Qui a remporté l'intersaison ? Nous analysons chaque équipe du Power 4.
L'intersaison du football universitaire était autrefois marquée par des turbulences légères à modérées de décembre à février, suivies d'une période de calme. Ce n'est plus le cas.
L'intersaison arrive par vagues, bouleversant les effectifs et les staffs d'entraîneurs, parfois à plusieurs reprises, avant que la situation ne se stabilise. Chaque équipe doit être prête à minimiser les pertes et à réaliser des gains significatifs. Ceux qui réussissent peuvent écrire l'histoire. Ceux qui échouent peuvent aussi écrire l'histoire. Il suffit de regarder Indiana et Florida State en 2024.
Adam Rittenberg, Max Olson, Eli Lederman et Bill Connelly, journalistes de football universitaire d'ESPN, se sont lancés dans la tâche titanesque de classer les intersaisons de chaque équipe du Power 4, ainsi que de Notre Dame, finaliste nationale. Certaines équipes comptaient plus de joueurs inscrits à la draft NFL ou simplement hors d'éligibilité que d'autres. Nous avons pris en compte ces pertes, mais avons concentré notre analyse sur trois points :
Conservation des joueurs clés (non éligibles au repêchage)
Maintien des entraîneurs clés ou reclassement du personnel
Ajouts de joueurs, principalement via le portail de transfert, mais également via les recrues des lycées
Ces trois éléments sont importants pour que ces équipes se construisent une place en conférence et se qualifient pour les Playoffs universitaires. Un impressionnant nombre de joueurs provenant du portail ne garantit pas forcément une excellente intersaison, surtout si l'équipe perd également des joueurs et des entraîneurs qu'elle souhaitait conserver. Les équipes qui n'ont pas beaucoup progressé grâce au portail, mais qui ont conservé des joueurs et des entraîneurs adjoints convoités, se retrouvent quant à elles avec des intersaisons à célébrer.
Voici nos classements conférence par conférence et la répartition des équipes, ainsi qu'une liste nationale des 10 meilleures intersaisons.
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Ajouts clés : DE Will Heldt , WR Tristan Smith , LB Jeremiah Alexander
Départs clés : RB Phil Mafah , LB Barrett Carter , DB RJ Mickens
Meilleures recrues entrantes : DT Amare Adams , RB Gideon Davidson , DE Ari Watford
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : Les Tigers avaient besoin d'un remaniement défensif, et l'entraîneur Dabo Swinney a recruté un grand nom en la personne de Tom Allen, coordinateur défensif de Penn State, demi-finaliste national, pour Clemson. Allen, ancien entraîneur principal de l'Indiana, a supervisé une défense de Penn State qui a terminé 8e au niveau national en points encaissés et apportera expérience et dynamisme à une unité de Clemson en forte baisse l'automne dernier.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Il n'y a pas grand-chose à critiquer au cours d'une intersaison relativement calme, quoique efficace, pour une équipe de Clemson qui revient bien positionnée pour une nouvelle participation aux playoffs. Pour pinailler, il convient de souligner le manque de remplaçants confirmés et de haut niveau des Tigers pour le coureur de 1 115 yards Phil Mafah et le double secondeur All-America Barrett Carter. Le freshman quatre étoiles Gideon Davidson pourrait s'imposer comme l'un des meilleurs rushers de première année du pays, et le secondeur All-America de première année Sammy Brown, sélectionné en 2024, semble être le prochain grand secondeur de Clemson. Cependant, les ambitions des Tigers en séries éliminatoires dépendront au moins en partie du développement de jeunes joueurs à deux postes clés.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Clemson a finalement saisi l'opportunité de transfert pour un gros poisson. Allen est arrivé pour redynamiser une attaque offensive des Tigers, et Swinney & Co. lui a offert un joueur de premier plan avec Will Heldt, un défenseur de troisième année de Purdue qui a enregistré 56 plaquages et cinq sacks l'automne dernier. Avec l'arrivée de Heldt au sein d'une ligne défensive de retour menée par TJ Parker et Peter Woods , Allen et Clemson ont l'étoffe d'un front défensif redoutable en 2025. Le receveur de passes transféré Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State) a fait sensation grâce à une performance exceptionnelle lors du match de printemps et rejoint une équipe de receveurs des Tigers bien fournie après avoir capté 76 passes pour 943 yards et six touchdowns en 2024.
L'avis de Connelly : Les Tigers sont en tête du pays en termes de production de retour et ont potentiellement amélioré leur coordinateur défensif. C'est une intersaison plutôt réussie ! Le seul frein à leur progression est un recrutement plutôt réussi. C'est une bonne chose que Swinney utilise désormais le portail des transferts, mais il ne l'utilise encore que très peu .
Ajouts clés : QB Carson Beck , DB Xavier Lucas , DT David Blay
Départs clés : QB Cam Ward , WR Xavier Restrepo , LB Francisco Mauigoa
Meilleures recrues entrantes : OC SJ Alofaituli , CB Jaboree Antoine , WR Joshua Moore
Changement d'entraîneur majeur : Miami avait besoin de redynamiser sa défense, et l'entraîneur Mario Cristobal s'est tourné vers Corey Hetherman, fort d'une expérience réussie comme coordinateur FBS à Minnesota et James Madison. Hetherman a supervisé une défense des Gophers classée 5e au niveau national en yards concédés et 9e en points concédés l'automne dernier.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Miami a manqué plusieurs quarterbacks pour remplacer Cam Ward, dont son ancien coéquipier à Washington State et transféré à Oklahoma, John Mateer , avant de recruter Carson Beck. La même blessure au LCL qui a mis fin à la saison 2024 de Beck l'a tenu à l'écart des terrains pendant le camp de printemps et sera un sujet à suivre jusqu'à l'automne. Sept choix de draft NFL – le plus haut total du programme depuis 2017 – et plus d'une douzaine de départs depuis le portail laissent aux Hurricanes une production importante à remplacer, notamment au poste de receveur.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Cristobal a recruté Beck et a renforcé ses talents autour de lui dans une attaque de Miami rénovée pendant l'intersaison. Les receveurs CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU) et Tony Johnson (Cincinnati) transférés présentent de nouvelles options intéressantes au sein d'une équipe qui a perdu ses six meilleurs receveurs de 2024. L'ancien pivot d'Alabama et de TCU , James Brockermeyer, rejoint ce qui pourrait devenir la ligne offensive la plus solide de Cristobal depuis sa prise de contrôle des Hurricanes. CharMar Brown, transféré de North Dakota State, rejoint Mark Fletcher Jr. et Jordan Lyle dans un backfield profond. La première priorité d'Hetherman sera de réparer une défense secondaire défaillante qui a connu des difficultés pendant la deuxième moitié de la saison 2024. Un casting de nouveaux venus transférés, avec en tête Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin), Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Ethan O'Connor (Washington State) et Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State), offre au coordinateur de première année de nombreuses opportunités de travail.
