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Michigan football stands at a critical turning point that will define the program’s trajectory for years.

Mark Haines on May 20, 2025

As spring practice concludes in Ann Arbor, the Michigan Wolverines find themselves at a fascinating crossroads.

Following a rollercoaster 2024 campaign that ended with an 8-5 record, second-year head coach Sherrone Moore faces the challenge of recapturing the program’s championship form while integrating a wealth of new talent and implementing significant schematic changes.

The 2024 season will be remembered as a tale of two halves:

A disappointing 5-5 start that had fans questioning the program’s direction
Stunning upsets over No. 2 Ohio State (13-10) and No. 11 Alabama (19-13) to close the year
Michigan is the only program to defeat Alabama twice in one calendar year
A late-season surge that injected renewed optimism into a program that had struggled with consistency

These dramatic season-ending victories completely transformed the narrative around Michigan football heading into 2025.

Michigan’s 2025 campaign will hinge on how quickly the offense can develop around its new quarterback and whether the defense can maintain its late-2024 form. The program’s trajectory remains positive, but the margin for error in a tougher Big Ten is slim.

Have you ever seen a program pin its entire hopes on the shoulders of an 18-year-old quarterback?

All eyes in Ann Arbor are fixed on five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class and the highest-rated signee in Michigan history.

Underwood’s arrival represents both immense opportunity and significant pressure. The dual-threat signal-caller is widely expected to start immediately despite his youth. His elite talent brings an electricity to Michigan that the program desperately needs after a disappointing offensive showing in 2024.

What makes Underwood’s situation different from other freshman quarterbacks?

He joins a program just one year removed from a national championship
Michigan’s passing attack ranked a dismal 131st nationally in 2024 (129.1 yards per game)
Experienced transfer Mikey Keene (Fresno State/UCF) provides insurance and mentorship
Most analysts expect Underwood to win the starting job immediately

“The quarterback situation is widely viewed as the key to Michigan’s 2025 ceiling,” according to the program’s internal analysis. “If Underwood adapts quickly and the offense improves, Michigan could contend for a Big Ten title and a playoff spot.”

Rarely has a true freshman quarterback shouldered such immediate expectations at a blue-blood program.

Michigan’s offense underwent a complete metamorphosis following one of the worst passing attacks in program history.

The offensive struggles that plagued Michigan in 2024 (113th nationally in scoring at 22.0 points per game) prompted significant changes, beginning with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey from North Carolina.

Lindsey’s arrival marks a philosophical shift in Ann Arbor. His track record shows a commitment to balanced, explosive attacks. His 2023 UNC offense was one of only two nationally to average at least 290 passing yards and 190 rushing yards per game, showcasing his ability to create dynamic, unpredictable offensive systems.

The early returns from spring practice are promising:

Sophomore receiver Semaj Morgan called the new system “night and day” compared to last year’s approach
The new scheme emphasizes more wide receiver sets instead of heavy, predictable formations
Greater route diversity and vertical passing concepts create more explosive play opportunities
Running backs will be more involved in the passing game, creating mismatches

Supporting the passing game renaissance are new weapons with size and athleticism:

6-5 freshman Jamar Browder brings contested-catch ability
Indiana transfer Donovan McCulley (also 6-5) adds experienced size
Jordan Marshall (who starred in the Alabama bowl victory) returns in the backfield
Alabama transfer Justice Haynes joins to form a powerful one-two punch at running back

While returning experienced pieces like Giovanni El-Hadi, the offensive line must improve its consistency to protect Underwood and establish the physical run game that remains central to Michigan’s identity.

Five-star freshman Andrew Babalola and borderline five-star Ty Haywood could push for early playing time and inject immediate talent into this critical unit.

While the offense rebuilds, Michigan’s defense remains the program’s unshakeable foundation.

While the offense undergoes reconstruction, Michigan’s defense is poised to remain among the nation’s elite.

The 2024 unit allowed just 19.9 points per game (4th nationally) and held opponents to 3.1 yards per rush, showcasing the physical, suffocating style that has become the program’s calling card. Wink Martindale returns for his second season as defensive coordinator after engineering late-season masterpieces against Ohio State and Alabama that saved Michigan’s season.

What makes this defense special despite losing key pieces to the NFL?

