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UTSA Football in 2025: The Definitive Blueprint for Roadrunner Domination

Mark Haines on April 14, 2025

The UTSA Football Roadrunners are about to embark on their most pivotal season yet.

After finishing 7-6 in 2024 with a dominant Myrtle Beach Bowl victory, UTSA enters 2025 at a critical crossroads. Head coach Jeff Traylor’s sixth season presents a fascinating case study in program building: an established offensive identity powered by returning stars versus a defense undergoing complete reconstruction.

The question isn’t whether UTSA can remain competitive in the American Athletic Conference—it’s whether they can finally break through and capture the conference championship that has eluded them thus far.

The Roadrunners’ 2024 Season Revealed Something Crucial About Their Identity

UTSA’s 2024 campaign exposed both its greatest strength and its most glaring weakness.

  • Home dominance: A perfect 6-0 record when playing in San Antonio
  • Road vulnerability: A concerning 1-6 mark away from the Alamodome
  • Offensive firepower: 33.2 points per game (27th nationally) behind QB Owen McCown’s 3,424 passing yards
  • Defensive struggles: 30.1 points allowed per game (102nd nationally)
  • Conference performance: 4-4 in AAC play, showing they can compete but haven’t broken through

The bowl game blowout of Coastal Carolina (44-15) offered a tantalizing glimpse of what this program can become when firing on all cylinders.

What made the season particularly impressive was how the Roadrunners finished above .500 despite such a stark home/road performance gap.

The Offensive Arsenal Is Locked and Loaded

McCown’s return gives UTSA the most valuable asset in college football: an experienced quarterback who knows the system.

  • His 62.3% completion rate and 283.5 passing yards per game provide a rock-solid foundation.
  • Robert Henry (706 yards, 7 TDs in 2024) returns to anchor a ground attack that averaged 167.7 yards per game.
  • Willie McCoy (536 yards, 4 TDs) headlines a receiving corps bolstered by exciting transfers.
  • AJ Wilson (Houston Christian) brings deep-threat capability to stretch defenses verticall.y
  • Jaelen Smith (Michigan State) adds Power Five experience and route-running precision.
  • Offensive line reinforcements Trevor Timmons (Georgia State) and Darrell Jones (Bowie State) should improve protection.

The addition of BYU transfer Noah Lugo as McCown’s backup provides the quarterback depth that championship-caliber programs require.

This offensive unit has legitimate potential to improve on last year’s impressive numbers.

The Defensive Rebuild Will Define UTSA’s Ceiling

No position group faces more questions than a defense returning just two of its top 16 contributors from 2024.

  • AAC Defensive Player of the Year Jimmori Robinson’s departure leaves a massive void in the pass rush
  • Linebacker Martavius French’s transfer to Colorado removes a reliable tackler from the middle level
  • Denver Harris’s exit to UNLV creates uncertainty in a secondary that allowed 265.8 passing yards per game
  • Owen Pewee emerges as the unit’s expected leader but will need substantial support
  • TCU transfer Shad Banks Jr. and East Texas A&M transfer Brandon Tucker must provide immediate impact at linebacker
  • Edge rusher Kaian Roberts-Day (Baylor) has the unenviable task of replacing Robinson’s disruption
  • Safety transfers Cameron Upshaw Jr. (Memphis) and KK Meier (Nevada) will anchor a rebuilding secondary

Early-season growing pains seem inevitable, but if defensive coordinator Neal Neathery can accelerate the unit’s development, UTSA’s championship aspirations become significantly more realistic.

The defense doesn’t need to be elite—it just needs to be good enough to complement the explosive offense.

The Schedule: A Perfect Test of UTSA’s Evolution

The 2025 slate offers UTSA a chance to prove they’ve solved their road woes.

  • Aug. 30 at Texas A&M: An immediate litmus test against SEC competition
  • Sept. 6 vs. Texas State: This is A crucial regional rivalry that could set the tone for home dominance
  • Sept. 13 vs. Incarnate Word: This is another opportunity to establish momentum before conference play
  • Sept. 20 at Colorado State: This is the first actual road test against a comparable opponent
  • Oct. 4 at Temple: Conference opener presents a chance to exorcise road demons
  • Oct. 11 vs. Rice: A pivotal home matchup against a conference rival
  • Oct. 18 at North Texas: Another road challenge against a regionally familiar foe
  • Oct. 30 vs. Tulane: Thursday night home showdown against a perennial AAC contender
  • Nov. 6 at South Florida: Late-season road trip that could have significant conference implications
  • Nov. 15 at Charlotte: The final away game that will test UTSA’s road improvement
  • Nov. 22 vs. East Carolina: Late-season home contest with potential playoff implications
  • Nov. 28 vs. Army: Black Friday battle against the triple-option requires disciplined defense

How UTSA performs in its five conference road games will likely determine whether it plays for an AAC championship in December.

A split of those road contests and continued home dominance would put them squarely in the title conversation.

Coach Traylor’s Recruiting Strategy Shows His Understanding of Modern College Football

The coaching staff has embraced a multi-channel approach to roster construction that reflects college football’s new reality.

  • 29 new players added through three distinct pipelines:
    • 13 high school prospects for long-term program building
    • 5 junior college transfers for immediate impact with development upside
    • 11 portal additions providing experienced reinforcements at positions of need
  • Skipping the traditional spring game in favor of extended strength and conditioning work
  • Strategic focus on defensive reinforcements to address the unit’s massive turnover
  • Balanced approach between immediate fixes and sustained program growth

This diversified recruitment strategy demonstrates why Traylor has established himself as one of the conference’s premier program builders.

His ability to adapt to the transfer portal era while maintaining high school recruiting relationships gives UTSA stability in an increasingly volatile college football landscape.

What Should Roadrunner Fans Reasonably Expect in 2025?

UTSA has the pieces to compete for an AAC championship if several key factors break their way.

  • The offense should rank among the conference’s most explosive units
  • Defensive performance will determine whether they’re playing for a championship or merely bowl eligibility
  • Improving on last year’s 1-6 road record is essential
  • 7-8 regular-season wins represent a reasonable baseline expectation
  • Special teams’ stability following kicker Chase Allen’s transfer to Rice remains an underrated concern
  • Early-season defensive cohesion will be a critical indicator of the team’s ceiling

The contrast between offensive continuity and defensive reconstruction creates a fascinating tension defining the Roadrunners’ 2025 campaign.

With the right breaks, this could be the season UTSA finally breaks through for a conference championship and cements its status as one of the AAC’s flagship programs.

The Alamodome faithful have every reason to believe this team is on the cusp of something special.

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Tulsa Golden Hurricane 2025 Season Preview: A New Era Under Tre Lamb

Mark Haines on April 10, 2025

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane is about to rise from the ashes of a disastrous 2024 campaign.

After limping to a 3-9 record (1-7 in AAC play) and fielding one of the worst defensive units in college football last season, Tulsa decided to dismiss Kevin Wilson after just two seasons at the helm. In his place steps Tre Lamb, a 35-year-old coaching wunderkind with a proven track record of program transformation and a reputation for quick turnarounds.

The question on everyone’s mind: Can Lamb resurrect a program that ranked 131st out of 133 FBS teams in total defense last year?

The Pain Points That Derailed 2024

Defensive collapse doesn’t begin to describe what happened to Tulsa football last season.

The Golden Hurricane surrendered a staggering 496.8 yards per game, with their pass defense leaking 316.0 yards per contest through the air. These weren’t just bad numbers—they represented a complete defensive meltdown that undermined any chance of competitive play in the American Athletic Conference.

The 2024 season featured three exhilarating wins:

  • A 62-28 demolition of Northwestern State in the season opener
  • A heart-stopping 23-20 overtime victory against Louisiana Tech
  • A thrilling 46-45 Homecoming triumph over UTSA that gave fans momentary hope

But these bright spots were overwhelmed by crushing defeats that exposed Tulsa’s vulnerability:

  • A 45-10 dismantling by Oklahoma State that wasn’t even as close as the score suggests
  • A 49-7 annihilation by Army that highlighted fundamental defensive deficiencies
  • A season-ending 63-16 embarrassment against Florida Atlantic sealed Wilson’s fate

Nothing less than a complete defensive rebuild will suffice for 2025.

Why Tre Lamb Might Be The Perfect Solution

Tre Lamb doesn’t just build football programs—he transforms them with shocking speed.

Born September 16, 1989, in Calhoun, Georgia, Lamb arrives in Tulsa with an impressive résumé that showcases his ability to engineer immediate turnarounds. His coaching journey reveals a consistent pattern:

  • At Tennessee Tech, as offensive coordinator, he helped elevate the team from consecutive two-win seasons to a respectable 6-6 record in 2019
  • During his Gardner-Webb tenure (2020-2023), he delivered back-to-back conference championships and the program’s first-ever FCS playoff victory.
  • Most recently at East Tennessee State, he flipped a 3-8 team into a 7-5 contender in just one season.

Athletic Director Justin Moore couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when announcing Lamb’s hiring, stating, “He is young, energetic, and a proven winner. We feel he is exactly who we need to lead our program and restore a tradition of winning for Tulsa in this new era of college football.”