L'avis de Connelly : Recrutement ? Bien. Changement de coordinateur défensif ? Nécessaire. Si Hetherman est la bonne recrue et que Beck est en bonne santé et excellent, Miami s'est amélioré pendant l'intersaison. Mais ce ne sont que deux « si ».
Lane Kiffin fait une blague sur le contrat de 4,3 millions de dollars entre Carson Beck et Miami.
Ajouts clés : QB Darian Mensah , DT Josiah Green , DB Caleb Weaver
Départs clés : G Caleb Krings , DT Kendy Charles , WR Jordan Moore
Meilleures recrues entrantes : DE Bryce Davis , OLB Bradley Gompers , WR Jamien Little
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : la capacité de Manny Diaz à conserver ses deux coordinateurs principaux et d'autres après une saison de neuf victoires est remarquable, et il a comblé le poste de running back vacant avec Chris Foster de Northwestern. Fort de son expérience acquise au sein de l'État, notamment à East Carolina et à Appalachian State, il a entraîné des backs exceptionnels comme Keaton Mitchell et travaillera avec le vétéran back Jaquez Moore , de retour après une saison marquée par les blessures.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Les Blue Devils ont beaucoup perdu au poste de receveur avec les départs de Jordan Moore et d'Eli Pancol, qui ont cumulé 115 réceptions pour 1 659 yards et 17 touchdowns. Duke a vraiment besoin du soutien des transferts d'Andrel Anthony , qui n'a joué que huit snaps la saison dernière après une blessure au genou, et de Cooper Barkate , sélectionné FCS All-America à Harvard. Les Blue Devils ont également été peu nombreux à recruter des joueurs défensifs, malgré la perte de plusieurs de leurs meilleurs joueurs de ce côté du ballon, notamment les meilleurs plaqueurs Ozzie Nicholas , Alex Howard et Cameron Bergeron .
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Après une saison de neuf victoires lors de la première année de Diaz, Duke n'a montré aucun signe de baisse de régime. Bien que le quarterback Maalik Murphy ait établi des records lors de sa seule saison avec les Blue Devils, Duke a eu l'audace de recruter le quarterback Darian Mensah, mieux adapté à l'attaque du coordinateur Jonathan Brewer. Il reste à Mensah trois ans d'éligibilité. Les Blue Devils ont également conservé plusieurs de leurs meilleurs joueurs non seniors, dont le cornerback exceptionnel Chandler Rivers et le tackle offensif Brian Parker II . Ils n'ont pas recruté beaucoup de transferts défensifs, mais Josiah Green et Jaiden Francois devraient les aider. Diaz a conservé la quasi-totalité de son staff.
Le point de vue de Connelly : Diaz a décroché l'un des meilleurs quarts-arrière du portail et bénéficiera d'une solide continuité à l'approche de la deuxième année. Le roulement dans le corps des compétences et au poste de secondeur fait cependant un peu mal.
Ajouts clés : QB Tommy Castellanos , WR Duce Robinson , CB Jeremiah Wilson
Départs clés : CB Azareye'h Thomas , DTJoshua Farmer , WR Ja'Khi Douglas
Meilleures recrues entrantes : RB Ousmane Kromah , DT Kevin Wynn , OT Chastan Brown
Plus grand changement d'entraîneur : Après une chute vertigineuse de 13-1 à 2-10, l'entraîneur Mike Norvell a dû remanier son équipe en faisant appel aux coordinateurs Gus Malzahn (attaque) et Tony White (défense). Malzahn est un nom emblématique – ancien entraîneur principal à UCF, Auburn et Arkansas State, qui a encadré Norvell –, mais White pourrait avoir un impact encore plus important, en tant que disciple de Rocky Long, reconnu pour son efficacité en défense.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Les Seminoles ont probablement connu une forte rotation de leur effectif après la campagne 2024 désastreuse du programme, mais ils ont perdu plusieurs anciennes recrues de premier ordre, comme le quarterback Luke Kromenhoek , le receveur Hykeem Williams et l'ailier défensif Marvin Jones Jr. Le départ du receveur Jordan Scott, qui avait rejoint le programme en janvier, a marqué une nouvelle déception. Une série d'ajouts tardifs lors du cycle de recrutement 2025 n'a pas suffi à compenser les désengagements de 10 prospects ESPN 300 l'automne dernier.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : L'automne nous le dira, mais Norvell semble avoir franchi deux étapes positives vers un redressement avec les recrutements de Malzahn et White comme coordinateurs, et tous deux auront à gérer une multitude de transferts. Tommy Castellanos arrive avec de nouvelles armes en Duce Robinson (2,08 m) et l'ancien sprinter du Tennessee Squirrel White derrière une ligne offensive repensée. En défense, White amène avec lui James Williams , le passeur vedette de 2024 (5,0 sacks l'automne dernier), du Nebraska, à une ligne offensive remaniée avec sept transferts au total. Jeremiah Wilson, n° 11 au classement du portail de printemps d'ESPN, arrive de Houston et représente un ajout potentiellement important dans la défense secondaire.
Le point de vue de Connelly : Nous verrons dans quelle mesure une amélioration est possible après un effondrement presque sans précédent, mais Norvell a lavé autant de puanteur du programme qu'il le pouvait, en particulier du côté offensif du ballon.
Ajouts clés : QB Chandler Morris , WR Jahmal Edrine , S Devin Neal
Départs clés : S Jonas Sanker , WR Malachi Fields , C Brian Stevens
Meilleures recrues entrantes : QB Cole Geer , OLB Isaiah Reese , WR Isaiah Robinson
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : Le statu quo règne à Charlottesville, l'entraîneur Tony Elliott ayant conservé l'intégralité de son staff de 2024, année où l'équipe avait enregistré deux victoires de plus. Après une offensive offensive sur le portail des transferts, Virginia mise sur la continuité avec les coordinateurs Des Kitchings (attaque) et John Rudzinski (défense), et un staff qui a tenté de reconstruire le programme.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Pas grand-chose, car Virginia a connu son intersaison la plus fluide et la plus productive sous la direction d'Elliott. L'équipe a cependant perdu son meilleur receveur, Malachi Fields, au profit de Notre Dame, ainsi que son tight end numéro 1,Tyler Neville . Bien que Jahmal Edrine soit un ajout intéressant, il a de grandes chances de relancer l'attaque par la passe avec Chandler Morris. Jonas Sanker a été la seule sélection de Virginia dans la première équipe All-ACC en 2024, et il laisse un vide important après avoir mené l'équipe au total des plaquages (98) et des plaquages pour perte (8,5). La ligne offensive de Virginia a connu un renouvellement important par rapport à la saison dernière, avec sept ajouts via le portail. Des transferts expérimentés devraient aider, mais le groupe doit encore trouver comment s'intégrer.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Virginia a intensifié ses investissements et son agressivité dans le portail pour offrir à Elliott ce qui devrait être sa meilleure équipe depuis sa prise de fonction comme entraîneur-chef. L'équipe a recruté un quarterback expérimenté en la personne de Morris, auteur de 3 774 yards à la passe et de 31 touchdowns pour North Texas la saison dernière, ainsi qu'une belle assurance en la personne de Daniel Kaelin, transféré du Nebraska. Edrine fait partie des ajouts clés en attaque, et Virginia a renforcé son jeu de retour avec Cam Ross, de James Madison. Virginia a fortement encouragé les transferts de la ligne offensive, et ses ajouts défensifs pourraient vraiment se démarquer, notamment le secondeur Mitchell Melton (Ohio State), le safety Devin Neal (Louisville) et le cornerback Ja'son Prevard (Morgan State).
