5 College Football Trends to Watch in 2025

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The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a number of top teams returning key players, and several up-and-coming programs looking to make a statement, there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement throughout the season.

One of the biggest storylines to watch in 2025 will be the return of reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams to the USC Trojans. Williams is widely considered to be the best player in college football, and his return to Los Angeles will give the Trojans a legitimate shot at a national championship. However, Williams will have plenty of competition, as several other top quarterbacks are also returning for the 2025 season.

In addition to Williams, other quarterbacks to watch in 2025 include Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, and Georgia’s Stetson Bennett. All three of these quarterbacks are capable of leading their teams to a national championship, and their performances in 2025 will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The Reign of the Red and Black: Georgia Bulldogs Extend Their Dynasty

Offensive Dominance: Stetson Bennett IV Leads the Charge

The Georgia Bulldogs have established an unprecedented level of dominance in college football, extending their reign with a thrilling 2025 championship victory. The key to their success has been their unstoppable offense, led by the brilliant quarterback, Stetson Bennett IV.

Bennett, now a seasoned leader in his third year as a starter, has evolved into one of the most prolific passers in the country. His pinpoint accuracy and quick decision-making have been the driving force behind the Bulldogs’ explosive passing game. With an incredible 70.5% completion rate, Bennett has consistently carved up opposing defenses, setting numerous school and SEC records.

Complementing Bennett’s passing prowess is a dynamic running back duo of Kenny McIntosh and Daijun Edwards. Both players possess blistering speed and exceptional agility, making them a nightmare for opposing defenses. McIntosh, a versatile back with superb vision and a knack for finding the end zone, has emerged as one of the SEC’s leading rushers. Edwards, on the other hand, brings thunderous power and a punishing running style that keeps defenses on their heels.

Defensive Prowess: A Wall of Red and Black

While the Bulldogs’ offense has garnered much attention, it’s their suffocating defense that has truly set them apart. Coordinator Dan Lanning has assembled one of the most formidable units in the nation, anchored by a stout defensive line and a fearless secondary.

The defensive line is led by Jalen Carter, a consensus All-American and one of the most disruptive forces in college football. Carter’s combination of size, strength, and quickness makes him an unstoppable pass-rusher and a terror for opposing quarterbacks. Alongside Carter is a talented cast of supporting players, including Nolan Smith and Travon Walker, who provide relentless pressure and force numerous turnovers.

The secondary is just as impressive, with a deep pool of talented players who excel in pass coverage. Led by the All-SEC cornerback Kelee Ringo, the Bulldogs’ secondary has a knack for generating turnovers and making big plays. Ringo’s speed and jumping ability make him a lockdown defender, while safety Christopher Smith provides excellent ball-hawking skills and a physical presence.

The Rise of the Cinderellas: Mid-Majors Continue to Make Waves

The college football landscape has been undergoing a shift in recent years, with mid-major programs making a significant impact on the sport. These up-and-coming teams are no longer satisfied with just competing for conference championships; they are now setting their sights on the biggest stage of all.

Mid-Majors Dominating Non-Conference Play

Mid-majors have been flexing their muscles in non-conference play, especially against Power Five opponents. In the 2024 season alone, mid-majors recorded 15 wins over Power Five teams, including several high-profile upsets.

Notable Upsets

Mid-Major	Power Five
Louisiana Tech	Mississippi State
Marshall	Notre Dame
Appalachian State	Texas A&M

These upsets have put mid-majors on the map and have shown that they are capable of competing with the nation’s top teams.

The Age of the Quarterback: Elite Signal-Callers Dominate the Game

Impact of Elite Quarterbacks on Team Success

The presence of an elite quarterback can transform a team’s fortunes. They elevate offenses, orchestrate explosive plays, and make key decisions that lead to victories. Statistics overwhelmingly support this impact. Teams with quarterbacks ranked in the top 25 of passer efficiency rating tend to win more games. In the past five seasons, teams with elite quarterbacks have won 60% or more of their games, compared to just 40% for teams with below-average quarterbacks. They also tend to perform better in high-pressure situations and come up clutch when it matters most.

Quarterback Passer Efficiency Rating Rank	Team Win Percentage
Top 25	60%+
Below Average (Bottom 25)	40%-

The dominance of elite quarterbacks is also reflected in the individual accolades they accumulate. Heisman Trophy winners, who are typically quarterbacks, often lead their teams to national championships or major bowl victories. In recent years, the top quarterbacks have also been heavily favored in NFL Draft projections, indicating their potential for success at the professional level.

The continued rise of elite quarterbacks has forced defensive coordinators to adjust their strategies and develop innovative ways to neutralize their impact. However, it seems that no matter the defenses they face, these exceptional signal-callers continue to find ways to lead their teams to success.