Though his 27-25 overall record (1-2 in NCAA Division I playoffs) comes primarily at the FCS level, Lamb’s consistent ability to revitalize struggling programs makes him an intriguing bet for a Tulsa program desperate for new energy.

His arrival represents more than just a coaching change—it signals the dawn of a new era.

The Coaching Brain Trust Built For Rapid Change

Lamb isn’t tackling this rebuilding project alone.

The new head coach has assembled a staff combining youthful energy with tactical expertise, each member carefully selected to address Tulsa’s most glaring weaknesses:

  • Brad Robbins (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach) brings innovative offensive concepts
  • Ty Darlington (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach) adds schematic flexibility
  • Josh Reardon (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach) faces the monumental task of rebuilding Tulsa’s porous defense
  • Mike Gray (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach) provides additional defensive expertise
  • Kam Martin (Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Coach) rounds out the leadership team

This staff faces the complex challenge of implementing new systems while maximizing the talents of returning players and newcomers.

Their success will ultimately determine whether Lamb’s first season becomes the foundation for a program renaissance or just another false start.

Roster Reconstruction: The Talent Influx

No turnaround happens without an influx of new talent.

Tulsa’s 2025 roster reconstruction follows a dual approach, balancing high school recruiting with strategic transfer portal additions to address immediate needs and build for the future.

The Golden Hurricane secured 14 high school signees, with several standouts poised to make an impact:

  • Javion Antai (OL, 6’4″, 285 lbs) brings local talent and tremendous size from Jenks High School, OK
  • Hudson Ball (DE, 6’2″, 240 lbs) arrives from Shiloh Christian High School, AR, targeting Tulsa’s desperate need for defensive playmakers
  • Banks Bowen (QB, 6’3″, 208 lbs) represents the future under center, coming from Lawrence High School, KS

Even more promising are the immediate-impact transfers joining the program:

  • Micah Tease (WR) brings SEC-level athleticism from Texas A&M
  • Sevion Morrison (RB) provides Big 12 experience after his stint at Kansas
  • Byron Turner Jr. (DE) arrives from Florida State as a potential defensive game-changer

Integrating these new pieces—particularly the transfer portal additions on defense—will be crucial to any year-one improvement under Lamb’s leadership.

Their development represents the first test of the new coaching staff’s player development abilities.

Cleaning Up The NIL Mess

Behind the scenes, Tulsa must address the NIL controversy that plagued the program throughout 2024.

Multiple players, including quarterback Cooper Legas and linebacker Myles Jackson, publicly alleged that former coach Kevin Wilson made verbal promises regarding NIL compensation that were never fulfilled. Wilson denied these claims, creating a cloud of distrust that potentially affected team morale and performance.

To prevent similar issues moving forward, Tulsa has established more robust NIL frameworks:

  • Partnerships with platforms like INFLCR and Opendorse to facilitate legitimate sponsorship connections
  • Creation of the Golden Hurricane Exchange to connect student-athletes with potential sponsors
  • Establishment of Hurricane Impact, an independent nonprofit collective, to solicit and distribute NIL funds

How Lamb and the administration navigate this evolving landscape will significantly impact their ability to attract and retain top talent.

In today’s college football ecosystem, effective NIL management isn’t optional—it’s essential for program stability and competitive recruiting.

The 2025 Schedule: A Balanced Opportunity

Tulsa’s 12-game slate offers a strategic mix of challenges and opportunities.

For the first time since 2004, all six home games at H.A. Chapman Stadium are scheduled for Saturday kickoffs, creating consistency for fans and players alike. These key matchups will likely shape the season’s trajectory:

  • August 30: Season opener vs. Abilene Christian (home)
  • September 6: Early road test at New Mexico State
  • November 15: Historic first-ever meeting with Oregon State (home)

This balanced schedule provides Lamb’s program with winnable non-conference games to build momentum while offering measurement opportunities against higher-caliber opposition.

How the Golden Hurricane performs in these contests will offer the first objective evidence of whether Lamb’s rebuilding project is ahead of schedule, on track, or facing unexpected hurdles.

Five Keys To Unlocking 2025 Success

Tulsa’s path from 3-9 doormat to competitive program requires five improvements.

  1. Defensive Resurrection Nothing matters more than fixing a defense that ranked near the bottom nationally in nearly every statistical category. Coordinators Reardon and Gray must implement schemes that maximize available talent while masking inevitable deficiencies during this rebuilding phase.
  2. Transfer Integration The transfer portal additions must acclimate quickly and perform above their previous levels, particularly on defense, where immediate impact is required to remain competitive.
  3. Offensive Identity Establishment Developing a clear, consistent offensive approach that plays to the roster’s strengths is essential in a conference known for offensive firepower. Tulsa cannot afford offensive inconsistency with its defensive limitations.
  4. Cultural Transformation Lamb must change the program’s culture and expectations, leveraging his track record of rapid turnarounds to instill belief in players accustomed to defeat.
  5. NIL Infrastructure Development Creating transparent, effective NIL processes will help attract and retain talent while avoiding the controversies that plagued the previous regime.

Success in 2025 doesn’t necessarily mean a championship season but establishing these foundational elements for sustainable program growth.

The metrics for year one success should be measured in competitiveness rather than wins and losses.

Realistic Expectations For Hurricane Fans

Patience might be the most important virtue for Tulsa supporters in 2025.

While Lamb’s history of rapid turnarounds provides cause for optimism, Golden Hurricane fans should maintain measured expectations. The defensive holes are too numerous, and the cultural changes too fundamental, to expect an overnight transformation from 3-9 to conference contention.

Consider these benchmarks for a successful 2025 campaign:

  • Achieving bowl eligibility (6-6) would represent significant progress
  • Defensive improvement from 131st nationally to top-100 would signal real growth
  • Competitive play in AAC contests, even in defeat, would demonstrate culture change
  • Player development is visible through individual statistical improvement
  • Recruiting momentum building toward the 2026 class

Establishing a foundation of competitive play and demonstrating clear progress throughout the season will be more important than the win total.

Every rebuilding project requires realistic timeline expectations—even for a coach with Lamb’s track record of quick fixes.

The New Hurricane Warning

A storm is brewing in Tulsa that might blow away years of mediocrity.

In Tre Lamb, the Golden Hurricane has secured a young, energetic coach with a demonstrated knack for program building and a history of exceeding expectations. With a strategic influx of talent through both high school recruitment and the transfer portal, coupled with a manageable schedule featuring six home games, the pieces are in place for Tulsa to begin its climb back toward relevance.

While 2025 represents just the first step in a longer journey, it offers something that the program has been missing for years: legitimate hope.

The Tre Lamb era begins now, and with it comes the potential for a Golden Hurricane resurgence that transforms a team from punching bag to puncher.

Football in Tulsa might just be fun again.

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The Defensive Revolution That Could Finally Transform North Texas Football

Mark Haines on April 8, 2025

College football programs that can’t stop opponents from scoring, like North Texas, are doomed to mediocrity.

North Texas has been the perfect case study of this football truth for years—an offensive juggernaut repeatedly undermined by a defense that couldn’t stop a nosebleed. The Mean Green’s 2024 campaign told the familiar tale: a 6-7 overall record (3-5 in AAC play) that ended with a 30-28 loss to Texas State in the First Responder Bowl, another shootout that slipped through their fingers.

But everything could change in 2025.

The Hiring Decision That Could Alter The Program’s Trajectory

One man stands at the center of North Texas’s potential transformation.

Skyler Cassity, a 30-year-old defensive mastermind hired in December 2024, arrives in Denton with credentials that should excite even the most jaded Mean Green supporters. His 2024 Sam Houston defense ranked:

  • 20th nationally in total defense
  • 11th in pass defense
  • 21st in scoring defense (21.0 PPG)
  • Top 10 in third-down stops, red zone defense, and fourth-down conversion rate

What makes Cassity’s arrival truly compelling isn’t just his statistical success—it’s his proven ability to engineer rapid defensive turnarounds.

At Sam Houston, he transformed a 3-9 team in 2023 into a 9-3 contender in 2024, with defense as the cornerstone. Before that, he built back-to-back top-35 FCS defenses at Abilene Christian (2022-23), establishing himself as one of college football’s brightest young defensive minds with each stop.

The question isn’t whether Cassity knows how to build an elite defense—he does.

Why North Texas Has Been Stuck In Football Purgatory

Offensive brilliance and defensive incompetence create the perfect recipe for entertaining yet frustrating football.

Under head coach Eric Morris, an Air Raid disciple now entering his third season, the Mean Green offense has been nothing short of spectacular:

  • 33.5 points per game (23rd nationally)
  • 488.8 yards per game (top 15 in FBS)
  • 328.2 passing yards per game
  • Multiple dynamic playmakers led by WR Damon Ward Jr.