Le point de vue de Connelly : Elliott a conservé ses coordinateurs et a recruté des meneurs de jeu prometteurs via le portail. C'est une bonne chose, même si le fait qu'il ait eu besoin d'autant de transferts après trois saisons n'est pas un signe encourageant de l'émergence d'une culture d'entreprise forte.
Ajouts clés : QB Miller Moss , LB Clev Lubin , WR TreyShun Hurry
Départs clés : QB Tyler Shough , DE Ashton Gillotte , CB Quincy Riley
Meilleures recrues entrantes : DE CJ May , ILB Caleb Matelau , WR Kamare Williams
Plus grand changement d'entraîneur : Deion Branch faisait partie de l'équipe de soutien de Louisville et avait même assuré l'intérim de l'entraîneur-chef lors de la victoire au bowl en 2022. En février, il a rejoint les entraîneurs sur le terrain à un poste qu'il connaît bien : celui de receveur. Le MVP du Super Bowl XXXIX a brillé pour Louisville, remportant les honneurs de la première équipe All-League, et entraînera désormais un groupe comprenant les seniors Caullin Lacy et Chris Bell .
Ce qui a mal tourné : Entre les diplômes de Michael Gonzalez et Jonathan Mendoza et les départs de Monroe Mills (Virginie) et Austin Collins (Syracuse), les Cardinals ont perdu quatre de leurs cinq meilleurs joueurs de ligne offensive, en termes de snaps, par rapport à l'année dernière. Louisville a renforcé son équipe avec l'arrivée de six joueurs de ligne transférés durant l'intersaison. Ce groupe est mené par Mahamane Moussa (Purdue), Naeer Jackson (Florida International) et Makylan Pounders (Mississippi State), mais cette unité offensive, peu éprouvée, reste un handicap potentiel pour une attaque pourtant bien fournie. Les Cardinals ont connu un turnover similaire dans la défense secondaire, où le programme a recruté cinq transferts – dont un seul issu du Power 4 – pour remplacer quatre titulaires à l'arrière.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Les Cardinals ont conservé les running backs Isaac Brown (1 527 yards polyvalents en 2024) et Duke Watson , et ont recruté les receveurs de portail Dacari Collins (NC State) et TreyShun Hurry (San Jose State), ainsi que les receveurs vétérans Lacy et Bell. Ensemble, ils entoureront le quarterback transféré de l'USC Miller Moss, qui remplace Tyler Shough au sein d'une attaque qui a terminé 13e au niveau national en yards par match (449,2) l'an dernier. Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina) rejoint les Cardinals après avoir réalisé 9,5 sacks lors de sa première saison FBS l'automne dernier. Il s'agit d'un ajout précieux à l'intersaison, aux côtés de trois autres nouveaux venus transférés, au sein d'une unité de ligne défensive, remplaçant six joueurs ayant cumulé plus de 200 plaquages l'automne dernier.
Le point de vue de Connelly : L'entraîneur Jeff Brohm est rapidement devenu l'un des joueurs les plus fiables du pays, et ses Cardinals comptent parmi leurs joueurs vedettes des running backs. Mais devoir combler de nombreux postes vacants au poste de receveur, de ligne offensive, de ligne défensive et de demi défensif ouvre de nombreuses perspectives de régression.
Ajouts clés : WR Eric Rivers , OT Malachi Carney , DL Akelo Stone
Départs clés : WR Eric Singleton Jr. , TEJackson Hawes , DT Zeek Biggers
Meilleures recrues entrantes : OT Josh Petty , S Tae Harris , DT Christian Garrett
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : Après le départ de son coordinateur défensif Tyler Santucci, parti en NFL, l'entraîneur Brent Key a choisi l'assistant texan Blake Gideon pour diriger l'unité. Gideon n'a pas été coordinateur défensif – il a supervisé les équipes spéciales à Houston et Ole Miss – mais il possède une vaste expérience en défense, où il a brillé au poste de safety pour le Texas avant d'entraîner les arrières défensifs dans quatre programmes.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Le départ d'Eric Singleton Jr. n'était pas totalement inattendu, mais il a été douloureux, car il a apporté une vitesse d'élite au jeu de passe de Georgia Tech, avec une moyenne de 13,5 yards par réception. Les Yellow Jackets ont perdu d'autres transferts notables, comme le plaqueur offensif Corey Robinson II , sélectionné avec mention honorable au sein de l'All-ACC et arrivé à Arkansas, et le secondeur Romello Height , parti à Texas Tech. Le départ de Santucci après seulement une saison crée un risque de perturbation en défense. Bien que Gideon soit prometteur, il n'a jamais occupé de poste de coordinateur défensif principal auparavant.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : Après une saison au cours de laquelle Georgia Tech a remporté de gros matchs mais aurait pu en gagner davantage au total, l'effectif est prêt pour de grandes choses cet automne. Key a conservé son arrière-champ offensif titulaire, le quarterback Haynes King et le running back Jamal Haynes , ainsi que le quarterback remplaçant Aaron Philo , qui pourrait être essentiel, compte tenu des antécédents de blessures de King. Le leader des réceptions, Malik Rutherford, est également de retour après avoir brièvement envisagé un transfert en décembre. Comme l'a récemment expliqué son collègue Dan Murphy , le safety Clayton Powell-Lee a été très proche d'entrer dans le portail avant de revenir. Le talentueux meneur offensif Buster Faulkner est également de retour au travail avec King.