The Defensive Renaissance: Tackling and Interceptions Reign Supreme

The 2025 college football season has witnessed a resurgence in defensive play, with tackling and interceptions taking center stage. Teams have prioritized physicality and ball-hawking, leading to a significant decline in offensive production.

Tackling Dominance

The emphasis on tackling has been evident in the reduced number of broken tackles and yards after contact. Defenders have been drilled in proper technique and are swarming to the ball with unparalleled aggression. This has resulted in a noticeable increase in tackles for loss and negative plays.

Interception Bonanza

Interceptions have become a staple of the 2025 season. Defensive backs are making quarterbacks pay for mistakes with uncanny timing and athleticism. The increased number of turnovers has given defenses a significant advantage, often leading to game-changing moments.

Impact on College Football

The resurgence of defense has significantly altered the landscape of college football. Offenses are struggling to move the ball consistently, and scoring has become increasingly difficult. Teams that can execute a strong defensive game plan have a distinct advantage in the modern era. This has led to a shift in recruiting priorities, with coaches now placing a greater emphasis on defense.

2022	2025
62.3%	76.9%
3.4	1.9

Source: NCAA Football Statistics

The table above highlights the dramatic increase in tackle efficiency and decrease in yards after contact from 2022 to 2025.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal: Roster Changes Reshape College Football

The Portal’s Impact on Player Movement

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, facilitating an unprecedented level of player movement. In the 2022-23 season alone, over 2,000 players entered the portal. This has led to significant roster changes, with teams gaining and losing talent at a rapid pace.

Impact on Team Success

The transfer portal has had a mixed impact on team success. While some teams have benefited from acquiring highly skilled players, others have struggled to fill the void left by departed starters. In the 2023 season, for example, Alabama lost several key players to the portal but still managed to win the national championship, while Texas A&M brought in numerous high-profile transfers but failed to meet expectations.

The Role of NIL

The emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has added another dimension to the transfer portal. Top players are now able to monetize their personal brands, giving them an additional incentive to move to schools that offer lucrative NIL opportunities. This has further fueled the arms race for talent in major college football programs.

Immediate Eligibility Changes

The NCAA recently voted to allow players who transfer once to be eligible to play immediately, a significant change from the previous rule. This has made the transfer portal even more attractive to players, as they no longer have to sit out a season after transferring. It remains to be seen how this change will impact the landscape of college football over the long term.

Potential Long-Term Implications

The transfer portal has brought both benefits and challenges to college football. While it has increased player mobility and given athletes more autonomy, it has also led to roster instability and concerns about competitive balance. It is too early to say how the transfer portal will ultimately shape the future of college football, but it is clear that it has already had a profound impact on the sport.

Impact of the Transfer Portal	Change
Player Movement	Increased player movement, with over 2,000 players entering the portal annually.
Team Success	Mixed impact on team success, with some teams benefiting from transferring talent and others struggling to fill the void.
Role of NIL	Top players can now monetize their personal brands, increasing the incentive to transfer to schools with lucrative NIL opportunities.
Immediate Eligibility Changes	Players who transfer once are now eligible to play immediately, making the transfer portal more attractive.
Potential Long-Term Implications	Long-term impact on the landscape of college football, including increased roster instability and potential competitive balance issues.

The NIL Era: Financial Implications Transform the Landscape

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college football has fundamentally altered the financial landscape of the sport. Student-athletes now possess the ability to monetize their personal brands, leading to significant implications for all stakeholders involved.

Revenue Generation Opportunities

NIL deals have opened up a lucrative avenue for student-athletes to earn income while still enrolled in college. They can partner with brands, participate in endorsements, and even launch their own businesses. These opportunities have the potential to generate substantial revenue for top athletes.

Impact on Recruiting and Player Retention

The NIL era has become a major factor in recruiting and player retention. Schools with strong NIL programs can attract and retain top talent by offering lucrative deals and endorsements. This has created a competitive marketplace for athletes, with universities seeking to outbid each other for the services of the most sought-after players.

Financial Burdens for Schools

While NIL deals provide financial benefits for student-athletes, they also create financial burdens for schools. Universities are responsible for ensuring compliance with NIL regulations and managing the potential conflicts of interest that can arise. This can add significant administrative costs and legal fees.

Impact on Scholarships

NIL deals have raised questions about the traditional role of athletic scholarships. With student-athletes able to earn significant income, some argue that athletic scholarships are no longer necessary. Others contend that scholarships still play a vital role in providing financial assistance to student-athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.

Equity and Inclusion

The NIL era has sparked concerns about equity and inclusion within college football. There is a risk that NIL deals could exacerbate existing disparities between wealthy and underrepresented athletes. Universities must take steps to ensure that all student-athletes have fair access to NIL opportunities.

Long-Term Impact on College Football

The full impact of the NIL era on college football is still unfolding. However, it is clear that the financial implications are transforming the landscape of the sport. Schools, student-athletes, and governing bodies will need to adapt to the new reality and find ways to balance the financial benefits with the potential challenges.