The front seven projects to be especially formidable with returning stalwarts Rayshaun Benny, Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Ernest Hausmann
Despite losing unanimous All-American Mason Graham, the defensive line boasts significant depth and talent.
While younger and less experienced, the secondary will rely on developing stars and incoming freshmen like four-star signees Shamari Earls, Elijah Dotson, and Kainoa Winston.
Coaching continuity in Martindale’s NFL-derived scheme provides a critical foundation.

Michigan’s defensive identity perfectly complements the program’s physical ethos and should keep the Wolverines competitive even through potential offensive growing pains early in the season.

The defense isn’t just good—it’s championship caliber.

Never underestimate the impact of elite special teams in a season defined by tight margins.

Michigan’s special teams unit, anchored by returning All-American kicker Dominic Zvada, is often overlooked but is critically important to its success.

In 2024, Zvada converted an exceptional 21 of 22 field goals (95.5%) and 26 of 27 extra points (96.3%), providing reliability in close games and a consistent weapon when the offense stalled in the red zone. His clutch performances in the Ohio State and Alabama victories underscored his value to the program.

Beyond the kicking game, Michigan’s special teams provide additional advantages:

The return game features explosive options in sophomores Semaj Morgan and Jordan Marshall
These playmakers add another dimension to Michigan’s ability to flip field position
Strong special teams can create scoring opportunities when the offense struggles
In a conference with narrow margins, special teams excellence can be the difference between victory and defeat

Michigan’s emphasis on special teams excellence reflects the program’s attention to detail and commitment to winning in all three game phases.

The 2025 schedule presents a gauntlet that would challenge even the most experienced teams.

Any assessment of Michigan’s 2025 outlook must account for a challenging schedule that offers few reprieves.

Early road tests at Oklahoma (September 6) and Nebraska (September 20) will immediately test Underwood’s development and the team’s ability to execute in hostile environments. The conference slate includes road games at USC and Michigan State, home contests against Washington and a season finale with archrival Ohio State.

What makes this schedule particularly daunting:

No consecutive home games appear anywhere on the schedule
The constant home/away alternation complicates recovery and momentum
Early road tests come before the team has fully established its identity
Four of Michigan’s opponents are projected preseason top 25 teams
The Ohio State finale comes after a long, grueling season

CBS Sports projects an 8-4 record for the Wolverines, citing roster turnover and the difficult schedule as primary factors. This conservative projection reflects the reality that even talented teams often struggle with consistency when facing elite competition week after week.

Navigating this schedule successfully would validate Michigan’s talent and coaching in a way that would resonate nationally.

For Coach Sherrone Moore, 2025 isn’t just another season—it’s the ultimate referendum on his leadership.

For Coach Sherrone Moore, 2025 represents a critical proving ground defining his tenure at Michigan.

While his job is secure following the program’s strong finish to 2024 and recruiting success (the 2025 class ranked No. 6 nationally), expectations have risen significantly. Moore ranks 14th out of 18 Big Ten coaches in USA Today’s 2025 rankings, reflecting skepticism about his inexperience despite his impressive recruiting wins.

The challenge is multifaceted:

Moore must establish his own identity separate from Jim Harbaugh’s legacy
His offensive coordinator hire (Chip Lindsey) represents a significant philosophical shift
Managing a five-star quarterback’s development requires delicate handling
The expanded Big Ten presents new challenges and unfamiliar opponents
He must navigate a two-game self-imposed suspension due to fallout from the 2023 sign-stealing scandal

This early-season absence could impact the team’s development, particularly with a young quarterback. How Moore handles these challenges will reveal whether he’s merely a caretaker of Harbaugh’s program or a championship-caliber head coach in his own right.

The verdict on Moore’s leadership will emerge through how Michigan responds to adversity in 2025.

The answers to these five questions will determine whether Michigan contends for championships or faces another rebuilding year.

