The school soccer offseason used to characteristic slight to average turbulence from December to February, adopted by a interval of calm. Not anymore.
The offseason is available in waves, upending rosters and training staffs, generally greater than as soon as, earlier than issues quiet down. Each workforce should be ready to reduce losses and make vital features. Those that succeed could make historical past. Those that fail also can make historical past. Simply have a look at Indiana and Florida State in 2024.
ESPN faculty soccer reporters Adam Rittenberg, Max Olson, Eli Lederman and Invoice Connelly set out on the herculean activity of rating the offseasons for each Energy 4 workforce, in addition to nationwide runner-up Notre Dame. Sure groups had extra gamers enter the NFL draft or just run out of eligibility than others. We took these losses into consideration however really targeted our evaluation on three areas:
Retention of key (non-draft-eligible) gamers
Retention of key coaches or employees upgrades
Participant additions, primarily by way of the switch portal but in addition highschool recruits
All three parts matter as these groups construct for convention relevance and Faculty Soccer Playoff bids. A formidable portal haul would not all the time equate to a fantastic offseason, particularly if the workforce can be shedding gamers and coaches it needed to maintain. Groups that did not add a lot from the portal, however retained coveted gamers and assistant coaches, in the meantime, find yourself with offseasons to be celebrated.
Listed below are our conference-by-conference rankings and workforce breakdowns, in addition to a nationwide listing of the ten finest offseasons.
Bounce to a convention:
ACC | Large 12
Large Ten | Notre Dame | SEC | General high 10
ACC
Key additions: DE Will Heldt, WR Tristan Smith, LB Jeremiah Alexander
Key departures: RB Phil Mafah, LB Barrett Carter, DB R.J. Mickens
Prime incoming recruits: DT Amare Adams, RB Gideon Davidson, DE Ari Watford
Largest teaching transfer: The Tigers wanted a defensive shake-up, and coach Dabo Swinney landed an enormous title in defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who left nationwide semifinalist Penn State for Clemson. Allen, a former Indiana head coach, oversaw a Penn State protection that completed No. 8 nationally in factors allowed and can deliver expertise and power to a Clemson unit that fell off sharply final fall.
What went fallacious: There’s not a lot to critique inside what was a comparatively quiet, if efficient offseason for a Clemson roster that returns well-positioned for an additional playoff run. If we’re nitpicking, it is value wanting on the Tigers’ lack of confirmed, high-end replacements for 1,115-yard rusher Phil Mafah and two-time All-America linebacker Barrett Carter. 4-star freshman Gideon Davidson may emerge as one of many nation’s high first-year rushers, and 2024 freshman All-America linebacker Sammy Brown appears like Clemson’s subsequent nice linebacker, however the Tigers’ postseason aspirations can be reliant at the very least partially on growing underclassmen at a pair of key positions.
What went proper: Clemson lastly dipped into the switch portal for an enormous fish. Allen arrived to revamp a limp Tigers go rush, and Swinney & Co. gave him a high participant to work with in Purdue switch edge rusher Will Heldt, a third-year go rusher who logged 56 tackles and 5 sacks final fall. Including Heldt to a returning line of defense unit led by T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, Allen and Clemson have the makings of a fearsome defensive entrance in 2025. Switch go catcher Tristan Smith (Southeast Missouri State) turned heads with a standout spring recreation efficiency and joins a loaded Tigers huge receivers room after catching 76 passes for 943 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024.
Connelly’s take: The Tigers lead the nation in returning manufacturing and probably made an improve at defensive coordinator. That is a reasonably good offseason! The one factor holding them again here’s a merely positive recruiting haul. It is good that Swinney is utilizing the switch portal now, however he is nonetheless solely barely utilizing it.
Key additions: QB Carson Beck, DB Xavier Lucas, DT David Blay
Key departures: QB Cam Ward, WR Xavier Restrepo, LB Francisco Mauigoa
Prime incoming recruits: OC S.J. Alofaituli, CB Jaboree Antoine, WR Joshua Moore
Largest teaching transfer: Miami wanted to reboot on protection, and coach Mario Cristobal turned to Corey Hetherman, who had profitable FBS coordinator expertise at Minnesota and James Madison. Hetherman oversaw a Gophers protection that ranked No. 5 nationally in yards allowed and No. 9 in factors allowed final fall.
What went fallacious: Miami missed on a handful of switch portal quarterbacks to interchange Cam Ward, together with Ward’s former Washington State teammate and Oklahoma switch John Mateer, earlier than touchdown Carson Beck. The identical UCL harm that ended Beck’s 2024 season saved him sidelined throughout spring camp and can be a narrative to look at into the autumn. Seven NFL draft picks — this system’s highest depend since 2017 — and greater than a dozen portal exits depart the Hurricanes with a great deal of manufacturing to interchange, significantly at huge receiver.
What went proper: Cristobal acquired Beck and added talent expertise throughout him in a renovated Miami offense this offseason. Switch huge receivers CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU) and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati) current intriguing new choices on a workforce that misplaced its high six go catchers from 2024. Former Alabama and TCU middle James Brockermeyer joins what might grow to be Cristobal’s strongest offensive line unit since taking up the Hurricanes, with North Dakota State switch CharMar Brown arriving alongside Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle in a deep backfield. Hetherman’s first precedence can be to restore a leaky secondary that struggled over the again half of the 2024 season. A deep forged of switch newcomers headlined by Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin), Charles Brantley (Michigan State), Ethan O’Connor (Washington State) and Zechariah Poyser (Jacksonville State) offers the first-year coordinator loads to work with.
Connelly’s take: Recruiting? Good. Defensive coordinator change? Obligatory. If Hetherman is the proper rent and Beck is wholesome and superior, Miami made itself higher this offseason. However that is a pair of mighty ifs.
0:27
Lane Kiffin takes jab at Carson Beck
Lane Kiffin makes a joke about Carson Beck’s reported $4.3 million take care of Miami.
Key additions: QB Darian Mensah, DT Josiah Inexperienced, DB Caleb Weaver
Key departures: G Caleb Krings, DT Kendy Charles, WR Jordan Moore
Prime incoming recruits: DE Bryce Davis, OLB Bradley Gompers, WR Jamien Little
Largest teaching transfer: Manny Diaz’s capability to retain each of his main coordinators and others following a nine-win season is noteworthy, and he crammed a emptiness at operating again with Northwestern’s Chris Foster. He brings expertise throughout the state from East Carolina and Appalachian State, has coached standout backs corresponding to Keaton Mitchell, and can work with veteran again Jaquez Moore, who returns from an injury-plagued season.
What went fallacious: The Blue Devils misplaced rather a lot at huge receiver with the departures of Jordan Moore and Eli Pancol, who mixed for 115 receptions for 1,659 yards and 17 touchdowns. Duke actually wants a raise from transfers Andrel Anthony, who performed solely eight snaps final season as he recovered from a knee harm, and Cooper Barkate, an FCS All-America choice at Harvard. The Blue Devils additionally had been mild on defensive transfers regardless of shedding lots of their high performers on that aspect of the ball, together with high tacklers Ozzie Nicholas, Alex Howard and Cameron Bergeron.
What went proper: After a nine-win season in Diaz’s first yr, Duke confirmed no indicators of dropping off. Though quarterback Maalik Murphy set information in his lone season as a Blue Satan, Duke boldly landed switch quarterback Darian Mensah, a greater match for coordinator Jonathan Brewer’s offense. Mensah has three years of eligibility left. The Blue Devils additionally retained lots of their high non-seniors, together with standout cornerback Chandler Rivers and offensive deal with Brian Parker II. They did not add lots of defensive transfers, however Josiah Inexperienced and Jaiden Francois ought to assist. Diaz saved virtually his complete employees collectively.
Connelly’s take: Diaz landed one of many high quarterbacks within the portal and can take pleasure in stable continuity heading into 12 months 2. The turnover within the talent corps and at linebacker hurts just a little, although.
Key additions: QB Tommy Castellanos, WR Duce Robinson, CB Jeremiah Wilson
Key departures: CB Azareye’h Thomas, DT Joshua Farmer, WR Ja’Khi Douglas
Prime incoming recruits: RB Ousmane Kromah, DT Kevin Wynn, OT Chastan Brown
Largest teaching transfer: After a shocking backslide from 13-1 to 2-10, coach Mike Norvell needed to shake up his employees, bringing in splashy coordinators Gus Malzahn (offense) and Tony White (protection). Malzahn is the large title — the previous head coach at UCF, Auburn and Arkansas State, who has mentored Norvell — however White is perhaps much more impactful, as a Rocky Lengthy disciple with a monitor document of bettering defenses.
What went fallacious: The Seminoles possible welcomed a heavy dose of roster turnover following this system’s disastrous 2024 marketing campaign, however they did lose a number of former blue-chip recruits, corresponding to quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, huge receiver Hykeem Williams and defensive finish Marvin Jones Jr. The spring portal exit of junior faculty huge receiver Jordan Scott — who joined this system in January — marked one other disappointment. A sequence of late provides within the 2025 recruiting cycle solely did a lot to make up for decommitments from 10 ESPN 300 prospects final fall.
What went proper: The autumn will inform the total story, however Norvell seems to have taken a pair of optimistic steps towards a turnaround with the coordinator hires of Malzahn and White, and each can have a bevy of transfers to work with. Tommy Castellanos arrives with recent weapons in 6-foot-6 Duce Robinson and former Tennessee speedster Squirrel White behind a new-look offensive line. On protection, White brings 2024 breakout go rusher James Williams (5.0 sacks final fall) with him from Nebraska to a entrance seven revamped with seven whole transfers. Jeremiah Wilson, No. 11 in ESPN’s spring portal rankings, comes over from Houston and marks a possible impression addition within the secondary.
Connelly’s take: We’ll see how a lot enchancment is feasible after an virtually unprecedented collapse, however Norvell washed as a lot stink off this system as he might, particularly on the offensive aspect of the ball.
Key additions: QB Chandler Morris, WR Jahmal Edrine, S Devin Neal
Key departures: S Jonas Sanker, WR Malachi Fields, C Brian Stevens
Prime incoming recruits: QB Cole Geer, OLB Isaiah Reese, WR Isaiah Robinson
Largest teaching transfer: There’s established order in Charlottesville as coach Tony Elliott retained his complete on-field employees from 2024, when the workforce made a two-win enchancment. After an aggressive switch portal push, Virginia is banking on continuity with coordinators Des Kitchings (offense) and John Rudzinski (protection), and a employees that has tried to construct again this system.
What went fallacious: Not an entire lot as Virginia had its smoothest and most efficient offseason beneath Elliott. The workforce misplaced its high receiver in Malachi Fields to Notre Dame, although, in addition to No. 1 tight finish Tyler Neville. Though Jahmal Edrine is an fascinating addition, he has rather a lot using on him to reboot the passing assault with Chandler Morris. Jonas Sanker was Virginia’s solely first-team All-ACC choice in 2024, and he leaves a major void after main the workforce in whole tackles (98) and tackles for loss (8.5). Virginia’s offensive line turns over fairly a bit from final season with seven additions through the portal. Skilled transfers ought to assist there, however the group nonetheless should work out learn how to jell.
What went proper: Virginia ramped up its funding and aggressiveness within the portal to provide Elliott what ought to be his finest roster since taking up as head coach. The workforce added an skilled quarterback in Morris, who had 3,774 passing yards and 31 touchdowns for North Texas final season, in addition to some good insurance coverage in Nebraska switch Daniel Kaelin. Edrine is among the many key additions on offense, and Virginia bolstered its return recreation with James Madison’s Cam Ross. Virginia made a robust push for offensive line transfers, and its defensive additions might actually stand out, together with linebacker Mitchell Melton (Ohio State), security Devin Neal (Louisville) and cornerback Ja’son Prevard (Morgan State).
Connelly’s take: Elliott saved his coordinators and added some thrilling playmakers by way of the portal. That is good, although the truth that he wanted this many transfers after three seasons is not an encouraging signal of a robust tradition taking root.
Key additions: QB Miller Moss, LB Clev Lubin, WR TreyShun Hurry
Key departures: QB Tyler Shough, DE Ashton Gillotte, CB Quincy Riley
Prime incoming recruits: DE C.J. Might, ILB Caleb Matelau, WR Kamare Williams
Largest teaching transfer: Deion Department had been a part of Louisville’s assist employees and even served as interim head coach for a bowl win in 2022, however in February he joined the on-field coaches at a place he is aware of effectively — huge receiver. The MVP of Tremendous Bowl XXXIX starred for Louisville, incomes first-team all-league honors, and can now coach a gaggle that features seniors Caullin Lacy and Chris Bell.
What went fallacious: Between the graduations of Michael Gonzalez and Jonathan Mendoza and portal exits by Monroe Mills (Virginia) and Austin Collins (Syracuse), the Cardinals are down 4 of their high 5 offensive linemen, when it comes to snaps, from a yr in the past. Louisville has supplemented with the additions of six switch linemen this offseason. That group is led by Mahamane Moussa (Purdue), Naeer Jackson (Florida Worldwide) and Makylan Pounders (Mississippi State), however this unproven offensive line unit stays a possible legal responsibility for an in any other case loaded offense. The Cardinals skilled related turnover within the secondary, the place this system introduced on 5 transfers — solely one in all them from the Energy 4 — to interchange 4 starters on the again finish of the protection.
What went proper: The Cardinals retained operating backs Isaac Brown (1,527 all-purpose yards in 2024) and Duke Watson and added portal go catchers Dacari Collins (NC State) and TreyShun Hurry (San Jose State) alongside veteran receivers Lacy and Bell. Collectively, they’re going to encompass USC quarterback switch Miller Moss, who arrives to interchange Tyler Shough in an offense that completed thirteenth nationally in yards per recreation (449.2) a yr in the past. Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina) joins the Cardinals after notching 9.5 sacks in his first FBS season final fall, touchdown as a prized offseason addition alongside three different switch newcomers on a line of defense unit changing six gamers who mixed for greater than 200 tackles final fall.
Connelly’s take: Coach Jeff Brohm has shortly grow to be one of many nation’s extra dependable portal customers, and his Cardinals return some severe star energy at operating again. However having to fill tons of holes at receiver, offensive line, line of defense and defensive again opens up so many alternatives for regression.
Key additions: WR Eric Rivers, OT Malachi Carney, DL Akelo Stone
Key departures: WR Eric Singleton Jr., TE Jackson Hawes, DT Zeek Biggers
Prime incoming recruits: OT Josh Petty, S Tae Harris, DT Christian Garrett
Largest teaching transfer: After shedding defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci to the NFL, coach Brent Key chosen Texas assistant Blake Gideon to guide the unit. Gideon hasn’t been a defensive coordinator — he oversaw particular groups at Houston and Ole Miss — however brings in depth expertise within the secondary, the place he starred at security for Texas earlier than teaching defensive backs at 4 packages.
What went fallacious: Eric Singleton Jr.’s departure wasn’t completely surprising, nevertheless it actually stings, as he introduced elite pace to Georgia Tech’s passing recreation, averaging 13.5 yards per reception. The Yellow Jackets misplaced different notable transfers corresponding to offensive deal with Corey Robinson II, an honorable point out All-ACC choice who landed at Arkansas, and linebacker Romello Top, who left for Texas Tech. Santucci’s departure after just one season creates the potential for disruption on protection. Though Gideon initiatives effectively, he hasn’t been a main defensive coordinator earlier than.
What went proper: After a season wherein Georgia Tech received some massive video games however might have received extra total, the roster is about up for probably massive issues this fall. Key retained his beginning offensive backfield of quarterback Haynes King and operating again Jamal Haynes, in addition to backup quarterback Aaron Philo, who could possibly be key, given King’s harm historical past. Receptions chief Malik Rutherford is also again after briefly contemplating a switch in December. As colleague Dan Murphy lately detailed, security Clayton Powell-Lee got here very near getting into the portal earlier than returning. Gifted offensive playcaller Buster Faulkner can be again to work with King.
Connelly’s take: Conserving the Faulkner-King combo was nice, as was including perhaps FIU’s two finest gamers to an already speedy talent corps. Contemplating how essential physicality was to 2024’s success, nonetheless, turnover within the trenches is worrisome.
Key additions: DE Jahkai Lang, OG Addison Nichols, DT Jeffrey M’Ba
Key departures: RB Brashard Smith, DT Jared Harrison-Hunte, DE Elijah Roberts
Prime incoming recruits: OT Dramodd Odoms, QB Ty Hawkins, WR Daylon Singleton
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Rhett Lashlee saved his employees intact after reaching the ACC title recreation and the CFP, which gives nice continuity getting into 2025. Defensive coordinator Scott Symons has been within the combine for head teaching roles however will return to SMU for his fourth season to supervise a playmaking unit.
What went fallacious: Can the Mustangs maintain their 2024 success and comply with up on the 11-3 end that took SMU to the convention title recreation and a playoff look in this system’s ACC debut? Hanging on to Symons and offensive coordinator Casey Woods will assist. However failing so as to add a confirmed, impression newcomer to step in for 1,332-yard rusher Brashard Smith or a substitute for high go catcher Roderick Daniels Jr. might chunk the Mustangs. Symons’ metal can be examined as effectively, with SMU probably making ready to interchange upward of 80% of its beginning 11 on protection, together with high tackler Kobe Wilson and defensive tackles Jared Harrison-Hunte and Elijah Roberts.
What went proper: The Mustangs made dimension and depth on either side of the road of scrimmage a precedence forward of their first ACC season final fall. That paid off for an offensive line that allowed solely 18 sacks (T-Thirtieth nationally) and paved the way in which for the league’s seventh-ranked speeding assault. SMU accounted for the losses of middle Jakai Clark and proper guard Justin Osborne with Oklahoma switch Joshua Bates and Arkansas’ Addison Nichols, a 12-game starter final fall, together with veteran Miami switch Zion Nelson. The Mustangs drew related dividends on a line of defense that completed seventh in speeding yards per recreation (100.7). Jeffrey M’Ba, Damarjhe Lewis and Texas State portal newcomer Terry Webb can be given the tall activity of changing Harrison-Hunte and Roberts.
Connelly’s take: Lashlee held on to his quarterback and each coordinators. That is an simple plus, nevertheless it’s fairly straightforward to be just a little anxious in regards to the receiving corps in addition to a protection that might have as many as 9 new starters.
