Tigers have potential to sustain another playoff pursuit. The program brought in Penn State transfer Beau Pribula to take over for Cook and added one of the nation's top young running backs in UL Monroe transfer Ahmad Hardy, who ran for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman last fall. Wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (Mississippi State) and tackles Keagen Trost (Wake Forest) and Jaylen Early (Florida State) arrive as respective potential replacements for Burden and Membou. The Tigers used the portal to fill holes on defense with former West Virginia linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive backs Stephen Hall (Washington State) and Jalen Catalon (UNLV) among the notable additions.
Connelly's take : Drinkwitz brought in a transfer for every starter lost -- 11 starters gone, 11 FBS starters incoming -- and held onto both coordinators. That's a good way of going about your business. We'll see if Pribula can turn out to be as good a close-game muse as Brady Cook, however: Mizzou was 10-1 in one-score finishes in 2023-24.
Key additions : RB Rahsul Faison , DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy , CB Brandon Cisse
Key departures : S Nick Emmanwori , DE Kyle Kennard , DT TJ Sanders
Top incoming recruits : WR Donovan Murph , WR Jordon Gidron , OT Damola Ajidahun
Biggest coaching move : The big change comes at offensive coordinator as Dowell Loggains landed the Appalachian State head coaching role. Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer promoted Mike Shula, the former Alabama coach and an NFL offensive coordinator with three teams, to take over the unit and continue working with star quarterback LaNorris Sellers .
What went wrong : The Gamecocks have big-time expectations going into 2025 and haven't run into many issues this offseason. They were able to get Sellers, DE Dylan Stewart and their key returning players locked in on new deals and did not lose any starters during the two portal windows. In fact, the 20 scholarship players who've transferred out combined for a grand total of one start last season. That one belonged to backup QB Robby Ashford , who's now competing to start at Wake Forest. His replacement, Ohio State transfer Air Noland , was a top-100 recruit in 2024. The Gamecocks' defense does need to replace five NFL draft picks, but they have players ready to step in at those spots.
What went right : South Carolina added a bunch of quality players to its two-deep via the portal, which should create competition and depth this fall. Faison could become one of the great steals of this portal cycle. The Utah State transfer still needs to get cleared for an extra season of eligibility by the NCAA but was one of the best backs in the Mountain West last season, rushing for 1,109 yards and eight TDs. Brownlow-Dindy, the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2022 ESPN 300, struggled to break through at Texas A&M but looks poised to contribute, and Cisse, a nine-game starter at NC State last season, could start as well. The portal class might not yield a high number of plug-and-play starters, but that's arguably a good thing. This team has enough coming back to not be overly reliant on its new arrivals.
Connelly's take : Beamer did his best to offset some mammoth losses on defense with portal newcomers, but experience levels definitely seem to be down on that side of the ball. That will put a lot of pressure on Sellers and a rebuilt offensive line to carry the load, but Sellers might be capable of doing just that.
Key additions : WR De'Zhaun Stribling , OL Patrick Kutas , DE Princewill Umanmielen
Key departures : QB Jaxson Dart , DT Walter Nolen , WR Tre Harris
Top incoming recruits : WR Caleb Cunningham , OT Devin Harper , CB Cortez Thomas
Biggest coaching move : Coach Lane Kiffin retained his staff after a 10-3 season, which will help as the Rebels replace eight NFL draft picks. Among the returnees is Joe Judge, the former New York Giants coach who served as an analyst in 2024 but will work as quarterbacks coach this coming season.
What went wrong : The Rebels shoved all-in for 2024 with one of the most talented portal classes in college football but came up short in their quest for a CFP bid, winning 10 games and finishing No. 11 in the AP poll. This offseason was inevitably going to bring massive roster turnover with the loss of a program-record eight draft picks plus 14 more undrafted players who were picked up by NFL teams. Add in 24 scholarship players transferring out of the program and you get a challenge that Kiffin and his staff clearly anticipated: building up a squad that will depend on lots of newcomers and new leaders this fall.
What went right : Kiffin's latest portal class might not have the headliners of last year's haul, but the Rebels have achieved a lot with the 28 players they've picked up. They've executed a major overhaul at wide receiver led by Stribling (Oklahoma State), Harrison Wallace III (Penn State), Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest) and Caleb Odom (Alabama) joining returning starter Cayden Lee . They've also brought in seven new transfer defensive backs, five new offensive linemen, one of the top tight ends available in Luke Hasz (Arkansas), an All-Sun Belt back in Damien Taylor (Troy) and plenty more experienced help throughout the depth chart.
Connelly's take : Once you've committed to using the portal as heavily as Kiffin has, you have to keep doing it. He couldn't quite match the production he lost with incoming production, however, and the Rebels will bring one of the league's lowest returning production averages to the table.
