As we head into the 2025 college football season, the landscape feels more unpredictable than ever. Between an expanded playoff format and a wild offseason in the transfer portal, it’s the perfect recipe for chaos—and a few surprise success stories.
So don’t be shocked when these 15 programs shake things up this fall. Whether they’re flying under the radar or bouncing back from disappointment, each one has the potential to make some serious noise.
15. TCU Horned Frogs
TCU isn’t making headlines right now, but that could change fast once the season kicks off. With solid depth and a few veteran leaders still hanging around, the Frogs have the tools to surprise in the Big 12.
14. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
They ended last year on a high note, and that momentum matters. If the quarterback play holds up, don’t be surprised if Georgia Tech plays spoiler more than once.
13. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State lost some star power, sure—but they didn’t lose their edge. The Seminoles have quietly reloaded and still have the coaching and depth to stay in the mix.
12. Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State brings back a dangerous dual-threat quarterback and plenty of familiar faces. They’ve got the experience and a manageable schedule to make a real push in the Big 12.
11. Florida Gators
![Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58),Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) and Florida Gators offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (65) all sing at the end of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 5, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-21T024747.992-1024x658.png)
People might be sleeping on Florida, but that won’t last long if the young talent delivers. There’s potential here to catch some SEC powerhouses off guard.
10. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State just keeps doing its thing—quietly, efficiently, and better than people expect. With their quarterback returning, they’ve got a legit shot at making another run.
9. SMU Mustangs
SMU turned heads last year and could do it again. With a solid quarterback and a chip on their shoulder, the Mustangs aren’t backing down in the ACC.
8. Baylor Bears
Don’t forget how Baylor closed last season—they were heating up at the right time. If they carry that energy into 2025, they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the conference.
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska finally broke its bowl drought, and now they’re thinking bigger. With a highly-touted quarterback and a new offensive mind calling plays, the Huskers are trending up.
6. Arizona State Sun Devils
From last-place pick to playoff darlings, Arizona State has already shocked the world once. With key players returning, don’t be shocked if they keep the magic going.
5. USC Trojans
It’s a new conference, a new quarterback, and maybe a new narrative for USC. If the defense holds up and the offense finds rhythm, this could be a bounce-back year in a big way.
4. Utah Utes
Utah didn’t love how its Big 12 debut went, but the pieces are there for a turnaround. A mobile quarterback and a revamped offense could be just what they need.
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3. Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has a schedule that sets up nicely and a few core players who know how to win. If they start strong, the Illini could be one of the Big Ten’s most unexpected threats.
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2. Texas A&M Aggies
There’s experience in the trenches and leadership under center—two huge ingredients for success. Mike Elko has quietly assembled a roster that could compete with anyone.
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1. Oklahoma Sooners
Last season stung, but Oklahoma didn’t sit still—they reloaded and refocused. With fresh coaching voices and new stars in place, the Sooners are ready to make noise in the SEC.
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