Several critical questions will shape Michigan’s 2025 campaign:

How quickly can Bryce Underwood develop? The ceiling for this team largely depends on whether the freshman phenom can translate his immense talent to college production immediately. The history of true freshman quarterbacks suggests caution, but Underwood’s talent is undeniable.
Will Chip Lindsey’s offensive overhaul yield immediate results? After ranking 131st in passing, Michigan needs dramatic improvement to compete with Big Ten powers. Schematic changes take time, but the talent influx could accelerate the transition.
Can the defense maintain elite production despite key departures? The front seven appears loaded, but secondary depth and consistency remain concerns. Martindale’s second year should bring greater comfort in his system.
Will the offensive line provide adequate protection for a freshman quarterback? This unit’s performance directly impacts Underwood’s development and the effectiveness of the rushing attack. The line must improve from its inconsistent 2024 performance.
Can Michigan navigate the brutal road schedule? Games at Oklahoma, Nebraska, and USC represent significant challenges, particularly for a team breaking in new offensive systems. Road performance often separates good teams from great ones.

The answers to these questions will emerge gradually, but early-season performances will provide critical clues about Michigan’s trajectory.

Michigan stands poised between immediate resurgence and patient program building.

The contrast between optimism and caution defines Michigan’s 2025 outlook.

The influx of elite talent, particularly at quarterback, and the late-season momentum from 2024 suggest Michigan could quickly return to championship contention. Conversely, combining youth at key positions, a new offensive system, and a challenging schedule indicates potential growing pains.

What makes Michigan’s situation so compelling?

They’re just one year removed from a national championship
They possess championship-caliber defensive talent
They landed the nation’s No. 1 recruit at the sport’s most important position
They improved significantly at offensive coordinator
They face one of the nation’s most challenging schedules
They’re led by a head coach still establishing his identity

The talent level in Ann Arbor remains championship-caliber, the defensive identity remains strong, and the offensive ceiling is substantially higher than in 2024.

Whether Michigan can meet those expectations in 2025 or whether fans must practice patience for another season represents the defining storyline as the Wolverines embark on a new era under Sherrone Moore’s leadership, powered by a generational talent in Bryce Underwood.

Michigan’s 2025 season could ultimately be remembered as the beginning of a new dynasty or the necessary growing pains before one.

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Washington Huskies 2025 Football Season Preview: Building on a Foundation

Mark Haines on May 19, 2025

Washington Huskies second-year head coach Jedd Fisch is quietly assembling the pieces for what could be the Big Ten’s most intriguing turnaround story in 2025.

Washington enters their sophomore Big Ten campaign with a dramatically different outlook than the tumultuous transition year that produced a 6-7 record in 2024. With a dynamic young quarterback firmly entrenched as the starter, key playmakers returning on both sides of the ball, and a completely revamped coaching staff, the foundation for success is taking shape in Seattle.

What makes this Husky team worth watching isn’t just its potential to improve—it’s how it’s being built to address the glaring weaknesses that derailed it in 2024, specifically.

The Jekyll and Hyde Season That Set the Stage

The 2024 Huskies might have been college football’s most perplexing team.

What other program could boast a perfect 6-0 home record, including a signature win over Michigan, while simultaneously going winless (0-5) on the road? The contrast was so stark it almost defied logic:

At Home: 6-0 record, wins over Michigan (27-17), USC, and UCLA
On the Road: 0-5 record, including a lopsided 21-49 defeat to rival Oregon
Final Tally: 6-7 overall (4-5 Big Ten), capped by a heartbreaking 34-35 Sun Bowl loss to Louisville

This Jekyll and Hyde performance ultimately defined Year One of the Fisch era, creating a clear roadmap for what needs fixing in 2025.

The home dominance demonstrated this team’s ceiling—they have the talent to compete with established Big Ten powers.

The Demond Williams Jr. Effect

Everything changes when you find your quarterback.

The most electric development from Washington’s 2024 campaign was the late-season emergence of Demond Williams Jr., the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who has energized the entire program heading into 2025. Williams, who followed Fisch from Arizona, showed flashes of brilliance that have Husky fans dreaming big.

His Sun Bowl performance alone, over 420 total yards and five touchdowns despite an early interception, offered a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.

“Demond will be the face of Washington football moving forward next year,” Fisch stated unequivocally during the 2024 season, making it clear the program is all-in on building around Williams’ unique talents.

