The countdown is officially on. With just 100 days until the 2025 college football season kicks off with Week 0 on Saturday, August 23rd, the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. All eyes are turning to a constellation of captivating storylines, from the perennial Heisman contenders to the powerhouse programs vying for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff, and the seismic shifts continuing to redefine the sport.
Perhaps the most significant overarching narrative heading into 2025 is the full embrace of the 12-team College Football Playoff. After its successful, albeit sometimes controversial, debut in 2024, the expanded format returns with a key refinement: the four highest-ranked teams overall will now receive first-round byes, regardless of conference champion status. This change aims to simplify seeding and ensure the absolute best teams get a deserved advantage.
The 12-team format has already proven to inject excitement deep into the regular season, keeping more teams in contention longer. This increased access means more “win and you’re in” scenarios and a heightened sense of urgency every Saturday. While debates about further expansion to 14 or 16 teams persist among commissioners, the current 12-team model is set for 2025 and is expected to deliver another thrilling postseason. The financial implications are also massive, with unprecedented revenue flowing into the sport, influencing everything from NIL deals to coaching salaries.
Several teams enter the 2025 season with legitimate national championship aspirations, carrying strong rosters and high expectations.
- Ohio State: After winning the national championship in 2024, the Buckeyes are again widely considered one of the top teams, if not the top team. Despite replacing both coordinators, their quarterback, and key defensive linemen, Ohio State’s ability to reload through elite recruiting and the transfer portal is unmatched. Their Week 1 road game against Texas will be an immediate litmus test for their championship pedigree.
- Georgia: Always a contender under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 by their lofty standards. With a deep roster and a relentless defensive identity, Georgia remains a formidable force in the SEC.
- Texas: The Longhorns are surging under Steve Sarkisian, making consecutive conference championship games and a playoff appearance. The biggest storyline in Austin will be the highly anticipated beginning of the Arch Manning era at quarterback. Manning, one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, takes the reins for a program on the rise. Their Week 1 clash with Ohio State is arguably the most anticipated non-conference game of the season.
- Oregon: The Ducks, now firmly entrenched in the Big Ten, are expected to continue their ascent under Dan Lanning. They’ve recruited exceptionally well and brought in key transfers, positioning them as a strong contender in their new, highly competitive conference.
- Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish, as discussed previously, boast a potentially elite pass-catching unit and a strong defense. While the quarterback battle between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey is a significant unknown, Notre Dame’s challenging schedule and talent level keep them firmly in the playoff conversation. Their independent status, as articulated by Coach Marcus Freeman, allows them unique flexibility in scheduling and significant revenue retention from the expanded playoff.
Other teams to watch closely include Penn State, with a strong returning quarterback in Drew Allar and a powerful running game, and LSU, led by potential Heisman contender Garrett Nussmeier. The Big Ten and SEC, having expanded significantly, will feature brutal conference schedules, making every game a playoff eliminator.
The Heisman race is always a central focus, and 2025 promises a compelling slate of contenders, particularly at the quarterback position.
- Arch Manning (QB, Texas): No player will command more attention than Manning. His talent, name, and the spotlight of the Texas program combine to make him an immediate Heisman frontrunner, especially if the Longhorns live up to their lofty expectations.
- Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU): Stepping into the starting role after Jayden Daniels’ Heisman season, Nussmeier has the arm talent and the offensive system under Brian Kelly to put up gaudy numbers. If LSU performs well, he’s a prime candidate.
- Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State): It’s rare for a wide receiver to win the Heisman, but Smith is no ordinary receiver. He burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2024, showcasing elite skills. If he continues his meteoric rise in Ohio State’s high-powered offense, he could defy convention.
- Drew Allar (QB, Penn State): Allar has the talent and the supporting cast (particularly in the run game) to elevate his play and enter the Heisman conversation, especially if Penn State challenges for a Big Ten title.
- Nico Iamaleava (QB, Tennessee): The highly-touted former five-star recruit takes over as Tennessee’s full-time starter. His dual-threat ability in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense could lead to big numbers and a strong Heisman push.
- DJ Lagway (QB, Florida): Another young quarterback with immense potential, Lagway showed flashes of brilliance as a true freshman. If he takes a big leap in his second year, he could be a dark horse candidate.
- Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): While quarterbacks often dominate the Heisman discussion, Love, as a running back for a potential top-tier team like Notre Dame, could put himself in the conversation with a stellar season, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability.
Beyond the individual stars and top teams, several broader storylines will shape the 2025 season:
- The Transfer Portal’s Continued Evolution: The portal remains a powerful, if chaotic, force. Teams like Texas Tech have aggressively leveraged NIL to build rosters, highlighting a “rental” market for talent. Expect more “portal bluffing” and high-profile players testing the waters for better deals or playing time. Roster construction in this era is a year-round process.
- Coaching Hot Seats and Turnarounds: After a season where some coaches (like Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State and Curt Cignetti at Indiana) engineered incredible turnarounds, the pressure is on others to deliver. Teams like Florida State and Auburn are looking for significant win-total improvements after bringing in new staff or a major influx of talent. The early weeks of the season will be critical for coaches on the hot seat.
- Conference Realignment Fallout: While the major moves occurred in 2024, the full implications of the Big Ten and SEC expanding, and the dissolution of the Pac-12, will continue to play out. The competitive balance within these super-conferences will be intensely scrutinized. The ongoing debates about future CFP formats and automatic qualifiers highlight the power struggles between these dominant leagues.
- NIL and Financial Reporting: The landscape of NIL is still developing, with discussions around stricter financial reporting and potential long-term impacts on roster stability. How teams manage their NIL budgets will be crucial for sustained success.
- Defensive Line Replacements: Several top teams, including Ohio State, are facing the challenge of replacing significant talent on their defensive lines lost to the NFL Draft. How well these units reload will be a major factor in their championship hopes.
The countdown to August 23rd is a time for optimism, predictions, and anticipation. As the dog days of summer give way to the crisp air of autumn, all eyes will indeed be on the gridiron, ready to witness the drama, heroics, and unforgettable moments that only college football can deliver.