L'avis de Connelly : Conserver le duo Faulkner-King était une excellente chose, tout comme l'ajout des deux meilleurs joueurs de FIU à un groupe de joueurs déjà rapide. Cependant, compte tenu de l'importance de la performance physique pour le succès de 2024, le turnover dans les tranchées est inquiétant.
Ajouts clés : DE Jahkai Lang , OG Addison Nichols , DT Jeffrey M'Ba
Principaux départs : RB Brashard Smith , DT Jared Harrison-Hunte , DE Elijah Roberts
Meilleures recrues entrantes : OT Dramodd Odoms , QB Ty Hawkins , WR Daylon Singleton
Plus grand changement d'entraîneur : L'entraîneur Rhett Lashlee a gardé son équipe intacte après avoir atteint le match pour le titre de l'ACC et le CFP, ce qui offre une grande continuité à l'approche de 2025. Le coordinateur défensif Scott Symons a été dans la course pour les rôles d'entraîneur-chef, mais reviendra à SMU pour sa quatrième saison pour superviser une unité de création de jeu.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Les Mustangs parviendront-ils à maintenir leur succès de 2024 et à poursuivre sur leur lancée, avec un bilan de 11 victoires et 3 défaites, qui a permis à SMU de remporter le titre de conférence et d'accéder aux séries éliminatoires lors de ses débuts en ACC ? S'accrocher à Symons et au coordinateur offensif Casey Woods sera bénéfique. Mais ne pas recruter un nouveau venu à l'impact avéré pour remplacer Brashard Smith, coureur de 1 332 yards, ou un remplaçant pour le meilleur receveur Roderick Daniels Jr. pourrait peser lourd sur les Mustangs. Symons sera également mis à rude épreuve, SMU se préparant potentiellement à remplacer plus de 80 % de ses 11 titulaires en défense, dont le meilleur plaqueur Kobe Wilson et les plaqueurs défensifs Jared Harrison-Hunte et Elijah Roberts.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Les Mustangs ont fait de la taille et de la profondeur des deux côtés de la ligne de mêlée une priorité avant leur première saison en ACC l'automne dernier. Cela a porté ses fruits pour une ligne offensive qui n'a concédé que 18 sacks (30e au niveau national) et a ouvert la voie à la septième attaque au sol de la ligue. SMU a compensé les pertes du pivot Jakai Clark et du garde droit Justin Osborne par la présence de Joshua Bates, transféré d'Oklahoma, et d'Addison Nichols, titulaire de 12 matchs l'automne dernier, ainsi que du vétéran Zion Nelson , transféré de Miami. Les Mustangs ont obtenu des résultats similaires grâce à une ligne défensive qui a terminé septième en yards au sol par match (100,7). Jeffrey M'Ba, Damarjhe Lewis et Terry Webb, nouveau venu de Texas State, auront la lourde tâche de remplacer Harrison-Hunte et Roberts.
Le point de vue de Connelly : Lashlee a conservé son quarterback et ses deux coordinateurs. C'est un avantage indéniable, mais on peut facilement s'inquiéter du corps des receveurs et d'une défense qui pourrait compter jusqu'à neuf nouveaux titulaires.
Ajouts clés : OT Kendall Stanley , WR Cataurus Hicks , DE Blaine Spires
Départs clés : OL Branson Taylor , TE Gavin Bartholomew , WR Konata Mumpfield
Meilleures recrues entrantes : OT Jordan Fields , WR Bryce Yates , DE Trevor Sommers
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : L'entraîneur Pat Narduzzi n'a pas beaucoup changé son équipe après une intersaison active l'année précédente. Le coordinateur offensif Kade Bell, qui a permis à Pitt de se hisser à la 15e place à la passe dès sa première saison, a obtenu un nouveau contrat avec une augmentation plus tôt cette année. Il reste un nom intéressant à suivre lors des prochains cycles d'entraîneurs.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Après un début de saison 7-0 l'automne dernier, Pitt a enchaîné six défaites consécutives, puis a subi deux revers en défense suite aux départs du cornerback Ryland Gandy (Indiana) et de l'ailier défensif Sincere Edwards (UCF). Avec les départs du safety All-ACC Donovan McMillon et du troisième meilleur plaqueur Brandon George , Pitt a des trous à combler pour reconstruire une défense qui a terminé 91e au niveau national en points alloués l'automne dernier (28,4). Les Panthers pourraient trouver un remplaçant pour Edwards si Blaine Spires retrouve sa forme de 2023. L'étudiant de deuxième année en redshirt Cruce Brookins fera partie des joueurs de retour que Pitt espère voir prendre en charge pour combler le vide laissé par le départ de McMillon.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Pendant au moins la moitié de la saison 2024, Pitt a prouvé qu'il pouvait jouer un football gagnant, avec le quarterback Eli Holstein et le running back polyvalent Desmond Reid à la barre de l'attaque. Les Panthers devront trouver un remplaçant pour Konata Mumpfield, mais ils ont renforcé de manière cruciale une ligne offensive en grande difficulté l'automne dernier avec les transferts des tackles offensifs Jeff Persi (Michigan) et Kendall Stanley (Charlotte) ainsi que du meneur Keith Gouveia (Richmond). Si ce groupe parvient à trouver une cohésion, Bell devrait pouvoir tirer davantage profit d'une attaque qui a tourné à 19,2 points de moyenne par match lors de ses cinq derniers matchs de saison régulière.
L'avis de Connelly : Narduzzi a conservé tous les éléments offensifs brillants qui ont permis une amélioration la saison dernière, ce qui est une bonne chose. Mais il faudra voir si les transferts entrants peuvent donner un coup de pouce à une défense médiocre depuis deux années consécutives.