What makes Williams special isn’t just his arm talent or athleticism—it’s the competitive fire he brings to a program in transition:

Completed over 80% of his passes in both of his starts
Demonstrated elite escapability behind a struggling offensive line
Showed remarkable poise for a true freshman in hostile environments
Provided the offense with a dynamic dimension it previously lacked

The offense has additional firepower returning, creating a solid foundation for improvement:

RB Jonah Coleman (1,000+ yards, 10 TDs in 2024)
WR Denzel Boston (834 yards, 9 TDs)
An offensive line bolstered by key transfers

The Coaching Revolution

Jedd Fisch’s staff for 2025 barely resembles the one that roamed the sidelines in 2024.

Four key assistants departed after the 2024 season, triggering a cascade of changes that could dramatically reshape the Huskies’ identity. The most significant moves:

Ryan Walters: The former Purdue head coach takes over as defensive coordinator, bringing a proven track record of defensive transformation
Jimmie Dougherty: Promoted to offensive coordinator while maintaining his role as QB coach
Michael Switzer: Elevated to offensive line coach
Taylor Mays: The former USC All-American joins as safeties coach

The Walters hire deserves special attention.

“Hiring Ryan Walters allows us to continue to build on the foundation of the 2024 defense while continuing to grow and improve,” Fisch explained. “His experience in the Big Ten Conference was vital in this hire, along with having deep family ties in the Seattle area.”

Walters’ defensive coordinator resume speaks volumes about his potential impact. At Illinois, he transformed a unit ranked 97th nationally in scoring defense into the country’s #1 scoring defense (12.3 ppg) in just two seasons, precisely the dramatic improvement Washington needs.

Fixing What Was Broken

The 2024 Huskies had apparent, identifiable weaknesses that torpedoed their season.

Fisch and his staff have spent the offseason methodically addressing each one:

1. Run Defense Vulnerability

2024 Problem: Allowed 161.8 rushing yards per game (4.6 per carry)
2025 Solution: Added significant size (multiple 310+ pound linemen) and emphasized rotational depth to prevent late-game fading

2. Offensive Line Fragility

2024 Problem: Often had just 7-9 healthy linemen, creating depth issues and pass protection breakdowns
2025 Solution: Added 18 offensive linemen for spring practice, including Kansas State transfer tackle Carver Willis

3. Road Game Nightmares

2024 Problem: 0-5 away from home with significant statistical dropoffs
2025 Solution: Increased roster depth and physical development to better withstand travel demands

4. Discipline Issues

2024 Problem: Averaged 5.8 penalties per game, often at crucial moments
2025 Solution: Made discipline a cornerstone of practice philosophy

The Youth Movement

The “Dawgs After Dark” spring game provided the first public glimpse of Washington’s future.

An impressive crowd of 20,565 showed up for the nighttime showcase, where several young players flashed potential that could impact the 2025 campaign:

Freshman WR Raiden Vines-Bright: 8 catches, 131 yards, TD
Freshman safety Rylon “Batman” Dillard-Allen: Pick-six
Multiple redshirt freshmen are pushing for starting roles

“I love having the music playing throughout. I thought we had a really good turnout,” Fisch remarked after the event, highlighting the program’s emphasis on building enthusiasm within the fan base.

The injection of youth, combined with the established veterans, creates an intriguing mix of experience and potential.

The 2025 Gauntlet

Washington’s 2025 schedule presents a series of defining tests to determine whether this team has taken the next step.

The non-conference slate looks manageable (Colorado State, UC Davis, and the Apple Cup against Washington State), but the Big Ten portion features several potential season-makers or season-breakers:

Biggest Home Challenges:

Ohio State (late September)
Oregon (season finale)

Road Gauntlet:

Michigan’s Big House (mid-October)
Wisconsin’s Camp Randall (early November)
Maryland (following the Ohio State game)

A unique scheduling quirk adds another layer of difficulty—Washington faces five conference opponents coming off bye weeks, while the Huskies’ byes fall at suboptimal times (Weeks 3 and 10).

The Blueprint for Success

Four factors ultimately determine whether Washington ascends to the Big Ten hierarchy or remains stuck in transition.

1. Williams’ Evolution: His dual-threat capabilities give the offense a dynamic dimension, but consistency in the passing game will be paramount against elite defenses.

2. Walters’ Defensive Impact: Can the new coordinator work the same magic he produced at Illinois, particularly against the run?

3. Trench Warfare: Both lines struggled in 2024. The added size and depth are promising, but performance against physical Big Ten opponents will be the true measure.

