The 2025 college football season has been wild. Several powerhouse programs have stumbled, and the landscape is shifting fast.
Texas, for example, has been a letdown. Alabama’s also had its fair share of struggles under Kalen DeBoer.
Let’s take a look at the highs and lows of Week 12. Some teams and coaches have fallen short, while others have managed to surprise us.
Texas Longhorns’ Season of Disappointment
The Texas Longhorns kicked off 2025 with sky-high hopes. Ranked preseason No. 1, they were led by the much-hyped quarterback Arch Manning.
Things soured fast after a Week 1 loss to Ohio State. Manning’s struggled to live up to the hype, but honestly, he hasn’t had much help from his offensive line or receivers.
Offensive Struggles
Texas lost key players on offense, and it’s shown. Both the wide receivers and the line just haven’t delivered.
Their ground game is the worst it’s been under Steve Sarkisian. That only makes things tougher for Manning.
On defense, it’s not much better. They’ve allowed an average of 34.7 points over the last three games.
Georgia trounced them 35-10 in Week 12. That game really drove home how far Texas has to go to compete in the SEC.
Kalen DeBoer’s Challenges at Alabama
Kalen DeBoer came to Alabama with a solid reputation. He even made a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance before.
But following Nick Saban is no easy task. DeBoer’s found it tough to meet those sky-high expectations.
Offensive Line and Consistency Issues
Alabama’s offensive line has underperformed, which is surprising given the talent. The run game just hasn’t clicked.
Losing Justice Haynes to Michigan didn’t help at all. Injuries have piled on, too.
Quarterback Ty Simpson has had his moments. But inconsistency has plagued him all season.
The 23-21 loss to No. 11 Oklahoma summed up Alabama’s year. Flashes of brilliance, but too many mistakes.
Coaching Carousel and Surprising Successes
The 2025 coaching carousel has been busy. North Carolina went big and hired Bill Belichick, while Scott Frost is back at UCF and Dan Mullen returned at UNLV.
But Jake Dickert’s move to Wake Forest? That’s been one of the most interesting stories.
Jake Dickert’s Impact at Wake Forest
Wake Forest had only three ACC wins from 2023-24. Under Dickert, they’re now 7-3.
They pulled off a big Week 12 win against Belichick’s Tar Heels. It’s Wake’s highest-ranked road win in nearly 50 years.
Four conference wins this season—pretty impressive. Dickert’s turned things around fast, and people are noticing.
Ole Miss and the Rise of Kewan Lacy
Ole Miss landed a real find in running back Kewan Lacy, who transferred from Missouri. He’s been a spark for their offense.
Lacy’s Record-Breaking Season
Lacy went off for 224 yards and three touchdowns against Florida in Week 12. He’s up to 19 rushing touchdowns, breaking the school record.
Coach Lane Kiffin’s had some ups and downs at Ole Miss. But Lacy’s been a difference-maker, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
USC’s Makai Lemon: A Star on the Rise
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is having a breakout season. His knack for contested catches and sharp route-running really sets him apart.
Lemon’s Dominant Performances
Lemon hauled in 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown against Iowa in Week 12. That effort pushed him past 1,000 yards for the season.
It was his third game with at least 150 receiving yards. At this point, he’s looking like a top draft prospect—hard to argue otherwise.
Several other standout wide receivers are in the mix for awards, but Lemon’s name keeps popping up for the Biletnikoff. His big games have been a rare bright spot for USC, especially in a year that hasn’t gone as planned.
For more detailed insights and analysis on these stories, check out CBS Sports.
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