However, while the offense soared, the defense sank to embarrassing depths:

  • 34.2 points allowed per game (119th in FBS)
  • 460.5 total yards allowed per game
  • A red zone touchdown rate among the worst nationally
  • Seven games allowing 35+ points

These defensive failures became so glaring that Morris fired defensive coordinator Matt Caponi in November 2024, elevating Brian Odom to interim DC. Even that midseason shake-up produced only marginal improvements—not nearly enough to prevent another 30-point defensive surrender in the bowl loss.

North Texas had become the football equivalent of a sports car with no brakes.

The Cassity Defensive System: Why It Could Work In Denton

Skyler Cassity’s defensive approach centers on creating chaos through disguise and discipline.

His preferred 3-3-5 base alignment is engineered to counter the spread offenses dominating the American Athletic Conference. The system features:

  • Multiple fronts that create pre-snap confusion
  • “Creeper” pressures that disguise which four defenders are rushing
  • An emphasis on aggressive turnover creation (his Sam Houston team forced 22 turnovers in 2024)
  • A “Nickel” position that serves as the defensive lynchpin

What separates Cassity’s defensive philosophy from other aggressive systems is how he balances exotic pressure packages with fundamental discipline. His Sam Houston defense held nine of twelve opponents under 21 points last season—proving his system isn’t just about forcing turnovers but also about preventing scores.

The transformation North Texas is attempting is ambitious but historically possible.

Who’s Going To Lead The Offense In The Post-Chandler Morris Era?

Quarterback competitions create fascinating camp storylines.

With Chandler Morris departed, North Texas faces an intriguing battle between two very different signal-callers:

  • Reese Poffenbarger: A Miami transfer with Power Five experience but known for streaky play
  • Chris Jimerson Jr.: A talented freshman dual-threat with tremendous upside but limited experience

Whoever wins the job will operate Eric Morris’s proven Air Raid variant—an offensive system that has demonstrated it can produce regardless of personnel. The quarterback will have weapons, including:

  • Tulane transfer RB Shaadie Clayton-Johnson
  • Sam Houston transfer WR Simeon Evans
  • Returning receivers Landon Sides and Miles Coleman
  • An experienced offensive line featuring multiple transfers

The offensive foundation remains solid, but ball security must improve after Chandler Morris’s 13 interceptions in 2024 proved costly in several close defeats.

North Texas might not need its offense to score 40 points every game if Cassity’s defense delivers as promised.

The Personnel Pieces That Could Make Cassity’s Defense Work

Defensive schemes succeed or fail based on having the right players in the right positions.

Cassity’s 3-3-5 defense requires specific personnel types, and the 2025 roster appears to have promising building blocks:

  • Defensive Line: Terrell Dawkins and Breylon Charles project as disruptive edge players, with Roderick Brown anchoring the interior
  • Linebackers: Kevin Wood returns after being one of the team’s top tacklers, joined by Auburn transfer Larry Nixon III
  • Secondary: Ridge Texada brings experience at cornerback, while Jaden Moore shows promise at safety
  • The Critical “Nickel”: C.J. Nelson, a hybrid defender with coverage skills, projects to fill what many consider the most important position in Cassity’s system

According to internal team projections, the defense aims to make dramatic statistical improvements:

  • From 119th to top 60 in points allowed
  • From 120th to top 70 in yards allowed
  • From 96th to top 40 in turnovers gained
  • From bottom 25 to top 50 in red zone touchdown percentage
  • From 105th to the top 50 in third-down stops

Even moderate defensive improvement could dramatically change North Texas’s fortunes in 2025.

Why 2025 Is A Make-Or-Break Year For Eric Morris

Head coaches who can’t build complete programs eventually update their resumes.

For Eric Morris, 2025 represents a pivotal year in his tenure. He has already established his offensive credentials but must prove he can develop a balanced program to compete for conference championships. His decision to hire Cassity signals a recognition that defensive improvement is imperative for North Texas to take the next step.

The ceiling for this team appears to be 8-4 with dark horse potential in the AAC, while the floor sits at 5-7 if the defensive transformation doesn’t materialize quickly enough. According to program insiders, the most likely outcome is a 6-6 or 7-5 finish that shows signs of long-term stability.

What makes North Texas fascinating heading into 2025 is that this isn’t a traditional rebuild—it’s a strategic reset. The offensive foundation remains solid, with a proven system and talented skill players. The special teams unit looks competent with additions like kicker Noah Rauschenberg and punter Lucas Dean.

The X-factor is Cassity and his defensive revolution.

The Bottom Line On North Texas’s 2025 Outlook

One defensive coordinator can’t change a program’s identity overnight, but Skyler Cassity might be the exception.

His track record suggests he’s capable of engineering rapid transformations, and North Texas has invested in providing him the personnel needed to implement his system. If his approach translates to the FBS level as it did at his previous stops, the Mean Green could quickly evolve from AAC afterthought to conference contender.

For a program that has tantalized fans with offensive fireworks but frustrated them with defensive collapses, 2025 represents an opportunity to finally find balance. The pieces are in place for a breakthrough season that could redefine North Texas football’s identity.

After years of one-dimensional football, North Texas may finally have found its missing piece.

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Temple Football 2025: The K.C. Keeler Rebuild Begins Now

Mark Haines on April 3, 2025

Temple football is about to experience the most dramatic transformation in program history.

After a disastrous 3-9 campaign that saw a season-ending coaching change and statistical rankings that would make any Owls fan cringe, Temple University is betting big on championship-winning coach K.C. Keeler to resurrect a program that finished 114th out of 134 teams nationally in 2024. The Pennsylvania native returns to his home state with national championships from Delaware (2003) and Sam Houston State (2020) on his resume—and a reputation for program revival that Temple desperately needs.

But the question every Temple fan is asking is: How quickly can Keeler turn this program around?

The Championship Coach Returns Home

K.C. Keeler isn’t just any coaching hire—he’s a proven program builder with deep Pennsylvania roots.

The Emmaus native brings three decades of coaching experience to North Broad Street, with successful tenures at Rowan (1993-2001), Delaware (2002-2012), and Sam Houston State (2014-2024). His most recent accomplishment? Leading Sam Houston to a respectable 9-3 record in 2024 after capturing an FCS National Championship with the program in 2020.

What makes Keeler particularly intriguing for Temple is his reputation for effectively recruiting the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions—precisely the talent pools Temple must tap to rebuild.

The championship DNA has arrived in Philadelphia.

The Complete Staff Overhaul You Didn’t See Coming

Keeler isn’t bringing a few assistants with him—he’s orchestrating a total staff revolution.

The new Temple coaching blueprint includes:

  • Tyler Walker as offensive coordinator (from Montana State)
  • Brian Smith as defensive coordinator (from Rice)
  • Special Teams Coordinator Brian Ginn (former Sam Houston offensive consultant)
  • Offensive Line Coach Al Johnson (Montana State)
  • Running Backs Coach Andrew Pierce (Delaware)
  • Wide Receivers Coach Roy Roundtree (Miami University-Ohio)
  • Tight Ends Coach Chris Zarkoskie (James Madison)
  • Pass Game Coordinator/Cornerbacks Coach Henry Baker (Marshall)
  • Defensive Line Coach Cedric Calhoun (Rice)
  • Linebackers Coach Keith Dudzinski (UMass)
  • Outside Linebackers Coach Chris Raitano (Monmouth)

This complete teardown and rebuild of the coaching staff signals that the culture and systems that produced 3-9 are being entirely replaced.

The Transfer Portal Cavalry Has Arrived

If you thought the coaching changes were dramatic, wait to see how Keeler is rebuilding the roster.

The transfer portal has become Keeler’s primary weapon for immediate roster improvement, with several key additions that could transform the 2025 team:

Offensive game-changers:

  • RB Jay Ducker follows Keeler from Sam Houston, bringing a 5’10”, 205-pound frame and the potential to rejuvenate a rushing attack that ranked a miserable 124th nationally.
  • RB Johnny Martin (Stony Brook) adds much-needed depth to the backfield.
  • WR Ian Stewart brings graduate transfer experience and a 6’3″, 215-pound frame to a passing game that was surprisingly productive (276.7 ypg, 25th nationally) despite overall offensive struggles.

Defensive reinforcements:

  • LB Ty Davis (Delaware) headlines a linebacker overhaul aimed at fixing a run defense that surrendered an abysmal 198.3 yards per game (128th nationally).
  • LB Jayvant Brown (Kentucky) adds Power Five experience to the defense.
  • LB Willy Love (Monmouth) provides additional depth at a critical position.
  • DB Avery Powell (Missouri State) and Jaylen Castleberry (Youngstown State) bring experience to a secondary that needs significant improvement.

The transfer portal strategy reveals Keeler’s pragmatic approach to rebuilding—addressing immediate needs with experienced transfers while developing high school recruits for long-term program stability.

The Quarterback Question Nobody Can Answer

Who will lead the Temple offense in 2025?

With Chris Dietrich transferring to Bucknell, redshirt senior Evan Simon (6’3″, 205 lbs) from Manheim Central emerges as the presumptive starter, but his collegiate experience remains limited. The development of a reliable signal-caller represents perhaps the most critical factor in Temple’s offensive resurgence.