4. Road Resilience Turning around the dismal 0-5 road record is essential for a winning season.

The 2025 Outlook

The math suggests Washington is headed for improvement in 2025.

Early projections place the Huskies in the 7-5 range, with a realistic span between 6-6 and 8-4 depending on how quickly the new coaching innovations take hold. This would represent tangible progress from 2024 and position the program well for further advancement in 2026.

“We still haven’t even been here a year,” Fisch reflected after the 2024 season. “To be around these kids and these guys has just been so special. They certainly have laid the foundation of a team that’s going to fight, a team that’s going to play extremely hard, a team that has an elite freshman playing quarterback, and a team that’s going to be out here battling every year to be in the playoff games.”

The ceiling for this team ultimately depends on how quickly Walters’ defensive schemes take hold and whether the offensive line can better protect Williams, allowing him to showcase his talents fully.

What’s clear is that 2025 represents more than just another season; it’s the year Washington establishes its Big Ten identity.

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Michigan State Football: The Road Ahead in 2025

Mark Haines on May 16, 2025

If there’s one word to describe Michigan State football heading into the 2025 season, it’s “potential.”

Jonathan Smith’s second season at the helm brings Spartan faithful to a crossroads of hope and skepticism. After a 5-7 campaign in 2024 that showed flashes of promise but ultimately extended the program’s bowl drought to three consecutive seasons, Michigan State enters 2025 armed with a dramatically retooled roster and heightened expectations.

The million-dollar question hanging over East Lansing: Can Smith accelerate this rebuild and return the Spartans to Big Ten relevance faster than the experts predict?

Building Around Chiles

Aidan Chiles is the engine that will power Michigan State’s 2025 season.

The Oregon State transfer’s first year in East Lansing was a rollercoaster – 2,415 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 59% of his passes. But raw numbers only tell part of the story. The stats don’t show the jaw-dropping throws, the escapes from collapsing pockets, and the flashes of NFL-caliber talent that had Spartan fans salivating about the future.

“I want the wins,” Chiles told reporters this spring. “But I want to learn how to get those wins. We’ve got to do the right things.”

This isn’t just “coachespeak”; it’s the mindset of a quarterback who experienced both the highs of a 3-0 start and the lows of blowout losses to conference powers in 2024. His December social media announcement recommitting to MSU for 2025 stabilized the program’s most important position at a time when QB transfer rumors swirl across college football daily.

For Michigan State to exceed expectations this fall, Chiles must make these three specific improvements:

Red zone decision-making: Converting yards into points was a glaring weakness, as MSU ranked 127th nationally in red zone efficiency
Third-down execution: The Spartans converted just 40.3% of third downs, keeping the defense on the field too long
Ball security: Those 11 interceptions must decrease, especially in a schedule featuring multiple top-25 defenses

The quarterback room also added talented freshman Leo Hannan from Servite High School in California. A 6-foot-4, 210-pound prospect with a cannon arm, Hannan will develop behind Chiles rather than compete for the starting role immediately.

Portal-Powered Improvement

Jonathan Smith has completely transformed Michigan State’s roster through the transfer portal.

The numbers tell the story: 16 transfers during the winter window alone, with more potentially coming during the spring period. This matches Smith’s stated philosophy about the modern college football landscape.

“I think philosophically, just where the landscape continues to go, it’s probably going to be closer to this 50-50 mark,” Smith explained during his Early Signing Day press conference.

This portal strategy has delivered massive upgrades at virtually every offensive position:

Running back: Elijah Tau-Tolliver (Sacramento State) brings 1,267 all-purpose yards and 9 TDs from 2024
Wide receiver: Three impact transfers headlined by Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee State), who earned All-Conference USA first-team honors with 53 receptions for 869 yards
Offensive line: Multiple additions, including Conner Moore (Montana State), an FCS All-American who should immediately improve a unit that surrendered 19 sacks last season

When paired with breakout sophomore receiver Nick Marsh (649 yards as a freshman), Chiles now has legitimate weapons at every field level – something distinctly lacking during the 2024 campaign.

Defensive Retooling

Michigan State’s defense needed a complete overhaul, and Smith delivered through the portal.