Ajouts clés : OL Tomas Rimac , RB Terion Stewart , DE James Djonkam
Départs clés : RB Bhayshul Tuten , DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland , CB Mansoor Delane
Meilleures recrues entrantes : WR Micah Matthews , ILB Brett Clatterbaugh , QB Kelden Ryan
Changement d'entraîneur majeur : Brent Pry a dû pourvoir deux postes de coordinateur – Chris Marve a été licencié et Tyler Bowen est parti pour Ohio State – et a choisi des solutions différentes pour les remplacer. Il a fait appel à l'ancien entraîneur de Tulsa, Philip Montgomery, fort de son expérience de coordinateur à Baylor et ailleurs, pour diriger l'attaque. Sam Siefkes, moins connu, possède une expérience de coordinateur défensif en FCS et en Division III et a passé les quatre dernières saisons dans deux équipes de NFL.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Le turnover a été le thème central de l'intersaison des Hokies après un bilan décevant de 7 victoires et 6 défaites l'automne dernier. Mais peu de choses ont été particulièrement positives, Virginia Tech ayant vu plus d'une vingtaine de joueurs partir via le portail des transferts et perdant une poignée de joueurs clés pour la NFL. Parmi les départs en 2025 figurent le meilleur rusher Bhayshul Tuten, le meilleur joueur en sacks Antwaun Powell-Ryland et les cinq titulaires d'une unité défensive qui a terminé dans la première moitié du classement national en yards à la passe concédés par match (215,9). Avec les départs du tackle gauche Xavier Chaplin (Auburn) et du pivot Braelin Moore (LSU), les Hokies pourraient compter cinq nouveaux titulaires sur leur ligne offensive cet automne.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Virginia Tech a conservé son quarterback senior Kyron Drones et a ajouté des renforts au portail pour aider Montgomery à redresser une attaque qui a terminé 88e au niveau national en yards par match (367,8) l'automne dernier. Les running backs transférés Terion Stewart (Bowling Green), Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri) et Braydon Bennett (Coastal Carolina) forment un trio intrigant pour remplacer Tuten et l'ancien remplaçant Malachi Thomas (transfert à Purdue). L'ancien running back du Tennessee, Cameron Seldon , devrait jouer au poste de receveur pour les Hokies en 2025, et Virginia Tech a ajouté l'expérience nécessaire à ce poste avec les receveurs Donavon Greene (Wake Forest) et Isaiah Spencer (Jackson State). Tomas Rimac, titulaire de 29 matchs à West Virginia, représente le nouveau venu le plus expérimenté du programme au sein d'une ligne offensive rénovée.
L'avis de Connelly : Les trois premières saisons de Pry à Blacksburg ont été correctes, mais sans éclat, et des changements majeurs – deux coordinateurs, des transferts défensifs à deux chiffres – pourraient améliorer ou aggraver considérablement la situation. L'éventail des possibilités pour Tech est immense cette saison.
Ajouts clés : S Jeremiah Johnson , OT Teague Andersen , OLB Joseph Adedire
Départs clés : OT Anthony Belton , WR Kevin Concepcion , S Bishop Fitzgerald
Meilleures recrues entrantes : RB Deandre Desinor , OT Ta'Khyian Whitset , OC Isaac Sowells Jr.
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : Après sa 12e saison comme entraîneur, Dave Doeren a remplacé les deux coordinateurs, promouvant le meneur de jeu vétéran Kurt Roper pour superviser l'attaque et faisant appel à DJ Eliot, fort de son expérience en tant que coordinateur défensif en Big 12 et en SEC et ayant passé du temps en ACC à Florida State, pour diriger la défense. Roper et Eliot ont travaillé ensemble à Colorado en 2018, et leur familiarité devrait être un atout alors que NC State sort de sa pire saison depuis 2019.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Après une saison 2024 décevante, NC State a essuyé quelques revers, notamment avec Kevin Concepcion, qui a mené l'équipe aux réceptions (48) et aux touchdowns (6) et a atterri à Texas A&M. Bishop Fitzgerald, sélectionné All-ACC avec mention honorable, a réalisé trois interceptions et huit passes déviées. NC State a également perdu le secondeur Kamal Bonner , le troisième coureur Kendrick Raphael , le cornerback Brandon Cisse et d'autres. Les pertes de transfert les plus importantes semblent concerner la défense, qui disposera d'un nouveau système sous la direction d'Eliot et d'une courbe d'apprentissage potentiellement plus raide.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : Malgré les changements, NC State a une vision claire de l'attaque avec le quarterback CJ Bailey , qui a complété près de 65 % de ses passes avec 17 touchdowns en première année. Bailey a passé toute l'intersaison en tant que titulaire et connaît bien Roper, qui a entraîné les quarterbacks. NC State a conservé son meilleur rusher Hollywood Smothers ainsi que l'ailier rapproché Justin Joly et les receveurs Noah Rogers et Wesley Grimes , ce qui devrait expliquer le départ de Concepcion. L'équipe n'a pas recruté beaucoup de titulaires défensifs infaillibles dans le portail, mais a gagné en profondeur avec des joueurs comme le secondeur Kenny Soares (Northwestern), l'ailier Sabastian Harsh (Wyoming) et le cornerback Jamel Johnson (Temple).
L'avis de Connelly : Il fallait remédier à l'effondrement soudain de la défense, et Doeren a recruté un coordinateur expérimenté (quoique peu inspirant) et de nombreux nouveaux transferts. C'est une bonne chose, même s'il est difficile d'avoir une opinion trop tranchée, positive ou négative, sur l'ensemble des mouvements.
Ajouts clés : QB Gio Lopez , DE Pryce Yates , OL Daniel King
Départs clés : RB Omarion Hampton , DE Beau Atkinson , OT Howard Sampson
Meilleures recrues entrantes : QB Bryce Baker , WR Adrian Wilson , DT Nicco Maggio
Plus grand changement d'entraîneur : Tout est calme à UNC, à l'exception de l'arrivée de Bill Belichick, entraîneur six fois vainqueur du Super Bowl, de l'embauche de ses fils Steve et Brian au sein de l'équipe, et de l'arrivée d'autres noms notables comme Bob Diaco, ancien entraîneur de UConn, et Natrone Means, ancien running back de Caroline du Nord et de NFL. L'ère « Chapel Bill » sera une véritable expérience, car la Caroline du Nord mise tout sur le football.
Ce qui a mal tourné : L'embauche de Belichick et un tout nouveau mode de fonctionnement ont provoqué des turbulences. La Caroline du Nord a perdu plusieurs titulaires, dont Beau Atkinson, qui menait l'équipe aux sacks (7,5) et aux plaquages pour perte (12) la saison dernière, et le secondeur Amare Campbell (6,5 sacks, 10,5 plaquages pour perte en 2024). Tous deux auraient pu être des pièces maîtresses de la défense, qui perd déjà le plaqueur Jahvaree Ritzie , le secondeur Power Echols , le cornerback Alijah Huzzie et d'autres. La Caroline du Nord a également perdu une option de profondeur potentielle sur la ligne offensive en la personne du plaqueur Zach Rice , 8e recrue de la classe 2022 selon ESPN.
Ce qui a bien fonctionné : La Caroline du Nord a trouvé son quarterback dès le printemps avec Gio Lopez, un gaucher polyvalent qui s'est classé 22e au niveau national en attaque totale (274,7 YPG) la saison dernière avec South Alabama. Lopez offre un atout majeur au coordinateur Freddie Kitchens, et la Caroline du Nord récupère le receveur Kobe Paysour et ajoute la menace de vitesse Aziah Johnson de Michigan State. La perte d'Omarion Hampton se fera certainement sentir au jeu au sol, mais la Caroline du Nord a intégré Benjamin Hall , transféré du Michigan, au groupe. Le nouveau staff semble avoir réalisé quelques gains grâce à ses transferts défensifs, notamment Pryce Yates et Gavin Gibson , un nickelback productif à East Carolina l'automne dernier. La Caroline du Nord a également ajouté de bonnes options pour renforcer sa ligne offensive.
