Countdown to Kickoff: Top Storylines, Must-Watch Games, and Bold Predictions for the 2025 NCAAF Season

With just 100 days until Week 0, the 2025 NCAAF season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From coaching debuts to Heisman hopefuls, here’s everything you need to know as we count down to the first kickoff.

Top Storylines

1. Bill Belichick’s College Debut: The legendary NFL coach takes the reins at North Carolina, marking his first foray into college football. Can he translate his NFL success to the collegiate level?

2. Arch Manning Takes the Helm: The highly-touted quarterback will lead Texas, carrying the weight of immense expectations. Will he live up to the hype and lead the Longhorns to a CFP berth?

3. Heisman Race Heats Up: With stars like Cade Klubnik (Clemson) and Arch Manning (Texas) in the mix, the race for the Heisman Trophy promises to be thrilling.

4. Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal: The evolving landscape of college football continues to shape rosters, with NIL deals and the transfer portal playing pivotal roles.

5. Coaching Encores: Coaches like Lincoln Riley (USC) and Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State) look to bounce back after challenging seasons.

Must-Watch Games

1. Texas at Ohio State (Week 1): A blockbuster opener featuring two powerhouse programs and star quarterbacks Arch Manning and Julian Sayin.

2. Alabama at Georgia (Week 5): A clash of SEC titans with major playoff implications.

3. Penn State at Ohio State (Week 9): A critical Big Ten showdown that could determine the conference champion.

4. Texas at Georgia (Week 11): A rematch of last year’s thrilling SEC Championship game.

5. Ohio State at Michigan (Week 13): The rivalry game that could decide the Big Ten East.

Bold Predictions

1. Bill Belichick’s One-and-Done Season: Belichick leaves North Carolina after one season, returning to the NFL.

2. Arch Manning Falls Short of the Heisman: Despite a strong season, Manning doesn’t win the Heisman, with Oklahoma’s John Mateer taking the prize.

3. Georgia Misses the CFP: The Bulldogs stumble in a tough SEC, missing the playoff for the first time in years.

4. Texas Tech Emerges as Big 12 Champion: Joey McGuire’s squad surprises everyone, winning the conference and earning a CFP spot.

5. Lincoln Riley Saves His Job: USC rebounds under Riley, finishing with a 10-2 record and silencing critics.

10 Early Heisman Contenders

1. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
2. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
3. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
4. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
5. DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
6. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
7. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
8. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
9. John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
10. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama

10 Potential First-Time CFP Teams

1. Illinois
2. South Carolina
3. Miami
4. Iowa State
5. BYU
6. Kansas State
7. Texas Tech
8. Florida
9. Louisville
10. Texas A&M

Conclusion

The 2025 NCAAF season promises to deliver unforgettable moments, from thrilling games to breakout stars. As we count down the days, the anticipation continues to build. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? Only time will tell.