Interestingly, Temple’s passing attack was a relatively bright spot in 2024, averaging 276.7 yards per game (25th nationally). But can the new staff maintain this aerial productivity while dramatically improving a ground game that mustered just 96.3 yards per game?

The quarterback room will determine whether Temple’s offensive transformation happens in months or years.

The Statistical Reality Check Nobody Wants to Hear

The numbers from 2024 reveal just how massive Keeler’s rebuilding project truly is.

Temple’s statistical profile looks like a program in desperate need of comprehensive reinvention:

  • Scoring offense: 19.6 points per game (121st nationally)
  • Scoring defense: 35.4 points per game (124th nationally)
  • Rushing offense: 96.3 yards per game (124th nationally)
  • Rushing defense: 198.3 yards per game (128th nationally)

Most concerning was Temple’s complete inability to establish the run or stop opponents’ ground games—fundamental football failures that must be addressed before any meaningful program turnaround can occur.

These aren’t just bad numbers; they’re program-identity-crisis numbers.

The Realistic Timeline For Temple’s Resurrection

Patience will be essential for Temple supporters accustomed to football disappointment.

While Keeler’s championship pedigree provides hope for the program’s long-term trajectory, the statistical deficiencies from 2024 suggest that immediate, dramatic improvement to conference contention is unlikely. At both Delaware and Sam Houston State, Keeler demonstrated an ability to build championship-caliber programs, but those transformations weren’t instantaneous.

Success in 2025 should be measured by:

  • Establishing a clear team identity on both sides of the ball
  • Meaningful statistical improvements, particularly in rushing offense and defense
  • Competitive performances against AAC opponents
  • Continued roster development through transfers and improved recruiting
  • Tangible progress toward bowl eligibility, even if that benchmark isn’t reached immediately

The 2025 season represents the foundation-laying phase of Temple’s resurrection project—establishing culture, implementing systems, and creating the infrastructure for sustainable success.

For a program that has experienced brief flashes of relevance interspersed with extended periods of struggle, Keeler’s arrival offers something missing on North Broad Street: legitimate hope backed by championship credentials.

The Keeler era has officially begun.

Become an Insider

Don’t miss another deep dive into college football’s most crucial storylines and program developments. Our team-by-team analysis gives you the insider perspective to understand where each program is headed in 2025 and beyond. Subscribe for free now to access our comprehensive breakdowns, exclusive hot seat rankings, and in-depth conference analysis delivered to your inbox. Join thousands of college football insiders who trust Coaches Hot Seat to keep them ahead of the game. Hit the link below to unlock all our premium content and never miss another update.

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Tulane Football in 2025: Fighting a $15 Million Gunfight with a $2 Million Knife

Mark Haines on April 2, 2025

Tulane football, the AAC Championship runner-up, just lost its star quarterback to an $8 million NIL deal.

This is the new reality for Tulane and head coach Jon Sumrall as they enter the 2025 season: competing against programs with financial resources far exceeding their own. Despite reaching the AAC Championship in Sumrall’s first season, the Green Wave now find themselves in a challenging position, rebuilding after watching their top performers get poached by larger programs with deeper NIL pockets.

“When you have a — call it a couple-million dollar roster versus a $15 million dollar roster you’re going sometimes into a gun fight with a knife,” Sumrall bluntly stated at the New Orleans Book Festival, as John Brice of Football Scoop reported.

But Sumrall isn’t backing down.

The Mass Exodus: How Much Talent Did Tulane Lose?

Quarterback Darian Mensah led the AAC in completion percentage and transferred to Duke for a reported $8 million NIL deal.

That’s just the beginning of Tulane’s exodus:

  • QB Darian Mensah: Left for Duke after throwing for 2,723 yards and 22 TDs with a 65.9% completion rate
  • RB Makhi Hughes: Hughes departed for Oregon after being the team’s workhorse in 2024
  • WR Room: All three top receivers – Mario Williams, Dontae Fleming, and Yulkeith Brown – transferred out
  • TE Alex Bauman: Moved to Miami, removing another key receiving option
  • Additional Losses: RBs Shaadie Clayton-Johnson (North Texas) and Trey Cornist (Central Michigan)
  • Defense: DL Parker Petersen transferred to Wisconsin

These weren’t just role players—they were the core of an offense that averaged 405 yards per game and was remarkable for its efficiency (62.9% completion rate) and discipline (just 1.1 turnovers per game).

How do you replace that much production in one off-season?

Sumrall’s Portal Strategy: 23 New Transfers to the Rescue

“We’re going to find every way we can to be successful and win,” Sumrall insists. “I’m biased and I may have blinders on and so I’m going to compete to win against whoever we play. Anyone, anywhere, anytime.”

His actions back up those words, with Tulane bringing in 23 transfers to rebuild the roster:

  • T.J. Finley (QB): A 6’7″ pocket passer with experience at LSU, Auburn, Texas State, and Western Kentucky
  • Maurice Turner (RB): Louisville transfer stepping into a depleted backfield
  • Jimmy Calloway (WR): Another Louisville transfer tasked with rebuilding the receiving corps
  • Defensive Line Reinforcements: Eliyt Nairne (Liberty), Trevon Alpine (Texas Tech), and Derrick Sheppard (UAB)
  • Jordan Hall (OL): Liberty transfer brought in to strengthen the offensive line

While the offense undergoes a complete rebuild, the defensive front seven might be stronger than last year’s unit that allowed 145.8 rushing yards per game.

But will it be enough?

Position-by-Position: Where Tulane Stands in 2025

Quarterbacks: The Veteran Journeyman

T.J. Finley brings much-needed experience, but can the traditional pocket passer replicate Mensah’s dual-threat efficiency?

The transition from Mensah to Finley represents a complete style change:

  • Mensah was mobile and efficient (166.7 passer rating)
  • Finley is a prototypical pocket passer with a big arm
  • Early-season growing pains seem inevitable
  • The ceiling remains high if chemistry develops with new receivers

Verdict: 🟡 Different style, similar potential production with patience

Running Backs: Starting From Scratch

The backfield faces the steepest rebuild on the entire roster.

Maurice Turner arrives from Louisville to a room that’s lost virtually all of its production:

  • Hughes has gone to Oregon
  • Clayton-Johnson transferred to North Texas
  • Cornist moved to Central Michigan
  • A committee approach seems likely in 2025
  • Early-season production could be inconsistent

Verdict: 🔴 Complete rebuild required

Wide Receivers: Who Steps Up?

Jimmy Calloway and other portal additions face enormous pressure with all top contributors gone.

The receiver reset is total:

  • All three top producers from 2024 transferred out
  • Chemistry with Finley must develop quickly
  • Unproven players will need to step into major roles
  • Expect new offensive wrinkles to help ease the transition

Verdict: 🔴 Major question marks remain

Defensive Line: The Bright Spot

This unit might be stronger in 2025 than it was in 2024.

The additions through the portal should create a more disruptive front:

  • Nairne, Alpine, and Sheppard bring experience and size
  • The 2024 unit was solid but unspectacular (145.8 rush yards/game)
  • Increased pressure could help the entire defense
  • Potential to be the team’s strength in 2025

Verdict: 🟢 Potential to be the team’s strength

Linebackers and Secondary: Stability Matters

These units remain relatively intact from the 2024 squad.

The defensive back seven provides needed continuity:

  • Minimal losses to the transfer portal
  • The secondary allowed 177.7 passing yards per game in 2024
  • More pressure up front could create more turnover opportunities
  • Likely to carry the team early while the offense develops

Verdict: 🟡 Solid but not spectacular

The 2025 Schedule: Opportunity and Challenge

Tulane’s path through 2025 includes fascinating storylines and significant tests.

Non-Conference Headliners:

  • Aug. 30: Northwestern (Home)
  • Sept. 13: Duke (Home) – Mensah returns to New Orleans
  • Sept. 20: Ole Miss (Away) – Major SEC challenge

Critical Conference Games:

  • Oct. 18: Army (Home) – 2024 AAC Championship rematch
  • Oct. 30: UTSA (Away) – Thursday night vs. rising conference power
  • Nov. 7: Memphis (Away) – Always a challenging road environment

Two strategically placed bye weeks (Oct. 4 and Oct. 25) should help the coaching staff make necessary adjustments throughout the season.

Can Tulane Find Sumrall’s “Secret Sauce”?

“Can you be the best in your league and find that secret sauce at the end where there’s chemistry and cohesion and culture that maybe beats somebody that may have a touch more talent than you?” Sumrall asked at the New Orleans Book Festival.

This question cuts to the heart of Tulane’s 2025 season.

Despite the coaching stability (Sumrall extended his contract in December 2024 despite Power 4 interest), the roster turnover creates enormous uncertainty. Integration of 23 new transfers tests even the best coaching staff.

The “secret sauce” of chemistry, cohesion, and culture faces its ultimate test.

Realistic Expectations: What Success Looks Like in 2025

With massive roster turnover and a challenging schedule, Tulane fans should recalibrate expectations.