Le point de vue de Connelly : Embaucher l'un des meilleurs entraîneurs de football de tous les temps était certainement un bon début, mais le drame hors du terrain n'a pas été encourageant, et à part peut-être les six premiers défensifs, il est difficile de garantir que les Heels ont une seule unité plus talentueuse qu'il y a un an.
13. Boston College EaglesAjouts clés : G Tommy Matheson , OT Amir Johnson , QB Dylan Lonergan
Départs clés : DE Donovan Ezeiruaku , OT Ozzy Trapilo , C Drew Kendall
Meilleures recrues entrantes : OLB Griffin Collins , RB Mekhi Dodd , QB Shaker Reisig
Plus important changement d'entraîneur : Les Eagles ont recruté Jordan Thomas pour superviser une ligne défensive qui perd notamment son excellent passeur Donovan Ezeiruaku. Thomas a passé les trois dernières saisons comme entraîneur adjoint de la ligne défensive chez les Browns de Cleveland, mais il est également ancien joueur et assistant à San Diego State, un club de plus en plus prisé grâce aux succès défensifs de Rocky Long.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Les meilleures équipes de Boston College se construisent sur la ligne de mêlée, et les Eagles ressentiront les départs d'Ezeiruaku, d'Ozzy Trapilo, de Drew Kendall et d'autres. Ezeiruaku a été élu Joueur Défensif de l'Année de l'ACC, et les Eagles n'ont pas recruté beaucoup de joueurs à fort impact défensif. Des transferts comme le secondeur du Michigan Jason Hewlett ont du potentiel, mais Boston College aura besoin de joueurs comme KP Price , Daveon Crouch et Carter Davis pour porter l'unité. Le jeu au sol prendra une autre tournure avec les départs de Kye Robichaux et Treshaun Ward . BC a recruté Vaughn Pemberton , transféré et remplaçant à Ball State.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : les Eagles ont conservé bon nombre de leurs meilleurs joueurs, y compris le récepteur large Lewis Bond et les défenseurs productifs tels que Price, Crouch et Davis. Group de position sous l'entraîneur Bill O'Brien.
Prise de Connelly : les Eagles ont définitivement perdu plus que ce qu'ils ont gagné dans les tranchées, mais cela a été une intersaison relativement calme pour O'Brien & Co., et le calme n'a certainement pas à être une mauvaise chose.
Ajouts clés : QB Steve Angeli , QB Rickie Collins , Ot Kam Pringle
Départements clés : QB Kyle McCord , RBLequint Allen , WR Trebor Pena
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : S Demetres Samuel , OT Jayden Mann , Ilb Antoine Deslauriers
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraîneur : l'entraîneur Fran Brown a conservé le coordinateur offensif Jeff Nixon, malgré un certain intérêt extérieur, et a ajouté deux nouveaux assistants dans le coordonnateur des équipes spéciales Ricky Brumfield et les récepteurs larges Myles White, un ancien largeur NFL et CFL Wideout.
Ce qui a mal tourné : l'Orange n'a rien fait pour les départs de la NFL des meneurs de jeu Kyle McCord , Lequint Allen et Oronde Gadsden II ou les débutants de la ligne offensive Savion Washington et Jakob Bradford . 10-3 terminer en 1e année sous Brown.
Ce qui est bien passé : Syracuse n'a peut-être pas un autre quart-arrière comme McCord, mais au moins il y a des options alors que le programme avance sans la fenêtre du portail d'hiver du football universitaire. Reste incertain pour l'Orange, il y a une solidité dans les options de quart-arrière.
La prise de Connelly : Brown a tenu à Nixon et a décroché deux nouveaux QB intrigants.
Ajouts clés : Ot Fa'alili Fa'amoe , de Gabe Kirschke , C Devin Kylany
Départements clés : C Luke Petitbon , CB Jamare Glasker , WR Horatio Fields
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : QB Elijah Oehlke , De Cole Funderburk , OT Will Saba
Le plus grand pas de coaching : le nouvel entraîneur Jake Dickert a fait le pas de l'État de Washington et a apporté plusieurs assistants avec lui, mais les deux coordinateurs, Rob Ezell (offense) et Scottie Hazelton (défense), n'étaient pas sur le personnel de Dickert. Inator à l'État du Michigan, à l'État du Kansas et à l'État du Dakota du Nord.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Wake Forest n'a pas surpris un grand groupe auprès du portail au milieu de la transition de coaching, y compris trois contributeurs clés probablement dans le récepteur large de Horatio Fields, Deuce Alexander et Donavon Greene . , a atterri avec le Missouri.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : l'équipe a conservé son meilleur joueur offensif dans le porteur de ballon Demond Claiborne , qui a éclipsé 1000 verges au sol la saison dernière et a tiré d'excellentes critiques des nouveaux entraîneurs. Ligne Ensive avec Tackle Fa'alili Fa'amoe et Center Devin Kylany et le groupe de récepteurs larges avec Carlos Hernandez .
La prise de Connelly : après des saisons consécutives 4-8, une refonte complète n'est pas la pire chose au monde.
16. California Golden BearsAjouts clés : QB Devin Brown , De TJ Bush Jr. , LB Harrison Taggart
Départs clés : QB Fernando Mendoza , RB Jaydn Ott , LB Teddye Buchanan
Les meilleurs recrues entrantes : QB Jaron-kilye Sagapolutele , OG Justin Hasenhuetl , Te Jacob Houseworth
Le plus grand mouvement de coaching : Cal a deux nouveaux coordinateurs, bien que Bryan Harsin, l'ancien entraîneur d'Auburn, de Boise State et de l'Arkansas, est la tête d'affiche.
Ce qui a mal tourné : en termes simples, Cal a été écrasé par des transferts sortants, en particulier en attaque, où les Bears ont perdu 18 joueurs de l'équipe qui a terminé 6-7 il y a un an. Oza (Indiana), le récepteur large de haut niveau Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska) et la tête serrée Jack Endries (Texas), ainsi que plusieurs nouveaux arrivants sur la ligne offensive, Harsin aura de la planche pour lui lors de sa première saison supervisant une infraction des Bears entièrement rénovée.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : Bien que Cal ait perdu son démarreur en 2024, le programme a obtenu son présent et son avenir au quart-arrière avec les arrivées de portail de Brown et de première année Jaron- Keawe Sagapolutele, un prospect ESPN 300 qui est retourné aux ours après un coup de pied de la signature de l'Oregon. Les FERS qui ont combiné pour 40 départs l'automne dernier.
