As the college football spring camp season wraps up, teams across the nation are shifting into the offseason. There’s a mix of optimism and uncertainty in the air.
Rosters are nearly set, and the early outlook for the top 25 teams is starting to take shape. Still, a bunch of burning questions linger for each program.
These questions cover everything from position battles and NFL Draft departures to injury updates and spring transfer portal moves. Let’s dig into what each top-25 team needs to figure out and how it all might shake up the 2025 season.
Top Questions for the Top 25 College Football Teams
The end of spring camp is a turning point for college football teams as they get ready for 2025. Here are the key questions facing each of the top 25 teams:
25. Oklahoma Sooners: Will Brent Venables’ Defensive Play Calls Make a Difference?
Oklahoma upgraded its defensive tactics, but the offense still raises eyebrows. Brent Venables now handles play-calling, and while that’s promising, it might not be the magic fix the Sooners need.
24. Illinois Fighting Illini: Who Steps Up in the Receiving Corps?
Illinois lost over 100 receptions with its top receivers gone. Someone from the returning group or transfer Hudson Clement needs to step up if they want to be a CFP dark horse.
23. Indiana Hoosiers: Did Curt Cignetti Strike Transfer Portal Gold Again?
Indiana brings back top players in most spots but lost a lot from its best-ever season. Banking on the transfer portal to fill those gaps feels like a gamble.
22. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Will Joey McGuire Capitalize on a Monumental Offseason?
Texas Tech landed the second-ranked transfer class in the country. If these newcomers deliver, a Big 12 title is actually in play.
21. Nebraska Cornhuskers: Is the Offense Fixed?
Standout transfers at wide receiver and on the offensive line give quarterback Dylan Raiola more to work with than last year. Dana Holgorsen joins as offensive coordinator, and that’s a big plus.
20. Auburn Tigers: Can Auburn Get the Most Out of Jackson Arnold?
The supporting cast around Jackson Arnold looks better than what he had at Oklahoma. That could be enough to unlock his five-star potential—at least, that’s the hope.
19. Ole Miss Rebels: Is Austin Simmons the Real Deal?
Austin Simmons turned heads during spring camp. He’s ditched baseball to focus on football, and that decision could pay off if he lands the starting quarterback job.
18. Iowa State Cyclones: Is Another Historic Season Attainable?
Iowa State just hit double-digit wins for the first time and made the Big 12 title game. They’re bringing back most of their starters, so maybe lightning can strike twice.
17. Kansas State Wildcats: Will the OL and WR Transfers Hit?
Head coach Chris Klieman filled needs with immediate-impact transfers, hoping to help quarterback Avery Johnson take a step forward. Leaning on newcomers is always a bit risky, though.
16. Michigan Wolverines: Can Michigan Overcome Its Draft Exodus?
Michigan saw a bunch of players drafted, including three in the top 13. Yet, the Wolverines managed to stymie Alabama’s offense in the bowl season even without those guys, so there’s still hope.
15. Arizona State Sun Devils: Does the Returning Production Bode Well for Another CFP Run?
Head coach Kenny Dillingham returns 16 starters, matching anyone in the country. That level of experience might give them a real shot at another CFP run.
14. Miami Hurricanes: Will the Defensive Additions Take Miami to the Next Level?
Coordinator Corey Hetherman and a wave of transfers have changed Miami’s defense this spring. After last year’s defense held them back from a CFP spot, these changes feel overdue.
13. Florida Gators: Is This the Best OL in College Football?
Jake Slaughter leads four returning starters as an All-American center. This group cut its sack total in half last year and wants to give quarterback DJ Lagway even better protection in 2025.
12. LSU Tigers: Will the Defense Finally Hold Up Its End of the Bargain?
It’s put-up-or-shut-up time for LSU’s defense. The top-ranked transfer class brings in the kind of talent that could finally spark a breakthrough.
11. South Carolina Gamecocks: How Costly Are the Veteran Departures?
Three Gamecocks went in the second round of the draft, with more standouts leaving later. Head coach Shane Beamer has to prove he can reload or risk a step back.
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey?
Steve Angeli entered the transfer portal, narrowing the Notre Dame quarterback battle. Now it’s all about CJ Carr versus Kenny Minchey, and both have a real shot at the job.
9. Clemson Tigers: Can Tom Allen Lead the Defense Back to the Promised Land?
If Clemson had a tougher defense last year, they could have made real playoff noise. The offense looks solid for 2025, so Tom Allen’s impact as defensive coordinator will be crucial.
8. Oregon Ducks: Will Dan Lanning’s Transfer Portal Efforts Pay Off?
Oregon claims the best transfer class in college football, pound-for-pound. Eight of ten newcomers are blue-chip prospects, and almost all are expected to start right away after big losses from the 2024 lineup.
7. Georgia Bulldogs: Do the Bulldogs Have a Playoff-Caliber Offense?
Quarterback Gunner Stockton still has a lot to prove. The Bulldogs will lean on transfers for their biggest receiving roles, and with an offensive line replacing NFL talent and a coordinator who isn’t exactly a fan favorite, the offense feels like a question mark.
6. Texas Longhorns: Will Arch Manning Live Up to the Hype?
Texas just sent a program-record 12 players to the draft. Even so, the team looks ready for another strong season.
Arch Manning steps in as a first-year starter. He’s already drawing early Heisman buzz, and he’ll need to keep the offense rolling.
For more in-depth coverage and analysis, check out the original article on 247Sports.
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