Here’s what to watch for:

  • Early Growing Pains: September could be rough as the offense develops chemistry
  • Defensive Emergence: The defense may need to carry the team early
  • Midseason Improvement: If Finley settles in, the team could hit stride by mid-October
  • Bowl Eligibility: Securing six wins would represent success in this transition year
  • Conference Contention: Returning to the AAC Championship would be an impressive achievement

The Existential Question: Is Cinderella Dead in the NIL Era?

“Is it dead? I don’t know about that, yet. But, it’s challenging,” Sumrall said when asked if the Cinderella story is still possible in modern college football.

This is the existential question facing programs like Tulane’s.

How do you build sustainable success when your best players become immediate targets for financial packages you can’t match? When Sumrall says, “they’re able to just steal players from you left and right,” he’s describing a fundamental challenge to programs outside the Power 4 conferences.

Tulane’s 2025 season isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about proving that a sustainable model exists for programs with limited resources in the NIL era.

Suppose Sumrall can develop undervalued players, effectively use the transfer portal, and build a strong culture to retain at least some key contributors. In that case, the Green Wave might establish a blueprint for similar programs.

For 2025, temper your expectations on the field.

But watch closely for signs that Sumrall is building something that can withstand the annual talent exodus that programs like Tulane now face in modern college football.

After all, he’s attempting something extraordinary: bringing a knife to a gunfight – and trying to win anyway.

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The Rice Owls Are Entering A New Era In 2025

Mark Haines on April 1, 2025

The Rice Owls are about to undergo their most significant transformation in recent memory.

After a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2024 that saw a mid-season coaching change, Rice University has appointed Scott Abell as the program’s 20th head coach—a move that signals a dramatic shift in offensive philosophy and team identity. Abell, who turned Davidson College from a perennial loser into a championship contender, now faces the challenge of doing the same in the increasingly competitive American Athletic Conference.

But can his run-heavy approach succeed at Rice? And will 2025 be a year of growth pains or immediate improvement?

Let’s break it down.

Abell Brings A Winning Formula To South Main

Scott Abell isn’t just another coach looking for a bigger paycheck.

His track record of program revival is precisely what Rice desperately needs:

  • At Davidson College, he transformed a program without a winning season since 2007 into a powerhouse with a 47-28 overall record
  • He captured two Pioneer Football League championships and led the Wildcats to three consecutive FCS playoff appearances
  • His teams led the nation in rushing offense for five straight years—a stark contrast to Rice’s 106th-ranked rushing attack in 2024

The philosophical shift couldn’t be more dramatic. While Rice averaged 252.5 passing yards per game (45th nationally) but just 110.5 rushing yards (106th) last season, Abell is bringing a ground-and-pound approach that dominated at the FCS level.

How quickly this transformation takes hold will determine the Owls’ ceiling in 2025.

A Staff Blending Old And New Creates Intriguing Mix

Abell didn’t come alone.

His coaching staff represents a strategic blend of familiar faces and fresh perspectives:

  • Offensive coordinator Vince Munch follows Abell from Davidson to implement the run-heavy system
  • Porter Abell (the head coach’s son) takes over as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator
  • Defensive coordinator Jon Kay enters his third season at Rice but with a promotion from linebackers coach
  • Former NFL standout Ty Warren, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, joins as defensive line coach

This mix of continuity and new blood could help ease the transition while bringing much-needed energy to a program that has struggled to find its identity in the AAC.

The question is whether this diverse staff can quickly get on the same page and implement Abell’s vision.

The Transfer Portal Giveth And Taketh Away

Rice’s roster has been significantly reshuffled through the transfer portal, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Key Departures:

  • Running back Dean Connors (780 rushing yards, 62 receptions in 2024) transferred to crosstown rival Houston
  • Offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa left for Ohio State, creating a void on the offensive line
  • Safety Tyson Flowers departed for Virginia Tech, weakening the secondary

Notable Additions:

  • Cornerback Max Lofy brings Big Ten experience from Wisconsin to bolster the defensive backfield
  • Offensive linemen Sean Sullivan (Yale) and Cole Morgan (Michigan) provide potential solutions up front
  • A recruiting class ranked 103rd nationally and sixth in the AAC adds young talent, including running back Tyvonn Byars

Perhaps the most concerning departure is Connors’, particularly given Abell’s run-focused philosophy. Finding his replacement will be critical for offensive success in 2025.

Fixing The Turnover Problem Is Priority Number One

To understand why Rice struggled in 2024, look no further than the turnover column.

The Owls finished with a turnover margin of -13—dead last in college football—by committing 25 turnovers while forcing only 12. This fatal flaw neutralized a defense that performed reasonably well (364.5 yards allowed per game, 54th nationally).

Abell’s disciplined approach at Davidson emphasized ball security and mistake-free football. If he can instill these values quickly, Rice could see immediate improvement even before his offensive system fully takes root.

Imagine what even a neutral turnover margin could mean for a team that lost three games by seven points or fewer last season.

A Schedule Offering Both Challenges And Opportunities

The 2025 slate allows Rice to build momentum while testing its progress against quality opponents.

Non-Conference Games:

  • August 30: at Louisiana (road test to open the Abell era)
  • September 6: vs. Houston (crosstown rivalry with added Dean Connors storyline)
  • September 13: vs. Prairie View A&M (potential confidence builder)
  • September 27: at Navy (challenging service academy matchup)

Key AAC Games:

  • September 18 (Thursday): at Charlotte (early conference test)
  • October 11: at UTSA (regional rivalry)
  • October 31 (Friday): vs. Memphis (prime-time opportunity)
  • November 29: at USF (season finale)

Six AAC programs will introduce new head coaches in 2025, making the conference landscape unusually fluid and creating potential opportunities for the Owls to climb the standings faster than expected.

Four home games in the final six weeks could allow Rice to build momentum as players become more comfortable with the new schemes and expectations.

Realistic Expectations For Year One

Success in 2025 will not be measured solely by wins and losses.

While a bowl game would be a tremendous achievement, fans should look for these signs of progress:

  • Significant improvement in turnover margin from last year’s -13 disaster
  • Development of a consistent rushing attack reflecting Abell’s philosophy
  • Competitive performances against established AAC powers
  • Growth from younger players who fit the new system
  • Victories against fellow programs also undergoing transitions

The reality is that systematic changes take time. Abell’s history suggests he can accelerate rebuilds, but patience will still be required as Rice installs a new offensive identity.

If the Owls can show progressive improvement throughout the season and establish a clear foundation for 2026 and beyond, that’s a successful first step in the program’s revitalization.

Sometimes, you have to take one step back to take two steps forward.

For Rice football, 2025 lays the groundwork for sustained success under Scott Abell’s leadership. The journey begins on August 30.

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UAB Football in 2025: Resurrection or Final Nail in the Coffin?

Mark Haines on March 31, 2025

The UAB Blazers football program is walking a dangerous tightrope between redemption and total collapse.

After stumbling to a 3-9 record in 2024 (following an equally disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2023), what was once a respectable mid-major program has devolved into what local fans have bluntly labeled a “clown show.” Head Coach Trent Dilfer, entering his make-or-break third season, faces the monumental task of proving he wasn’t the wrong hire for a program that flourished under previous leadership.

Fans are asking legitimate questions:

  • Can a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with zero college coaching experience suddenly figure it out in Year 3?
  • Will the revolving door of transfers and coaching changes finally stabilize?
  • Is there any path back to the winning formula Bill Clark established before Dilfer’s arrival?

This 2025 season isn’t just another chapter—it might be the final verdict on whether UAB football can reclaim relevance or fade into obscurity.

The Dilfer Experiment Has Been a Spectacular Failure (So Far)

When UAB hired Trent Dilfer in November 2022, the move felt bold, innovative, and full of promise.

A Super Bowl champion quarterback, ESPN analyst, and high school coaching sensation at Lipscomb Academy seemed like the perfect outside-the-box hire to energize a program looking to evolve beyond its Conference USA success. Dilfer arrived with charisma, media savvy, and grand visions for modernizing UAB football.

Two years later, the experiment has crashed and burned:

  • Bill Clark built a 49-26 record (.653 winning percentage) with five bowl appearances and a conference championship
  • Dilfer has stumbled to an abysmal 7-17 record (.292) with zero postseason appearances
  • Home attendance has plummeted as fans vote with their feet
  • Sideline meltdowns and tone-deaf comments like “It’s not like this is freakin’ Alabama” have alienated supporters

The administration continues publicly backing Dilfer, but the $4.1 million buyout is significant for a program without Power Five resources.

This stark regression raises the uncomfortable question nobody at UAB wants to answer: Was hiring a celebrity coach with zero college experience a colossal mistake critics feared?

The Numbers Paint a Brutal Picture of Program Regression

Nothing clearly tells the story of UAB’s decline than the cold, hard statistics.