Key additions: OT Kendall Stanley, WR Cataurus Hicks, DE Blaine Spires
Key departures: OL Branson Taylor, TE Gavin Bartholomew, WR Konata Mumpfield
Prime incoming recruits: OT Jordan Fields, WR Bryce Yates, DE Trevor Sommers
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Pat Narduzzi did not change a lot on the employees after an lively offseason the yr earlier than. Offensive coordinator Kade Bell, who helped Pitt rise to No. 15 in passing in his first season, acquired a brand new contract with a increase earlier this yr. He stays an intriguing title to look at in upcoming coach cycles.
What went fallacious: Pitt adopted a 7-0 begin final fall with six consecutive losses to shut the season, then suffered a pair of blows on protection through switch portal exits of cornerback Ryland Gandy (Indiana) and defensive finish Honest Edwards (UCF). Tack on the graduations of All-ACC security Donovan McMillon and third-leading tackler Brandon George and Pitt has holes to fill because it rebuilds a protection that completed 91st nationally in factors allowed final fall (28.4). The Panthers might have a substitute for Edwards if Blaine Spires can rediscover his 2023 kind. Redshirt sophomore Cruce Brookins can be among the many returners Pitt hopes will step in to fill the void left by McMillon’s exit.
What went proper: For at the very least one half of the 2024 season, Pitt proved it might play profitable soccer with quarterback Eli Holstein and all-purpose operating again Desmond Reid guiding the offense. The Panthers might want to establish a substitute for Konata Mumpfield, however they’ve crucially strengthened an offensive line that struggled mightily final fall with the switch additions of offensive tackles Jeff Persi (Michigan) and Kendall Stanley (Charlotte) together with guard Keith Gouveia (Richmond). If that group can discover cohesion, Bell ought to have the ability to get extra out of an offense that averaged 19.2 factors per contest over its remaining 5 regular-season video games.
Connelly’s take: Narduzzi retained all of the sparkly offensive puzzle items that produced enchancment final season, which is nice. However we’ll see whether or not incoming transfers can present a lift for what has been a mediocre protection for 2 straight years.
Key additions: OL Tomas Rimac, RB Terion Stewart, DE James Djonkam
Key departures: RB Bhayshul Tuten, DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland, CB Mansoor Delane
Prime incoming recruits: WR Micah Matthews, ILB Brett Clatterbaugh, QB Kelden Ryan
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Brent Pry needed to fill two coordinator roles — Chris Marve was fired, Tyler Bowen left for Ohio State — and took totally different routes with the replacements. He tapped former Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery, who has coordinator expertise from Baylor and different stops, to guide the offense. Sam Siefkes is a lesser-known title however has FCS and Division III defensive coordinator expertise and spent the previous 4 seasons with two NFL groups.
What went fallacious: Turnover was the theme of the Hokies’ offseason after a disappointing 7-6 end final fall. However not a lot of it was particularly good as Virginia Tech noticed greater than two dozen gamers exit through the switch portal and misplaced a handful of key contributors to the NFL. Amongst these gone in 2025 are high rusher Bhayshul Tuten, sack chief Antwaun Powell-Ryland and all 5 starters from a defensive again unit that completed within the high half nationally in passing yards allowed per recreation (215.9). With the portal departures of left deal with Xavier Chaplin (Auburn) and middle Braelin Moore (LSU), the Hokies might characteristic 5 new starters on the offensive line this fall.
What went proper: Virginia Tech held on to redshirt senior quarterback Kyron Drones and added reinforcements within the portal to assist Montgomery flip round an offense that completed 88th nationally in yards per recreation (367.8) final fall. Working again transfers Terion Stewart (Bowling Inexperienced), Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri) and Braydon Bennett (Coastal Carolina) make for an intriguing trio to interchange Tuten and former backup Malachi Thomas (Purdue switch). Former Tennessee operating again Cameron Seldon is anticipated to play huge receiver for the Hokies in 2025, and Virginia Tech added wanted expertise on the place in go catchers Donavon Greene (Wake Forest) and Isaiah Spencer (Jackson State). Tomas Rimac, a 29-game starter at West Virginia, represents this system’s most skilled newcomer on a renovated offensive line.
Connelly’s take: Pry’s first three seasons in Blacksburg have been first rate however unspectacular, and having to make main modifications — two coordinators, double-digit defensive transfers — might make issues a lot better or a lot worse. The vary of attainable outcomes for Tech is big this season.
Key additions: S Jeremiah Johnson, OT Teague Andersen, OLB Joseph Adedire
Key departures: OT Anthony Belton, WR Kevin Concepcion, S Bishop Fitzgerald
Prime incoming recruits: RB Deandre Desinor, OT Ta’Khyian Whitset, OC Isaac Sowells Jr.
Largest teaching transfer: After his twelfth season as coach, Dave Doeren changed each coordinators, selling veteran playcaller Kurt Roper to supervise the offense and bringing in D.J. Eliot, who has Large 12 and SEC defensive coordinator expertise and hung out within the ACC at Florida State, to name the protection. Roper and Eliot labored collectively at Colorado in 2018, and their familiarity ought to assist as NC State comes off its worst season since 2019.
What went fallacious: After a disappointing 2024 season, NC State took some hits within the portal, particularly with Kevin Concepcion, who led the workforce in receptions (48) and landing catches (6) and landed at Texas A&M. Bishop Fitzgerald, an honorable point out All-ACC choice, had three interceptions and eight go breakups. NC State additionally misplaced linebacker Kamal Bonner, No. 3 rusher Kendrick Raphael, cornerback Brandon Cisse and others. The larger switch losses appeared to return on protection, which can have a brand new system beneath Eliot and probably a steeper studying curve.
What went proper: Regardless of the modifications, NC State has a transparent imaginative and prescient on offense with quarterback CJ Bailey, who accomplished almost 65% of his passes with 17 touchdowns as a freshman. Bailey has gone by way of all the offseason because the starter and has familiarity with Roper, who has coached the quarterbacks. NC State retained main rusher Hollywood Smothers in addition to tight finish Justin Joly and huge receivers Noah Rogers and Wesley Grimes, who ought to assist account for Concepcion’s departure. The workforce did not add a ton of surefire defensive starters within the portal however picked up depth with gamers corresponding to linebacker Kenny Soares (Northwestern), finish Sabastian Harsh (Wyoming) and cornerback Jamel Johnson (Temple).
Connelly’s take: The protection’s sudden collapse wanted to be addressed, and Doeren introduced in an skilled (if uninspiring) coordinator and plenty of new transfers. That is good, although it is onerous to really feel too strongly, good or dangerous, in regards to the total strikes right here.
Key additions: QB Gio Lopez, DE Pryce Yates, OL Daniel King
Key departures: RB Omarion Hampton, DE Beau Atkinson, OT Howard Sampson
Prime incoming recruits: QB Bryce Baker, WR Adrian Wilson, DT Nicco Maggio
Largest teaching transfer: All is quiet at UNC apart from six-time Tremendous Bowl-winning coach Invoice Belichick taking up as coach, hiring sons Steve and Brian to the employees, and including different notable names corresponding to former UConn coach Bob Diaco and former North Carolina and NFL operating again Natrone Means to the employees. The “Chapel Invoice” period can be fairly the experiment, as North Carolina goes all-in on soccer.
What went fallacious: There was some anticipated turbulence across the Belichick rent and a brand-new manner of working. North Carolina misplaced a number of starters, together with Beau Atkinson, who led the workforce in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (12) final season, and linebacker Amare Campbell (6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss in 2024). Each might have been centerpieces for the protection, which already loses deal with Jahvaree Ritzie, linebacker Energy Echols, cornerback Alijah Huzzie and others. North Carolina additionally misplaced a probable depth choice on the offensive line in deal with Zach Rice, ESPN’s No. 8 total recruit within the 2022 class.
What went proper: North Carolina discovered its quarterback within the spring portal with Gio Lopez, a dual-threat left-hander who ranked twenty second nationally in whole offense (274.7 YPG) final season for South Alabama. Lopez offers coordinator Freddie Kitchens a constructing block, and North Carolina brings again huge receiver Kobe Paysour and provides pace risk Aziah Johnson from Michigan State. Omarion Hampton’s loss actually can be felt within the run recreation, however North Carolina added Michigan switch Benjamin Corridor to the group. The brand new employees seemingly made some features with its defensive transfers, together with Pryce Yates and Gavin Gibson, a productive nickelback at East Carolina final fall. North Carolina additionally added some good choices to spice up its offensive line depth.
Connelly’s take: Hiring the most effective soccer coaches of all time was actually a pleasant begin, however the off-the-field drama hasn’t been encouraging, and except for perhaps the defensive entrance six, it is onerous to ensure that the Heels have a single unit that’s extra proficient than it was a yr in the past.
Key additions: G Tommy Matheson, OT Amir Johnson, QB Dylan Lonergan
Key departures: DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, OT Ozzy Trapilo, C Drew Kendall
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Griffin Collins, RB Mekhi Dodd, QB Shaker Reisig
Largest teaching transfer: The Eagles employed Jordan Thomas to supervise a line of defense that loses standout go rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku and others. Thomas spent the previous three seasons as assistant line of defense coach with the Cleveland Browns, however he is a former participant and assistant at San Diego State, an more and more fashionable teaching tree due to the defensive success beneath Rocky Lengthy.
What went fallacious: Boston Faculty’s finest groups are constructed on the line of scrimmage, and the Eagles will really feel the departures of Ezeiruaku, Ozzy Trapilo, Drew Kendall and others. Ezeiruaku was ACC Defensive Participant of the 12 months, and the Eagles did not add many apparent impression transfers on protection. Transfers corresponding to Michigan linebacker Jason Hewlett have potential, however Boston Faculty will want holdovers corresponding to KP Value, Daveon Crouch and Carter Davis to hold the unit. The operating recreation can have a unique look as Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward transfer on. BC added switch Vaughn Pemberton, a backup at Ball State.
What went proper: The Eagles retained lots of their high gamers, together with huge receiver Lewis Bond and productive defenders corresponding to Value, Crouch and Davis. Quarterback Grayson James, who took over for Thomas Castellanos down the stretch in 2024, went by way of the offseason because the workforce’s projected starter. Guard Logan Taylor, an honorable point out All-ACC choice, is again, and Boston Faculty had a few of its largest switch portal features at offensive line, a signature place group beneath coach Invoice O’Brien. The workforce prevented main shakeups to the teaching employees and the roster, and it has an opportunity to take one other step in O’Brien’s second season.
Connelly’s take: The Eagles undoubtedly misplaced greater than they gained within the trenches, nevertheless it’s been a comparatively quiet offseason for O’Brien & Co., and quiet undoubtedly would not need to be a foul factor.
Key additions: QB Steve Angeli, QB Rickie Collins, OT Kam Pringle
Key departures: QB Kyle McCord, RB LeQuint Allen, WR Trebor Pena
Prime incoming recruits: S Demetres Samuel, OT Jayden Mann, ILB Antoine Deslauriers
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Fran Brown retained offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, regardless of some exterior curiosity, and added two new assistants in particular groups coordinator Ricky Brumfield and huge receivers coach Myles White, a former NFL and CFL wideout. Brumfield has ACC expertise from Georgia Tech and Virginia, whereas White will oversee a new-look receivers room after spending 2024 working with the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
What went fallacious: The Orange could not do something in regards to the NFL departures of playmakers Kyle McCord, LeQuint Allen and Oronde Gadsden II or offensive line starters Savion Washington and Jakob Bradford. However the portal exits of Trebor Pena (Penn State), high defensive deal with Maraad Watson (Texas) and beginning middle J’Onre Reed (USC) took a hammer to Syracuse’s returning veteran depth after a 10-3 end in 12 months 1 beneath Brown. This system struggled to retool at key positions through the portal, significantly within the talent spots on offense, leaving query marks hovering over a unit that led the nation in passing yards per recreation (370) final fall.
What went proper: Syracuse won’t have one other quarterback like McCord, however at the very least there are alternatives as this system strikes ahead with out faculty soccer’s 2024 passing chief. The Orange added Rickie Collins within the winter portal window, and Brown named the previous top-200 recruit as beginning quarterback on the finish of spring camp final month. Two weeks later, Syracuse added Steve Angeli, an skilled fourth-year passer from Notre Dame who might problem Collins for beginning snaps this fall. Whereas a lot else stays unsure for the Orange, there’s solidity within the quarterback choices.
Connelly’s take: Brown held on to Nixon and landed two intriguing new QBs. That is good. The large turnover at receiver and on the offensive line was discouraging, nonetheless, and a reasonably shaky protection did not add any assured difference-makers.
Key additions: OT Fa’alili Fa’amoe, DE Gabe Kirschke, C Devin Kylany
Key departures: C Luke Petitbon, CB Jamare Glasker, WR Horatio Fields
Prime incoming recruits: QB Elijah Oehlke, DE Cole Funderburk, OT Will Saba
Largest teaching transfer: New coach Jake Dickert made the cross-country transfer from Washington State and introduced a number of assistants with him, however each coordinators, Rob Ezell (offense) and Scottie Hazelton (protection), weren’t on Dickert’s employees. Ezell is a dynamic up-and-coming assistant with Nick Saban ties who helped South Alabama rise to nineteenth nationally in scoring. At Wyoming, Dickert labored beneath Hazelton, who has been defensive coordinator at Michigan State, Kansas State and North Dakota State.
What went fallacious: Wake Forest not surprisingly misplaced an enormous group to the portal amid the teaching transition, together with three possible key contributors at huge receiver in Horatio Fields, Deuce Alexander and Donavon Greene. The workforce tried to backfill with transfers however will want a number of of the newcomers to be surprisingly productive. Luke Petitbon, a mainstay on the offensive line the previous two seasons, transferred to Florida State, whereas one other line starter, Keagen Trost, landed with Missouri. Aside from operating again and tight finish, the place Harry Lodge returned after spending the spring at Georgia Tech, Wake Forest will lean on transfers at each offensive place.
What went proper: The workforce retained its finest offensive participant in operating again Demond Claiborne, who eclipsed 1,000 speeding yards final season and has drawn wonderful evaluations from the brand new coaches. Wake Forest additionally introduced again management and manufacturing on protection with gamers corresponding to security Nick Andersen (team-high 122 tackles in 2024) and linebacker Dylan Hazen (seven tackles for loss final season). Dickert delivered eight transfers from Washington State, together with bolstering the offensive line with deal with Fa’alili Fa’amoe and middle Devin Kylany and the huge receiver group with Carlos Hernandez. In quarterback transfers Robby Ashford and Deshawn Purdie, Wake Forest has two totally different however succesful choices to guide the offense.
Connelly’s take: After back-to-back 4-8 seasons, an entire overhaul is not the worst factor on this planet. However this can be a full overhaul — new teaching employees, 9 or 10 new offensive starters, eight or 9 new defensive starters. May take some time for issues to jell.
Key additions: QB Devin Brown, DE TJ Bush Jr., LB Harrison Taggart
Key departures: QB Fernando Mendoza, RB Jaydn Ott, LB Teddye Buchanan
Prime incoming recruits: QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, OG Justin Hasenhuetl, TE Jacob Houseworth
Largest teaching transfer: Cal has two new coordinators, though Bryan Harsin, the previous Auburn, Boise State and Arkansas State coach, is the headliner. He returns to teaching for the primary time since 2022, overseeing a unit that features Ohio State quarterback switch Devin Brown and a new-look operating backs room. Coach Justin Wilcox seeks continuity on protection, the place he promoted Vic So’oto and Terrence Brown as co-coordinators.
What went fallacious: Put merely, Cal has been crushed by outgoing transfers, significantly on offense, the place the Bears misplaced 18 gamers from the workforce that completed 6-7 a yr in the past. A spring portal exodus from this system’s operating backs room noticed Cal lose its high 5 rushers, headlined by the departures of former All-Pac-12 choice Jaydn Ott and 2024 speeding yards chief Javian Thomas (UCLA). Mixed with portal exits from Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), high huge receiver Nyziah Hunter (Nebraska) and lead tight finish Jack Endries (Texas), plus a number of newcomers on the offensive line, Harsin can have his work reduce out for him in his debut season overseeing a completely renovated Bears offense.
What went proper: Though Cal misplaced its 2024 starter, this system secured its current and future at quarterback with the portal arrivals of Brown and freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, an ESPN 300 prospect who returned to the Bears following a signing day flip to Oregon. UNLV switch huge receiver Jacob De Jesus is a two-time All-Mountain West particular teamer with explosive potential on offense, and Cal added reinforcements up entrance with 4 offensive line transfers who mixed for 40 begins final fall. If the spring portal stung Harsin’s offense, it was type to So’oto and Brown — defensive finish TJ Bush Jr. (Liberty), defensive deal with Zae Smith (Houston Christian) and linebacker Harrison Taggart (BYU) are among the many newest members of a deep switch class on protection.
Connelly’s take: Altering coordinators might transform a very good factor, however the sudden lack of manufacturing within the spring considerably modified the tenor of the offseason. Wilcox changed Mendoza with some intriguing choices, however the talent corps misplaced excess of it gained, and the secondary is beginning over.
Key additions: WR C.J. Williams, OT Niki Prongos, LB Hunter Barth
Key departures: WR Elic Ayomanor, OLB David Bailey, WR Emmett Mosley V
Prime incoming recruits: WR JonAnthony Corridor, DE Adam Shovlin, DT Kole Briehler
Largest teaching transfer: Troy Taylor’s firing in late March rocked the Stanford program forward of his third season as head coach. New common supervisor Andrew Luck leaned on his personal previous in hiring Frank Reich, who coached Luck with the Indianapolis Colts and has spent his complete profession within the NFL. Reich will coach Stanford for the 2025 season solely, working with Taylor’s assistants.
What went fallacious: Surprising teaching modifications all the time deliver some bumps, and Stanford actually wasn’t spared by Taylor’s dismissal. The Cardinal misplaced a few of their finest non-seniors this spring, together with David Bailey, who led the workforce in pressured fumbles (5), sacks (6), quarterback hurries (8) and tackles for loss (8) final season. He cashed in at Texas Tech, whereas Emmett Mosley V is headed to Texas after ending second on the workforce in receptions (48) and receiving yards (525). Cornerback Julian Neal, a key switch commit from Fresno State, reentered the portal after Taylor’s firing and landed with Arkansas. The roster is actually in flux for Reich.
What went proper: Not a lot. Stanford already was going by way of turnover at a number of key positions within the winter portal, and Taylor’s firing set off one other personnel frenzy. The excellent news is Stanford brings again productive defenders like safeties Scotty Edwards and Mitch Leigber, exterior linebacker Tevarua Tafiti and tight finish Sam Roush. Taylor’s assistants are additionally staying on by way of the 2025 season, together with main defensive coordinator Bobby April, co-defensive coordinator Andy Thompson and Nate Byham, who was promoted from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator. Vital modifications are coming, however not instantly, which is nice for the returning gamers.
