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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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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.

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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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Army Football 2025: Rising From Historic Heights

Mark Haines on March 19, 2025

Army football stands at a crucial crossroads entering the 2025 season.

Coming off the most successful campaign in program history—a record-shattering 12-2 mark that included an American Athletic Conference championship in their debut season—the Black Knights face the ultimate question that haunts all great teams: Can they do it again?

The challenge is immense, with significant roster turnover and a schedule designed to test even the most battle-hardened squads. But within this challenge lies an opportunity—a chance for Coach Jeff Monken‘s program to prove its 2024 masterpiece was no fluke, but rather the foundation of a new Army football standard.

The 2024 Season Was Unlike Any Other in Army History

The Army’s 2024 campaign dramatically rewrote the program’s record books.

The Black Knights dominated their new conference with ruthless efficiency, posting a perfect 8-0 mark in AAC play before dismantling Tulane 35-14 in the championship game. Their 12 victories set a new high-water mark for wins in a single season, while their peak AP ranking (#16) represented their highest standing since 1962.

Individual accolades poured in as quarterback Bryson Daily finished 6th in Heisman Trophy voting while claiming AAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Coach Monken earned conference Coach of the Year recognition, and perhaps most impressively, Army’s offensive line claimed the prestigious Joe Moore Award as the nation’s finest unit.

The numbers behind this historic run tell the story of complete dominance:

  • Averaged 31.07 points while surrendering just 15.50 points per game
  • Rushed for a staggering 4,339 yards (300.5 per game) with 48 touchdowns
  • Controlled games through time of possession, holding the ball for 34:39 per contest
  • Secured an Independence Bowl victory, improving their bowl record to 8-3

This wasn’t just Army’s best season—it was the gold standard by which all future Black Knight teams will be measured.

The 2025 Roster Features Major Turnover at Key Positions

The biggest challenge facing Army in 2025 is replacing the architects of their offensive juggernaut.

Quarterback Bryson Daily, the Heisman finalist who orchestrated the triple-option with surgical precision, has graduated. Running back Kanye Udoh transferred to Arizona State after a breakout season. And perhaps most critically, three starters from the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line have departed, along with their position coach Matt Drinkall, who left to become head coach at Central Michigan.

These departures create significant question marks for an offense that dominated opponents through physical control and tactical precision:

  • Who steps into Daily’s role as both field general and offensive catalyst?
  • Can the rebuilt offensive line maintain the dominance that fueled their rushing attack?
  • Will new position coaches successfully implement system continuity amid personnel changes?
  • Can Army overcome projections placing them 93rd nationally in offensive SP+ with 24.3 points per game?

The defensive side offers more stability, with a unit projected to rank 35th nationally with a 23.2 SP+ rating, providing a foundation while the offense finds its footing.

Returning Players Provide Hope Amid Transition

Despite the significant departures, Army returns a solid core of talented players ready to step into expanded roles.

Center Brady Small, already named to ESPN’s way-too-early All-America second team for 2025, anchors the offensive front alongside senior Paolo Gennarelli—both holdovers from the award-winning 2024 line. Junior quarterback Cale Hellums enters camp as a potential starter after apprenticing behind Daily, while slot receiver Noah Short returns as a proven threat with big-play capabilities.

The returning talent offers several reasons for optimism:

  • Small and Gennarelli provide continuity and leadership along the offensive line
  • Noah Short gives the offense an established playmaker to build around
  • Jake Rendina adds experienced depth to the running back rotation
  • The defense returns significant talent from a unit that surrendered just 15.5 points per game
  • Three years into AAC membership, players now understand conference competition levels

These returners will be tasked with both maintaining performance standards and helping newcomers integrate into Army’s demanding system.

The 2025 Schedule Presents Unique Challenges

Army’s path through the 2025 season features opportunities and obstacles, particularly away from West Point.

The schedule includes five home games at Michie Stadium, beginning with the August 29th opener against Tarleton State. However, for the first time in recent memory, both service academy rivalry games will occur on the road—at Air Force (November 1) and Navy (December 13)—adding significant difficulty to Army’s most emotionally charged matchups.