Between 2023 and 2024, virtually every meaningful performance metric trended in the wrong direction:

Offensive Collapse:

  • Passing accuracy plummeted from 71.7% to 63.7%
  • Rushing production dropped from 161.1 to 130.9 yards per game
  • Yards per carry decreased from 4.5 to 4.0
  • Total offense shrank from 450 to 392.5 yards per game

Defensive Disaster:

  • Allowed a staggering 35.3 points per game in 2024
  • Surrendered 212.9 rushing yards per game (5.1 per carry)
  • Opponents converted 11.8 rushing first downs per game
  • Teams ran at will against the Blazers’ defense

Discipline Issues:

  • Penalties increased year-over-year
  • Turnover margins worsened
  • Game management breakdowns cost winnable games

These aren’t minor fluctuations—they represent systematic regression across every phase of football.

The numbers don’t lie: UAB is getting worse, not better, under Dilfer’s leadership.

Coaching Staff Overhaul: Desperation Move or Strategic Reset?

Dilfer’s coaching staff has been completely gutted after two disastrous seasons.

When multiple assistants leave a struggling program, it typically signals one of two realities: either the head coach is cleaning house to save his job, or the assistants are fleeing a sinking ship. For UAB, it’s likely both.

The exodus includes:

  • Wide receivers coach Austin Appleby
  • Defensive line coach Miguel Patrick
  • Linebackers coach Kenwick Thompson
  • Several other position coaches and analysts

The most significant addition is new defensive coordinator Steve Russ, who inherits the unenviable task of rebuilding a unit that allowed over 35 points per game. Secondary coach Brent Vieselmeyer also joins a defensive staff desperately seeking answers.

While coaching changes were necessary, this level of turnover creates new challenges:

  • New systems must be installed during a single offseason
  • Player-coach relationships reset to zero
  • Recruiting pipelines and connections must be rebuilt
  • Staff chemistry takes time to develop

The question isn’t whether change was needed—it was—but whether these specific changes will produce different results or reset the failure clock.

Transfer Portal Mayhem: 19 Out, 13 In, Total Identity Crisis

The transfer portal has transformed UAB’s roster into an unrecognizable collection of new faces.

Modern college football often resembles free agency, but UAB’s situation stands out for its extreme volatility: 19 players transferred out while 13 newcomers arrived through the portal. This isn’t normal roster churn—it’s a wholesale identity crisis.

Key Departures That Hurt:

  • QB Jacob Zeno → Texas A&M (former statistical leader)
  • WR Amare Thomas → Houston (top receiving threat)
  • RB Lee Beebe Jr. → Indiana (lead running back)
  • S Adrian Maddox → Georgia (defensive standout)
  • OL Delano Townsend → Ole Miss (offensive line anchor)

Notable Additions That Could Help:

This extreme roster volatility creates both challenges and opportunities:

  • Team chemistry and culture must be rebuilt from scratch
  • New players need to rapidly learn systems and expectations
  • Position battles will dominate spring and fall practices
  • A unified identity will be difficult to establish
  • Fresh talent could provide immediate impact

For a coach entering a make-or-break third season, this level of roster turnover only adds to the pressure to produce immediate results.

The Quarterback Situation: Kitna Firmly Entrenched as QB1

Jalen Kitna is the unquestioned leader of UAB’s offense heading into 2025.

Despite speculation about a potential quarterback competition, head coach Trent Dilfer has already made it clear that Kitna is firmly established as the team’s starter. According to Steve Irvine of The Banner, Dilfer confirmed Kitna “was the starter for the final eight games last season, and he entered this spring as the unquestioned quarterback leader.”

Kitna’s 2024 Journey:

  • Took over as starter in Week 5 against Tulane
  • Finished with 196/316 passing for 2,209 yards
  • Threw 16 touchdowns in his seven starts after the Tulane game
  • Struggled with turnovers (10 interceptions plus fumble issues)
  • Posted back-to-back impressive performances (384 yards vs. USF, 404 yards with 6 TDs vs. Tulsa)

Dilfer’s Expectations for 2025:

  • “We need to see a big step. We need to see a more confident player, more instinctive player, more consistent player.”
  • “To play quarterback here, be careful what you ask for, because you just got it…”
  • “The standards [are] extremely high.”

While Kitna’s starting job is secure, the spring competition focuses on establishing the quarterback depth chart. Sophomore transfer Ryder Burton, who spent one year at BYU and West Virginia without seeing game action, will get his first opportunity to impress the coaching staff. Additional depth includes redshirt freshmen Adrian Posse, Nate Rogers, and Cameron Jennings, with Trace Campbell also competing for position on the depth chart.

Kitna embraces the team-first mentality, telling The Banner: “My focus is being the best I can be… I’m here for the team’s success. I’m here to win, so my job going into this season is to put our team in the best position.”

The redshirt senior’s development and ability to minimize the turnover issues that plagued him in 2024 will be critical to UAB’s chances of improvement. Dilfer praised Kitna’s work ethic, noting he “works at an NFL level” and has “recognized the deficiencies in his game” while attacking them appropriately.

2025 Schedule: Where Are the Wins?

Finding six victories for bowl eligibility looks challenging on UAB’s 2025 slate.

The schedule offers balanced opportunity and adversity, but for a program coming off a 3-9 campaign, identifying winnable games requires optimistic projections:

Potential Wins:

  • Home opener vs. Alabama State (Aug. 28)
  • Home contest vs. Akron (non-conference)
  • Winnable American Athletic Conference matchups against South Florida and Charlotte

Major Challenges:

  • Road trip to Tennessee (power conference mismatch)
  • Annual “Battle for the Bones” vs. Memphis (Oct. 18)
  • Conference games against improved American Athletic opponents

For a coach and program desperately needing momentum, the season opener against Alabama State becomes critical. Starting 1-0 with a convincing victory could build confidence before conference play begins.

The harsh reality is that this schedule does not guarantee wins for a program that has repeatedly lost to lesser competition over the past two seasons.

Five Non-Negotiables for UAB’s 2025 Resurrection

If UAB has any chance to climb out of this hole, these five priorities must be addressed immediately.

1. Fix the Abysmal Run Defense

  • New DC Steve Russ must transform a unit allowing 212.9 rushing yards per game.
  • Fundamentals like tackling, gap integrity, and run fits need a complete overhaul.
  • The defensive line must establish the ability to win at the line of scrimmage.
  • Third down stops must increase dramatically.

2. Establish Quarterback Stability

  • Whether it’s Kitna or Burton, one quarterback must take command
  • Passing efficiency must return to at least 2023 levels (71.7%)
  • The quarterback must become a team leader beyond just on-field performance
  • Staff must commit to development rather than quick hooks

3. Reclaim Offensive Identity

  • Decide on philosophy: pass-heavy or balanced attack?
  • Improve horrific 130.9 yards per game rushing output
  • Create consistent opportunities for playmakers
  • Reduce predictability that plagued the 2024 offense

4. Eliminate Self-Destruction

  • Reduce penalties that stalled drives and extended opponent possessions
  • Improve turnover margin through ball security and defensive opportunism
  • Eliminate game management errors in critical situations
  • Develop resilience when facing adversity

5. Reconnect with Alienated Fanbase

  • Winning solves most problems, but relationship rebuilding is essential
  • Dilfer must show humility and connection to the Birmingham community
  • The athletic department should acknowledge frustrations rather than ignore them
  • Create tangible reasons for fans to return to home games

Without addressing these five critical areas, any hope for progress is merely wishful thinking.

Living in Bill Clark’s Long Shadow

The ghost of Bill Clark’s success continues to haunt Trent Dilfer’s tenure.

What makes Dilfer’s struggles particularly painful for UAB fans is the vivid memory of what the program achieved under Clark:

  • Resurrection of a program shut down in 2015
  • Consistent winning seasons and bowl appearances
  • Conference USA championship in 2018
  • Clear program identity and development philosophy
  • Respected leadership within the Birmingham community

Clark built something remarkable through hard work, development, and a blue-collar approach that resonated perfectly with Birmingham’s identity. Dilfer has tried replacing that foundation with celebrity, innovation, and aggressive modernization.

So far, the results speak for themselves:

  • Clark: 49-26 record, five bowls, one conference title
  • Dilfer: 7-17 record, zero bowls, declining statistics

For Dilfer to escape Clark’s shadow in 2025, he needs more than marginal improvement—he needs a dramatic turnaround that changes the entire narrative surrounding the program.

Until then, every UAB game will be played with Clark’s achievements as the measuring stick.

The Verdict: 2025 Is the Ultimate Judgment Season

UAB football stands at the most critical crossroads in its post-shutdown history.

After two disastrous seasons under Trent Dilfer, the 2025 campaign represents more than just another 12-game schedule—it’s the ultimate referendum on whether his hiring was a catastrophic mistake or a long-term vision that needed time.

The coaching staff changes, roster overhaul, and strategic adjustments suggest an acknowledgment that the status quo was unacceptable. Whether these changes translate to on-field improvement remains the critical question.

For a fanbase that has endured program elimination, fought for its revival, and then watched it deteriorate into what they describe as a “clown show,” patience has evaporated.

The 2025 season will deliver a clear answer: Is UAB football capable of resurrection under Trent Dilfer, or are we witnessing the final chapter of a failed experiment?

The stakes couldn’t possibly be higher for a program and a passionate Birmingham community that deserves better.