12. Vanderbilt CommodoresKey additions : WR Trent Hudson , OG Jordan White , S CJ Heard
Key departures : S De'Rickey Wright , OL Gunnar Hansen , S CJ Taylor
Top incoming recruits : CB Carson Lawrence , WR Cameran Dickson , CB Vanzale Hinton
Biggest coaching move : After coach Clark Lea served as Vanderbilt's defensive coordinator in 2024, he passed along the responsibilities to Steve Gregory, who served as associate defensive coordinator and secondary coach last fall. Lea also promoted Nick Lezynski to co-coordinator and hired Bob Shoop, a Vanderbilt DC under James Franklin from 2011 to 2013, as senior defensive analyst.
What went wrong : There wasn't much to complain about this offseason following Vanderbilt's first winning campaign since 2013. The question now: can reigning SEC Coach of the Year Clark Lea and the Commodores build on their momentum in 2025 ? The departures of four starting offensive linemen won't help, nor will the loss of two safeties who combined for 68 career starts. But Vanderbilt has the core of the team that upset No. 1 Alabama last October -- most notably quarterback Diego Pavia -- and returns with the pieces to contend for a second consecutive bowl appearance this fall.
What went right : The eligibility ruling that granted Pavia's return in 2025 marked the single biggest development of Vanderbilt's offseason. But the Commodores are bringing back more than just their quarterback. Tight end Eli Stowers , who led the program in catches (49), receiving yards (638) and touchdowns (five) last fall, returns alongside junior wide receiver Junior Sherrill and transfer newcomer Trent Hudson, Pavia's former New Mexico State teammate. Lead running back Sedrick Alexander is back following his most productive college season, and Vanderbilt returns its top three tacklers between linebackers Langston Patterson , Bryan Longwell and Randon Fontenette . Accounting for heavy losses on the offensive line, the Commodores added four transfers with starting experience in tackles Bryce Henderson (South Dakota) and Isaia Glass (Oklahoma State) and interior linemen White (Liberty) and Sterling Porcher (Texas Tech).
Connelly's take : They got Pavia back, and they rank in the top 10 in returning production. That's great. But recruiting is only ever going to be so good at VU, and the line in front of Pavia will be almost completely new. We'll see if last season's turnaround was a one-off or the start of something awesome in Nashville.
Key additions : QB Zach Calzada , RB Dante Dowdell , DL Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
Key departures : DT Deone Walker , WR Dane Key , WR Barion Brown
Top incoming recruits : DE Javeon Campbell , TE Mikkel Skinner , QB Stone Saunders
Biggest coaching move : Coach Mark Stoops recently has faced a bit of a revolving door at wide receivers coach, making new hires each of the past two winters. He brought in L'Damian Washington, a rising 33-year-old who coached South Florida's receivers the past two seasons and played wideout in the SEC at Missouri.
What went wrong : The Wildcats lost several key pieces this offseason between draft exits for defenders Deone Walker, Zion Childress and Jamon Dumas-Johnson and the portal departures of leading pass catcher Dane Key (Nebraska) and Barion Brown (LSU). But Stoops and Kentucky were ready for a roster overhaul following the 4-8 finish that snapped the program's eight-year bowl streak last fall. Reloaded on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the Wildcats have retooled with a more Stoops-like roster capable of playing the type of physical football that's powered Kentucky's best teams over the past decade-plus.
What went right : The Wildcats gave up 35 sacks last fall (109th nationally) and responded by adding four experienced starters along the offensive line, led by tackles Shiyazh Pete (New Mexico State) and Alex Wollschlaeger (Bowling Green) and former Western Kentucky center Evan Wibberley . Kentucky turned to the portal for veteran defensive line talent, too. Defensive tackle David Gusta (Washington State) and Humphrey-Grace (South Dakota) will anchor a new-look unit up front in 2025. Stoops hired a rising talent to coach receivers in Washington and brought in seven newcomers at the position, including transfers Kendrick Law (Alabama), Troy Stellato (Clemson) and JJ Hester (Oklahoma). Calzada, the former Texas A&M, Auburn and Incarnate Word quarterback, and former Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell round out a revamped offense in Lexington.
Connelly's take : After his worst season since 2013, Stoops needed a great offseason to get back on track. It doesn't really seem like he got it. Despite tons of new blood for the offense, the QB options are either unproven or uninspiring. The new pass rushers could be excellent, at least.
Key additions : QB Joey Aguilar , RB Star Thomas , OG Wendell Moe Jr .
Key departures : QB Nico Iamaleava , RBDylan Sampson , DE James Pearce Jr .
