Yes, we\u2019ve still got another weekend of college basketball, but spring football has already wrapped up at several schools.<\/p>\n
If you haven\u2019t been paying attention to the college football offseason, here\u2019s a look at one key personnel question for each team that finished the 2025 season in the AP Top 25.<\/p>\n
1. Indiana: Can Josh Hoover<\/a> adequately replace Fernando Mendoza<\/a>?<\/p>\n Mendoza completed 72 percent of his attempts for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions to lead the nation in passing efficiency. The Hoosiers<\/a> signed several quality offensive playmakers in the portal, but the key to the season will be whether Hoover can cut down on his mistakes. Only two FBS quarterbacks (Joey Aguilar<\/a> and E.J. Warner<\/a>) threw more picks over the last three seasons than Hoover\u2019s 33.<\/p>\n 2. Miami: Can the Hurricanes replace the production of edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor<\/a>?<\/p>\n The two future first-round picks combined to produce 150 pressures (according to TruMedia) and 22 sacks in the Hurricanes\u2019 run to last year\u2019s national title game. They also each played well over 800 snaps \u2014 300 more than any other edge on the team. Damon Wilson II, a second-team All-SEC selection for Missouri last season, and a collection of former blue-chip recruits will step into prominent roles.<\/p>\n 3. Ole Miss: Will a new collection of receivers mesh with Trinidad Chambliss<\/a>?<\/p>\n The Rebels<\/a> won big when Chambliss gained an extra year of eligibility, but five of the top six receivers from last year\u2019s national semifinalists are gone. Deuce Alexander<\/a> (44 catches, 684 yards) is the only returning wideout who caught more than 20 receptions last season. Syracuse<\/a> transfers Darrell Gill Jr. (32 catches, 506 yards) and Johntay Cook<\/a> (45 catches, 549 yards) were the most productive of the five receivers added via the portal.<\/p>\n 4. Oregon<\/a>: How will the Ducks replace three starters on the offensive line?<\/p>\n Rimington Trophy finalist Iapani Laloulu<\/a> and right guard Dave Iuli<\/a> are back, but left tackle Isaiah World<\/a>, left guard Emmanuel Pregnon<\/a> and right tackle Alex Harkey<\/a> need to be replaced. The Ducks signed Michael Bennett<\/a>, a 28-game starter at Yale, in the portal, but the team will also welcome back several reserves with playing experience. Oregon has been a Joe Moore Award finalist in each of the last three years.<\/p>\n 5. Ohio State<\/a>: Can the Buckeyes find pass-rush production opposite Kenyatta Jackson<\/a>?<\/p>\n Jackson, an edge rusher, is one of three defensive starters back from last year\u2019s No. 1 scoring defense \u2014 the other two play in the secondary. Ohio State added tackles John Walker<\/a> (UCF<\/a>) and James Smith<\/a> (Alabama<\/a>) via the portal. They\u2019ll play inside with Eddrick Houston<\/a>. That leaves one spot potentially for Zion Grady<\/a>, Beau Atkinson<\/a> or Alabama transfer Qua Russaw<\/a> to win opposite Jackson.<\/p>\n 6. Georgia<\/a>: Can the Bulldogs become more explosive in the passing game?<\/p>\n Six of the top seven receivers for the defending SEC champions need to be replaced. Receiver London Humphreys (18 catches, 276 yards) and tight end Lawson Luckie<\/a> (15 catches, 158 yards) are two veteran options who will be joined by Georgia Tech<\/a> transfer Isiah Canion<\/a> (33 catches, 480 yards). There will be plenty of opportunities for young receivers and tight ends to step up.<\/p>\n 7. Texas Tech<\/a>: How much better can the offense be with Brendan Sorsby<\/a>?<\/p>\n Seven offensive starters are back to help Sorsby, a transfer from Cincinnati who finished one spot higher (18th) in passing efficiency last season than Behren Morton<\/a>, the starter he\u2019s replacing. The biggest difference between the two quarterbacks: Sorsby is a legitimate dual threat who finished eighth among Power 4 quarterbacks with 580 rushing yards last season.<\/p>\n 8. Texas A&M: How quickly can the new arrivals on the offensive line get on the same page?<\/p>\n Center Mark Nabou<\/a> is the Aggies\u2019 only returning starter on the offensive line, but there\u2019s plenty of talent on the roster. A&M signed four starters away from other SEC teams \u2014 Wilkin Formby<\/a> (Alabama), Coen Echols<\/a> (LSU<\/a>), Trovon Baugh<\/a> (South Carolina<\/a>) and Tyree Adams<\/a> (LSU) \u2014 and redshirt freshman Lamont Rogers<\/a> also figures to compete for snaps.<\/p>\n 9. Alabama: Can the Tide get back to being bullies at the line of scrimmage?