La prise de Connelly : les coordinateurs changeants pourraient s'avérer une bonne chose, mais la perte soudaine de production au printemps a considérablement changé le ténor de l'intersaison.
Ajouts clés : WR CJ Williams , Ot Niki Prongos , LB Hunter Barth
Départs clés : WRElic Ayomanor , OLB David Bailey , WR Emmett Mosley V
Les meilleurs recrues entrantes : WR Jonanthony Hall , de Adam Shovlin , DT Kole Briehler
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraîneur : le licenciement de Troy Taylor a secoué le programme de Stanford avant sa troisième saison en tant qu'entraîneur-chef.
Ce qui a mal tourné : les changements de coaching inattendus apportent toujours des bosses, et Stanford n'a certainement pas été épargné par le licenciement de Taylor. Les réceptions (48) et la réception des chantiers (525).
Ce qui a été bien : pas grand-chose. D'ici avril , le coordinateur co-défensif Andy Thompson et Nate Byham , qui a été promu de l'entraîneur serré au coordinateur offensif.
La prise de Connelly : Stanford a fait zéro progrès en deux ans sous Taylor, donc même un changement de coaching maladroitement chronométré ne doit pas être une mauvaise chose.
1. Texas Tech Red RaidersAjouts clés : DT Lee Hunter , OLB David Bailey , OT Howard Sampson
Départements clés : RB Tahj Brooks , Ol Caleb Rogers , WR Josh Kelly
Recruts supérieurs supérieurs : WR Bryson Jones , OG Connor Carty , Olb Brock Golwas
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraîneur : l'entraîneur Joey McGuire a deux nouveaux coordinateurs avant une saison très attendue à Lubbock. pour diriger l'infraction.
Ce qui a mal tourné : pas grand-chose ! À Texas A&M.
Qu'est-ce qui a bien fait : si vous êtes prêt à dépenser des millions de transferts, pouvez - vous obtenir quelqu'un que vous voulez? Io ) Will Jados en tête .
La prise de Connelly : le record de 8-5 de Tech a été un peu un Mirage la saison dernière, soutenu par un record de 6-1 dans les matchs à un score.
Ajouts clés : WR Jaren Hamilton , RB Kanye Udoh , WR Jalen Moss
Départements clés : RB Cam Skattebo , Ol Leif Fautanu , DB Shamari Simmons
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : QB Cameron Dyer , ILB Isaiah Iosefa , S Joseph Smith
Le plus grand mouvement de coaching : après avoir remporté le Big 12 et atteint la CFP pour la première fois, l'Arizona State a gardé son personnel d'entraîneurs intact.
Ce qui a mal tourné : il n'y a pas grand-chose à se dérouler sur la façon dont l'intersaison des Sun Devils a joué.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : Dillingham doit être ravi de la façon dont tout se déroule pour la 3e année. Les seniors.
Prise de Connelly : ASU a l'un des meilleurs pourcentages de production de retour dans le pays et a gardé les deux coordinateurs après une percée en fin de saison.
Ajouts clés : WR Kobe Prentice , LB Travion Barnes , QB Walker White
Départs clés : LB Matt Jones , LB Garmon Randolph , WR Hal Presley
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : RB Michael Turner , de Kamauryn Morgan , DT Jackson Blackwell
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraîneur : l'entraîneur Dave Aranda est devenu le jeu de jeu défensif pendant la saison des rebonds de Baylor en 2024, et il a fait des ajouts clés à son personnel défensif cet hiver.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Aranda et son personnel ont quitté la sellette en 2024 avec un revirement étonnant de 2-4 à 8-5.
Ce qui a été bien : Sawyer Robertson a été une révélation la saison dernière, produisant un QBR de 83,7 (cinquième meilleur de FBS) et une infraction qui a en moyenne 41,3 points par match au cours de la seconde moitié de la saison régulière (la plus grande partie du FBS). La saison dernière après avoir accumulé un sommet de 129 plaqués.
La prise de Connelly : Comme l'ASU, Baylor s'est amélioré des deux côtés du ballon en 2024 (en particulier à la fin de la saison), a gardé ses coordinateurs et renvoie désormais des niveaux de production élevés.
4. Iowa State CyclonesAjouts clés : WR Chase Sowell , WR Xavier Townsend , DL Tamatoa McDonough
Départs clés : WR Jayden Higgins , WR Jaylin Noel , CBDarien Porter
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : De Jack Limbaugh , De Trey Verdon , RB Ryver Peppers
Biggest coaching move : Coach Matt Campbell has had to fill several vacancies on the offensive staff in recent years, and did so again with Tony Landry, who will coach ISU's running backs after Tyler Roehl joined the Detroit Lions. Landry was offensive coordinator in 2024 for North Dakota State, which won the FCS national title, and also has coordinator experience from St. Thomas (Minnesota) and Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Ce qui a mal tourné : le lancement de la ligne défensive Tyler Onyedim transfèrent à Texas A&M et la sécurité Malik Verdon devenant tôt, puis sans reporter, les seuls écarts importants que les cyclones devaient faire face à cette intersaison.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : les cyclones savaient qu'ils devaient remplacer Higgins et Noel en 2025 et ont décroché les deux meilleurs cibles de leur planche à Sowell, un talentueux de 6 pieds 4 pouces de la Caroline de l'Est, et Townsend, qui s'était déjà engagé dans les cyclones à Rocco . Ce personnel ne s'est pas élevé sur les camionnettes de portail a envoyé un message clair qu'ils aiment leur profondeur, leur jeunesse et leur élan après une saison historique pour le programme.
La prise de Connelly : il s'agissait d'une intersaison extrêmement de l'Iowa.
Ajouts clés : S Gunner Maldonado , WR Jerand Bradley , Ol George Fitzpatrick
Départements clés : RB DJ Giddens , de Brendan Mott , CBJacob Parrish
Recruts entrants supérieurs : Te Linkon Cure , OG Brock Heath , S RJ Collins
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraînement : après une saison en tant que coordinateur offensif, mais 12 sur le personnel de l'entraîneur Chris Klieman, Conor Riley est parti pour la NFL. et a embauché le vétéran Big 12 Assistant Luke Wells pour entraîner les extrémités serrées.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Trois pertes en novembre ont éliminé K-State de la course du titre Big 12 après que cela ait grimpé le n ° 16 dans le classement du CFP. Ter Limit pour 2025. Pour de nombreux programmes Big 12, de solides programmes de développement de la promenade ont été un ingrédient crucial pour un succès à long terme.