Connelly’s take: Stanford made zero progress in two years beneath Taylor, so even an awkwardly timed teaching change would not need to be a foul factor. However … it isn’t routinely good both, and whereas really utilizing the portal is nice, the Cardinal nonetheless misplaced greater than they introduced in.
Large 12
Key additions: DT Lee Hunter, OLB David Bailey, OT Howard Sampson
Key departures: RB Tahj Brooks, OL Caleb Rogers, WR Josh Kelly
Prime incoming recruits: WR Bryson Jones, OG Connor Carty, OLB Brock Golwas
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Joey McGuire has two new coordinators forward of a much-anticipated season in Lubbock. Shiel Wooden, who served as Troy’s defensive coordinator when the workforce received the Solar Belt and spent final season in the identical function at Houston, will take over a Texas Tech protection that completed 121st nationally in factors allowed. McGuire introduced in Mack Leftwich, a rising star offensive coordinator a lot in the identical mould as predecessor Zach Kittley, to guide the offense.
What went fallacious: Not a lot! McGuire, GM James Blanchard and billionaire board chairman Cody Campbell got down to construct probably the most proficient roster in Texas Tech historical past this offseason and spared no expense of their efforts to compete for one of the best gamers within the portal. McGuire additionally went out and acquired precisely who he needed for his coordinator vacancies. The one participant Tech did not need to lose, five-star wideout Micah Hudson, has already returned after a quick stint at Texas A&M. Put up-spring attrition was anticipated after reserves had been supplanted by newcomers, and a complete of twenty-two scholarship gamers have moved on for the reason that finish of the 8-5 season.
What went proper: In case you’re prepared to spend thousands and thousands on transfers, are you able to get anyone you need? The Pink Raiders got here fairly darn shut. They’ve assembled the most effective defensive strains within the sport with the additions of Hunter, Bailey, Romello Top (Georgia Tech) and Skyler Gill-Howard (Northern Illinois). They made huge upgrades to their offensive line with Sampson, Illinois State’s Hunter Zambrano and Miami (Ohio)’s Will Jados main the way in which. Miami (Ohio) switch receiver Reggie Virgil and Louisiana switch tight finish Terrance Carter ought to be big-time playmakers, and the listing of impression additions actually would not cease there. It is one of the formidable offseason overhauls in faculty soccer historical past, creating playoff-or-bust expectations for this teaching employees and the loaded roster.
Connelly’s take: Tech’s 8-5 document was a little bit of a mirage final season, propped up by a 6-1 document in one-score video games. Joey McGuire will due to this fact must get much more enchancment out of this wonderful switch class than you may suppose at first look. However this was certainly a spectacular offseason in Lubbock.
Key additions: WR Jaren Hamilton, RB Kanye Udoh, WR Jalen Moss
Key departures: RB Cam Skattebo, OL Leif Fautanu, DB Shamari Simmons
Prime incoming recruits: QB Cameron Dyer, ILB Isaiah Iosefa, S Joseph Smith
Largest teaching transfer: After profitable the Large 12 and reaching the CFP for the primary time, Arizona State saved its teaching employees intact. Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo, a finalist for the Broyles Award (nation’s high assistant) and the previous UNLV head coach, might quickly get one other alternative to guide a program, however he can be again with coach Kenny Dillingham in Tempe.
What went fallacious: There’s not a lot to nitpick about how the Solar Devils’ offseason has performed out. The secret this offseason was expertise retention, and Dillingham succeeded in holding this crew collectively. 5 gamers who began 10-plus video games in 2024 moved on, and all of them had been seniors. The truth is, solely two of their outgoing transfers (WR Troy Omeire and TE Markeston Douglas) earned begins final season.
What went proper: Dillingham should be thrilled with how the whole lot is organising for 12 months 3. Arizona State brings again a ton of expertise from its CFP squad, together with 25 gamers with begins final season. You did not hear rumors about Sam Leavitt, Jordyn Tyson or different returning starters testing the open market. The Solar Devils introduced in Udoh to workforce with Kyson Brown and landed a trio of proficient receivers in Hamilton, Moss and Noble Johnson (Clemson) to interchange departing seniors. In addition they added assist in the secondary, however for probably the most half, the Solar Devils had been trying to enhance depth. They have greater than sufficient to chase one other Large 12 title and are wanting to run it again.
Connelly’s take: ASU has the most effective returning manufacturing percentages within the nation and saved each coordinators after a late-season breakthrough. Continuity makes loads of sense, though the Solar Devils did profit from some close-game fortune (6-2 in one-score finishes).
Key additions: WR Kobe Prentice, LB Travion Barnes, QB Walker White
Key departures: LB Matt Jones, LB Garmon Randolph, WR Hal Presley
Prime incoming recruits: RB Michael Turner, DE Kamauryn Morgan, DT Jackson Blackwell
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Dave Aranda grew to become the defensive playcaller throughout Baylor’s rebound season in 2024, and he made key additions to his defensive employees this winter. Baylor employed Paul Gonzales, an assistant at rival TCU for the previous 13 seasons, to be defensive passing recreation coordinator and cornerbacks coach. Aranda additionally employed Carson Corridor, a Western Kentucky assistant with SEC ties, to work with the surface linebackers.
What went fallacious: Aranda and his employees acquired off the recent seat in 2024 with a shocking turnaround from 2-4 to 8-5. Now they give the impression of being effectively positioned to be a Large 12 contender once more with 14 returning starters. Defensive lineman Brendan Bett transferring to Florida was a troublesome post-spring loss, however this has been a largely profitable offseason from a expertise retention standpoint with solely 4 different scholarship gamers departing for different Energy 4 packages.
What went proper: Sawyer Robertson was a revelation final season, producing an 83.7 QBR (fifth finest in FBS) and powering an offense that averaged 41.3 factors per recreation over the second half of the common season (second most in FBS). He is getting extra assist at receiver with the arrival of Prentice and Texas State switch Kole Wilson. There are many high quality pickups to level to on protection, too. Barnes was the Defensive Participant of the 12 months in Convention USA final season after racking up a league-high 129 tackles. Oregon switch Emar’rion Winston and Tulane switch Matthew Fobbs-White ought to assist off the sting, and the Bears picked up 4 new DBs to bolster their secondary.
Connelly’s take: Like ASU, Baylor improved on either side of the ball in 2024 (particularly late within the season), saved its coordinators and now returns excessive manufacturing ranges. That is a very good offseason proper there.
Key additions: WR Chase Sowell, WR Xavier Townsend, DL Tamatoa McDonough
Key departures: WR Jayden Higgins, WR Jaylin Noel, CB Darien Porter
Prime incoming recruits: DE Jack Limbaugh, DE Trey Verdon, RB Ryver Peppers
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Matt Campbell has needed to fill a number of vacancies on the offensive employees in recent times, and did so once more with Tony Landry, who will coach ISU’s operating backs after Tyler Roehl joined the Detroit Lions. Landry was offensive coordinator in 2024 for North Dakota State, which received the FCS nationwide title, and likewise has coordinator expertise from St. Thomas (Minnesota) and Wisconsin-La Crosse.
What went fallacious: Beginning defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim transferring to Texas A&M and security Malik Verdon turning professional early then going undrafted had been the one vital departures the Cyclones needed to take care of this offseason. 4 of the senior leaders of their first-ever 11-win season acquired drafted, and Campbell and his coaches had been in a position to get by way of the portal home windows with minimal points.
What went proper: The Cyclones knew they’d have to interchange Higgins and Noel going into 2025 and landed the highest two targets on their board in Sowell, a proficient 6-foot-4 wideout from East Carolina, and Townsend, who had beforehand dedicated to the Cyclones in highschool. Each lived as much as massive expectations in spring follow and will see a ton of targets from Rocco Becht this fall. There are new starters to plug in throughout the depth chart, however the truth this employees did not go heavy on portal pickups despatched a transparent message they like their depth, youth and momentum following a historic season for this system.
Connelly’s take: This was an especially Iowa State offseason. Campbell introduced in a few speedsters at wideout and wanted to account for turnover on the line of defense, however this continuity-based program boasts loads of continuity following its second AP top-15 end ever.
Key additions: S Gunner Maldonado, WR Jerand Bradley, OL George Fitzpatrick
Key departures: RB DJ Giddens, DE Brendan Mott, CB Jacob Parrish
Prime incoming recruits: TE Linkon Remedy, OG Brock Heath, S R.J. Collins
Largest teaching transfer: After one season as offensive coordinator however 12 on coach Chris Klieman’s employees, Conor Riley departed for the NFL. Klieman prioritized continuity in naming Matt Wells, the workforce’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, to the first function. Wells is a former head coach at Texas Tech and Utah State. Klieman shifted Brian Lepak from tight ends to offensive line, which Riley oversaw, and employed veteran Large 12 assistant Luke Wells to teach the tight ends.
What went fallacious: Three losses in November knocked Okay-State out of the Large 12 title race after it had climbed as excessive as No. 16 within the CFP rankings. The Wildcats might want to substitute numerous useful management and manufacturing from that squad however have Avery Johnson again for his second season as QB1 and good expertise round him. The first frustration for Klieman this spring was the very fact he and his employees needed to reduce down the Wildcats’ walk-on roster to satisfy the anticipated new 105-man roster restrict for 2025. For a lot of Large 12 packages, sturdy developmental walk-on packages have been an important ingredient for long-term success.
What went proper: The Wildcats efficiently fought off any efforts to tamper with Johnson and misplaced solely two scholarship gamers in the course of the December switch window who ended up signing with Energy 4 packages. They had been in a position to get Johnson extra assist with a trio of switch receivers led by Bradley, who beforehand performed for Wells at Texas Tech, plus Jaron Tibbs (Purdue) and Caleb Medford (New Mexico). Klieman and his employees additionally held off a robust late push from Oregon for Remedy, the No. 66 recruit within the 2025 ESPN 300, and introduced in one of many highest-rated signees in program historical past.
Connelly’s take: That Johnson can have his third offensive coordinator in three seasons is suboptimal, however Okay-State nonetheless boasts wonderful continuity in most models, and Klieman was aggressive with portal additions each on the offensive line and within the secondary, sufficient in order that the Wildcats have top-15 returning manufacturing ranges.
Key additions: WR Jordan Dwyer, WR Joseph Manjack IV, DT Ansel Din-Mbuh
Key departures: WR Jack Bech, WR Savion Williams, OL James Brockermeyer
Prime incoming recruits: DE Chad Woodfork, DE Jared Martin, WR Terry Shelton
Largest teaching transfer: Coordinators Andy Avalos (protection) and Kendal Briles (offense) are again, however coach Sonny Dykes added new faces on either side of the ball. Veteran assistants Brian Norwood (safeties) and Randy Clements (offensive line) got here aboard, together with former Baylor star huge receiver Corey Coleman, who will work with the Frogs’ wideouts. Tre Watson comes over from Cal to teach the safeties and nickels, and Dykes grew each the on-field group and the personnel employees with males who’ve Large 12/Texas roots.
What went fallacious: After a bumpy 3-3 begin, the Horned Frogs loved a robust end with six wins over their final seven video games, pulling off a pleasant bounce-back from 5-7 in 2023. Dykes’ squad should substitute 11 starters from a stable, transfer-heavy senior class that yielded two top-100 draft picks in Bech and Williams. However the Frogs didn’t lose an excessive amount of to the portal over the offseason past Brockermeyer, their beginning middle, transferring to Miami and Hejny, the backup QB, shifting on to Oklahoma State.
What went proper: A number of faculties inquired in regards to the availability of TCU beginning QB Josh Hoover, whose 3,949 passing yards final season rank second-most amongst all returning FBS QBs behind LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. However the redshirt junior had little interest in leaving Fort Value and is locked in for an additional yr. He’ll be getting veteran assist at receiver with the arrival of Manjack and Dwyer, who put up 1,192 receiving yards and 12 TDs final season at FCS Idaho. UTSA switch operating again Kevorian Barnes, the C-USA Freshman of the 12 months in 2022, ought to assist substitute the manufacturing of Cam Prepare dinner. The Frogs additionally secured good switch additions within the secondary to resolve these wants. An offseason with sturdy retention of the 9 returning gamers who began greater than six video games in 2024 units this workforce as much as construct on their progress and get again within the Large 12 title race.
Connelly’s take: The Frogs ended the yr as one of many Large 12’s finest and held on to Hoover and each coordinators. Dykes wasn’t overly aggressive within the portal, and we’ll see if Hoover will get what he wants from the talent corps. Expertise ranges are sturdy nearly in all places else, although.
Key additions: QB Devon Dampier, RB Wayshawn Parker, WR Ryan Davis
Key departures: DT Junior Tafuna, LB Karene Reid, CB Zemaiah Vaughn
Prime incoming recruits: ILB Christian Thatcher, OLB Cyrus Polu, QB Wyatt Becker
Largest teaching transfer: Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is perhaps getting into his remaining season, however he’ll have a brand new offensive coordinator in Jason Beck, employed to spice up a unit that completed 102nd nationally in scoring final fall. Beck performed quarterback at BYU and has teaching expertise within the state, each at BYU and Weber State. He held coordinator roles at Syracuse and New Mexico, and he introduced Lobos quarterback Devon Dampier with him to the Utes.
What went fallacious: The preseason Large 12 front-runner endured a brutal 5-7 run by way of their first yr of their new convention — a season wrecked by accidents, inconsistency and a seven-game shedding streak. Whittingham is not simply having to overtake the offense this offseason. He wants to search out good replacements for 27 departures (16 seniors, 11 transfers) who earned begins for the Utes in 2024. A complete of 30 scholarship gamers transferred out of this system this offseason, creating numerous room for newcomers to assist remake this roster.
What went proper: Dampier was one of the thrilling playmakers on the Group of 5 degree and a first-team All-Mountain West performer final season, main the convention with 3,934 whole yards of offense together with 1,166 yards and 19 TDs within the run recreation. The 5-foot-11 junior will get to play behind maybe one of the best offensive line within the Large 12 with all 5 starters returning and tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu already receiving first-round hype for subsequent yr’s NFL draft. Beck has loaded up with six new switch receivers and a brand new trio of switch operating backs led by Parker. The protection added depth within the secondary and the D-line through the portal however seems to be in good condition with 10 returning gamers who began video games final season.
Connelly’s take: Depth could also be a priority on protection, however this offseason was all about resetting an offense that fell aside as a result of quarterback accidents and an absence of concepts. And damned if Whittingham did not do a reasonably stable job in touchdown Beck, Dampier and a model new talent corps. Utah might instantly grow to be a convention contender once more.
Key additions: OL Joe Cotton, WR Cyrus Allen, CB Matthew McDoom
Key departures: OL John Williams, OL Luke Kandra, RB Corey Kiner
Prime incoming recruits: RB Zion Johnson, WR Giyahni Kontosis, QB Zebulin Kinsey
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Scott Satterfield made changes to the defensive employees in hiring Adam Braithwaite, who has FCS coordinator expertise, to teach safeties, and LSU senior analyst Eddie Hicks as cornerbacks coach. Linebackers coach Cortney Braswell additionally added a co-coordinator title and can work with Tyson Veidt after a robust season from the Bearcats’ backers.
What went fallacious: Cincinnati endured a troublesome late-season slide in 2024, lacking out on bowl eligibility by shedding 5 in a row after a 5-2 begin. What does it take to flip a 2-8 document in video games determined by one-score margins? Continuity ought to assist as Scott Satterfield enters 12 months 3. The Bearcats weren’t hit particularly onerous in the course of the portal home windows and misplaced a complete of 16 scholarship gamers, however solely 4 have landed at different Energy 4 packages.
What went proper: The Bearcats took care of enterprise in December and acquired their high returning gamers re-signed, together with QB Brendan Sorsby, defensive deal with Dontay Corleone and tight finish Joe Royer. They landed confirmed newcomers alongside the offensive line in Cotton, one of many high gamers within the spring portal window, and Ball State’s Taran Tyo, they usually added a trio speedsters at receiver in Allen, Colorado State’s Caleb Goodie and Lindenwood’s Jeff Caldwell. This employees does pretty much as good of a job as any of discovering under-the-radar gems within the portal and did so as soon as once more this offseason.
Connelly’s take: The Bearcats take pleasure in stable returning manufacturing ranges, and Satterfield made some crucial additions on protection (particularly within the secondary). It is a first rate offseason … however is “first rate” sufficient after eight wins in two years?
Key additions: DT Keanu Tanuvasa, TE Carsen Ryan, DT Justin Kirkland
Key departures: DE Tyler Batty, OL Caleb Etienne, CB Jakob Robinson
Prime incoming recruits: OT Austin Pay, WR Lamason Waller, OT Siosiua Vete
Largest teaching transfer: After an 11-win season, BYU retained high coordinators Jay Hill (protection) and Aaron Roderick (offense) and had minimal modifications to Kalani Sitake’s employees. Hill, whose title surfaced for Utah State’s teaching emptiness, promoted Jernaro Gilford, the workforce’s cornerbacks coach, to defensive passing recreation coordinator. Gilford starred at cornerback for BYU and has been on the employees for the previous decade.
What went fallacious: The Cougars got here up one recreation wanting taking part in for a Large 12 championship of their second yr within the league, rolling to a 9-0 begin earlier than back-to-back losses — by a mixed margin of 9 factors — put them on the fallacious aspect of a four-team tiebreaker. Now they have to discover a technique to substitute 12 of the 18 gamers who began 9 or extra video games final season, with receiver Keelan Marion and linebacker Harrison Taggart becoming a member of the listing as spring portal departures. The Cougars’ lone returning All-Large 12 performer getting into 2025 is kicker Will Ferrin. This workforce has nice returning management however will want numerous gamers to step up into extra vital roles.
What went proper: The Cougars have a reliable returning beginning QB in Jake Retzlaff, who put up greater than 3,300 whole yards and 26 TDs in 2024, and convey again six extra offensive starters from their Alamo Bowl rout of Colorado. They wanted to reload alongside the line of defense with 4 senior starters shifting on and pulled off some main portal additions with Tanuvasa, Kirkland and Texas switch defensive finish Tausili Akana, a former top-150 recruit. The post-spring addition of Stanford switch receiver Tiger Bachmeier ought to assist make up for the lack of Marion, and Ryan helped resolve an enormous want at tight finish.