Top incoming recruits : OT David Sanders , DT Isaiah Campbell , QB George MacIntyre
Biggest coaching move : Coach Josh Heupel kept his coordinators, including Broyles Award finalist Tim Banks, after reaching the CFP. His staff had minimal changes, as he promoted analysts Levorn "Chop" Harbin (outside linebackers) and Evan Crabtree (special teams coordinators) to on-field roles, and hired former Central Michigan coach John Bonamego, a longtime NFL special teams guru, to work with Crabtree.
What went wrong : The Vols entered 2025 prepared to build on the program's first-ever CFP appearance behind Nico Iamaleava, the former top quarterback recruit who appeared poised to take another jump in his second season as starter. Circumstances aside, Iamaleava's late-spring departure for UCLA was a worst-case scenario for Tennessee's 2025 season. The Vols made a solid recovery in the quarterback "swap" with UCLA transfer and former Appalachian State passer Joey Aguilar, but the Iamaleava saga marked a disastrous ending to an otherwise quiet offseason that saw Tennessee's biggest losses come in the NFL draft.
What went right : Landing Aguilar, it should be reiterated, was a major boon for the Vols considering the timing of Iamaleava's exit. However, if Iamaleava's accuracy and reading of defenses was a problem at times, Aguilar -- who completed 55.9% of his passes and threw 14 picks in 2024 -- might not be a perfect solution. Filling the shoes of 2024 SEC rushing yards and touchdown leader Dylan Sampson won't be simple, but Tennessee should have healthy competition at the position between returners DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis and Thomas (871 rushing yards, seven touchdowns in 2024 at Duke). The addition of Moe, a 27-game starter in three seasons at Arizona, could prove especially important if the Vols go with Sanders, a five-star freshman at right tackle.
Connelly's take : Iamaleava didn't leave an impossible bar to clear at quarterback, but obviously the timing of that saga was about as suboptimal as possible. Still, the Vols enjoy extreme continuity on defense, and considering how well the defense played last season, that could be a very good thing.
Key additions : WR O'Mega Blake , OT Corey Robinson II , RB Mike Washington
Key departures : DE Landon Jackson , WR Isaac TeSlaa , WR Andrew Armstrong
Top incoming recruits : OLB Tavion Wallace , DT Kevin Oatis , DT Reginald Vaughn
Biggest coaching move : After a splashy offseason in 2024 that included Bobby Petrino's return to Arkansas, things were much quieter this spring. Coach Sam Pittman's only on-field staff change came with the secondary, as Nick Perry arrives after NFL stops with Seattle and Atlanta.
What went wrong : Few programs lost more volume (and some quality) in the transfer portal this offseason than the Razorbacks, prompting another roster retool for Pittman ahead of a crucial sixth season in charge. The list of key transfer departures includes offensive linemen Patrick Kutas (Ole Miss) and Addison Nichols (SMU), wide receiver Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma) and tight end Luke Hasz (Ole Miss). Arkansas worked the portal plenty hard, too. But, at least on paper, the Razorbacks failed to pull in the kind of bona fide, proven contributors needed to account for the NFL draft losses of top rusher Ja'Quinden Jackson , SEC receiving yards leader Andrew Armstrong and a handful of defensive starters, led by defensive end Landon Jackson .
What went right : The Razorbacks had to rebuild on the offensive line after giving up 36 sacks that ranked 114th nationally. They'll hope the portal additions of six offensive linemen, headlined by Robinson, Oregon's Shaq McRoy and UCF's Caden Kitler , can provide a platform for Taylen Green , and keep the dynamic redshirt senior quarterback upright. Arkansas worked hard to provide Green with new downfield targets, too, with Blake (Charlotte), Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State) and former All-AAC return man Kam Shanks (UAB) among five transfer wide receivers on the roster. Former Montana State tight end Rohan Jones (30 catches, 470 yards, nine touchdowns in 2024) arrives as another potential playmaker if he can adjust to the physicality of SEC football.
Connelly's take : It's a make-or-break year for Pittman in Fayetteville, and it's unclear whether he made the right portal moves or simply made a lot of them. The season -- and the fate of Pittman's tenure -- could come down to whether the attempted upgrades in the receiving corps and secondary come up big.
Key additions : RB Fluff Bothwell , QB Luke Kromenhoek , DL Red Hibbler
Key departures : WR Kevin Coleman Jr ., WR Mario Craver , CB Brice Pollock
Top incoming recruits : OLB Tyler Lockhart , OLB Tyshun Willis , QB KaMario Taylor
Biggest coaching move : Despite a 2-10 season, coach Jeff Lebby brought back his primary coordinators but made some other changes, including plucking two assistants -- Phil Loadholt (offensive line) and Vincent Dancy (defensive ends/outside linebackers) -- from Colorado's staff. Loadholt, a Minnesota Vikings lineman from 2009-15, previously worked with Lebby at Oklahoma and Ole Miss.
