By: Mike Huesmann
My annual Best Coaches Under 35 list sees some alterations for the 2025 version. Previously I released it all at once, but this year I will break it in two parts. Today we get the offense. In case you missed the defense and special teams, here they are. To make this list a coach must be at the FBS level and 35 years old or younger. In case you’re wondering, due to the numbers, my head coach, Zach Kittley, was written up with the defense.
OC- Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma
Arbuckle will now be on his third FBS OC job and he isn’t even 30. I have sung my praises of him many times, so if you haven’t read about them you should. He has had successful stops at Western Kentucky and Washington State before Venables hired him at Oklahoma this offseason. A major coup for him was getting QB John Mateer to follow him. His knowledge and relationship with Mateer combined with the many returning pieces for the Sooners should help improve the squad in 2025, Venables’ job might depend on it.
How much of an impact can Ben Arbuckle have for Oklahoma? pic.twitter.com/9AFGVARRLa
— The Ruffino & Joe Show (@Ruffinonjoeshow) February 25, 2025
QB- Sean Brophy, North Texas
Brophy has been an integral part of the Eric Morris’ success, which I expect will lead to a P4 job before too long. Brophy played for Morris at Incarnate Word, where he began coaching and tutored Cam Ward. He followed Morris to Washington State and now UNT. He was outstanding with Chandler Morris in 2024, and I expect Reese Poffenbarger to light it up for him in 2025.
https://twitter.com/Coach_Brophy/status/1871214934400671912
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RB- Ra’Shaad Samples, Oregon
Samples has an eye-watering resume for only being 30. The former Oklahoma State and Houston player would’ve had a decent NFL shot had injuries not forced him to retire prematurely. Since 2016, he has coached at Houston, Texas, SMU, Arizona State, and in the NFL with the Rams and Sean McVay. This is an unheard-of trajectory and ascent in the field. Dan Lanning was wise to hire him when he did. I look forward to seeing what he can do with Makhi Hughes, Tulane transfer, in 2025.
The development ability of Ross Douglas and recruiting ability of Ra'Shaad Samples could keep Oregon continuing their high level path at the WR position.
SUBSCRIBE to That Show Out West on YouTube for more ➡️https://t.co/wVO89MuYpa pic.twitter.com/0ESP8uJTEN
— Ted Leroux (@TedontheDucks) February 20, 2025
WR- Nick Edwards, Wake Forest
Edwards followed Jake Dickert to Wake this offseason, and it was an easy decision to bring him with. Among the standouts he coached at Washington State were Kyle Williams, Lincoln Victor, and Josh Kelly. Prior to Wazzu, he spent a year with the Atlanta Falcons. Before this he had stops at Cal and Eastern Washington (his alma mater) where he coached Cooper Kupp.
— Nick Edwards (@CoachEdwardsWR) January 16, 2025
TE- Keenan Bailey, Ohio State
Bailey has worked his way up from the bottom at Ohio State. A member of the Buckeye staff since 2016 when he started as an intern, he became a full-time position coach in 2023. Since then, he has worked under Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, where they won a national title this season. If you can make the boss at a blue blood like OSU hire you over qualified and experienced guys from other big-name schools, you’re a guy I want to know and write about.
Ohio State will reportedly promote Keenan Bailey to co-offensive coordinator. https://t.co/pcsT7zSawJ
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) February 10, 2025
OL- Ryan Clanton, Iowa State
Clanton has been with the Cyclones for two seasons, which has seen them make a bowl game in each season and win 11 games in 2024. Prior to his time with Matt Campbell, he was at FCS power Northern Iowa where he coached Trevor Penning and Spencer Brown, both of whom are still in the NFL. ISU’s massive leap forward this past season can be explained in no small part to the OL play.
Recruit- DEVELOP-Prepare- Win. ➡️DOGS ONLY⬅️ pic.twitter.com/f99SQRz7eJ
— Ryan Clanton (@RyanClanton) February 3, 2025