Connelly’s take: Returning your quarterback and each coordinators after a very good yr isn’t a foul factor, however the Cougars are changing various starters and did not herald a lot of a portal haul. Sitake might want to discover some inner solutions.
Key additions: DT Jehiem Oatis, WR Joseph Williams, QB Kaidon Salter
Key departures: WR/CB Travis Hunter, QB Shedeur Sanders, DL BJ Inexperienced II
Prime incoming recruits: QB Julian Lewis, DE London Merritt, OT Carde Smith
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Prime not solely retained defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, who acquired NFL curiosity and landed a brand new enhanced contract with Colorado, however he additionally added one other Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer to the employees in Marshall Faulk. An NFL MVP and a three-time offensive participant of the yr choice, Faulk was the most effective all-purpose operating backs ever and now will work with the Buffs’ backs.
What went fallacious: Critics anticipated Coach Prime to maneuver on after 12 months 2, however he is totally dedicated to main the Buffaloes into the longer term and earned a five-year, $54 million extension after a breakthrough 2024 season. This was all the time going to be a difficult offseason with two superstars and a bunch of seniors going professional. The Buffs did lose eight gamers — who earned begins final season — to the portal, and Sanders needed to make new hires to interchange 4 assistant coaches. However this system is rolling proper together with two thrilling choices at QB and one other massive portal class.
What went proper: Lewis, the No. 12 total recruit within the 2025 ESPN 300, flipping from USC to Colorado final November was an enormous second for this program that kicked off one other busy offseason of roster additions. The Buffaloes inked 4 ESPN 300 recruits, secured a confirmed 29-game beginning QB in Salter and landed one of the proficient defensive linemen within the portal in Oatis. They’ve additionally finished a pleasant job of addressing their wants at huge receiver and alongside the offensive line. Whereas Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are irreplaceable skills, Colorado has added loads of assist this offseason to maintain this program in Large 12 title rivalry.
Connelly’s take: Between Salter and Lewis, perhaps nobody within the convention has greater upside at QB than Colorado. However the Buffaloes misplaced about 17 starters — together with 9 from a very good offense — and Sanders selected to not load up fairly as a lot within the portal. That makes this really feel like a transition yr of kinds.
Key additions: QB Conner Weigman, TE Tanner Koziol, LB Carmycah Glass
Key departures: CB Jeremiah Wilson, S A.J. Haulcy, QB Donovan Smith
Prime incoming recruits: QB Austin Carlisle, TE Wyatt Herbel, DL Travis Buhake
Largest teaching transfer: After a tough first season at Houston, coach Willie Fritz can have two new coordinators. Austin Armstrong takes over the protection after two seasons at Florida, the place he was the SEC’s youngest coordinator (31) when he took over in 2023. Slade Nagle, who labored beneath Fritz as a Tulane assistant from 2016 to 2023, will lead the offense, a job he held for Tulane in 2023.
What went fallacious: Fritz’s debut season with the Cougars featured some encouraging moments, together with upset wins over TCU and Kansas State, however an offense that averaged a Large-12-worst 12.9 factors per recreation in league play made it powerful to compete. The Cougars misplaced defensive coordinator Shiel Wooden to Texas Tech, misplaced receivers Joseph Manjack IV (TCU) and Jonah Wilson (Texas A&M) to the portal after the season and misplaced three proficient DBs in Wilson (Florida State), Haulcy (LSU) and Keionte Scott (Miami) after the spring. They’re relying on one other massive injection of switch expertise to assist expedite this rebuilding course of.
What went proper: The addition of Weigman, ESPN’s No. 1 quarterback recruit in 2022, was an enormous first step within the Cougars’ efforts to revamp their offense for 12 months 2. Switch receiver Harvey Broussard (Louisiana) and the tight finish duo of Tanner Koziol (Wisconsin) and Luke McGary (Tulsa) ought to enhance their passing assault, and the offensive line acquired numerous veteran assist. This employees discovered high quality pickups at linebacker and within the secondary in the course of the spring switch window, bringing the portal class as much as 28 signees. It isn’t an exceedingly splashy group, however they discovered good gamers to assist energy this turnaround.
Connelly’s take: Fritz overhauled the offense in a really crucial manner, and the passing recreation appears rather a lot sturdier now. That is good. The defensive overhaul, nonetheless, was much less voluntary, and the Coogs will want various newcomers to hit instantly.
Key additions: DE Kyran Duhon, OL Markell Samuel, CB Jaylin Davies
Key departures: WR Brennan Presley, RB Ollie Gordon II, LB Nick Martin
Prime incoming recruits: DE Michael Riles, OT Jaylan Beckley, OLB Carl’veon Younger
Largest teaching transfer: The worst season in coach Mike Gundy’s lengthy tenure introduced anticipated main modifications. Oklahoma State fired longtime offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and introduced again a well-recognized title in Doug Meacham, a former Cowboys lineman with Large 12 coordinator expertise. Gundy made an much more notable rent on protection in Todd Grantham, the previous defensive coordinator at Georgia, Florida and different faculty and NFL spots.
What went fallacious: It has been a captivating offseason stuffed with change in Stillwater. Gundy agreed to return in 2025 on a restructured take care of a $1 million pay reduce after a brutal 3-9 season with a squad that was anticipated to contend for a Large 12 title. He changed all 10 of his full-time assistant coaches. His college president stepped down in February. He and his new coaches totally leaned into portal recruiting to remake their roster with 26 scholarship gamers transferring out this offseason. After all of the turbulence and turnover that adopted the worst season of the Gundy period, the Cowboys will look completely totally different getting into his twenty first season.
What went proper: This brand-new teaching employees has a ton of labor and a ton of instructing to do with 38 new transfers coming in. But when they’ll pull this off, Oklahoma State could possibly be one of the improved groups within the Large 12 this fall. The combo of Zane Flores and TCU switch Hauss Hejny at QB is younger however promising, and the Pokes managed to land veteran beginning offensive linemen within the portal. Grantham is working with a ton of recent expertise on protection, particularly up entrance. Gundy’s willingness to get higher quicker may need been out of necessity, however this appears like a very stable portal class that might assist flip the Pokes’ fortunes.
Connelly’s take: It is onerous to foretell nice success simply because the Pokes can have new veteran coordinators and most of a brand new roster, however that transfusion was crucial after 2024’s collapse. The receiving corps additions are significantly intriguing. We’ll see if it is sufficient for a turnaround.
Key additions: DL Jimmori Robinson, WR Cam Vaughn, CB Michael Coats Jr.
Key departures: OL Wyatt Milum, OL Tomas Rimac, QB Garrett Greene
Prime incoming recruits: CB Dawayne Galloway, DT Taylor Brown, DE Brandon Caesar
Largest teaching transfer: Wealthy Rodriguez is again at his alma mater, 17 years after his notorious departure to Michigan. His employees is stuffed with notable names, together with assistant quarterbacks coach Pat White, the previous WVU star, and Jeff Casteel, the Mountaineers’ former defensive coordinator. Rodriguez additionally introduced in defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who held the identical function beneath Rodriguez at Jacksonville State earlier than spending final fall at Oklahoma.
What went fallacious: Rodriguez is engaged on one of many extra dramatic roster flips within the Energy 4 throughout his first offseason again at West Virginia. The Mountaineers have had 47 scholarship gamers hit the portal throughout this transition. A bunch of confirmed starters moved on after the firing of former coach Neal Brown, together with Rimac (Virginia Tech), operating again CJ Donaldson Jr. (Ohio State), receiver Hudson Clement (Illinois) and linebacker Josiah Trotter (Missouri). Rodriguez and his coaches have loaded up with greater than 40 newcomers through the portal to interchange them, however that is going to be fairly a reset for the roster with a ton of recent faces filling the two-deep.
What went proper: On this period of school soccer, it is higher to execute a roster makeover of this magnitude earlier than 12 months 1 fairly than after. The brand new employees has received battles for some coveted gamers within the portal together with Robinson, who earned AAC Defensive Participant of the 12 months final season at UTSA, and introduced high quality starters corresponding to Vaughn and DB Fred Perry with them from Jacksonville State. In addition they managed to maintain a number of key gamers like QB Nicco Marchiol and operating again Jahiem White out of the portal. However these Mountaineers are going to look virtually brand-new in 2025. If lots of these waiver wire pickups work out they usually can develop good depth, West Virginia might catch up shortly to their Large 12 friends.
Connelly’s take: Rodriguez was not shy in each bringing gamers from and seemingly sending gamers to the portal. WVU might have as many as 19 or 20 new starters in 2025, although between Alley and some Jacksonville State transfers, he’ll acknowledge at the very least among the faces round him.
Key additions: WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr., LB Bangally Kamara, LB Trey Lathan
Key departures: RB Devin Neal, CB Cobee Bryant, CB Mello Dotson
Prime incoming recruits: QB David McComb, WR Jaden Nickens, OLB Malachi Curvey
Largest teaching transfer: The Jayhawks can have their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, however Jim Zebrowski is a well-recognized title after teaching Jalon Daniels and the KU quarterbacks for the previous three seasons. Coach Lance Leipold additionally introduced in Matt Lubick, a veteran coordinator who spent 2022 and 2023 as a senior analyst at Kansas, to function co-offensive coordinator.
What went fallacious: The Jayhawks flashed their potential in November with a three-game win streak over top-25 opponents and a robust end to a troublesome 5-7 season. The truth that the Jayhawks misplaced solely 9 scholarship gamers to the portal, even with Leipold making key modifications to his teaching employees, reveals there’s nonetheless a excessive degree of buy-in to construct on. Zebrowski and newly promoted defensive coordinator D.Okay. McDonald will put their very own spin on issues, however this offseason is all about getting again to taking part in with consistency after the ups and downs of 2025.
What went proper: Kansas needed to substitute one of the impactful senior lessons in program historical past, however Daniels agreed to return for one remaining season. The sixth-year senior QB will lead a workforce that options 24 new additions through the portal. The employees did a pleasant job of restocking at huge receiver with Henderson, Cam Pickett (Ball State), Levi Wentz (Albany) and Bryson Canty (Columbia) and succeeded in touchdown veteran starters at linebacker. This employees has all the time been capable of finding gems whereas scouting the portal and will have sufficient aggressive depth to get again to taking part in to the usual Leipold has set. One other key to bouncing again: The Jayhawks can be again on their residence turf this season when the primary section of renovations at David Sales space Kansas Memorial Stadium are accomplished.
Connelly’s take: KU wasn’t as dangerous as its document final season, however now Leipold should engineer a bounce again with two new coordinators and about 16 new starters. He wasn’t shy about utilizing the portal to fill holes and will discover the solutions he wants, however in a convention loaded with continuity, the Jayhawks have lower than most.
Key additions: WR Kris Hutson, CB Michael Dansby, RB Ismail Mahdi
Key departures: WR Tetairoa McMillan, OL Jonah Savaiinaea, CB Tacario Davis
Prime incoming recruits: WR Isaiah Mizell, RB Cornelius Warren, CB Swayde Griffin
Largest teaching transfer: Arizona’s win whole dropped from 10 to 4 beneath first-year coach Brent Brennan, who not surprisingly overhauled his employees. Brennan promoted Danny Gonzales, the previous New Mexico coach who served as linebackers coach and particular groups coordinator in 2024, to supervise the protection. He introduced in Seth Doege, who helped Marshall to a Solar Belt title final fall, as offensive coordinator. Craig Naivar comes over from Coastal Carolina to coordinate particular groups.
What went fallacious: Heavy attrition was to be anticipated after a disappointing 4-8 debut season, and the Wildcats have seen 37 scholarship gamers exit through the portal this offseason. Davis, LB Jacob Manu and DL Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei joined their former coaches at Washington. Gunner Maldonado (Kansas State) and Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia) had been additionally powerful losses for the secondary. Offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr., a 26-game starter, is now at Tennessee, and the offensive line is an enormous query mark getting into 2025 with numerous newcomers needing to step up. It is telling, although, that solely eight of Arizona’s 37 transfers have landed on different Energy 4 rosters.
What went proper: There’s cause for optimism about Arizona’s offensive route beneath Doege after final yr’s suboptimal setup. Brennan was in a position to hold Fifita on board and labored onerous to get the roster flipped with greater than 25 transfers. Nobody receiver goes to match McMillan’s manufacturing, however they seem to have finished a pleasant job including to that room. They belief their capability to judge with a major variety of newcomers coming from the FCS ranks. The Wildcats had been in a troublesome no-man’s-land after profitable 10 video games in 2023, with win-now expectations for a brand new employees teaching in a brand new convention, and the outcomes had been brutal. This offseason introduced a much-needed reset.
Connelly’s take: The employees overhaul was warranted, and whereas Brennan leaned closely on the FCS ranks to solidify the defensive entrance six, he might area virtually a wholly new lineup of gamers who had been starters elsewhere if he needed to. Expertise ranges can be stable.
Key additions: QB Tayven Jackson, DL Honest Edwards, OL Carter Miller
Key departures: RB RJ Harvey, WR Kobe Hudson, DT Lee Hunter
Prime incoming recruits: RB Taevion Swint, DT RyShawn Perry, CB Rukeem Stroud
Largest teaching transfer: Scott Frost is again on the program he elevated to nationwide prominence with a 13-0 season in 2017. Frost, out of school soccer since being fired by Nebraska early within the 2022 season, oversees a training employees with notable names corresponding to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, offensive line coach Shawn Clark and quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton, the previous UCF star.
What went fallacious: The transition that Gus Malzahn set off by leaving for the Florida State OC job had fairly a price when it comes to roster attrition. The Knights have had 34 scholarship gamers depart this offseason, together with 11 who began video games final season. They had been hit particularly onerous alongside the offensive line with Adrian Medley (Florida State), Marcellus Marshall (Minnesota), Caden Kitler (Arkansas) and Waltclaire Flynn (Georgia) shifting on. Hunter, an All-Large 12 choice, grew to become one of the coveted gamers within the portal and landed at Texas Tech. Tight finish Randy Pittman Jr. additionally adopted Malzahn to the Seminoles. Add in a big senior class shifting on and also you get a serious roster rebuild for Frost and his new employees.
What went proper: The Knights have attacked their wants effectively within the portal home windows and have loaded up with 34 switch signees. Frost is working with a rebuilt QB room that includes Jackson, who began six video games at Indiana, competing with Jacurri Brown, Cam Fancher (FAU) and Davi Belfort (Virginia Tech). Working again Jaden Nixon, a first-team All-MAC decide at Western Michigan final season, will attempt to assist substitute Harvey’s manufacturing. There are many new faces at receiver and on the offensive line, and Grinch is working with 16 new transfers on protection.
Connelly’s take: Final time Frost took over in Orlando, he was inheriting items from an 0-12 workforce. So it has been worse! However UCF has the bottom returning manufacturing ranges within the convention, and Frost will begin out with an offense that boasts virtually actually no confirmed items. This renovation may take a short while.
Large Ten
Key additions: WR Trebor Pena, WR Devonte Ross, LB Amare Campbell
Key departures: DE Abdul Carter, TE Tyler Warren, WR Harrison Wallace III
Prime incoming recruits: TE Andrew Olesh, CB Daryus Dixson, WR Lyrick Samuel
Largest teaching transfer: Penn State followers can take problem with sure issues about James Franklin however not his capability to rent coordinators. After bringing in Manny Diaz, Andy Kotelnicki and Tom Allen up to now two offseasons, Franklin made a serious splash with Jim Knowles, who moved over from nationwide champion Ohio State to interchange Allen as defensive coordinator. Knowles, a Philadelphia native, is among the nation’s most revered playcallers.
What went fallacious: Allen’s departure after just one yr pressured Penn State into one other change, though the workforce could not have discovered a greater substitute than Knowles. The Lions had two gamers chosen within the high 15 of the NFL draft in Carter and Warren. The workforce did not actually add to both place aside from Texas A&M switch Enai White, a projected reserve. Penn State additionally misplaced Wallace, its high huge receiver in 2024, to Ole Miss, in addition to big-play risk Omari Evans to Washington. The Lions additionally noticed a number of rotational defenders switch out, together with cornerback Cam Miller, who had 27 tackles, an interception and 5 go breakups final season.
What went proper: After a heartbreaking loss within the CFP semifinal, Penn State saved a lot of its core collectively. The offensive backfield will as soon as once more characteristic quarterback Drew Allar and operating backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Defensive finish Dani Dennis-Sutton is again, in addition to linebackers Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca, security Zakee Wheatley, cornerback A.J. Harris and others. Penn State did not add many transfers however addressed by far its largest want at huge receiver with Pena, a 2024 second-team All-ACC choice at Syracuse who had 84 catches for 941 yards and 9 touchdowns, in addition to Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC). The workforce additionally made a key late addition in Campbell, who offers Knowles a confirmed pass-rushing risk.
Connelly’s take: Usually having to rent your fourth defensive coordinator in 5 years is not nice, particularly while you additionally lose three starters from a dynamite entrance seven. However pilfering your rival’s superior defensive coordinator and holding your entire offensive stars (whereas utilizing the portal for receiver upgrades) is an efficient technique to nail the offseason.
0:42
Why DC Jim Knowles left OSU for PSU
Heather Dinich breaks down why defensive coordinator Jim Knowles opted to go away Ohio State for Penn State.
Key additions: OT Isaiah World, S Dillon Thieneman, RB Makhi Hughes
Key departures: OT Josh Conerly Jr., DT Derrick Harmon, WR Tez Johnson
Prime incoming recruits: WR Dakorien Moore, CB Na’eem Offord, OT Douglas Utu
Largest teaching transfer: Dan Lanning saved the core of a employees that helped Oregon to a Large Ten title and the No. 1 seed within the first 12-team CFP. The one vital change got here at huge receivers coach, as Lanning employed Syracuse’s Ross Douglas to interchange Junior Adams, who left for the NFL. Douglas additionally has teaching expertise with the New England Patriots.
What went fallacious: Not a lot. Lanning prevented main employees losses and most of Oregon’s outgoing transfers projected as rotational gamers. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who signed with Oregon in early December earlier than flipping to Cal in January, might find yourself hurting the Geese’ future quarterback plans past Dante Moore, the workforce’s projected starter this fall. Oregon misplaced a number of defensive reserves corresponding to edge Emar’rion Winston and security Tyler Turner, who each landed at Baylor. The workforce added the oft-traveled Bear Alexander to bolster the line of defense however did not add another impression linemen for a gaggle that misplaced Harmon, a first-round draft decide, in addition to third-round picks Jordan Burch and Jamaree Caldwell.
