Dalton Wasserman

If freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood lives up to the hype right away, Michigan has a path back to the College Football Playoff. But if he struggles to elevate a shaky supporting cast, the Wolverines could be in for another underwhelming season.

Malik Washington brings Maryland hope for the future, but he likely won’t be able to drag what appears to be a lackluster roster around him to a bowl game as just a true freshman.

If Mark Gronowski plays at the level he showed in the FCS, Iowa could emerge as a dark-horse College Football Playoff contender. If not, the Hawkeyes are likely looking at another eight-win season.

While 2024 may have been the best season in program history, Indiana returns enough talent to show it was no fluke.

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As long as last season wasn’t an outlier, Illinois has the experienced roster necessary to contend for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff in 2025.

The duo of Diego Pavia and LJ Stowers might be enough to get Vanderbilt back to a bowl game, but any real progress will require more support from a defense that has struggled to hold up its end.

Texas A&M has the talent to push for a College Football Playoff berth — if Marcel Reed takes the next step as a passer and the defense finds a few new difference-makers.

If Arch Manning can live up to the legacy of his surname, Texas has the surrounding talent to capture its first national championship in 20 years.

Tennessee’s defense will be good enough to keep the team in top-25 contention, but there are far too many questions hovering around the offense to expect the Volunteers to make it back to the College Football Playoff.

If LaNorris Sellers can become more consistent as a passer and turn into the first-round quarterback many think he can be, South Carolina has the talent to get over the hump and break into the College Football Playoff.

The 2024 season felt like a missed opportunity for Ole Miss, as it represented the program’s best chance to compete at college football’s highest level since the 1960s. While the 2025 Rebels aren’t nearly as stacked, there’s still enough talent on the roster for head coach Lane Kiffin to secure another top-25 finish.

Oklahoma is poised to play a smashmouth brand of football in 2025, leaning on its defense and what is projected to be a dynamic ground game. However, the Sooners will need to establish a consistent passing attack and see significant improvement from their offensive line to make any noise in the SEC.

While Missouri is unlikely to contend for a College Football Playoff spot, the Tigers have enough talent on both sides of the ball to secure a bowl berth and remain a tough out in the SEC.

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Mississippi State has reasons for optimism on offense with quarterback Blake Shapen returning and Fluff Bothwell joining the backfield. But unless the defense takes a significant step forward, the Bulldogs are likely to remain stuck in the SEC’s basement.

LSU’s defense must close the gap on its offense if the Tigers hope to contend for a College Football Playoff berth under Brian Kelly.

If quarterback Zach Calzada plays at his 2024 level, Kentucky will likely miss out on a bowl game for the second straight season. But if he can regain his 2023 form — or recapture the magic from his 2021 Texas A&M run — the Wildcats have a shot at reaching bowl eligibility and quieting the hot seat chatter around Mark Stoops.

Georgia’s defense should keep the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff hunt, but they’re unlikely to contend for a national title unless quarterback Gunner Stockton makes significant strides as a full-time starter.

Florida’s 2025 season will hinge on whether Lagway and the secondary can take the next step with their added experience. If both units rise to the challenge, the Gators have enough talent to emerge as a dark-horse College Football Playoff contender.