The most glaring weakness in 2024 was the anemic pass rush, which generated just 19 sacks, among the lowest totals in the Big Ten and a key reason opponents converted 40.3% of third downs. To address this fatal flaw, Smith targeted these specific reinforcements:

Edge rushers: David Santiago (Air Force) and Anelu Lafaele (Wisconsin) bring athleticism, if not Power Five starting experience
Secondary: NiJhay Burt (Eastern Illinois), Malcolm Bell (UConn), and Joshua Eaton (Texas State) add much-needed depth and experience
Linebacker: Aisea Moa (BYU) provides athleticism to a unit that struggled in space last season

The defensive wild card is safety Malik Spencer, who one NFL insider suggested could play himself into first-round draft consideration with a strong junior season. Spencer’s 72 tackles and 6 pass breakups in 2024 only hint at his potential as the defense’s centerpiece.

If these portal additions can raise the defensive floor from “liability” to even “average,” Michigan State’s win total could exceed Vegas’s conservative 4.5-game projection.

Schedule Challenges

Michigan State’s 2025 schedule is absolutely brutal.

After a manageable non-conference slate featuring Western Michigan, Boston College, and Youngstown State, the Big Ten gauntlet looks like something designed by a sadistic schedule-maker with a vendetta against East Lansing.

Consider this murderer’s row:

Road trips: USC, Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, and Iowa – all teams projected to be bowl-eligible or better
Home games: Penn State, Michigan, and UCLA – offering little respite between road challenges
Neutral site: Maryland at Detroit’s Ford Field – potentially the most “winnable” conference game

With five likely preseason Top 25 teams on the docket, even significant improvement might not translate directly to a dramatically better record. This is where context matters – competitive losses against elite teams would represent meaningful progress compared to 2024’s blowouts.

The season opener against Western Michigan becomes crucial for building momentum and confidence before the Big Ten buzzsaw arrives.

Roster Development

Michigan State’s recruiting strategy reflects Smith’s methodical, long-term approach to program building.

The 2025 high school class, ranked 45th nationally according to 247Sports, isn’t going to wow national analysts. But look closer and you’ll see a clear identity emerging – tough, developmental prospects who fit specific schemes rather than star rankings.

Four-star defensive tackle Derrick Simmons from Frankenmuth, Michigan, headlines the group, while the class includes these potential diamonds in the rough:

Leo Hannan (QB): Big arm talent with surprisingly good mobility for his 6’4″ frame
Aydan West (CB): Ball-hawking cornerback who was pursued heavily by Ohio State late in the cycle
Zion Gist (RB): Powerful runner with a north-south style that fits perfectly in Smith’s offense

However, the real X-factor for 2025 is the potential emergence of second-year players from the 2024 recruiting class. Wide receiver Nick Marsh has already proven himself. Still, linebacker Jordan Hall (24 tackles in 2024) could be the breakout star after being converted to a hybrid edge role to help address the pass rush deficiencies.

Program Trajectory

Jonathan Smith is building Michigan State football like he rebuilt Oregon State.

This matters enormously when projecting the program’s trajectory. Smith methodically transformed Oregon State from Pac-12 doormat to 10-win contender through these specific strategies:

Process-oriented approach: Focusing on daily improvement rather than short-term results
Staff consistency: Building coaching continuity rather than constantly changing systems
Player development: Turning 3-star recruits into All-Conference performers
Portal maximization: Using transfers strategically to address immediate roster holes

His first year in East Lansing offered glimpses of this blueprint, and Smith has generated surprising goodwill among fans, boosters, and administrators who recognize the difficult situation he inherited. While patience isn’t infinite in college football, there’s genuine understanding that rebuilding requires time.

Financial commitment remains strong, with key donors like Mat Ishbia (who contributed $20 million to the $68 million football facility renovation) continuing to back Smith’s vision. These investments signal the university’s long-term commitment despite recent struggles.