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FAU IS BETTING ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S YOUNGEST HEAD COACH TO REVITALIZE THEIR PROGRAM

Mark Haines on March 26, 2025

Zach Kittley is 33 years old, making him the youngest head coach in FBS football — and he’s about to unleash an offensive revolution at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

After going 3-9 last season, the Owls decided to blow everything up

The FAU football program needed a fundamental reset after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw:

  • Former head coach Tom Herman was dismissed late in the season after starting 2-8
  • A revolving door at quarterback producing just 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions
  • A porous defense surrendered 30+ points in 7 different games
  • A measly 1-7 record in their second year in the American Athletic Conference

When Athletic Director Brian White searched for a new leader, he didn’t want incremental improvement—he wanted transformation.

Enter Zach Kittley, the offensive wizard whose previous systems at Houston Baptist, Western Kentucky, and Texas Tech averaged a ridiculous 457.3 yards and 34.8 points per game over seven seasons.

“We want to play fast, physical football and put a product on the field that the entire FAU community can be proud of,” Kittley said when hired in December 2024.

The bold move signals FAU’s willingness to embrace a high-risk, high-reward strategy in the increasingly competitive college football landscape.

The transfer portal has completely reshaped FAU’s roster in just one offseason

Kittley raided the portal like a kid in a candy store, completely overhauling the roster with players who fit his system.

The most significant additions came at key positions:

  • Quarterback: Caden Veltkamp followed Kittley from Western Kentucky, bringing pre-installed knowledge of the offensive system
  • Wide Receivers: Easton Messer (Western Kentucky), Damien Alford (Utah), and Asaad Waseem (Colorado) form a suddenly dangerous receiving corps
  • Offensive Line: Madden Sanker from Louisville arrives to protect the quarterback in Kittley’s pass-heavy scheme
  • Defensive Line: Naejuan Barber (Coastal Carolina), Enyce Sledge (Illinois), and twins Tycoolhill and Tyclean Luman (Rutgers) provide immediate upgrades
  • Secondary: Antonio Robinson Jr. (Wake Forest) and Derrick Rogers Jr. (Purdue) bring Power Five experience to the defensive backfield

The mass roster turnover represents both a necessary reset and a calculated gamble.

If these transfers mesh quickly, FAU could become one of the most improved teams in the AAC.

The returning veterans provide the stability needed during this massive transition

Not everything is new in Boca Raton.

A core group of battle-tested players will anchor the team during this period of rapid change:

  • Linebacker Jackson Ambush returns after leading the team with 89 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss
  • His partner Desmond Tisdol added 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks
  • Center Federico Maranges, an honorable mention All-AAC selection, provides stability on the offensive line
  • The receiving corps retains senior Caleb Coombs (51 career receptions) and redshirt juniors Jayshon Platt and BJ Alexander

These veterans will be crucial in maintaining team culture while integrating the influx of new talent.

Their leadership in the locker room might determine whether this ambitious rebuild sinks or swims.

Kittley has assembled a coaching staff as young and hungry as he is

Youth and innovation define the new coaching regime at FAU.

The offensive staff features:

  • Offensive line coach Stephen Hamby
  • Tight ends coach Jujuan Dulaney
  • Wide receivers coach, DJ McCarthy with NFL and SEC experience

Defensively, coordinator Brett Dewhurst takes charge of a unit that desperately needs improvement, supported by:

  • Inside linebackers coach Aaron Schwanz
  • Defensive line coaches Devin Santana and Brandon Lacy

Most significantly, Kittley will call the offensive plays—the clearest indication that FAU is all-in on his offensive vision as the program’s identity.

This staff represents a complete philosophical shift from the previous regime.

The 2025 schedule offers both immediate challenges and significant opportunities

The Owls face an immediate reality check with a season-opening trip to Maryland on August 30.

The full slate includes:

  • Non-conference: at Maryland (Aug 30), Florida A&M (Sep 6), at FIU (Sep 13)
  • Key home games: Memphis (Sep 27), UAB (Oct 11), Tulsa (Nov 8), UConn (Nov 22), East Carolina (Nov 29)
  • Tough road trips: Rice (Oct 4), USF (Oct 18), Navy (Oct 25), Tulane (Nov 15)
  • Strategic breaks: Two bye weeks (Sep 20 and Nov 1) provide recovery periods

The schedule seems designed for a team in transition — challenging enough to reveal their true identity but balanced enough to build momentum if things click early.

With SMU departing for the ACC and coaching changes across the conference, the AAC hierarchy is suddenly more fluid than in years.

Here’s why FAU could dramatically exceed expectations in 2025

Is bowl eligibility realistic for a program coming off a 3-9 season with a first-time head coach?

The optimist’s case is compelling:

  • Kittley’s offensive system has proven capable of producing points regardless of talent level
  • The transfer portal additions represent immediate upgrades at multiple positions
  • The AAC lacks dominant powerhouses, creating an opportunity for rapid ascension
  • South Florida’s recruiting territory gives the program natural advantages
  • The new staff brings fresh energy and schemes opponents haven’t prepared for

The path from three wins to six isn’t as far as it might seem.

If Veltkamp provides stability at quarterback and the defense can make modest improvements, the Owls could play meaningful games in November.

But significant challenges could derail FAU’s ambitious reset

Program instability remains the elephant in the room.

The Owls are now on their third head coach in four years, creating obstacles like:

  • Systems and terminology changing constantly for returning players
  • Team culture being repeatedly reset just as it begins forming
  • Recruiting relationships requiring rebuilding with each coaching change
  • Fan and donor patience potentially wearing thin with each restart

Beyond that, fundamental football questions remain unanswered:

  • Can a 33-year-old first-time head coach handle the responsibilities beyond X’s and O’s?
  • Will a defense that surrendered 30+ points seven times last season improve enough?
  • Can transfers from various programs gel into a cohesive unit quickly?
  • Is Kittley’s offensive system too complex to implement in just one off-season?

The answers to these questions will determine whether 2025 represents the beginning of a breakthrough or just another false start.

College football programs don’t transform overnight.

The Kittley era represents the highest-risk, highest-reward strategy in FAU’s recent history

Florida Atlantic is making a bet that few programs would have the courage to make.

They’re banking on youth, offensive innovation, and wholesale roster changes to create immediate competitive advantages in a conference that’s suddenly more vulnerable than ever.

If it works, the Owls could become the AAC’s next breakthrough program, following the path of schools like Coastal Carolina and UTSA, which rose from obscurity to conference contenders.

If it fails? It’ll just be another coaching regime that promised big and delivered little.

Either way, FAU football will be one of college football’s most fascinating experiments in 2025.

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Memphis Tigers 2025 Season Preview: Reloaded Roster Aims to Build on Bowl Success

Mark Haines on March 25, 2025

After capping an impressive 11-2 campaign with a Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl victory over West Virginia, the Memphis Tigers enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism despite significant roster turnover. Head Coach Ryan Silverfield, entering his sixth year at the helm with a 42-21 overall record, faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while integrating numerous new faces into a program that has established itself as a contender in the American Athletic Conference.

Quarterback Transition Marks Biggest Change

The Tigers face their most significant challenge in replacing four-year starting quarterback Seth Henigan, who has exhausted his eligibility after an exceptional career that saw him become one of the most productive passers in program history. The 2024 offense thrived under Henigan’s leadership, averaging a balanced 270.5 passing yards and 174.1 rushing yards per game with a 64.7% completion rate.

Filling this void is the addition of transfer portal player Brendon Lewis, who brings valuable experience from his time at Colorado and Nevada.

“Lewis brings a different dimension to our offense,” Silverfield noted in a statement reported by The Commercial Appeal. “With 25 career starts and over 2,290 passing yards last season, we’re getting an experienced signal-caller who can make plays with both his arm and his legs.”

While Lewis may not immediately replicate Henigan’s production, his dual-threat capabilities could add a dynamic element that keeps opposing defenses off-balance and potentially opens new wrinkles in offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey’s playbook.

Defensive Overhaul Through Transfer Portal

Perhaps the most significant transformation will come on the defensive side of the ball, where the Tigers have addressed key weaknesses from the 2024 campaign. Despite respectable yardage allowed (257.5 passing yards and 111.8 rushing yards per game), Memphis struggled with a negative turnover margin, forcing just 0.6 turnovers per game while giving up 2.0 per contest.

The Tigers have significantly upgraded their defense through the portal:

  • Defensive Line: The addition of Pooda Walker (26 tackles at Kennesaw State) and Chase Carter (25 tackles at Incarnate Word with previous experience at Michigan State) should bolster a front that saw departures including Derick Hunter Jr. Importantly, William Whitlow Jr., who recorded 24 tackles and four sacks last season, withdrew from the transfer portal and returns for his senior season, providing crucial continuity.
  • Linebacker Corps: Drue Watts arrives from Nevada with impressive credentials, having accumulated 180 tackles over three seasons. His productivity and experience should immediately upgrade a unit that needed more playmaking ability.
  • Secondary Reinforcements: The defensive backfield receives perhaps the most significant boost with Myles Pollard and Kody Jones, both from Michigan. Jones, a Germantown High School standout, returns to his hometown, bringing Power 5 experience to a secondary that needed more dynamic turnover-creating players.