Ce qui s'est bien déroulé : les Wildcats ont réussi à affronter les efforts pour altérer Johnson et n'ont perdu que deux joueurs de bourses lors de la fenêtre de transfert de décembre qui a fini par s'inscrire avec les programmes Power 4. Cure, la recrue n ° 66 dans l'ESPN 300 de 2025, et a attiré l'un des signataires les mieux notés de l'histoire du programme.
La prise de Connelly : que Johnson aura son troisième coordinateur offensif en trois saisons est sous-optimal, mais K-State possède toujours une excellente continuité dans la plupart des unités, et Klieman était agressif avec des ajouts de portail à la fois sur la ligne offensive et dans le secondaire, suffisamment pour que les Wildcats aient des niveaux de production de 15 premiers.
Ajouts clés : WR Jordan Dwyer , WR Joseph Manjack IV , DT Ansel Din-Mbuh
Départs clés : WR Jack Bech , WR Savion Williams , OL James Brockermeyer
Recruts entrants de haut niveau : De Chad Woodfork , de Jared Martin , WR Terry Shelton
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraînement : les coordinateurs Andy Avalos (défense) et Kendal Briles (infraction) sont de retour, mais l'entraîneur Sonny Dykes a ajouté de nouveaux visages des deux côtés de la balle. ES a augmenté à la fois le groupe sur le terrain et le personnel du personnel avec des hommes qui ont des racines Big 12 / Texas.
Ce qui a mal tourné : après un début cahoteux de 3-3, les grenouilles à cornes ont connu une solide finition avec six victoires au cours de leurs sept derniers matchs, en réalisant un joli rebond de 5-7 en 2023. L'équipe de Dykes doit remplacer 11 partants de Brocks, mais le centre de la saison a permis de commencer le centre de la saison. Iami et Hejny, le QB de sauvegarde, passant à Oklahoma State.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : plusieurs écoles se sont rendu compte de la disponibilité de TCU qui a le QB Josh Hoover , dont les 3 949 verges par passaient la saison dernière se classent parmi tous les FBS QB de retour derrière Garrett Nussmeier de LSU pour une autre année. DS la saison dernière à FCS Idaho.
La prise de Connelly : les grenouilles ont terminé l'année comme l'une des meilleures 12 et les deux coordinateurs ont été trop agressifs dans le portail, et nous verrons si Hoover obtient ce dont il a besoin du Corps des compétences.
Ajouts clés : QB Devon Dampier , RB Wayshawn Parker , WR Ryan Davis
Départements clés : DTJunior Tafuna , LB Karene Reid , CB ZeMaiah Vaughn
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : 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.
Ce qui a mal tourné : la pré-saison de la pré-saison 12 a enduré une course brutale de 5-7 au cours de leur première année dans leur nouvelle conférence - une saison détruite par des blessures, une incohérence et une séquence de sept défaites. Eason, créant beaucoup de place pour que les nouveaux arrivants aident à refaire cette liste.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : Dampier a été l'un des meneurs de jeu les plus excitants au niveau du groupe de 5 et un interprète All-Mountain West de la première équipe la saison dernière, menant la conférence avec 3 934 verges au total, dont 1 166 verges et 19 TDS dans le jeu de la course. NFL Draft.
La prise de Connelly : la profondeur peut être une préoccupation pour la défense, mais cette intersaison était de réinitialiser une infraction qui s'est effondrée en raison de blessures au quart-arrière et d'un manque d'idées.
8. Cincinnati BearcatsAjouts clés : OL Joe Cotton , WR Cyrus Allen , CB Matthew McDoom
Départements clés : olJohn Williams , Ol Luke Kandra , RB Corey Kiner
Les meilleurs recrues entrantes : RB Zion Johnson , WR Giyahni Kontosis , QB Zebulin Kinsey
Le plus grand mouvement de coaching : l'entraîneur Scott Satterfield a fait des ajustements au personnel défensif dans l'embauche d'Adam Braithwaite, qui possède l'expérience du coordinateur du FCS, pour entraîner les sécurités, et l'analyste senior du LSU, Eddie Hicks, comme entraîneur des Cornerbacks.
Ce qui a mal tourné : Cincinnati a enduré une diapositive difficile en fin de saison en 2024, en manquant une éligibilité en bol en perdant cinq conséquences après un début de 5-2.
Ce qui s'est bien passé : les Bearcats ont pris soin des affaires en décembre et ont fait réaffirmer que leurs meilleurs joueurs de retour, notamment QB Brendan Sorsby , le tacle défensif Dontay Corleone et l'ailier serré Joe Royer . Jeff Caldwell .
La prise de Connelly : les Bearcats bénéficient de solides niveaux de production de retour, et Satterfield a fait des ajouts nécessaires sur la défense (en particulier dans le secondaire).
Ajouts clés : DT Keanu Tanuvasa , Te Carsen Ryan , DT Justin Kirkland
Départements clés : De Tyler Batty , OlCaleb Etienne , CB Jakob Robinson
Recruts entrants supérieurs : OT Austin Pay , WR Lamason Waller , OT Siosiua Vete
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraîneur : après une saison de 11 victoires, BYU a conservé les meilleurs coordinateurs Jay Hill (défense) et Aaron Roderick (offense) et ont eu des changements minimaux à la vacance de Kalani Sitake.
Ce qui a mal tourné : les Cougars sont venus un match à moins de jouer pour un championnat Big 12 au cours de leur deuxième année dans la ligue, en ce qui concerne les pertes de 9-0 avant le mauvais côté d'un bris d'égalité à quatre équipes. Lone -Big Interprète de Cougars Retour, entrant en 2025, est le botteur Will Ferrin .
Ce qui s'est bien passé : les Cougars ont un QB de retour de retour fiable à Jake Retzlaff , qui a réalisé plus de 3 300 verges au total et 26 TDS en 2024, et ramener six partants offensifs de leur déroute d' Alamo Bowl du Colorado. 50 Recruit.
La prise de Connelly : Retourner votre quart-arrière et les deux coordinateurs après une bonne année n'est jamais une mauvaise chose, mais les Cougars remplacent un certain nombre de débutants et n'ont pas apporté une grande partie du transport de portail.
Ajouts clés : DT Jehiem Oatis , WR Joseph Williams , QB Kaidon Salter
Départements clés : WR / CBTravis Hunter , QB Shedeur Sanders , DL BJ Green II
Les meilleures recrues entrantes : QB Julian Lewis , De London Merritt , Ot Carde Smith
Le plus grand mouvement d'entraîneur : l'entraîneur Prime a non seulement retenu le coordinateur défensif Robert Livingston, qui a reçu l'intérêt de la NFL et a décroché un nouveau contrat amélioré avec le Colorado, mais il a également ajouté un autre Temple de la renommée de football professionnel au personnel de 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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