<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019ve been hiding under a rock, we\u2019re sure you heard about Alabama\u2019s struggles running the football. Not only did the Crimson Tide swing and miss at landing a premier running back in the portal, but six of their top seven offensive linemen need to be replaced. Six O-linemen were added via the portal, but Mississippi State<\/a> right tackle Jayvin James was the only Power 4 starter among them. The defensive line will also have several new starters.<\/p>\n 10. Notre Dame<\/a>: Who becomes the go-to playmaker for the Irish?<\/p>\n Quarterback CJ Carr<\/a> is the Heisman Trophy favorite \u2014 at this early stage \u2014 but does he have dangerous weapons to get the ball to? Former walk-on Jordan Faison<\/a> is back after leading the team with 49 catches for 640 yards and four touchdowns, but star tailback Jeremiyah Love<\/a> is off to the NFL<\/a> along with Carr\u2019s three other top receiving targets. Notre Dame added two former five-star receivers from Ohio State in Mylan Graham<\/a> and Quincy Porter<\/a> via the portal, and somebody needs to emerge as Carr\u2019s primary option.<\/p>\n 11. BYU<\/a>: Who steps up to catch passes from Bear Bachmeier<\/a>?<\/p>\n Bachmeier, a freshman sensation in 2025, has 1,300-yard rusher LJ Martin<\/a> back with him in the backfield. But BYU needs to find other weapons to get the ball to. The top three receivers from last year are gone, including Parker Kingston<\/a>, who is facing a felony rape charge<\/a>. Juniors Jojo Phillips<\/a> (14 catches) and Cody Hagen<\/a> (12 catches) are the top returning options, with USC<\/a> tight end transfer Walker Lyons<\/a> (20 catches) the top addition via the portal.<\/p>\n True Freshman? Ain’t no problem for a\ud83d\udc3b<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd3a13\/22 Bear Bachmeier Highlights vs. Utah\u2b07\ufe0f#Big12FB<\/a> | @BYUfootball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/kN5olJBp8M<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) October 19, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 12. Texas<\/a>: Can the offensive line be a force in the SEC?<\/p>\n Nobody is doubting the talent upgrades the Longhorns made at running back and receiver via the portal, but the offensive line must improve for this team to return to the CFP. Will incoming transfers Melvin Siani<\/a> (Wake Forest<\/a>), Laurence Seymore<\/a> (Western Kentucky<\/a>) and Dylan Sikorski<\/a> (Oregon State<\/a>) be enough to get the offense back on track? The Longhorns ranked 97th in pressure rate allowed last season.<\/p>\n 13. Oklahoma<\/a>: Can John Mateer<\/a> take a leap in Year 2 in Norman?<\/p>\n The OU offense ranked 12th in scoring and 14th in yards per play and yards per rush in the SEC last season \u2014 hardly what fans were hoping for with a new coordinator and quarterback. A big problem in finding offensive balance: Oklahoma hasn\u2019t had a 1,000-yard rusher since the 2022 season. Six starters from other FBS programs \u2014 two offensive linemen, two tight ends and two receivers \u2014 were brought in to help.<\/p>\n 14. Utah<\/a>: Can the Utes maintain their level of play at the line of scrimmage?\u00a0<\/p>\n Defensive coordinator-turned-head coach Morgan Scalley has only five starters back from last season\u2019s 11-2 team, and none play on the offensive or defensive line. Montana State transfer Cedric Jefferson<\/a>, a 16-game starter last season at right tackle, joins a group that must replace stalwarts Spencer Fano<\/a> and Caleb Lomu<\/a>.<\/p>\n 15. Vanderbilt: Can Jared Curtis keep the offense humming?<\/p>\n Curtis, a five-star freshman quarterback, has big shoes to fill for a Vanderbilt offense that led the nation with 7.5 yards per play in 2025. And he must do it without last season\u2019s leading receiver, Tre Richardson<\/a> (transferred to Louisville), and All-American tight end Eli Stowers<\/a>. The Commodores<\/a> will need transfers Lyndon Cooper<\/a> (Pittsburgh<\/a>) and Beau Johnson<\/a> (North Dakota State) to make a seamless transition on the offensive line.<\/p>\n 16. Virginia<\/a>: What did the Cavs do at linebacker with Kam Robinson<\/a> recovering from injury?<\/p>\n Virginia signed 11 starters off other FBS rosters to help fill the void of losing 15 starters from last year\u2019s 11-3 team. But the Cavs didn\u2019t bring in any transfers at linebacker despite losing Robinson to a season-ending ACL injury in late November. He\u2019s set to return at some point this fall; in the meantime, the Cavaliers are counting on seniors Maddox Marcellus<\/a> and Landon Danley<\/a>, who combined to start six games last season, to help fill the void. Virginia ranked second in the ACC last season in scoring defense, and Robinson ranked third on the team in tackles despite missing five games.<\/p>\n 17. Iowa<\/a>: How do the Hawkeyes rebuild their Joe Moore<\/a> Award-winning offensive line?