What went proper: Lanning retained his high assistants and finest non-NFL-bound gamers, and he made a number of key additions within the portal, particularly for the secondary. The important thing returnees embrace huge receiver Evan Stewart, defensive finish Matayo Uiagalelei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher. Oregon additionally landed a number of of one of the best portal gamers at their respective positions, together with World, Hughes and Thieneman. The Geese additional addressed their offensive line departures with Alex Harkey (Texas State) and Emmanuel Pregnon (USC). They landed two All-Large Ten defensive backs in Thieneman and cornerback Theran Johnson from Northwestern. Though Alexander is a wild card, if Oregon’s coaches can maximize his capability, they’re going to have one thing.
Connelly’s take: Lanning’s program stays in good condition total and landed at the very least a few dynamite items within the portal. However the Geese simply had a lot to interchange total, and there is virtually nowhere to go from 13-1 however down.
Key additions: WR Hudson Clement, DT James Thompson Jr., WR Justin Bowick
Key departures: WR Pat Bryant, WR Zakhari Franklin, RB Josh McCray
Prime incoming recruits: DE Erik Gayle, TE Logan Farrell, WR Brayden Trimble
Largest teaching transfer: Bret Bielema retained all of his main assistants following a 10-win season, and made some fascinating additions to assist employees. Amongst them: former Ball State coach Mike Neu, employed as a senior offensive assistant, and James White, a former star operating again for Bielema and Wisconsin who performed eight NFL seasons and can help Thad Ward with the Illini operating backs.
What went fallacious: Virtually nothing till the spring switch portal, when Josh McCray, Illinois’ main rusher in 2024, entered and transferred to Georgia. McCray had 609 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he earned Cheez-It Citrus Bowl MVP honors in his remaining recreation with the Illini. Though Illinois returns Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin, who confirmed some manufacturing final fall, McCray would have been a pleasant participant to characteristic. Extensive receiver is the one place the place Illinois loses vital manufacturing with each Bryant and Franklin departing. Whereas Clement and Bowick are stable additions, neither has had the manufacturing of the 2 wideouts they’re changing.
What went proper: Bielema saved virtually each key contributor — participant and coach — from Illinois’ finest season for the reason that Rose Bowl workforce in 2007. Draftable gamers corresponding to linebacker Gabe Jacas, security Xavier Scott, offensive deal with J.C. Davis and quarterback Luke Altmyer all return from a 10-win workforce. Altmyer is very vital, as Tennessee made a push so as to add him following Nico Iamaleava’s departure. The Illini can have their finest offensive line in Bielema’s tenure with all 5 starters again. Though Illinois did not have so as to add a ton of transfers, it addressed huge receiver and introduced in Wisconsin defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. and several other different Badgers anticipated to contribute.
Connelly’s take: Final yr’s 5-1 document in one-score finishes goes to be onerous to match, however the Illini rank within the high 5 in returning manufacturing and held onto each coordinators after final yr’s pleasant run. Virtually nobody enjoys higher continuity in 2025.
Key additions: QB Fernando Mendoza, C Pat Coogan, DT Hosea Wheeler
Key departures: DT CJ West, QB Kurtis Rourke, LB Jailin Walker
Prime incoming recruits: S Byron Baldwin, WR LeBron Bond, DE Triston Abram
Largest teaching transfer: Indiana’s elevated assets in soccer confirmed as Curt Cignetti retained main coordinators Bryant Haines (protection) and Mike Shanahan (offense). He misplaced just one assistant, co-OC and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri, and employed an fascinating substitute in Chandler Whitmer. Whitner is a former faculty quarterback with some teaching expertise with two NFL groups in addition to Clemson and Ohio State.
What went fallacious: Not a lot because the Hoosiers misplaced just one main assistant, Sunseri, who left for the first coordinator function at UCLA, and IU usually labored the switch portal to their favor. Indiana misplaced beginning cornerback Jamier Johnson and several other rotational gamers on the offensive and defensive strains. After a 2024 season the place Indiana usually prevented main accidents exterior of a ruptured Achilles sustained by offensive lineman Drew Evans, the workforce’s total depth could possibly be examined extra this fall.
What went proper: Indiana introduced again All-Large Ten gamers on either side of the ball in defensive finish Mikail Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds and huge receiver Elijah Sarratt. The Hoosiers addressed Rourke’s NFL departure by including Mendoza, one of many high quarterbacks within the portal, and introduced in completed operating backs Roman Hemby (Maryland) and Lee Beebe Jr. (UAB). Indiana knew it will want replacements on each strains and added Coogan (Notre Dame), Wheeler (Western Kentucky), offensive deal with Zen Michalski (Ohio State), guard Kahlil Benson (Colorado) and defensive lineman Stephen Daley (Kent State).
Connelly’s take: After final yr’s wonderful breakthrough, Indiana most likely would have liked a bit extra continuity, however profitable massive with an enormous load of transfers possible means you will need to tackle one other enormous load of transfers the subsequent yr. At the very least the coordinators stayed.
Key additions: TE Max Klare, DE Beau Atkinson, OT Ethan Onianwa
Key departures: WR Emeka Egbuka, DT Tyleik Williams, OL Donovan Jackson
Prime incoming recruits: QB Tavien St. Clair, CB Devin Sanchez, OLB Riley Pettijohn
Largest teaching transfer: The Buckeyes misplaced each coordinators from the nationwide title workforce, however there’s extra intrigue on protection as Matt Patricia, the previous Detroit Lions coach who hasn’t coached in faculty since serving as a Syracuse graduate assistant in 2003, replaces Jim Knowles. Coach Ryan Day moved Brian Hartline again into the first offensive coordinator, and the splashiest transfer on that aspect was hiring offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, the previous OC at Virginia Tech.
What went fallacious: Employees turnover after a nationwide championship is considerably anticipated, however Knowles’ departure to a different Large Ten contender in Penn State is at the very least a small blow. He dramatically elevated Ohio State’s protection throughout his tenure, and his departure coincides with eight gamers being chosen within the NFL draft, together with all the beginning line of defense. Though Patricia is an enormous title, his success hasn’t come on the faculty degree. Ohio State additionally misplaced some rotational gamers on protection, offensive line and quarterback to the portal. Day will enter the autumn together with his least skilled quarterbacks room since arriving at Ohio State.
What went proper: Ohio State knew it will lose a big and adorned group to the NFL, nevertheless it retained its high returning gamers — huge receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, security Caleb Downs and cornerback Davison Igbinosun. The Buckeyes aren’t a quantity switch portal workforce however made a number of impression additions, together with Klare, a really coveted tight finish from Purdue, in addition to Atkinson, who had 7.5 sacks for North Carolina final yr and can assist substitute ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. Minnesota switch Phillip Daniels will assist defend Ohio State’s subsequent quarterback, and West Virginia operating again switch CJ Donaldson Jr. will assist offset the draft losses of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
Connelly’s take: The Buckeyes may begin the yr as a justifiable preseason No. 1, however that does not imply they’ve made main offseason upgrades. Ryan Day will begin his title protection with infinitely fewer confirmed coordinators, a brand new quarterback and a brand new line of defense.
Key additions: WR Dane Key, T Elijah Pritchett, G Rocco Spindler
Key departures: DT Ty Robinson, DT Nash Hutmacher, RB Dante Dowdell
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Christian Jones, OLB Dawson Merritt, WR Cortez Mills
Largest teaching transfer: Matt Rhule took a layered strategy to interchange defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State. He promoted John Butler, who coached the Huskers secondary in 2024 and has coordinator expertise at Penn State and time within the NFL, to White’s function. Rhule additionally introduced again Phil Snow, a defensive coordinator beneath Rhule with Temple, Baylor and the Carolina Panthers, as affiliate head coach. He employed Daikiel Shorts Jr. to supervise huge receivers, which helped land Key from Kentucky.
What went fallacious: White’s departure hurts as Nebraska had a top-20 protection, and he left for a a lot shakier state of affairs at Florida State. Though Butler and Snow each have nice familiarity with Rhule, the unit goes by way of one other transition. Nebraska’s line of defense turns over fairly a bit with out Robinson, a fourth-round NFL draft decide, and Hutmacher plus the switch of go rushers Jimari Butler (LSU) and James Williams (Florida State). The Huskers misplaced Dowdell, their main rusher, to Kentucky and considerably surprisingly did not add any transfers to assist fill the manufacturing void. Homegrown quarterback prospect Daniel Kaelin transferred to Virginia, an unsurprising transfer, however one which hurts Nebraska’s depth.
What went proper: Nebraska needed to retain quarterback Dylan Raiola and did, as the previous five-star recruit will enter his second season because the starter and have consistency with playcaller Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers additionally saved a high defensive playmaker in Malcolm Hartzog Jr., who led the workforce with 4 interceptions final season. Raiola wanted extra receiving targets with a number of commencement losses, and Nebraska introduced in productive transfers Key (Kentucky) and Nyziah Hunter (Cal), who mixed for 87 receptions and 1,263 yards final season. Spindler began for nationwide runner-up Notre Dame in 2024, and can add to the offensive line alongside Pritchett, a starter at Alabama.
Connelly’s take: Rhule made Holgorsen a full-timer, held onto Raiola and used the portal so as to add each a pair of former blue-chip linemen and perhaps Kentucky’s most fun participant. Clearly, shedding White hurts, nevertheless it undoubtedly feels just like the Huskers gained greater than they misplaced right here.
Key additions: RB Eli Sanders, CB DJ Harvey, S Bishop Fitzgerald
Key departures: CB Jaylin Smith, G Emmanuel Pregnon, WR Zachariah Department
Prime incoming recruits: DE Jahkeem Stewart, QB Husan Longstreet, OT Aaron Dunn
Largest teaching transfer: USC’s largest employees splashes got here on the assist aspect with new common supervisor Chad Bowden and others becoming a member of Lincoln Riley. The most important on-field transfer was Rob Ryan, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator, becoming a member of as linebackers coach and assistant head coach for protection. Riley additionally promoted Luke Huard to offensive coordinator as Josh Henson left for Purdue.
What went fallacious: USC had solely three gamers chosen within the NFL draft, a quantity that figures to rise within the coming years. The workforce absorbed extra harm with switch portal exits, together with Pregnon, a second-team All-Large Ten choice in 2024, and receiver/returner Department leaving for Georgia alongside his brother, Zion, a security who had 19 tackles final fall. Beginning proper deal with Mason Murphy transferred to Auburn, and several other possible reserve offensive linemen additionally hit the portal. USC’s operating backs room, already shedding high rusher Woody Marks to the NFL, noticed Quinten Joyner switch to Texas Tech.
What went proper: Riley desires to rely much less on transfers and confirmed larger selectivity in the course of the offseason whereas upgrading highschool recruiting and holding a number of vital gamers from the 2024 workforce. USC has stability on offense with quarterback Jayden Maiava, offensive linemen Elijah Paige and Alani Noa, and productive huge receiver tandem Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. Key defensive holdovers included security Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry. USC upgraded its depth at each defensive again (Harvey, Fitzgerald) and operating again (Sanders, junior faculty star Waymond Jordan). The workforce additionally added defensive deal with switch Keeshawn Silver, a former high 10 nationwide recruit, from Kentucky.
Connelly’s take: Nothing nice, nothing horrible. Riley recruited effectively and held onto each Lynn and his beginning quarterback, however the defensive turnover is perhaps a bit an excessive amount of to make sure one other yr of enchancment.
Key additions: DT Tre Williams, RB Justice Haynes, DB TJ Metcalf
Key departures: DT Mason Graham, TE Colston Loveland, EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Prime incoming recruits: QB Bryce Underwood, OT Ty Haywood, OLB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng
Largest teaching transfer: Michigan wanted modifications on offense after tumbling to 113th nationally in scoring and a hundred and thirtieth in passing final season. Coach Sherrone Moore introduced in new coordinator Chip Lindsey, who has labored with quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Jarrett Stidham, Nick Mullens and others. Lindsey is the previous head coach at Troy.
What went fallacious: Michigan ended the 2024 season on a excessive, nevertheless it nonetheless went 8-5 with a roster that will produce three first-round draft picks and 5 within the high 90. The Wolverines knew they might lose rather a lot within the defensive entrance seven and made portal features, however they nonetheless will enter the autumn with questions. The workforce did not make splashy additions for a passing recreation that misplaced Loveland, the workforce’s receptions chief, and completed solely above the service academies in manufacturing final fall. Extensive receiver switch Donaven McCulley left Indiana early final season after recording solely two catches, and Anthony Simpson performed in solely two video games final yr at UMass due to harm. Additionally, Moore’s self-imposed two-game suspension and the uncertainty across the NCAA investigation added to the offseason angst.
What went proper: Moore settled on a brand new offensive imaginative and prescient with Lindsey, a confirmed playcaller and quarterback developer. Michigan addressed its defensive deal with losses with transfers Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne Jr. (Alabama), who drew good evaluations this spring. Alabama operating again switch Justice Haynes ought to assist offset the losses of Mullings and Donovan Edwards. The 2025 season possible can be about Underwood’s growth, however quarterback switch Mikey Keene has 35 profession begins with 8,245 passing yards with 65 touchdowns. Metcalf, a switch from Arkansas, will assist offset among the losses within the secondary. Michigan additionally retained key defenders corresponding to linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham.
Connelly’s take: Michigan floated into the offseason by beating Ohio State and Alabama and stealing the No. 1 prospect within the nation from LSU. The Wolverines have top-20 returning manufacturing ranges and an “it virtually actually cannot worsen” state of affairs at QB. It is onerous to think about a happier offseason.
Key additions: QB Nico Iamaleava, RB Jaivian Thomas, CB Andre Jordan Jr.
Key departures: LB Carson Schwesinger, DE Oluwafemi Oladejo, DT Jay Toia
Prime incoming recruits: QB Madden Iamaleava, CB Jadyn Hudson, RB Karson Cox
Largest teaching transfer: Coach DeShaun Foster retained solely two assistants as he went by way of his first full offseason on the helm of the Bruins. His new hires embrace offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, who had nice success at Indiana and James Madison, in addition to veteran line of defense coach Jethro Franklin and secondary coach Demetrice Martin, who coached defensive backs at UCLA from 2014 to 2019 and has in depth expertise on the West Coast.
What went fallacious: Change might be good, however can there be too many shifting elements? UCLA will discover out this fall. The Bruins actually can have a troublesome time changing its NFL departures on protection, particularly Schwesinger, a Butkus Award finalist, together with Oladejo, Toia and productive linebacker Kain Medrano. UCLA additionally misplaced notable gamers within the switch portal, together with operating again T.J. Harden, the workforce’s main rusher in 2024, who’s off to SMU. Additionally gone are cornerback Jaylin Davies (Oklahoma State) and huge receivers Logan Loya (Minnesota) and J.Michael Sturdivant (Florida).
What went proper: There are clear dangers to taking over Nico Iamaleava and his brother Madden, a one-time UCLA commit, however the rewards are larger for a Bruins program looking for extra relevancy beneath Foster. If Nico Iamaleava maximizes his skills in Sunseri’s offense, UCLA can have one of many Large Ten’s finest quarterbacks this fall. The workforce benefited from Cal’s turbulent offseason by including Thomas (626 speeding yards, seven touchdowns) and huge receiver Mikey Matthews (32 receptions). UCLA reshaped its secondary with skilled gamers at each cornerback (Jordan, Jamier Johnson) and security (Ben Perry, Bryon Threats, Key Lawrence). The Bruins additionally picked up a number of reserve defensive backs.
Connelly’s take: {That a} dangerous offense acquired massively overhauled might be a very good factor. {That a} fairly good protection misplaced virtually each starter might be a foul factor. Ikaika Malloe has fairly a bit of labor to do.
Key additions: CB Tacario Davis, S Alex McLaughlin, OT Carver Willis
Key departures: LB Carson Bruener, CB Thaddeus Dixon, TE Keleki Latu
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, ATH Dylan Robinson, WR Marcus Harris
Largest teaching transfer: Jedd Fisch misplaced each of his coordinators after 12 months 1 at Washington, though he promoted Jimmie Dougherty, who coached quarterbacks beneath Fisch the previous three seasons, to offensive coordinator. The larger modifications come on protection, the place former Purdue coach Ryan Walters steps in. Walters has coordinator expertise from Illinois, Missouri and Colorado, and he’ll oversee a employees that features safeties coach Taylor Mays, a former three-time All-America security at USC.
What went fallacious: After a late begin and a lot change in 2024, Washington ideally did not need to be changing each coordinators once more so quickly. Fisch actually would not need to endure two 12 months 1s. The protection misplaced Bruener, its finest participant, to the NFL and had a number of portal departures, together with Dixon, who had a team-high 10 go breakups final season. Each he and reserve security Peyton Waters adopted coordinator Steve Belichick to North Carolina. The passing recreation loses rather a lot with Latu and receivers Giles Jackson and Jeremiah Hunter all shifting onto professional ball. Washington briefly addressed the group with Texas’ Johntay Prepare dinner II earlier than shortly dismissing him from the workforce.
What went proper: Washington acquired forward of its quarterback transition by beginning Demond Williams Jr. late final season after which retaining him. He could possibly be one of many nation’s high younger quarterbacks. Williams has assist with operating again Jonah Coleman, huge receiver Denzel Boston and others, together with Penn State receiver switch Omari Evans. Washington’s greater strikes got here on protection, together with the Walters rent and the additions of Davis (Arizona) and McLaughlin (Northern Arizona) within the secondary, and linebackers Taariq Al-Uqdah (Washington State), Xe’ree Alexander (UCF) and Jacob Manu, a first-team All-Pac-12 choice beneath Fisch at Arizona in 2023.
Connelly’s take: An offensive coordinator change would not damage a lot after stable regression, and including 5 FBS starters — and a confirmed coordinator — to a protection that was already fairly stable offsets the offensive uncertainty.
Key additions: DE Eric O’Neill, DE Bradley Weaver, WR DT Sheffield
Key departures: RB Kyle Monangai, CB Robert Longerbeam, DE Wesley Bailey T
Prime incoming recruits: WR Michael Thomas III, OLB D.J. McClary, S Tariq Hayer
Largest teaching transfer: After Joe Harasymiak left to grow to be UMass head coach, Greg Schiano turned to a well-recognized title in Robb Smith, who had two earlier stints as Scarlet Knights DC (2012, 2021-22). Smith will function co-coordinator alongside Zach Sparber, who had a profitable run at James Madison. A number of defensive place coaches had been shuffled from earlier roles.