Other notable scheduling quirks that could impact Army’s season:

  • No consecutive home games throughout the entire schedule
  • A championship game rematch at Tulane on October 18
  • Three strategically placed bye weeks (September 13, October 25, November 15)
  • Early projections give Army a 99.5% chance of bowling and 27.7% chance of repeating as conference champions
  • Substantial travel with key games in Colorado Springs, New Orleans, and Baltimore

How Army navigates this road-heavy slate could determine whether it remains an AAC contender or falls back into the conference’s middle tier.

Coaching Changes Will Reshape Both Sides of the Ball

The coaching staff underwent significant reshuffling following their championship season.

Offensive line coach Matt Drinkall’s departure creates the most significant void after he engineered the Joe Moore Award-winning front. Cheston Blackshear transitions from tight ends to co-lead the offensive line alongside Mike Viti, while Chandler Burks shifts from tight ends to running backs coach.

The defensive side welcomes Allen Smith, who arrives to coach the defensive line after Nate Fuqua’s brief tenure, while Matt Panker earns a promotion to defensive quality control coach.

These coaching adjustments create several strategic implications:

  • Blackshear and Viti must maintain cohesion amid offensive line rebuilding
  • Defensive coordinator Nate Woody provides continuity for a unit that remains the team’s strength
  • Replacing Drinkall’s expertise represents perhaps the staff’s biggest challenge
  • Head coach Jeff Monken’s proven ability to develop staff suggests minimal disruption

How quickly these coaching adjustments solidify will determine whether Army can maintain the tactical edge that fueled their 2024 success.

Five Keys Will Define Army’s 2025 Season

Army’s ability to build on their historic 2024 campaign hinges on several critical factors.

The quarterback position stands as the most obvious focal point, with junior Cale Hellums among several candidates competing to replace Bryson Daily. Whichever candidate wins the job inherits the keys to an offense built around precise decision-making and tactical discipline.

Beyond quarterback play, Army’s 2025 success depends on:

  • Rebuilt offensive line cohesion, mainly by replacing three starters from the award-winning 2024 unit
  • Maintaining defensive dominance that limited opponents to just 15.5 points per game
  • Developing road game resilience with critical matchups at Air Force, Navy, and Tulane
  • Minimizing offensive regression through system continuity amid personnel changes
  • Balancing the mental challenges unique to service academy athletes (military training, academic rigor)

Army’s defense—projected 35th nationally with a 23.2 SP+ rating—remains the program’s foundation while the offense reloads.

The Bottom Line: Measured Expectations for 2025

Army football stands ready to prove 2024 was no fluke.

While matching last season’s historic achievements represents a formidable challenge, the Black Knights enter 2025 with legitimate aspirations to remain among the AAC’s elite programs. The combination of experienced returners, proven coaching staff, and a culture of discipline positions them for continued success despite significant transitions.

Returning to the conference championship game requires overcoming substantial personnel losses and navigating a demanding schedule. However, Coach Monken’s program has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout his tenure, suggesting Army remains a formidable opponent for everyone on their 2025 schedule.

As the Black Knights prepare to defend their conference crown, expectations remain high in West Point—not simply to compete but to continue building on the foundation of excellence established during their record-breaking 2024 campaign.

The only question that matters now is whether this new generation of Army players can write their own chapter in the program’s storied history.

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The 49ers’ Gold Rush: Inside Charlotte Football’s Complete Makeover for 2025

Mark Haines on March 17, 2025

Tim Albin is about to transform Charlotte 49ers football.

After narrowly missing bowl eligibility with a 5-7 record in 2024, the Charlotte 49ers are undergoing a complete overhaul—new coaching staff, new schemes, and a roster infused with fresh talent. The question on everyone’s mind isn’t whether change is coming but whether Albin’s championship pedigree can accelerate the 49ers’ journey from AAC middle-dweller to conference contender.

Here’s why the 2025 season could be the turning point Charlotte football has been waiting for:

Albin Brings a Winning Blueprint

One sentence: Charlotte just hired a coach who can build championship programs.

Tim Albin arrives in Charlotte with a resume that commands instant respect: three consecutive 10-win seasons at Ohio University, culminating in the 2024 MAC Championship (their first since 1968). Twice named MAC Coach of the Year (2022, 2024), Albin has demonstrated his ability to build and sustain a winning culture.

This isn’t just another coaching change; it’s a fundamental expectation shift.

“The vision for the program is to be in a bowl every year,” stated Charlotte Athletic Director Mike Hill when announcing Albin’s hiring in December 2024.

