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The Best Returning FBS Offenses for 2025

A glimpse into this year’s top offenses and the impressive weapons at their disposal. Which team will emerge as the premier offensive unit this year?

Avatar photoDorrington Myers| March 17, 2025 (Updated: July 24, 2025)
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Jan 20
Jan 20

By Dorrington Myers


For football analysts and fans alike, you might be surprised to see which teams ranked at the top in overall offensive production. Last season, the top 10 included Miami, Ole Miss, North Texas, New Mexico, Texas State, Utah State, Syracuse, Boise State, Texas Tech and Arkansas. The offensive landscape featured a diverse mix of teams from various conferences.

I believe quarterback play will be the deciding factor when it comes time to crown a national champion this year. Who will it be in 2025? Let’s take a look.

Top Offensive Units

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium.

Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss return as the best receiving corps in the country. There will be fresh faces at the quarterback and running back positions. Julian Sayin is widely expected to be the starter, though nothing has been made official. With the addition of running back CJ Donaldson, the offense shouldn’t miss a beat. Donaldson has the potential to be an every-down back.


2. Penn State Nittany Lions

Kaytron Allen

Christmas came early for offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. His premier running backs return to finish what they started. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton were both 1,000-yard rushers, adding versatility by catching passes out of the backfield. With Drew Allar returning at quarterback, the offense is in good hands. However, the big question remains—who will step up in the receiving corps?

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3. Clemson Tigers

Cade Klubnik

The Tigers return arguably the best overall quarterback in college football in Cade Klubnik. His wide receiver group—Antonio Williams, TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr.—is the best in the ACC, ensuring minimal drop-off. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. How will he utilize them?


4. Texas Longhorns

Sep 28, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball in the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

No surprises here—Arch Manning will be named the starter, answering Texas’ biggest offseason question. Even with Manning’s elite pedigree, the Longhorns will rely heavily on their ground game. They return running backs CJ Baxter, Quintrevion Wisner and Jerrick Gibson, forming a formidable rushing attack. With defenses keying in on the run, wideout Ryan Wingo will see plenty of one-on-one coverage. Simply put, get this man the ball.


5. LSU Tigers

Dec 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) runs the ball during the first half against the Baylor Bears at NRG Stadium

The Tigers return field general Garrett Nussmeier, who, in my opinion, has the best arm in college football. Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan inherits a strong group this season. LSU added elite speed through the transfer portal with receivers Nic Anderson, Barion Brown and Destyn Hill. In the backfield, Caden Durham is poised to carry the load.


6. Oregon Ducks

Sep 14, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) calls a play during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium.

Dante Moore will take the reins as QB1 for the Ducks. Offensive coordinator Will Stein welcomes freshman receiver Dakorien Moore, a dynamic playmaker, and running back Makhi Hughes, who possesses elite talent. Paired with a dominant offensive line, this unit has the potential to be explosive.


7. Miami Hurricanes

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws the ball during the UGA G-Day spring football game at Sanford Stadium in Athens on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Carson Beck and CJ Daniels have arrived, adding firepower to the Hurricanes’ offense. Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle return in the backfield, providing a strong rushing foundation. The biggest question remains—how will the receiving corps shape up moving forward? Stay tuned. The standard remains the same during this new era of Hurricane football.


8. SMU Mustangs

Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium.

Concerns about the receiving corps linger, but I believe SMU will be just fine. Quarterback Kevin Jennings returns, which is a major plus, and incoming freshman Daylon Singleton is expected to make an immediate impact.


9. Oklahoma Sooners

Nov 23, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) sets up to pass during the third quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium.

The Sooners will showcase a new offensive identity under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Quarterback John Mateer steps in to lead the unit, making this an exciting transition to watch. Running backs Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes return to anchor the ground game. The season’s success will largely depend on how the wide receivers and tight ends develop.


10. Alabama Crimson Tide

Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

The quarterback position is up for grabs in a three-way battle this spring. Many believe it’s Ty Simpson’s job to lose, which is high praise for any quarterback. Receiver Ryan Williams returns after a stellar season and will get his numbers. The key question—how will the rushing attack take shape over the spring?

Category: College Football, NewsTag: Andy Kotelnicki, Antonio Williams, Arch Manning, Ben Arbuckle, Brandon Inniss, Cade Klubnik, Caden Durham, Carnell Tate, Carson Beck, CJ Baxter, CJ Daniels, CJ Donaldson, Dakorien Moore, Dante Moore, Daylon Singleton, Destyn Hill, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, Garrett Riley, Gavin Sawchuk, Javontae Barnes, Jeremiah Smith, Jerrick Gibson, John Mateer, Jordan Lyle, Julian Sayin, Kaytron Allen, Kevin Jennings, LSU Tigers, Makhi Hughes, Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami Hurricanes, Nic Anderson, Nicholas Singleton, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oklahoma Sooners, Oregon Ducks, Penn State Nittany Lions, Quintrevion Wisner, Ryan Williams, Ryan Wingo, SMU Mustangs, Texas Longhorns, TJ Moore, Ty Simpson, Will Stein
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