What went fallacious: Harasymiak’s departure hurts a bit — though Rutgers has schematic continuity with Smith — as various defensive gamers hit the portal within the winter and spring. Bailey was in line to be a major contributor final season earlier than an harm. He’ll as a substitute swimsuit up for Louisville in 2024. Rutgers linebacker Mohamed Toure, a former workforce captain who battled knee accidents, entered the portal this spring. Linebacker Timmy Hinspeter, a probable rotational piece, adopted Harasymiak to UMass. Offensive deal with Ja’Elyne Matthews, a adorned in-state recruit, transferred to Florida State, as a part of a small group of linemen to depart this system this spring.
What went proper: Rutgers compiled a superb assortment of portal defenders, and added weapons to assist quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. O’Neill and Weaver, who mixed for 21.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss final season at James Madison and Ohio, respectively, kind a superb pass-rushing tandem. Schiano added to the secondary with cornerbacks Jacobie Henderson (Marshall) and Cam Miller (Penn State). Rutgers had fewer transfers on offense however boosted its passing recreation with Sheffield, who had 66 receptions and 11 touchdowns for North Texas final season. The workforce additionally addressed Monangai’s departure with operating again CJ Campbell Jr., a 2024 third-team All-AAC choice at Florida Atlantic.
Connelly’s take: The offense enjoys wonderful continuity, and the protection enjoys little or no. Schiano added a few shop-wreckers up entrance in O’Neill and Weaver, however when your protection loses about eight starters and its coordinator, that is nonetheless fairly powerful.
Key additions: OT Conner Moore, RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver, WR Omari Kelly
Key departures: G Luke Newman, CB Charles Brantley, LB Jordan Turner
Prime incoming recruits: RB Jace Clarizio, DT Derrick Simmons, OG Drew Nichols
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Jonathan Smith retained most of his employees regardless of a 5-7 season however introduced in two new assistants in safeties coach James Adams and quarterbacks coach Jon Boyer. Smith has familiarity with Boyer, who labored on his Oregon State employees for 5 seasons in numerous assist roles. Collectively, they give the impression of being to assist Aidan Chiles discover his groove after a bumpy first season at MSU.
What went fallacious: Michigan State misplaced a small group of key contributors following Smith’s first season, together with Brantley, who transferred to Miami after main the Spartans in interceptions (3) and go breakups (7). The Spartans additionally misplaced edge Anthony Jones (UCLA) and security Dillon Tatum (Northwestern) to different Large Ten groups. The huge receiver room took some hits with Aziah Johnson (North Carolina) and Jaron Glover (Mississippi State) shifting on, though Michigan State addressed the spot with switch additions. Though Michigan State addressed most of its wants by way of the portal, it did not make the splashiest additions, leaning on the Group of 5 and FCS ranks.
What went proper: The Spartans prevented main roster turnover regardless of the workforce’s third consecutive shedding season. They introduced again their quarterback in Chiles, their high younger playmaker in huge receiver Nick Marsh and key defenders corresponding to security Nikai Martinez and linebacker Darius Snow. The Spartans additionally added a number of potential impression transfers, corresponding to Moore, an FCS All-America choice at Montana State, Tau-Tolliver from Sacramento State and Burt from Jap Illinois. Extensive receivers Kelly (Center Tennessee) and Chrishon McCray (Kent State) ought to complement Marsh, and several other of Michigan State’s offensive and line of defense transfers arrive with expertise.
Connelly’s take: Smith plumbed smaller faculties for stars, and the Spartans ought to be infinitely extra skilled in 2025. You’ll love just a few extra confirmed items, however generally you nail the offseason by merely not screwing up the offseason.
Key additions: QB Mark Gronowski, WR Sam Phillips, DT Jonah Tempo
Key departures: RB Kaleb Johnson, LB Jay Higgins, G Connor Colby
Prime incoming recruits: DE Iose Epenesa, TE Thomas Meyer, OG Lucas Allgeyer
Largest teaching transfer: Continuity is king in Iowa Metropolis, the place coach Kirk Ferentz returns for his twenty seventh yr on the helm. He has just one new main assistant this fall in operating backs coach Omar Younger, who has current NFL expertise with New England and Chicago, and final coached in faculty at Jap Illinois in 2021. He replaces Ladell Betts, the previous Iowa operating again who left for the New York Giants.
What went fallacious: Iowa did not add transfers at operating again or tight finish after shedding Johnson — who rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, and completed third on the workforce in receptions — and Luke Lachey, who was second in receptions. Phillips was productive on the FCS degree and high receiver Jacob Gill returns, however will that be sufficient to spice up a passing assault that has been the worst amongst non-service academies over the previous 4 seasons? Quarterback Brendan Sullivan, who began three video games final season, transferred earlier than the top of spring follow, though his departure wasn’t an enormous shock after Iowa added Gronowski and Auburn switch Hank Brown.
What went proper: After the Cade McNamara saga went horribly fallacious, Iowa has real hope for a breakthrough on offense with Gronowski main the unit. He helped South Dakota State to an FCS nationwide championship in 2023 and has eclipsed 2,700 passing yards in every of the previous three seasons. Though he missed spring follow after shoulder surgical procedure, he is on monitor for full participation this summer time. Iowa added just a few items alongside the line of defense and saved the gamers it expects to tackle greater roles all through the protection. Ferentz continues to have nice continuity on his employees with defensive coordinator Phil Parker and others.
Connelly’s take: Ferentz, the king of continuity, by no means has too noisy an offseason. However his Hawkeyes want new difference-makers at quarterback, linebacker and defensive again. That is at the very least just a little bit scary, is not it?
Key additions: QB Preston Stone, WR Griffin Wilde, LB Yanni Karlaftis
Key departures: CB Theran Johnson, G/T Josh Thompson, LB Xander Mueller
Prime incoming recruits: RB Daniel Anderson, QB Marcus Romain, OT Michael O’Connell
Largest teaching transfer: Northwestern retained offensive coordinator Zach Lujan regardless of a season the place the Wildcats completed 128th nationally in scoring and a hundred and thirtieth in yards. The one change comes at operating backs coach, the place Braun employed Aristotle Thompson, who coached Cal standouts Jadyn Ott and Jaivian Thomas the previous few seasons.
What went fallacious: The Wildcats have struggled to retain some productive defensive backs within the portal period and misplaced Johnson and Devin Turner, who mixed for 5 interceptions and 13 go breakups final fall, to Oregon and Baylor, respectively. Northwestern additionally has misplaced just a few offensive linemen in recent times, with Thompson shifting on to LSU after incomes honorable point out All-Large Ten honors. Though Wilde is a key addition to a depleted passing recreation, Northwestern added just one extra switch in Stanford’s Chase Farrell, a promising however unproven participant, fairly than going pedal down into the portal for extra ensures.
What went proper: Some on-campus coverage changes allowed Northwestern to grow to be a real winter portal participant for the primary time. The Wildcats landed the quarterback they desperately wanted in Stone, who began for SMU’s league title-winning workforce in 2023. In addition they addressed a depleted offensive line with a number of skilled transfers, together with guards Evan Beerntsen (South Dakota State), Martes Lewis (Minnesota) and deal with Xavior Grey. Wilde, a standout receiver at South Dakota State, offers Stone a high choice. Northwestern additionally helped its protection with transfers Karlaftis (Purdue), Fred Davis (Jacksonville State) and late addition Dillon Tatum (Michigan State). The workforce additionally retained proficient linemen Anto Saka and Caleb Tiernan.
Connelly’s take: After a yr wherein the protection went from nice to first rate and the offense went from dangerous to atrocious, you’d have perhaps anticipated a bit extra turnover within the teaching employees. Braun made some first rate portal additions, however his two most confirmed offensive gamers are a quarterback who acquired benched final yr and an FCS receiver.
Key additions: WR Javon Tracy, G Marcellus Marshall, CB Jaylen Bowden
Key departures: OT Aireontae Ersery, CB Justin Walley, OT Phillip Daniels
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Emmanuel Karmo, QB Jackson Kollock, OT Daniel Shipp
Largest teaching transfer: Coach P.J. Fleck has prioritized continuity in his current coordinator hires and chosen Danny Collins, the workforce’s safeties coach, to interchange Corey Hetherman as defensive coordinator. Collins has spent the previous 13 seasons working for Fleck, who reshaped a lot of the defensive employees and employed former Purdue and SMU defensive coordinator Kevin Kane to teach nickelbacks and outdoors linebackers.
What went fallacious: Fleck has misplaced a number of key assistants in recent times and Hetherman’s departure to Miami — after coordinating a high 10 protection in 2024 — might sting a bit. Minnesota knew Ersery was NFL-bound, however shedding Daniels (who began some video games final season) in addition to key reserve Martes Lewis created much more turnover for an offensive line that can look fairly a bit totally different in 2025. The Gophers misplaced high receiver Daniel Jackson, one in all solely three gamers with greater than 28 receptions final season. Regardless of Minnesota success on protection, it did not land too many impression transfers.
What went proper: Minnesota retained lots of its core items, together with first-team All-Large Ten nickel Koi Perich — who can have a job on offense as effectively this fall — and operating again Darius Taylor. The workforce additionally added depth at each receiver and operating again within the portal, which ought to assist new quarterback Drake Lindsey. Offensive line transfers corresponding to Marshall, who has beginning expertise from each UCF and Kent State, in addition to Kahlee Tafai and Dylan Ray give the offensive line an opportunity to reload. Bowden had a very good spring for the secondary, which has grow to be one in all Minnesota’s signature place teams for NFL-level expertise.
Connelly’s take: Dropping Hetherman and each beginning cornerbacks hurts. The offense may gain advantage from portal upgrades within the talent corps, however having a fourth beginning quarterback in 4 years — and a redshirt freshman at that — is not nice.
Key additions: QB Billy Edwards Jr., OLB Mason Reiger, DL Charles Perkins
Key departures: S Hunter Wohler, RB Tawee Walker, WR Will Pauling
Prime incoming recruits: QB Carter Smith, ILB Mason Posa, OT Logan Powell
Largest teaching transfer: The Air Raid did not work in Madison, as many coaches predicted it would not, and new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is considered as a return to Wisconsin’s roots. Grimes performed and coached offensive line and can emphasize the ability run in numerous methods. Coach Luke Fickell additionally shifted Kenny Guiton, the previous Ohio State quarterback, from huge receivers coach to supervise the QBs.
What went fallacious: Wisconsin made the required pivot on offense to Grimes and a extra conventional scheme, however did the workforce herald sufficient by way of the portal? Edwards might stabilize the quarterback state of affairs, however the Badgers misplaced Walker, their main rusher, to Cincinnati and Pauling, their high receiver, to Notre Dame. Wisconsin seemingly upgraded the tight finish spot with Ball State’s Tanner Koziol, however he transferred out within the spring and the workforce scrambled so as to add Missouri State’s Lance Mason. The Badgers’ restricted portal strategy on offense exterior of huge receiver and quarterback could possibly be pricey. Wisconsin addressed its depth wants on protection, however not including a switch operating again appeared odd.
What went proper: The Badgers accurately reset their offensive strategy and Edwards has the expertise to thrive in the proper state of affairs. Wisconsin additionally wanted new our bodies on protection after a season the place it generated solely 17 sacks and 4 interceptions. The workforce not solely introduced again linebacker Christian Alliegro, defensive backs Preston Zachman and Ricardo Hallman, and others, however added transfers like Reiger, cornerback Geimere Latimer II, exterior linebacker Corey Parker and defensive linemen Perkins and Parker Petersen. The employees’s capability to develop defensive transfers principally from Group of 5 or FCS packages might make an enormous distinction this fall.
Connelly’s take: The offense is present process extraordinarily crucial modifications, and the protection is including a few recognized FBS starters and various smaller-school stars. The Badgers have top-20 returning manufacturing ranges however included some welcome modifications.
Key additions: CB Dontay Joyner, TE Dorian Fleming, OT Rahtrel Perry
Key departures: WR Tai Felton, LB Caleb Wheatland, RB Roman Hemby
Prime incoming recruits: DE Zahir Mathis, OT Jaylen Gilchrist, QB Malik Washington
Largest teaching transfer: After a 4-8 season, coach Mike Locksley made vital modifications to the employees, together with bringing in veterans Pep Hamilton (offensive coordinator) and Ted Monachino (defensive coordinator). Each have NFL coordinator expertise and have notable faculty stops, together with Michigan and Stanford (Hamilton), and North Carolina and Arizona State (Monachino).
What went fallacious: Maryland had extra NFL draft picks (6) than wins (4) and noticed a number of key contributors enter the portal. Beginning quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and Hemby, a three-year starter, each transferred throughout the Large Ten at Wisconsin and Indiana, respectively. Maryland lacks a confirmed quarterback on the roster. Others to depart included defensive deal with Lavon Johnson (Texas), and offensive linemen Terez Davis (Ole Miss) and Jayvin James (Mississippi State). After a troublesome 2024 season on the offensive line, Maryland’s room turned over considerably. A late defensive coordinator change creates potential flux with that unit, which misplaced 4 NFL draft picks.
What went proper: Maryland addressed a number of areas of want within the portal with gamers corresponding to Joyner, who had two interceptions towards Large Ten groups final season for Arkansas State, and Perry, an intriguing standout from the FCS who might assist stabilize the Terrapins’ offensive entrance. Cornerback Jamare Glasker, who began at Wake Forest final season, additionally ought to assist. Fleming is an efficient substitute for tight finish Preston Howard, and Locksley has a very good monitor document with receivers corresponding to Jalil Farooq, a stable contributor at Oklahoma in 2022 and 2023 earlier than lacking virtually all of final season with a damaged foot.
Connelly’s take: Including new coordinators after each the offense and protection regressed might transform a very good factor, however the spring run of transfers was awfully alarming.
Key additions: CB Tony Grimes, DE CJ Nunnally IV, OT Jalen St. John
Key departures: TE Max Klare, S Dillon Thieneman, DE Will Heldt
Prime incoming recruits: RB Ziaire Stevens, CB Zyntreacs Otey, DE Landon Brooks
Largest teaching transfer: Regardless of Purdue’s historical past on offense, the college went with one other defensive-minded coach in Barry Odom after a really tough two seasons with Ryan Walters. Odom, who went 19-8 at UNLV, ought to present a transparent imaginative and prescient for enchancment and employed a employees that features a number of of his UNLV assistants in addition to veteran newcomers corresponding to offensive coordinator Josh Henson and quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw.
What went fallacious: Purdue misplaced an enormous group of coveted gamers to the portal. Klare, Thieneman and Heldt had been all among the many high transfers at their respective positions and landed with CFP contenders Ohio State, Oregon and Clemson. The Boilers additionally misplaced cornerbacks Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Inexperienced, each to Arizona State, defensive lineman Jeffrey M’ba (SMU), offensive lineman Mahamane Moussa (Louisville), huge receivers Jaron Tibbs (Kansas State) and Jahmal Edrine (Virginia) and others. Though retaining all-conference-level gamers throughout a training change is troublesome, Odom actually might have benefited from extra returning starters on protection and a veteran quarterback switch.
What went proper: Odom and his employees needed to be extraordinarily aggressive within the portal and added key gamers on either side of the ball. Grimes and St. John adopted the coaches from UNLV to Purdue, together with linebacker Mani Powell, tight finish Christian Moore and several other others. The defensive additions are particularly intriguing, as Purdue introduced in Nunnally, a first-team All-MAC choice at Akron final fall, in addition to security Crew Wakley (BYU), cornerback Chad Brown (Nevada) and others. The employees retained operating again Devin Mockobee, which is able to assist with an inexperienced quarterback, and an fascinating group of offensive lineman that features Canadian faculty star Giordano Vaccaro.
Connelly’s take: The Boilermakers have the worst returning manufacturing and recruiting rankings within the convention and due to this fact rank final right here. However that is solely as a result of there isn’t any “nowhere to go however up” issue constructed into the components. Odom hasn’t added recognized studs, however Purdue can have virtually no alternative however to enhance in 2025.
Key additions: WR Malachi Fields, CB DeVonta Smith, WR Will Pauling
Key departures: S Xavier Watts, QB Riley Leonard, DT Rylie Mills
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Madden Faraimo, OT Will Black, TE James Flanigan
Largest teaching transfer: Notre Dame will miss defensive coordinator Al Golden, who received the Broyles Award because the nation’s high assistant coach, earlier than returning to the NFL. Coach Marcus Freeman went with expertise in hiring Chris Ash — the previous Rutgers head coach and defensive coordinator at Ohio State, Texas, Arkansas and Wisconsin — to supervise a protection that had 4 gamers chosen within the NFL draft.
What went fallacious: Notre Dame knew it will be shedding a number of defensive standouts to the NFL, which performed out throughout draft weekend. The Irish aren’t a quantity switch portal workforce and returned a big group of defenders with beginning expertise. However the workforce’s defensive switch additions may need been a tad underwhelming, exterior of defensive backs DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech). Notre Dame knew it possible could not carry three quarterbacks previous spring follow, however Steve Angeli’s portal entry leaves the Irish with none actual recreation expertise on the place. Three offensive linemen with beginning expertise Pat Coogan, Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton — all transferred out.
What went proper: The Irish saved their most essential gamers, possible prevented a major dip and arrange one other push for the CFP and a nationwide title. Though groups can by no means have sufficient succesful offensive linemen and among the switch departures sting, Notre Dame retained youthful, extra proficient gamers who might kind one of many nation’s finest O-lines for a number of seasons. Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiyah Love returns, however so do Jadarian Value and Aneyas Williams, as Notre Dame can have arguably the nation’s high operating backs room. The Irish additionally addressed their largest offensive want at huge receiver with transfers Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin).
Connelly’s take: Freeman did not want a ton of portal additions — we’ll see if he introduced in sufficient at receiver — and can be banking on a younger blue-chip participant at quarterback. Changing Golden with Ash feels fairly uninspiring, however lord is aware of Ash will inherit some skilled items.
SEC
Key additions: WR Nic Anderson, WR Barion Brown, DB Mansoor Delane
Key departures: OL Will Campbell, TE Mason Taylor, DE Bradyn Swinson
Prime incoming recruits: OT Solomon Thomas, CB D.J. Pickett, RB Harlem Berry
Largest teaching transfer: LSU had the quietest teaching employees offseason since Brian Kelly arrived on the Bayou in 2022. The entire workforce’s main coordinators are again and the one notable modifications had been at line of defense coach, with former LSU All-America defensive deal with Kyle Williams taking up for Bo Davis, and former Florida State OC Alex Atkins coming in as tight ends coach and run recreation coordinator.