What went wrong : Lebby and his coaches inherited a serious roster rebuild and are hard at work trying to build up a team that can keep up in the SEC after a winless run through conference play in Year 1. It was a high-attrition offseason as one would expect after a 2-10 season, with 33 scholarship players transferring out, though only four of them -- Coleman (Missouri), Pollock (Texas Tech), QB Michael Van Buren Jr . (LSU) and OL Makylan Pounders (Louisville) -- started more than six games last season. In fact, more than half of Mississippi State's departures ended up at G5 or FCS programs. The portal can help expedite rebuilds, but the process of building up a truly competitive, experienced two-deep is likely going to require some time and patience.
What went right : Mississippi State has a much brighter future at quarterback going forward thanks to the arrival of Taylor and Kromenhoek, a Florida State transfer. Sixth-year senior QB Blake Shapen opting to return for another season takes some pressure off those former ESPN 300 recruits, but they're going to catch up quickly. Bothwell, an All-Sun Belt performer as a freshman at South Alabama, gives the Bulldogs a strong trio of backs, and they've remade their receiver room with six portal pickups. Lebby has also overhauled up front by bringing in seven transfer offensive linemen and eight defensive line/edge additions. If they can achieve a solid hit rate among their more than 30 portal newcomers, expect good progress in Year 2.
Connelly's take : As expected after a dreadful debut season, Lebby had lots of holes to fill and did his best. We'll see if the offense has the weapons it needs, but at the very least the Bulldogs should be much deeper and more experienced in the trenches. And Fluff Bothwell could turn out to be an absolute steal.
1. LSU Tigers : A combination of player/staff retention and some much-needed portal upgrades puts coach Brian Kelly's team in the top spot. The Tigers get quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for another year, brought back linebacker Harold Perkins Jr . from injury and addressed key positions through the portal, including wide receiver, safety and both lines.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders : From a purely personnel standpoint, Texas Tech might have been the team of the offseason, doubling down in investments. The team retained general manager James Blanchard, made strong coordinator hires in Mack Leftwitch and Shiel Wood, and pounded the portal, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. A CFP push in Lubbock could be coming.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions : Not every great offseason stems from heavy portal additions. Penn State improved its roster, especially at a lagging wide receiver spot with Trebor Pena and others, but it also kept NFL prospects Drew Allar , Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield, and made the top coordinator hire of the winter in Jim Knowles from Ohio State.
4. Oregon Ducks : Dan Lanning has made Oregon a place where people want to work and play. He retained almost his entire staff from the Big Ten championship team. The Ducks kept wide receiver Evan Stewart and several key defenders. They also added All-Big Ten defensive backs Dillon Thieneman and Theran Johnson , Doak Walker Award semifinalist Makhi Hughes and others from the portal.
5. Clemson Tigers : Coach Dabo Swinney's aversion to transfers often made Clemson an unlikely candidate for a top offseason. But this winter, Swinney went to the portal for defensive end Will Heldt and others. Clemson also kept quarterback Cade Klubnik , talented defensive linemen TJ Parker and Peter Woods and a dynamic group of receivers from the ACC championship team. He also upgraded the defensive staff with coordinator Tom Allen.
6. Oklahoma Sooners : OU needed a big offseason after a disappointing 2024 and delivered. An embattled offense landed the Pullman package deal of coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer from Washington State. OU added help around Mateer with running back Jaydn Ott and others. The team also has a clear personnel direction with Jim Nagy, the former Senior Bowl executive director.
7. Auburn Tigers : The financial clout we heard about during Auburn's courtship of Lane Kiffin showed up this offseason. Auburn bolstered its receiving corps with Eric Singleton Jr . and others, added coveted offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin and gave quarterback Jackson Arnold a reset opportunity. Coach Hugh Freeze should have what he needs for a Year 3 breakthrough.
8. Miami Hurricanes : The Hurricanes' inclusion here will undoubtedly trigger some eye rolls, but Miami continues to thrive in the offseason. Quarterback Carson Beck could be one of the best portal pickups, and Miami also added notable transfers at wide receiver, defensive back and offensive line. The team retained offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and made a strong defensive coordinator hire in Corey Hetherman.
9. Illinois Fighting Illini : When teams like Illinois have 10-win seasons, the biggest challenge is often retention. Coach Bret Bielema not only kept his staff together but brought back a group of NFL draft hopefuls, even fending off a late Tennessee push for quarterback Luke Altmyer . The Illini also kept national awards candidate Gabe Jacas in the linebacker corps and addressed their primary need at wide receiver through the portal.
10. Arizona State Sun Devils : After a shocking run to the Big 12 title and the CFP, Arizona State is positioned well for an encore. Coach Kenny Dillingham didn't lose key assistants, has quarterback Sam Leavitt back in the fold along with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and others. ASU also helped its offensive backfield with running back Kanye Udoh and made other strong additions at wide receiver and in the secondary.
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