Dalton Wasserman

The Cowboys have enough star power to reach the postseason if Dak Prescott can prove last year’s struggles were an outlier. However, questions about their ability to run the ball and stop the run could place a hard cap on how far they can advance once they get there.

Led by quarterback Sawyer Robertson, Baylor is poised to feature one of the Big 12's best offenses in 2025.

With Burrow, Chase and Higgins, the Bengals can compete with anyone. But to make the leap from playoff hopeful to true Super Bowl contender, they need a more reliable offensive line and greater consistency on defense.

Few quarterbacks face more pressure this season than Caleb Williams. The supporting cast around him is significantly improved, and if his production begins to match his elite talent, Chicago could contend for a playoff spot.

Bryce Young’s development and improvement in the front seven are the two most important factors for Carolina’s success this season. If both materialize, the Panthers could become a sneaky NFC South contender.

Losing RB Cam Skattebo certainly hurts, but the duo of QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordan Tyson might be enough to carry Arizona State to another Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth in what is a wide-open Big 12.

Losing a superstar like Tetairoa McMillan is a blow, but Arizona can still hope for a bowl game with Noah Fifita returning and some promising offensive weapons. However, a shaky defense will likely limit the Wildcats' ceiling.

As long as Josh Allen is healthy, the Bills will remain favorites to win the AFC East. Their championship hopes, however, hinge on whether the defense — a unit that has consistently underwhelmed in the postseason — can take a meaningful step forward.

With the toughest schedule in the country ahead, Wisconsin will need key newcomers on both sides of the ball to step up if it hopes to return to a bowl game.

Washington has a high ceiling, powered by a potentially explosive offense and promising pieces in the secondary. To reach that ceiling, though, the Huskies must improve in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

USC has the quarterback, skill-position talent and secondary to bounce back in the Big Ten. To take the next step, the Trojans must improve in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

PFF's database allows us to go back in time and analyze previous NFL drafts at a high level. Here is how the 2019 NFL Draft could have played out with hindsight.

If Nico Iamaleava lives up to his immense potential, he’s talented enough to carry UCLA to a bowl game. If he falters adjusting to a more pro-style offense, the Bruins are likely staring down another losing season.

If Rutgers’ retooled defense can take a step forward in 2025, the Scarlet Knights have enough offensive talent to secure a third straight bowl appearance.

Barry Odom orchestrated an impressive turnaround at UNLV in just two seasons, but rebuilding Purdue will be a longer process. The Boilermakers shouldn’t expect to reach a bowl game in 2025.

Atlanta has the offensive firepower to contend for an NFC South title. For that to happen, Michael Penix Jr. must deliver over a full season, and the team’s young pass rushers will need to help shore up last year’s biggest weakness.

Arizona could be on the cusp of playoff contention if Kyler Murray finds more week-to-week consistency and the team’s defensive additions deliver as hoped.

Penn State has a legitimate chance not only to win the Big Ten in 2025, but also to capture the program’s first national championship in nearly 40 years.