What went fallacious: The last-minute lack of No. 1 total recruit Bryce Underwood to Michigan, after the quarterback’s almost year-long dedication, was a brutal setback late in a season that ended with LSU exterior the Prime 25 at 9-4. Beginning QB Garrett Nussmeier bypassing the NFL draft and returning for an additional season did assist soften that blow, and the Tigers ended up shedding solely two starters — receiver CJ Daniels (Miami) and DB Sage Ryan (Ole Miss) — among the many 22 scholarship gamers who entered the portal after the season.
What went proper: LSU got down to construct an elite portal class in December and received lots of powerful battles for confirmed starters at essential positions. Nussmeier will get to work with two extraordinarily proficient wideouts in Anderson (Oklahoma) and Brown (Kentucky), new additions at tight finish and two of the highest offensive linemen within the portal in middle Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and guard Josh Thompson (Northwestern). Second-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker is getting a ton of assist with 5 switch D-linemen and 4 new DBs, and no person can be shocked if Pickett, their five-star freshman cornerback, is taking part in early and infrequently.
Connelly’s take: Kelly retained one of the confirmed quarterbacks within the SEC and introduced in probably the most celebrated switch class within the league as effectively. One may need steered bringing in one other O-lineman or two, nevertheless it certain looks like the Tigers loved one of the best offseason this aspect of Norman.
Key additions: QB John Mateer, RB Jaydn Ott, LB Kendal Daniels
Key departures: LB Danny Stutsman, S Billy Bowman Jr., WR Nic Anderson
Prime incoming recruits: OT Michael Fasusi, DE C.J. Nickson, WR Elijah Thomas
Largest teaching transfer: Getting into a pivotal yr, coach Brent Venables made a serious offensive coordinator rent in Ben Arbuckle, who introduced Mateer with him from Washington State. Arbuckle coached Cam Ward and Mateer in Pullman, and he ought to instantly enhance a Sooners offense that completed 97th nationally in scoring final season.
What went fallacious: Virtually nothing went proper for the Sooners in 2024 throughout a disastrous SEC debut that resulted in this system’s second shedding season since 1998 and turned up the warmth on Venables’ seat. That prompted the offensive overhaul. Previous Mateer, Ott, Florida State edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. and Daniels marked Oklahoma’s flashiest bits of portal enterprise. However questions stay over whether or not the Sooners did sufficient to bolster the huge receiver and offensive line models that cratered their season a yr in the past.
What went proper: Oklahoma acquired its quarterback state of affairs sorted when it swapped Arnold (Auburn) for Mateer, who accounted for 3,319 passing yards and 44 whole touchdowns final fall. The fourth-year passer gives the Sooners with dual-threat playmaking capability, but in addition a sure confidence Oklahoma sorely lacked in 2024. If he can keep wholesome, Ott, who rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 scores in 2023, is one other new weapon for Arbuckle’s offense. And the Sooners added loads of new choices within the passing recreation with JaVonnie Gibson (UAPB) and Isaiah Sategna (Arkansas) amongst 4 new huge receivers becoming a member of returners Deion Burks and Jayden Gibson.
Connelly’s take: Nobody wanted a very good offseason extra desperately than Venables, however he most likely put collectively the finest offseason in faculty soccer. We’ll see if it interprets to wins towards one other brutal schedule, however Arbuckle, Mateer & Co. ought to produce a stable turnaround within the factors division. Offseason nationwide champions.
Key additions: WR Eric Singleton Jr., QB Jackson Arnold, OL Xavier Chaplin
Key departures: RB Jarquez Hunter, WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, LB Jalen McLeod
Prime incoming recruits: CB Blake Woodby, DE Jared Smith, QB Deuce Knight
Largest teaching transfer: Head coach Hugh Freeze retained his coordinators regardless of a 5-7 season however added a number of new place coaches, together with Chad Lunsford, the previous Georgia Southern coach, who will oversee particular groups. Roc Bellantoni, an Auburn assistant in 2021 and 2022, returned as exterior linebackers coach.
What went fallacious: The Tigers endured a tough 2-6 run by way of SEC play in 12 months 2 beneath Freeze and nonetheless have extra constructing to do, nevertheless it’s clear this roster is on the right track. Among the many 23 scholarship gamers who hit the portal this offseason, solely two — OL Percy Lewis (Ole Miss) and DB Caleb Wood (Arkansas) — earned greater than three begins final season. They skilled vital attrition in a few spots, with seven defensive backs and three backup quarterbacks shifting on, however normally they recruited over their departures.
What went proper: Freeze and his employees went into December decided to load up with a robust portal class and definitely completed their mission. The duo of Arnold and Knight offers this program an especially brilliant future at quarterback. Arnold had a rocky season as Oklahoma’s starter, however the former five-star recruit is working with a a lot better supporting forged on offense with Singleton, a coveted switch from Georgia Tech, and Horatio Fields (Wake Forest) teaming up with rising sophomores Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons. Chaplin (Virginia Tech) was an enormous get at left deal with. 9 incoming transfers on protection will assist create much more aggressive depth for a squad that’s relying on a bunch of standouts from its 2024 recruiting class to shine as second-year gamers.
Connelly’s take: There’s continuity atop the teaching org chart, and there can be loads of blue chippers on the two-deep. Hugh Freeze had a stable offseason as we’re defining it, however the season will trip on whether or not Auburn’s fully new quarterbacks room produces an SEC-caliber starter.
Key additions: DT Maraad Watson, TE Jack Endries, WR Emmett Mosley V
Key departures: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., CB Jahdae Barron, WR Matthew Golden
Prime incoming recruits: DT Justus Terry, S Jonah Williams, WR Jaime Ffrench
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Steve Sarkisian retained main coordinators Pete Kwiatkowski (protection), Kyle Flood (offense) and Jeff Banks (particular groups) after his second straight CFP run. He misplaced safeties coach Blake Gideon to Georgia Tech however changed him with veteran Duane Akina, who coached Longhorns defensive backs beneath Mack Brown from 2001 to 2013.
What went fallacious: It is onerous to search out a lot on this entrance with a Texas program that simply reached the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinals. Quarterback Quinn Ewers sliding to the seventh spherical of the NFL draft was unlucky, as was offensive deal with Cameron Williams falling to the sixth after going professional early. The Longhorns should substitute 13 gamers who had been within the beginning lineup towards the Buckeyes, almost all of whom are actually on NFL rosters. However because the Arch Manning period formally will get underway in Austin, Sarkisian has this program wanting able to reload.
What went proper: This has been a easy offseason in lots of methods for Sarkisian and his employees getting into 12 months 5. The Longhorns completed with ESPN’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class, inking 17 ESPN 300 prospects and shutting by profitable a battle with Georgia for Terry, the No. 8 total recruit. They handled minimal roster attrition and had no hassle addressing their few remaining wants within the portal. The employees boosted depth up entrance with 5 new D-linemen, discovered a brand new No. 1 tight finish in Endries and upgraded on particular groups with kicker Mason Shipley (Texas) and punter Jack Bouwmeester (Utah) coming in. A faculty-record 12 draft picks — and 23 over the previous two years — present how far this program has are available in 4 years beneath Sarkisian. Now the strain is on to go play for a nationwide title.
Connelly’s take: If Manning takes the leap individuals count on, that might paper over a bunch of cracks, particularly contemplating the continuity at coordinator. However even with good recruiting and first rate portal work, shedding 4 offensive line starters and your high 4 on the line of defense feels fairly scary.
Key additions: WR J.Michael Sturdivant, CB Micheal Caraway Jr., DT Brendan Bett
Key departures: WR Chimere Dike, DT Cam Jackson, CB Jason Marshall Jr.
Prime incoming recruits: WR Vernell Brown III, WR Dallas Wilson, ILB Ty Jackson
Largest teaching transfer: Florida’s defensive employees acquired a mini shakeup with Austin Armstrong becoming a member of Houston in the identical function. Coach Billy Napier introduced in Vinnie Sunseri, a rising younger assistant with NFL and faculty expertise, to interchange Armstrong and work alongside veteran Ron Roberts. Deron Wilson additionally comes over from Arkansas to teach defensive backs.
What went fallacious: The Gators salvaged their 2024 season and saved Napier’s job within the again half of the 2024 season, then dove into as quiet of an offseason of roster turnover as an SEC program might seemingly ever ask for in 2025. Quarterback DJ Lagway’s restricted participation in spring camp (shoulder) forward of his first full season as a starter was not splendid, nor was shedding the gathering of expertise that included Dike and main tacklers Trikweze Bridges and Shemar James to the NFL. However the Gators held onto the deep base of younger expertise that fueled final fall’s late-season resurgence and return seemingly well-equipped to deal with one of many nation’s hardest schedules in 2025.
What went proper: Florida has a quarterback in Lagway and a lead operating again in Freshman All-SEC Jadan Baugh. However the Gators had work to do changing Dike and 2024 receiving yards chief Elijhah Badger. Sturdivant arrives from UCLA as an skilled choice, whereas ESPN 300 freshmen Brown, Wilson and Naeshaun Montgomery spherical out a younger, proficient huge receiver group round Eugene Wilson III, who returns after present process season-ending hip surgical procedure final fall. The late addition of cornerback recruit J’Vari Flowers, No. 73 within the 2025 ESPN 300, marked a powerful remaining flourish for the Gators’ Tenth-ranked signing class.
Connelly’s take: Florida has top-20 returning manufacturing ranges, which might imply one thing fairly nice while you end the season as sturdy because the Gators did. The portal motion was mild, which might transform both a fantastic signal (they already had what they wanted) or a foreboding one (they overestimated what they’d). We’ll see.
Key additions: WR Zachariah Department, WR Noah Thomas, LB Elo Modozie
Key departures: DL Mykel Williams, DL Jalon Walker, S Malaki Starks
Prime incoming recruits: DT Elijah Griffin, DE Isaiah Gibson, OLB Zayden Walker
Largest teaching transfer: Regardless of a shaky season on offense, coach Kirby Good saved Mike Bobo because the unit’s coordinator. Many of the on-field employees is again after defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and tight ends coach Todd Hartley acquired head coach curiosity. Good promoted Andrew Thacker, the previous Georgia Tech defensive coordinator to nickels/stars coach.
What went fallacious: The SEC champs’ season did not finish the way in which they’d hoped with a CFP quarterfinal exit, and the way in which it ended put them in a troublesome place with their quarterback plan for 2025. The timing of Carson Beck’s harm, draft declaration and belated portal determination made it powerful to get entangled within the switch QB market. Good and his employees briefly explored bringing in Fernando Mendoza however finally caught with backup Gunner Stockton, who began the CFP recreation, as their most suitable choice. This yr’s squad should substitute 13 NFL draft picks and 17 switch departures however has a ton of younger expertise able to step up.
What went proper: Good and his employees did a superb job of addressing their roster wants over the course of the offseason. They secured severe upgrades at huge receiver in Department (USC) and Thomas (Texas A&M) after ending with 36 drops final season, most amongst all Energy 4 offenses, per ESPN Analysis. Daylen Everette and Christen Miller bypassing the draft was massive for his or her protection, and the Bulldogs acquired much-needed assist at exterior linebacker with the post-spring addition of Modozie, an All-AAC performer at Military, plus skilled depth at security with three switch pickups. Josh McCray, Illinois’ main rusher final season, can be coming on this summer time to provide Georgia a robust No. 2 again behind Nate Frazier.
Connelly’s take: Recruiting will all the time be sturdy in Athens, however Good has by no means proven a lot curiosity in mastering the portal; we’ll see if that backfires after the lack of about 15 starters. (We’ll see if loyalty to the offensive coordinator backfires, too.) The developmental pipeline should proceed to provide.
Key additions: WR Kevin Concepcion, WR Mario Craver, CB Julian Humphrey
Key departures: DE Shemar Stewart, DE Nic Scourton, DT Shemar Turner
Prime incoming recruits: OT Lamont Rogers, WR Jerome Myles, CB Adonyss Currie
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Mike Elko can have much-needed continuity on his employees getting into 12 months 2, as coordinators Jay Bateman (protection) and Collin Klein (offense) are again. Elko added a notable assistant to the defensive employees in Lyle Hemphill, a former defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, Duke and, most lately, James Madison.
What went fallacious: The Aggies’ 2024 season peaked in a 38-23 win over LSU on Oct. 26. From there, Texas A&M slid closely, dropping every of its final 4 video games towards Energy 4 opponents. Possible most troubling to Elko is the truth that his protection gave up almost 35 factors per recreation throughout these losses. In 2025, Texas A&M is trying to rebuild higher on protection, however and not using a trio of star defensive linemen who helped the Aggies create the Twenty fourth-most strain in faculty soccer final fall. A failed switch experiment with former five-star huge receiver Micah Hudson this spring marked a pace bump in this system’s offseason efforts to strengthen its pass-catching depth.
What went proper: The Aggies held onto all 5 starters from an offensive line that powered the SEC’s second-leading speeding assault in 2024. That bodes effectively for second-year beginning quarterback Marcel Reed and returning rushers Rueben Owens, Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels. As crucially, Texas A&M introduced in much-needed expertise at huge receiver between Concepcion (NC State), a former freshman All-American and Craver (Mississippi State), a 2024 breakout participant. Texas tight finish switch Amari Niblack has the instruments to interchange Tre Watson’s downfield manufacturing from a yr in the past. On protection, transfers T.J. Searcy (Florida), Tyler Onyedim (Iowa State) and Dayon Hayes (Colorado) will all play a job in Elko’s revamped line of defense unit.
Connelly’s take: A&M has what lots of different SEC faculties lack: continuity at coordinator, expertise at quarterback and a veteran-heavy offensive line and secondary. There can be numerous new names, nonetheless, within the receiving corps and on the defensive entrance. Will Elko’s portal work there stave off issues?
Key additions: WR Isaiah Horton, OL Kam Dewberry, TE Brody Dalton
Key departures: OL Tyler Booker, LB Jihaad Campbell, QB Jalen Milroe
Prime incoming recruits: QB Keelon Russell, CB Dijon Lee Jr., CB Ivan Taylor
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Kalen DeBoer reunites with longtime pal and assistant Ryan Grubb, who will function Alabama’s main offensive coordinator after a yr with the Seattle Seahawks. Grubb was instrumental in Washington’s run to the nationwide title recreation beneath DeBoer in 2023, and helped groom quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and different standouts.
What went fallacious: The transition to 12 months 2 beneath DeBoer noticed 23 scholarship gamers transfer on from this system, together with operating again Justice Haynes and defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. transferring to Michigan, nickel DeVonta Smith going to Notre Dame and deal with Elijah Pritchett becoming a member of Nebraska. It isn’t stunning that every one 23 of these outgoing gamers, most of whom had been recruited by Nick Saban’s employees, landed at different Energy 4 packages. At just a few spots, like huge receiver and tight finish, the Tide will want younger reserves or newcomers to step up and show they’re able to contribute.
What went proper: The Crimson Tide have a robust core of returning starters to construct round with 14 gamers who began six-plus video games in 2024. Quarterback is the large exception with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Russell competing for the beginning gig. Simpson holds the lead following spring follow, however whoever earns the job will profit from a robust supporting forged and Grubb’s arrival in Tuscaloosa. Horton is an enormous 6-foot-4 goal who put up 616 receiving yards at Miami final season. He’ll kind a trio with Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard that ought to be among the many convention’s finest. On protection, the Tide did a pleasant job of fortifying their depth with high quality portal additions like Nikhai Hill-Inexperienced (Colorado) and blue-chip recruits like Lee who might contribute early.
Connelly’s take: DeBoer reunited with Grubb and neither wanted nor acquired a lot out of the portal. He saved the blue-chip prepare rolling in recruiting, and Grubb has what he wants at quarterback, so the whole lot ought to fall into place fairly properly.
3:43
Hottest takes for the 2025-26 CFB season
Every member of the SEC Now crew goes over their boldest predictions on who can have a breakout yr, take residence the SEC Championship, and potential Heisman candidates.
Key additions: QB Beau Pribula, RB Ahmad Hardy, DE Damon Wilson II
Key departures: WR Luther Burden III, OT Armand Membou, QB Brady Prepare dinner
Prime incoming recruits: DE Javion Hilson, QB Matt Zollers, RB Marquise Davis
Largest teaching transfer: Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has been talked about as a candidate for different jobs, however he’ll return for his third yr as Missouri strikes on from longtime quarterback Brady Prepare dinner. Coach Eliah Drinkwitz chosen Derek Nicholson, who has spent the previous 5 seasons with Miami and Louisville, to guide the linebackers.
What went fallacious: After main Missouri to its first back-to-back 10-win seasons in a decade, Drinkwitz faces the problem of getting the Tigers over the hump and into this system’s first-ever CFP berth. He’ll embark on that mission in 2025 with out area common Brady Prepare dinner, star go catcher Luther Burden III, No. 7 total decide Armand Membou and high tacklers Corey Flagg Jr. and Johnny Walker Jr., all of whom landed within the NFL this spring. The portal departures of former ESPN 300 signees Williams Nwaneri and Jaylen Brown marked blips in an in any other case efficient roster retool for the Tigers this offseason.
What went proper: There’s lots of ifs on the roster, but when Missouri’s portal strikes pan out, the Tigers have potential to maintain one other playoff pursuit. This system introduced in Penn State switch Beau Pribula to take over for Prepare dinner and added one of many nation’s high younger operating backs in UL Monroe switch Ahmad Hardy, who ran for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman final fall. Extensive receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (Mississippi State) and tackles Keagen Trost (Wake Forest) and Jaylen Early (Florida State) arrive as respective potential replacements for Burden and Membou. The Tigers used the portal to fill holes on protection with former West Virginia linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive backs Stephen Corridor (Washington State) and Jalen Catalon (UNLV) among the many notable additions.
Connelly’s take: Drinkwitz introduced in a switch for each starter misplaced — 11 starters gone, 11 FBS starters incoming — and held onto each coordinators. That is a great way of going about your online business. We’ll see if Pribula can transform pretty much as good a close-game muse as Brady Prepare dinner, nonetheless: Mizzou was 10-1 in one-score finishes in 2023-24.
