By Skeeter Smith
Colorado
For the first time in his coaching career, Deion Sanders will take the field without his son, Shedeur Sanders, leading the offense. Losing a first-round caliber quarterback often results in a transition year, and the Buffaloes will likely be no exception. Outside of losing Sanders, they’ll also lose significant production at receiver, as all four of their top pass catchers, including Heisman winner Travis Hunter, head to the NFL. Hunter, not only was their best weapon on offense but he was their best player on the defensive side of the ball as well.
To help steady the ship, Colorado brings in veteran quarterback Kaidon Salter from Liberty who leads a smaller (for Colorado standards) portal class of 17 people, currently ranked 19th by 247Sports. While Salter is a solid addition, it’s hard to imagine the Buffs maintaining the same level of explosiveness in 2025.
Indiana
Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers were the Cinderella story of 2024, flipping from one of the Big Ten’s worst teams to an 11-win squad with a playoff berth. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, took the conference by storm. As Cignetti heads into Year 2, the question will be was last season a one-hit wonder, or is Indiana here to stay? Losing Rourke to the NFL is a significant blow, and the Hoosiers won’t sneak up on anyone this time around. While they won’t completely fall off, it would be a shock for them to pull off another season like the last.
Miami
Miami had everything in place for a playoff run in 2024, only to choke away their shot in the final game of the season, blowing a 21-0 lead and being upset by Syracuse. What should have been a breakthrough year ended in ended in disappointment. Now, the Hurricanes enter 2025 without quarterback Cam Ward, who was the best quarterback in college football last season.
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Landing Georgia transfer Carson Beck is a solid move, but Ward’s impact was on another level, and it was ultimately wasted by an incompetent defense. Miami will also lose its leading rusher, top receiver, and best tight end, all key contributors to one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. The Canes open the season against national title runner-ups in Notre Dame, meaning Mario Cristobal’s squad will be tested right out of the gate.
Notre Dame
After an impressive run to the national title game, Marcus Freeman faces a major challenge this offseason replacing one of the best defenses in college football. Key departures include stars like Xavier Watts, Benjamin Morrison, Howard Cross, and Rylie Mills, all of whom played a crucial role in the Fighting Irish’s success. On the offensive side, Notre Dame will also be breaking in a new quarterback, as veteran Riley Leonard heads to the NFL. While playmakers like Jeremiyah Love and Jaden Greenhouse return, it may take time for this revamped Irish squad to find its rhythm.
Ohio State
Prepare to hear a lot of Ohio State players get their names called in the upcoming NFL draft as the Buckeyes are set to send a massive wave to the NFL. While roster turnover is expected for title winners, This Ohio State squad featured numerous veterans who postponed their NFL ambitions to chase a championship. Ryan Day will be without some very familiar faces for the first time in four years so expect a lot of new players to be inserted into the lineup.
This will also include the quarterback position as Will Howard also headed to the NFL. The turnover doesn’t stop there as defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will now be roaming the sidelines for Penn State. Ohio State may still be in the title conversation come next season and Jeremiah Smith might be the best player in the country, but don’t be surprised if they experience some early-season growing pains.