<\/p>\n Yes, all eyes are on the quarterback battle between Jeremy Hecklinski<\/a> and Hank Brown<\/a>, but Iowa went 9-4 last season in large part because it had arguably the best offensive line in college football. All-American center Logan Jones<\/a> needs to be replaced, as do 34-game starter Beau Stephens<\/a> and 38-game starter Gennings Dunker<\/a>. Trent Wilson<\/a>, a James Madison<\/a> transfer, will figure into the competition at guard, tackle or center.<\/p>\n 18. Tulane<\/a>: Who takes over at quarterback?<\/p>\n The post-Jon Sumrall era begins with questions all over the roster for new coach Will Hall, who has Kadin Semonza<\/a> and Zeon Chriss competing for the QB job this spring. Tulane has been on a solid run at quarterback thanks to recent starters Michael Pratt<\/a>, Darian Mensah<\/a> and Jake Retzlaff<\/a>. Semonza was the 2024 MAC Freshman of the Year at Ball State<\/a>. Chriss went 6-7 as a starter in his time at Louisiana and Houston.<\/p>\n 19. James Madison: Who becomes the Dukes\u2019 next standout defensive lineman?<\/p>\n New coach Billy Napier is basically starting over with a roster that was depleted by graduation and departures via the transfer portal. James Madison has enjoyed a great run of excellent players on the defensive line, with Mikail Kamara<\/a>, Eric O\u2019Neill<\/a> and Sahir West<\/a> among those who played well in Harrisonburg before moving on. Is there an emerging star on the 2026 roster?<\/p>\n 20. USC: How many freshmen from the No. 1 recruiting class will make an impact?\u00a0<\/p>\n The roster is in pretty good shape, so the Trojans<\/a> probably won\u2019t need many members of their 35-man freshman class to contribute. But some will. Nose tackle Jaimeon Winfield<\/a>, a 6-foot-3, 325-pounder, and five-star edge rusher Luke Wafle<\/a> could play early. Offensively, five-star tight end Mark Bowman<\/a> and top-100 receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt<\/a> could find roles, considering the Trojans are light in experience when it comes to pass catchers.<\/p>\n 21. Michigan: Can Bryce Underwood<\/a> take the next step?<\/p>\n Underwood, the top recruit in the 2025 cycle, ranked 13th among freshmen in passing efficiency last season. New coach Kyle Whittingham is banking on offensive coordinator Jason Beck to get the best out of Underwood in 2026. Two new weapons for Underwood this season: wide receiver Jaime Ffrench<\/a>, a former top-50 recruit who transferred from Texas, and tight end JJ Buchanan<\/a>, who followed Whittingham and Beck from Utah.<\/p>\n 22. Houston: Can Makhi Hughes<\/a> find his way again under Willie Fritz?<\/p>\n Before he disappeared into obscurity at Oregon last season, Hughes was one of college football\u2019s most productive running backs (2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons at Tulane). Now, he will be reunited with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle in the Big 12.<\/p>\n 23. Navy<\/a>: Who\u2019s next at quarterback?<\/p>\n Coach Brian Newberry has won 21 games in the past two seasons, but a good chunk of his team\u2019s offensive production went out the door this offseason \u2014 most notably quarterback Blake Horvath<\/a>. A two-year starter, Horvath topped 1,200 yards rushing and 1,300 yards passing in both 2024 and 2025. Senior Braxton Woodson<\/a> (95 career passing attempts) and junior Jackson Gutierrez<\/a> (two attempts) are competing for the job.<\/p>\n 24. North Texas<\/a>: Who does Neal Brown go with at QB?<\/p>\n Quarterback Drew Mestemaker<\/a> and coach Eric Morris teamed up to light up scoreboards en route to a 12-win season in 2025. With Mestemaker and Morris now at Oklahoma State, Brown \u2014 the former head coach at Troy and West Virginia \u2014 will choose between UCF transfer Tayven Jackson<\/a> and Chris Jimerson Jr., a redshirt freshman whom he fought hard to keep in Denton. Jackson started 10 games last season in the Big 12. Jimerson went 42-2 as a starter at North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n 25. TCU<\/a>: Do the Horned Frogs have enough talent at linebacker?<\/p>\n All eyes will be on new quarterback Jaden Craig<\/a> and new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis, who is expected to run the ball more in a pro-style offense. But defensively, no position is lighter on experience than linebacker, with Kaleb Elarms-Orr<\/a>, an All-Big 12 pick, and three-year starter Namdi Obiazor<\/a> exiting. Coach Sonny Dykes is counting on Max Carroll<\/a> and Virginia Tech<\/a> transfer Michael Short<\/a> to step in and be productive.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd3a166 Passing YDs AND 64 Rushing YDs
\ud83d\udd3a2 Total TDs<\/p>\n