Such ambition would previously seem aspirational for a program that has reached just one bowl game in its brief FBS history. Under Albin’s leadership, it feels like the baseline.

Elite Coaching Staff Assembled

Albin didn’t come alone—he brought a coaching dream team.

The new coaching structure reveals exactly how Charlotte plans to compete in the AAC:

  • Todd Fitch (Offensive Coordinator/Associate Head Coach) – Former LSU offensive analyst brings Power 5 experience and a reputation for developing dynamic passing attacks
  • Nate Faanes (Defensive Coordinator) – Albin’s trusted lieutenant from Ohio will implement multiple defensive looks to confuse AAC offenses
  • Kurt Mattix (Co-Defensive Coordinator) – Pass rush specialist whose presence signals a commitment to disrupting opposing quarterbacks
  • Brian Haines (Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach) – Appalachian State product who understands how to win in North Carolina

This isn’t just a new staff—it’s a strategic assembly of specialists designed to address Charlotte’s most glaring weaknesses from 2024.

Roster Transformation Through Portal Power

Charlotte’s roster won’t just be coached differently—it will look entirely different.

The 49ers have been among the most aggressive teams in the transfer portal, with reports indicating they’ve added between 15-22 new players for the 2025 season. This significant influx of talent suggests numerous departures from the previous roster as well, though specific outgoing transfers haven’t been documented.

The incoming transfers reveal exactly where Charlotte’s priorities lie:

  • Quarterback Revolution: Power 5 transfers Conner Harrell (North Carolina) and Grayson Loftis (Duke) instantly upgrade the most important position
  • Explosive Perimeter: New receivers Nate Spillman, Jaylen Hampton, and Jayden McGowan provide big-play potential
  • Secondary Reinforcements: Four new cornerbacks including Collin Gill, Thailand Baldwin, Dwight Bootle II, and Gavin Shipman suggest a complete defensive backfield rebuild
  • Front Seven Fortification: Linebacker additions Stellan Bowman and Gavin Willis bring needed physicality
  • Backfield Boost: Running back Donald Chaney Jr. adds explosiveness to the ground game

This isn’t just adding depth—it’s a complete roster reimagining.

Scheme Changes Promise Immediate Impact

The X’s and O’s in Charlotte are getting a complete overhaul.

With Fitch implementing a spread option scheme and the defensive coordinators installing a 4-2-5 base defense, the 2025 49ers will barely resemble their 2024 counterparts in style or substance. These changes signal a commitment to:

  • Maximizing QB Mobility: The spread option will capitalize on the athleticism of transfers Harrell and Loftis
  • Creating Explosive Plays: Upgraded receiver talent will be featured in a more aggressive downfield passing attack
  • Defensive Versatility: The 4-2-5 alignment allows Charlotte to counter both spread and traditional offenses without substituting
  • Pressure Generation: Mattix’s background suggests pass rush will become a defensive priority

These scheme changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re strategic decisions designed to maximize the talent influx and create immediate competitive advantages.

Schedule Presents Opportunity and Challenge

Charlotte’s 2025 slate offers a perfect runway for the Albin era to launch successfully.

The schedule structure gives Charlotte several advantages:

  • Four-Game Homestand: The season opens with four consecutive games in Charlotte, providing time to build confidence and momentum
  • Statement Opportunities: Non-conference matchups with North Carolina, Georgia, and Appalachian State offer chances for program-defining upsets
  • Manageable Conference Slate: While UTSA (Nov. 15) and the Tulane finale (Nov. 29) present challenges, the overall AAC schedule appears navigable
  • Army Challenge: An October 11 date with the Black Knights will test discipline against a unique offensive system

This schedule layout perfectly balances opportunities for statement wins and winnable games to build toward bowl eligibility.

The Bottom Line for 2025

Tim Albin’s Charlotte 49ers won’t just look different—they’ll perform differently.

With a $70 million stadium expansion breaking ground in 2025, the program is signaling its long-term commitment to football success. Albin’s championship pedigree, an experienced coaching staff, and a completely overhauled roster provide the foundation for Charlotte to exceed expectations in the American Athletic Conference.

The 49ers’ rise from 5-7 to bowl eligibility isn’t just possible—it should be expected in 2025.

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