University	NIL Revenue (2022)
Alabama	$12.5 million
Texas	$8.9 million
Ohio State	$8.2 million
Clemson	$7.3 million
Georgia	$6.8 million

The Technological Revolution: Analytics and Data Drive Decision-Making

Analytics: A Game-Changer in Football Strategies

Advanced analytics have revolutionized how coaches and players approach the game. By utilizing data and metrics, teams can make informed decisions on play-calling, player deployment, and training strategies. Analytics provide insights into player performance, team dynamics, and opponent tendencies, enabling teams to optimize their gameplay and gain a competitive edge.

Data-Driven Player Evaluation

Data analytics has transformed player evaluation processes. Coaches and scouts now have access to comprehensive statistical profiles, advanced metrics, and biomechanical data. This information allows them to make more objective and data-informed assessments, identifying top talent and projecting players’ future performance with greater accuracy.

Injury Prevention and Performance Optimization

Data analytics plays a crucial role in player health and performance. Performance tracking systems monitor player workload, fatigue levels, and movement patterns. This data enables coaches to optimize training programs, prevent injuries, and identify players who need additional support. Additionally, analytics can provide insights into nutrition, sleep patterns, and mental health, fostering a holistic approach to player well-being.

Metric	Description
Player Impact Points	Quantifies a player’s overall impact on the game
Expected Points Added	Predicts the expected points scored or allowed based on a given play
Tackle Efficiency	Measures a player’s ability to bring down ball carriers effectively

Real-Time Data Analysis During Games

In-game data analytics empower coaches to make quick and informed decisions during the action. Data-driven insights, delivered through live dashboards or headsets, provide real-time feedback on player performance, team formations, and opponent tendencies. This enables coaches to adjust their strategies in real time, maximizing the impact of every play.

Predictive Analytics and Future Trends

Analytics is not just limited to retrospective analysis. Predictive analytics leverages machine learning algorithms to forecast future outcomes, such as player performance, game results, and injury risks. By anticipating potential scenarios, coaches and teams can stay ahead of the competition and make proactive decisions to improve their chances of success.

The Changing Playbook: Innovative Offensive and Defensive Strategies Emerge

8. The Explosion of Analytics and Technology

In the realm of college football, data and analytics have become indispensable tools. Teams are employing advanced statistical models to decipher opponent tendencies, identify player strengths and weaknesses, and optimize play-calling. GPS tracking devices and motion-capture cameras provide coaches with unparalleled insights into player movement, allowing them to tailor their strategies to exploit specific matchups. Additionally, virtual reality simulations and AI-powered scouting reports are empowering coaches to prepare their teams for every conceivable scenario.

This technological revolution has led to a significant shift in the way teams approach the game. Coaches are no longer relying solely on instinct and tradition; they are making data-driven decisions that maximize their chances of success. Advanced analytics have also fueled the emergence of new offensive and defensive schemes, as teams seek to outsmart their opponents with innovative and unpredictable formations.

The following table outlines some specific examples of how analytics and technology are transforming college football:

Technology Application

GPS Tracking Monitor player movement, speed, and acceleration

Motion-Capture Cameras Analyze player mechanics and identify areas for improvement

Virtual Reality Simulations Prepare teams for game scenarios and study opponent tendencies

AI-Powered Scouting Reports Provide detailed analysis of players and teams, highlighting strengths and weaknesses

Technology	Application
GPS Tracking	Monitor player movement, speed, and acceleration
Motion-Capture Cameras	Analyze player mechanics and identify areas for improvement
Virtual Reality Simulations	Prepare teams for game scenarios and study opponent tendencies
AI-Powered Scouting Reports	Provide detailed analysis of players and teams, highlighting strengths and weaknesses

The Legacy of the 2025 Season: Reshaping the Future of College Football

10. Unprecedented Financial Implications

The 2025 season was a watershed moment for college football finances, shattering previous revenue records. The combination of increased media contracts, expanded playoff system, and innovative revenue streams fueled unprecedented financial growth.

College Football 2025 Update

The NCAA Football Oversight Committee has announced a number of changes to the sport of college football that will take effect in 2025. These changes are designed to improve the student-athlete experience, increase the safety of the game, and reduce the risk of injury.

One of the most significant changes is the implementation of a new targeting rule that will penalize players for targeting the head or neck of an opposing player. This rule is intended to reduce the number of concussions and other serious head injuries that occur in the game.

Other changes include the introduction of a new overtime format that will reduce the risk of sudden death and the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams. These changes are designed to make the game more exciting and to give more teams a chance to compete for the national championship.

The NCAA Football Oversight Committee is confident that these changes will improve the sport of college football and make it safer and more enjoyable for student-athletes and fans alike.