These strategic additions address the defensive vulnerabilities that occasionally surfaced during the 2024 season, particularly in creating turnovers and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Offensive Supporting Cast Strengthened

While quarterback play will garner the most attention, the Tigers have methodically reinforced other offensive positions:

Offensive Line Bolstered

  • Ethan Newman (Kennesaw State) brings freshman experience after appearing in 10 games
  • Austin Gentle (Harvard) adds seasoned leadership as a multi-year starter with second-team All-Ivy League honors in consecutive seasons, providing intelligence and technique to protect Lewis and open running lanes

Added Receiving Depth

Jadon Thompson joins after stints at Cincinnati and Louisville. Though limited to three games in 2024 due to injury, his experience (882 career yards and four touchdowns) adds valuable depth to a receiving corps that will need to develop chemistry with their new quarterback. Thompson’s addition becomes particularly important as the Tigers look to maintain their 23.1 first downs per game average from 2024.

The offensive line additions should help sustain a rushing attack that was effective in 2024 while providing adequate protection for Lewis as he adjusts to his new offensive system.

Coaching Stability with Strategic Additions

The coaching staff maintains important continuity while adding specialized expertise:

  • Offensive Coordinator Tim Cramsey returns for his fourth season, providing system continuity that should ease the quarterback transition
  • Co-Defensive Coordinators Jordon Hankins and Spence Nowinsky both enter their second year, with Hankins receiving a contract extension through 2026 following last season’s success

New additions to the staff include:

  • Scott Gasper, as General Manager, brings over 20 years of coaching experience. Previously the director of player personnel and recruiting at East Carolina, Gasper will oversee recruiting operations and roster management.
  • Jay Simpson as Cornerbacks Coach from Arkansas State, arriving in January 2025 to work with a secondary that has been reinforced with talent
  • Kendrick Wade is the Tight Ends Coach and was previously the head coach at Mississippi Valley State University. Wade’s background as a former wide receiver adds offensive expertise to Cramsey’s staff

These strategic coaching additions reflect Silverfield’s emphasis on building a staff that can develop talent while maintaining scheme continuity.

Schedule Analysis: Opportunities and Challenges

The 2025 schedule presents both opportunities for statement victories and potential pitfalls:

Marquee Matchups

  • September 20 vs. Arkansas (Home): A visit from an SEC opponent represents the season’s highest-profile non-conference game and a chance to make a national statement
  • November 7 vs. Tulane: Likely to have major implications for the AAC Championship race, this matchup could determine who represents the conference in the title game

Potential Trap Games

  • September 13 at Troy: Coming just before the Arkansas game, this road test against a consistently tough Sun Belt program could prove dangerous
  • October 18 at UAB: Following a bye week, the Tigers could face rust issues against a conference rival
  • October 31 at Rice: The Friday night setting adds unpredictability to this road contest
  • November 15 at East Carolina: A late-season road test that could impact conference standings and bowl positioning

2025 Season Projection

Based on a comprehensive analysis of roster changes, coaching continuity, and schedule challenges, the Tigers appear positioned for another successful season:

  • Projected Regular Season Record: 10-2 overall, 7-1 in AAC play
  • Likely Losses: at Troy, vs. Tulane
  • Bowl Projection: AAC Championship Game appearance + Tier 1 Bowl (Fenway or Military)

With perfect execution in conference play, this team’s ceiling could reach 11-1, while potential floor projections suggest 8-4 if quarterback transition issues or defensive cohesion become problematic.

Position Group Strength Assessment

Comparing the 2025 projected roster to the 2024 squad reveals interesting shifts in team composition:

  • Quarterback: Slight regression expected initially with Henigan’s departure, though Lewis brings an athletic upside
  • Offensive Line: Notable improvement with high-quality transfers reinforcing the unit
  • Secondary & Linebackers: Major upgrades expected from Power 5 and productive G5 transfers
  • Special Teams: Stability maintained with no significant changes noted

Bottom Line

Despite significant roster turnover, particularly at the quarterback position, the Memphis Tigers have effectively reloaded through the transfer portal. Coach Silverfield’s program continues to demonstrate the stability and recruiting prowess necessary to remain among the AAC elite.

With strategic additions addressing specific weaknesses from 2024, particularly on defense, and a veteran quarterback in Lewis to manage the offense, Memphis has the pieces to contend for a conference championship. If the new defensive additions can generate more turnovers and the offensive line provides adequate protection for Lewis, Tiger fans could be celebrating another successful campaign in December.

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PIRATES LOOK TO BUILD ON LATE-SEASON MOMENTUM: 2025 EAST CAROLINA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Mark Haines on March 20, 2025

East Carolina football’s remarkable transformation under Blake Harrell has Pirate Nation believing 2025 could be special.

The numbers tell a stunning story of what happened when Harrell took over seven games into last season:

  • A team struggling at 3-4 suddenly won 5 of their final 6 games
  • The defense skyrocketed to 12th nationally in defensive touchdowns
  • The offense maintained an impressive 32.0 points per game
  • A thrilling Military Bowl victory over NC State capped the turnaround
  • Harrell earned a four-year, $1.3 million contract for his efforts

What should excite every ECU fan isn’t just what happened—it’s how quickly it happened.

Harrell’s defensive genius unlocked ECU’s potential almost overnight

When Blake Harrell became interim head coach, the Pirates’ defense became one of the nation’s most opportunistic units.

Under Harrell’s guidance, ECU’s defense accomplished things that seemed impossible just weeks earlier:

  • Ranked 13th nationally in red zone defense (0.745)
  • Generated 14 interceptions (27th in FBS)
  • Created 22 total turnovers (27th in FBS)
  • Averaged 7.2 tackles for loss per game (14th in FBS)
  • Posted a defensive play-calling efficiency of 82.9% (12th nationally)

According to your source materials, Harrell will not call plays on game day for the first time in years as he focuses on his head coaching duties—a change that might make the Pirates even more dangerous.

This defensive foundation gives ECU something it hasn’t had in years: an identity.

The coaching staff strikes a perfect balance of continuity and fresh ideas

Keeping offensive coordinator John David Baker might be Harrell’s most underrated decision yet.

The offensive numbers under Baker speak for themselves:

  • 436.4 total yards per game (balanced between pass and run)
  • 264.0 passing yards per game
  • 172.4 rushing yards per game
  • An offense that kept the Pirates in games despite early deficits

Meanwhile, new defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge arrives from Liberty with a reputation for aggressive schemes that complement Harrell’s philosophy.

This balanced approach—keeping what works while upgrading what needs fixing—suggests a coach with clarity about his program’s direction.

Every championship team must overcome its fatal flaws

What stands between ECU and true AAC contention isn’t talent but consistency.

The Pirates’ most glaring weaknesses from 2024 must be addressed:

  • A turnover ratio of -8 (including 23 interceptions) killed promising drives
  • Early-game struggles led to uphill battles (most notably a 31-0 deficit against Army)
  • Defensive lapses appeared even during the late-season surge
  • Quarterback decision-making remained inconsistent despite productive yardage

How Harrell attacks these issues during spring and fall camp will determine whether ECU can challenge the AAC’s elite.

The transfer portal has become ECU’s secret weapon

While some programs struggle with the new transfer reality, the Pirates have embraced it as a competitive advantage.

Harrell’s staff added 15 impact transfers who could transform the roster overnight:

  • Former 4-star Oklahoma receiver Jaquaize Pettaway brings elite speed
  • FCS All-American defensive back Jordy Lowery adds proven playmaking
  • Maryland transfer Kyle Long immediately strengthens the offensive line
  • Western Carolina transfers bring championship experience to Greenville

Combined with the AAC’s 4th-ranked recruiting class, which features 38 signees, the talent infusion gives ECU its deepest roster in years.

Seven 2024 bowl teams await on a schedule built for national attention

The Pirates won’t sneak up on anyone in 2025.

ECU’s challenging schedule represents both opportunity and obstacle:

  • A season-opening rematch against NC State offers immediate revenge
  • Three 2024 Top 25 teams (BYU, Army, Memphis) provide measuring-stick games
  • Seven opponents reached bowl games last season
  • The AAC slate includes improved competition across the board

For a program seeking respect, this schedule provides the perfect platform.

Why 2025 could become a breakthrough season for Pirate football

Everything about ECU’s program is pointing in the right direction.

The foundation Harrell established in just six games as interim coach—winning five—suggests a program that immediately responded to his leadership style. Expectations should be higher, not lower, with an entire offseason to implement his complete system.

College Football News currently ranks ECU 8th in its pre-spring AAC evaluation, but this team seems positioned to exceed outside expectations.

If the Pirates can solve their turnover issues and maintain the momentum from their bowl victory, 2025 could mark East Carolina’s return to conference championship contention.

After years of searching for direction, Pirate Nation has a clear vision of what ECU football can become.

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