Key additions: RB Rahsul Faison, DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, CB Brandon Cisse
Key departures: S Nick Emmanwori, DE Kyle Kennard, DT T.J. Sanders
Prime incoming recruits: WR Donovan Murph, WR Jordon Gidron, OT Damola Ajidahun
Largest teaching transfer: The large change comes at offensive coordinator as Dowell Loggains landed the Appalachian State head teaching function. Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer promoted Mike Shula, the previous Alabama coach and an NFL offensive coordinator with three groups, to take over the unit and proceed working with star quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
What went fallacious: The Gamecocks have big-time expectations going into 2025 and have not run into many points this offseason. They had been in a position to get Sellers, DE Dylan Stewart and their key returning gamers locked in on new offers and didn’t lose any starters in the course of the two portal home windows. The truth is, the 20 scholarship gamers who’ve transferred out mixed for a grand whole of 1 begin final season. That one belonged to backup QB Robby Ashford, who’s now competing to begin at Wake Forest. His substitute, Ohio State switch Air Noland, was a top-100 recruit in 2024. The Gamecocks’ protection does want to interchange 5 NFL draft picks, however they’ve gamers able to step in at these spots.
What went proper: South Carolina added a bunch of high quality gamers to its two-deep through the portal, which ought to create competitors and depth this fall. Faison might grow to be one of many nice steals of this portal cycle. The Utah State switch nonetheless must get cleared for an additional season of eligibility by the NCAA however was the most effective backs within the Mountain West final season, speeding for 1,109 yards and eight TDs. Brownlow-Dindy, the No. 3 total recruit within the 2022 ESPN 300, struggled to interrupt by way of at Texas A&M however appears poised to contribute, and Cisse, a nine-game starter at NC State final season, might begin as effectively. The portal class won’t yield a excessive variety of plug-and-play starters, however that is arguably a very good factor. This workforce has sufficient coming again to not be overly reliant on its new arrivals.
Connelly’s take: Beamer did his finest to offset some mammoth losses on protection with portal newcomers, however expertise ranges undoubtedly appear to be down on that aspect of the ball. That may put lots of strain on Sellers and a rebuilt offensive line to hold the load, however Sellers is perhaps able to doing simply that.
Key additions: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, OL Patrick Kutas, DE Princewill Umanmielen
Key departures: QB Jaxson Dart, DT Walter Nolen, WR Tre Harris
Prime incoming recruits: WR Caleb Cunningham, OT Devin Harper, CB Cortez Thomas
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Lane Kiffin retained his employees after a 10-3 season, which is able to assist because the Rebels substitute eight NFL draft picks. Among the many returnees is Joe Choose, the previous New York Giants coach who served as an analyst in 2024 however will work as quarterbacks coach this coming season.
What went fallacious: The Rebels shoved all-in for 2024 with one of the proficient portal lessons in faculty soccer however got here up brief of their quest for a CFP bid, profitable 10 video games and ending No. 11 within the AP ballot. This offseason was inevitably going to deliver huge roster turnover with the lack of a program-record eight draft picks plus 14 extra undrafted gamers who had been picked up by NFL groups. Add in 24 scholarship gamers transferring out of this system and also you get a problem that Kiffin and his employees clearly anticipated: build up a squad that can rely on numerous newcomers and new leaders this fall.
What went proper: Kiffin’s newest portal class won’t have the headliners of final yr’s haul, however the Rebels have achieved rather a lot with the 28 gamers they’ve picked up. They’ve executed a serious overhaul at huge receiver led by Stribling (Oklahoma State), Harrison Wallace III (Penn State), Deuce Alexander (Wake Forest) and Caleb Odom (Alabama) becoming a member of returning starter Cayden Lee. They’ve additionally introduced in seven new switch defensive backs, 5 new offensive linemen, one of many high tight ends out there in Luke Hasz (Arkansas), an All-Solar Belt again in Damien Taylor (Troy) and many extra skilled assist all through the depth chart.
Connelly’s take: As soon as you’ve got dedicated to utilizing the portal as closely as Kiffin has, it’s important to hold doing it. He could not fairly match the manufacturing he misplaced with incoming manufacturing, nonetheless, and the Rebels will deliver one of many league’s lowest returning manufacturing averages to the desk.
Key additions: WR Trent Hudson, OG Jordan White, S CJ Heard
Key departures: S De’Rickey Wright, OL Gunnar Hansen, S CJ Taylor
Prime incoming recruits: CB Carson Lawrence, WR Cameran Dickson, CB Vanzale Hinton
Largest teaching transfer: After coach Clark Lea served as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator in 2024, he handed alongside the obligations to Steve Gregory, who served as affiliate defensive coordinator and secondary coach final fall. Lea additionally promoted Nick Lezynski to co-coordinator and employed Bob Shoop, a Vanderbilt DC beneath James Franklin from 2011 to 2013, as senior defensive analyst.
What went fallacious: There wasn’t a lot to complain about this offseason following Vanderbilt’s first profitable marketing campaign since 2013. The query now: can reigning SEC Coach of the 12 months Clark Lea and the Commodores construct on their momentum in 2025? The departures of 4 beginning offensive linemen will not assist, nor will the lack of two safeties who mixed for 68 profession begins. However Vanderbilt has the core of the workforce that upset No. 1 Alabama final October — most notably quarterback Diego Pavia — and returns with the items to contend for a second consecutive bowl look this fall.
What went proper: The eligibility ruling that granted Pavia’s return in 2025 marked the one largest growth of Vanderbilt’s offseason. However the Commodores are bringing again extra than simply their quarterback. Tight finish Eli Stowers, who led this system in catches (49), receiving yards (638) and touchdowns (5) final fall, returns alongside junior huge receiver Junior Sherrill and switch newcomer Trent Hudson, Pavia’s former New Mexico State teammate. Lead operating again Sedrick Alexander is again following his most efficient faculty season, and Vanderbilt returns its high three tacklers between linebackers Langston Patterson, Bryan Longwell and Randon Fontenette. Accounting for heavy losses on the offensive line, the Commodores added 4 transfers with beginning expertise in tackles Bryce Henderson (South Dakota) and Isaia Glass (Oklahoma State) and inside linemen White (Liberty) and Sterling Porcher (Texas Tech).
Connelly’s take: They acquired Pavia again, they usually rank within the high 10 in returning manufacturing. That is nice. However recruiting is just ever going to be so good at VU, and the road in entrance of Pavia can be virtually fully new. We’ll see if final season’s turnaround was a one-off or the beginning of one thing superior in Nashville.
Key additions: QB Zach Calzada, RB Dante Dowdell, DL Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace
Key departures: DT Deone Walker, WR Dane Key, WR Barion Brown
Prime incoming recruits: DE Javeon Campbell, TE Mikkel Skinner, QB Stone Saunders
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Mark Stoops lately has confronted a little bit of a revolving door at huge receivers coach, making new hires every of the previous two winters. He introduced in L’Damian Washington, a rising 33-year-old who coached South Florida’s receivers the previous two seasons and performed wideout within the SEC at Missouri.
What went fallacious: The Wildcats misplaced a number of key items this offseason between draft exits for defenders Deone Walker, Zion Childress and Jamon Dumas-Johnson and the portal departures of main go catcher Dane Key (Nebraska) and Barion Brown (LSU). However Stoops and Kentucky had been prepared for a roster overhaul following the 4-8 end that snapped this system’s eight-year bowl streak final fall. Reloaded on either side of the road of scrimmage, the Wildcats have retooled with a extra Stoops-like roster able to taking part in the kind of bodily soccer that is powered Kentucky’s finest groups over the previous decade-plus.
What went proper: The Wildcats gave up 35 sacks final fall (109th nationally) and responded by including 4 skilled starters alongside the offensive line, led by tackles Shiyazh Pete (New Mexico State) and Alex Wollschlaeger (Bowling Inexperienced) and former Western Kentucky middle Evan Wibberley. Kentucky turned to the portal for veteran line of defense expertise, too. Defensive deal with David Gusta (Washington State) and Humphrey-Grace (South Dakota) will anchor a new-look unit up entrance in 2025. Stoops employed a rising expertise to teach receivers in Washington and introduced in seven newcomers on the place, together with transfers Kendrick Legislation (Alabama), Troy Stellato (Clemson) and J.J. Hester (Oklahoma). Calzada, the previous Texas A&M, Auburn and Incarnate Phrase quarterback, and former Nebraska operating again Dante Dowdell spherical out a revamped offense in Lexington.
Connelly’s take: After his worst season since 2013, Stoops wanted a fantastic offseason to get again on monitor. It would not actually seem to be he acquired it. Regardless of tons of recent blood for the offense, the QB choices are both unproven or uninspiring. The brand new go rushers could possibly be wonderful, at the very least.
Key additions: QB Joey Aguilar, RB Star Thomas, OG Wendell Moe Jr.
Key departures: QB Nico Iamaleava, RB Dylan Sampson, DE James Pearce Jr.
Prime incoming recruits: OT David Sanders, DT Isaiah Campbell, QB George MacIntyre
Largest teaching transfer: Coach Josh Heupel saved his coordinators, together with Broyles Award finalist Tim Banks, after reaching the CFP. His employees had minimal modifications, as he promoted analysts Levorn “Chop” Harbin (exterior linebackers) and Evan Crabtree (particular groups coordinators) to on-field roles, and employed former Central Michigan coach John Bonamego, a longtime NFL particular groups guru, to work with Crabtree.
What went fallacious: The Vols entered 2025 ready to construct on this system’s first-ever CFP look behind Nico Iamaleava, the previous high quarterback recruit who appeared poised to take one other bounce in his second season as starter. Circumstances apart, Iamaleava’s late-spring departure for UCLA was a worst-case situation for Tennessee’s 2025 season. The Vols made a stable restoration within the quarterback “swap” with UCLA switch and former Appalachian State passer Joey Aguilar, however the Iamaleava saga marked a disastrous ending to an in any other case quiet offseason that noticed Tennessee’s largest losses come within the NFL draft.
What went proper: Touchdown Aguilar, it ought to be reiterated, was a serious boon for the Vols contemplating the timing of Iamaleava’s exit. Nevertheless, if Iamaleava’s accuracy and studying of defenses was an issue at instances, Aguilar — who accomplished 55.9% of his passes and threw 14 picks in 2024 — won’t be an ideal answer. Filling the footwear of 2024 SEC speeding yards and landing chief Dylan Sampson will not be easy, however Tennessee ought to have wholesome competitors on the place between returners DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis and Thomas (871 speeding yards, seven touchdowns in 2024 at Duke). The addition of Moe, a 27-game starter in three seasons at Arizona, might show particularly essential if the Vols go together with Sanders, a five-star freshman at proper deal with.
Connelly’s take: Iamaleava did not depart an inconceivable bar to clear at quarterback, however clearly the timing of that saga was about as suboptimal as attainable. Nonetheless, the Vols take pleasure in excessive continuity on protection, and contemplating how effectively the protection performed final season, that could possibly be an excellent factor.
Key additions: WR O’Mega Blake, OT Corey Robinson II, RB Mike Washington
Key departures: DE Landon Jackson, WR Isaac TeSlaa, WR Andrew Armstrong
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Tavion Wallace, DT Kevin Oatis, DT Reginald Vaughn
Largest teaching transfer: After a splashy offseason in 2024 that included Bobby Petrino’s return to Arkansas, issues had been a lot quieter this spring. Coach Sam Pittman’s solely on-field employees change got here with the secondary, as Nick Perry arrives after NFL stops with Seattle and Atlanta.
What went fallacious: Few packages misplaced extra quantity (and a few high quality) within the switch portal this offseason than the Razorbacks, prompting one other roster retool for Pittman forward of an important sixth season in cost. The listing of key switch departures consists of offensive linemen Patrick Kutas (Ole Miss) and Addison Nichols (SMU), huge receiver Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma) and tight finish Luke Hasz (Ole Miss). Arkansas labored the portal loads onerous, too. However, at the very least on paper, the Razorbacks failed to drag within the form of bona fide, confirmed contributors wanted to account for the NFL draft losses of high rusher Ja’Quinden Jackson, SEC receiving yards chief Andrew Armstrong and a handful of defensive starters, led by defensive finish Landon Jackson.
What went proper: The Razorbacks needed to rebuild on the offensive line after giving up 36 sacks that ranked 114th nationally. They will hope the portal additions of six offensive linemen, headlined by Robinson, Oregon’s Shaq McRoy and UCF’s Caden Kitler, can present a platform for Taylen Inexperienced, and hold the dynamic redshirt senior quarterback upright. Arkansas labored onerous to offer Inexperienced with new downfield targets, too, with Blake (Charlotte), Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State) and former All-AAC return man Kam Shanks (UAB) amongst 5 switch huge receivers on the roster. Former Montana State tight finish Rohan Jones (30 catches, 470 yards, 9 touchdowns in 2024) arrives as one other potential playmaker if he can regulate to the physicality of SEC soccer.
Connelly’s take: It is a make-or-break yr for Pittman in Fayetteville, and it is unclear whether or not he made the proper portal strikes or just made lots of them. The season — and the destiny of Pittman’s tenure — might come down as to whether the tried upgrades within the receiving corps and secondary come up massive.
Key additions: RB Fluff Bothwell, QB Luke Kromenhoek, DL Pink Hibbler
Key departures: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., WR Mario Craver, CB Brice Pollock
Prime incoming recruits: OLB Tyler Lockhart, OLB Tyshun Willis, QB KaMario Taylor
Largest teaching transfer: Regardless of a 2-10 season, coach Jeff Lebby introduced again his main coordinators however made another modifications, together with plucking two assistants — Phil Loadholt (offensive line) and Vincent Dancy (defensive ends/exterior linebackers) — from Colorado’s employees. Loadholt, a Minnesota Vikings lineman from 2009-15, beforehand labored with Lebby at Oklahoma and Ole Miss.
What went fallacious: Lebby and his coaches inherited a severe roster rebuild and are onerous at work making an attempt to construct up a workforce that may sustain within the SEC after a winless run by way of convention play in 12 months 1. It was a high-attrition offseason as one would count on after a 2-10 season, with 33 scholarship gamers transferring out, although solely 4 of them — Coleman (Missouri), Pollock (Texas Tech), QB Michael Van Buren Jr. (LSU) and OL Makylan Pounders (Louisville) — began greater than six video games final season. The truth is, greater than half of Mississippi State’s departures ended up at G5 or FCS packages. The portal may also help expedite rebuilds, however the means of build up a very aggressive, skilled two-deep is probably going going to require a while and endurance.
What went proper: Mississippi State has a a lot brighter future at quarterback going ahead due to the arrival of Taylor and Kromenhoek, a Florida State switch. Sixth-year senior QB Blake Shapen opting to return for an additional season takes some strain off these former ESPN 300 recruits, however they’ll catch up shortly. Bothwell, an All-Solar Belt performer as a freshman at South Alabama, offers the Bulldogs a robust trio of backs, they usually’ve remade their receiver room with six portal pickups. Lebby has additionally overhauled up entrance by bringing in seven switch offensive linemen and eight line of defense/edge additions. If they’ll obtain a stable hit charge amongst their greater than 30 portal newcomers, count on good progress in 12 months 2.
Connelly’s take: As anticipated after a dreadful debut season, Lebby had numerous holes to fill and did his finest. We’ll see if the offense has the weapons it wants, however on the very least the Bulldogs ought to be a lot deeper and extra skilled within the trenches. And Fluff Bothwell might transform an absolute steal.
General high 10
1. LSU Tigers: A mixture of participant/employees retention and a few much-needed portal upgrades places coach Brian Kelly’s workforce within the high spot. The Tigers get quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for an additional yr, introduced again linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. from harm and addressed key positions by way of the portal, together with huge receiver, security and each strains.
2. Texas Tech Pink Raiders: From a purely personnel standpoint, Texas Tech may need been the workforce of the offseason, doubling down in investments. The workforce retained common supervisor James Blanchard, made sturdy coordinator hires in Mack Leftwitch and Shiel Wooden, and pounded the portal, particularly on the offensive and defensive strains. A CFP push in Lubbock could possibly be coming.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions: Not each nice offseason stems from heavy portal additions. Penn State improved its roster, particularly at a lagging huge receiver spot with Trebor Pena and others, nevertheless it additionally saved NFL prospects Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen within the backfield, and made the highest coordinator rent of the winter in Jim Knowles from Ohio State.
4. Oregon Geese: Dan Lanning has made Oregon a spot the place individuals need to work and play. He retained virtually his complete employees from the Large Ten championship workforce. The Geese saved huge receiver Evan Stewart and several other key defenders. In addition they added All-Large Ten defensive backs Dillon Thieneman and Theran Johnson, Doak Walker Award semifinalist Makhi Hughes and others from the portal.
5. Clemson Tigers: Coach Dabo Swinney’s aversion to transfers typically made Clemson an unlikely candidate for a high offseason. However this winter, Swinney went to the portal for defensive finish Will Heldt and others. Clemson additionally saved quarterback Cade Klubnik, proficient defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods and a dynamic group of receivers from the ACC championship workforce. He additionally upgraded the defensive employees with coordinator Tom Allen.
6. Oklahoma Sooners: OU wanted an enormous offseason after a disappointing 2024 and delivered. An embattled offense landed the Pullman package deal deal of coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer from Washington State. OU added assist round Mateer with operating again Jaydn Ott and others. The workforce additionally has a transparent personnel route with Jim Nagy, the previous Senior Bowl govt director.
7. Auburn Tigers: The monetary clout we heard about throughout Auburn’s courtship of Lane Kiffin confirmed up this offseason. Auburn bolstered its receiving corps with Eric Singleton Jr. and others, added coveted offensive deal with Xavier Chaplin and gave quarterback Jackson Arnold a reset alternative. Coach Hugh Freeze ought to have what he wants for a 12 months 3 breakthrough.
8. Miami Hurricanes: The Hurricanes’ inclusion right here will undoubtedly set off some eye rolls, however Miami continues to thrive within the offseason. Quarterback Carson Beck could possibly be the most effective portal pickups, and Miami additionally added notable transfers at huge receiver, defensive again and offensive line. The workforce retained offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and made a robust defensive coordinator rent in Corey Hetherman.
9. Illinois Preventing Illini: When groups like Illinois have 10-win seasons, the largest problem is commonly retention. Coach Bret Bielema not solely saved his employees collectively however introduced again a gaggle of NFL draft hopefuls, even heading off a late Tennessee push for quarterback Luke Altmyer. The Illini additionally saved nationwide awards candidate Gabe Jacas within the linebacker corps and addressed their main want at huge receiver by way of the portal.
10. Arizona State Solar Devils: After a surprising run to the Large 12 title and the CFP, Arizona State is positioned effectively for an encore. Coach Kenny Dillingham did not lose key assistants, has quarterback Sam Leavitt again within the fold together with huge receiver Jordyn Tyson and others. ASU additionally helped its offensive backfield with operating again Kanye Udoh and made different sturdy additions at huge receiver and within the secondary.