Keys to Success in 2025

For Michigan State to shock the Big Ten and exceed expectations in 2025, these five specific factors must align:

Red Zone Efficiency: Converting drives into touchdowns instead of field goals or turnovers (MSU scored just 1.1 offensive TDs/game in 2024 despite averaging 5.4 yards/play)
Pass Rush Development: Increasing sack production from 19 to 30+ would transform the defense’s effectiveness, especially on third downs.
Disciplined Play: Penalties (6.7 per game at 63.3 yards) killed countless drives in 2024, though spring reports show improvement toward the 4.2 penalties/game target
Offensive Line Cohesion: With NFL prospect Luke Newman anchoring a unit returning four starters plus key portal additions, the trenches could become a strength
Turnover Creation: The defense generated 9 interceptions in 2024 but just 4 forced fumbles – doubling that latter number would dramatically improve field position

If these five areas show meaningful improvement, Michigan State could be surprised at a conference where many teams are also transitioning.

Outlook and Expectations

Here’s the brutal truth about Michigan State football in 2025: Vegas oddsmakers have set the win total at just 4.5.

This conservative projection acknowledges the program’s rebuilding status and murderous schedule. But here’s where betting markets and football reality diverge – Smith establishes a foundation for sustainable success far beyond the 2025 record.

The current situation requires patience for a fanbase accustomed to Dantonio’s glory days, three Big Ten championships, and a College Football Playoff appearance. Yet there’s growing recognition that Smith’s methodical approach mirrors many of the attributes that made Dantonio successful in the first place.

The real question isn’t whether Michigan State will win six games in 2025. It’s whether Michigan State will become a program that consistently wins 8-10 games by 2026 and beyond.

One thing is certain: with Chiles at quarterback and a dramatically upgraded supporting cast, Spartan football will be significantly more entertaining and competitive than recent memory – even if bowl eligibility remains an ambitious target for this particular season.

The foundation is being poured. Now it’s time to see if the structure rises faster than expected.

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UCLA’s 2025 Transformation: How Nico Iamaleava Changes Everything in Westwood

Mark Haines on May 15, 2025

UCLA just went all-in on the transfer portal — and it might propel them from Big Ten afterthought to conference dark horse overnight.

After a bumpy 5-7 inaugural season in the Big Ten, head coach DeShaun Foster isn’t settling for gradual improvement. Instead, he’s orchestrating a total program rebuild through the most aggressive quarterback upgrade and coaching overhaul we’ve seen in college football’s new era.

25 million eyes are watching the Nico Iamaleava experiment

Where will you be when college football history gets made?

Tennessee’s loss became UCLA’s stunning gain when former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava announced his transfer to Westwood in April 2025. The move instantly transformed the Bruins’ offensive ceiling and national relevance. The Southern California native returns home after leading Tennessee to a 10-3 record and College Football Playoff appearance last season.

What makes this transfer so fascinating?

Iamaleava brings elite credentials: 2,616 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions in 2024
His dual-threat abilities (358 rushing yards, 3 TDs) perfectly match modern offensive systems
The transfer saga became college football’s biggest soap opera, with reported NIL disputes at Tennessee
UCLA’s expected starter, Joey Aguilar (Appalachian State transfer), immediately left after Iamaleava’s commitment

When Foster called Iamaleava “the No. 1 player in the portal” at his April press conference, he wasn’t exaggerating. The coach acknowledged the hometown connection made the courtship easier: “If it wasn’t a local kid, it would’ve been a little bit more difficult,” Foster said. “But being able to see him play in high school and evaluating that film at Tennessee wasn’t hard to do. A lot of the kids on the team know him and have played with him.”

This isn’t just a quarterback upgrade — it’s a program-defining swing that could accelerate UCLA’s Big Ten trajectory by years.

The offensive wizard you’ve never heard of (yet)

While everyone’s talking about Iamaleava, don’t sleep on UCLA’s other transformative addition.

Tino Sunseri might be the most critical coordinator hire in college football this season. The 36-year-old quarterback guru joins UCLA after engineering Indiana’s offensive explosion (41.3 PPG, 2nd nationally) that fueled the Hoosiers’ shocking College Football Playoff appearance.

What makes Sunseri the perfect architect for UCLA’s offensive rebuild?

His QB development track record is impeccable (turned Kurtis Rourke into one of Big Ten’s best at Indiana)
He learned under college football royalty (Nick Saban at Alabama, Jimbo Fisher at Florida State)
His innovative system emphasizes tempo, pre-snap motion, and quarterback-friendly concepts
UCLA desperately needs his expertise after ranking 126th nationally in scoring (18.4 PPG)

Foster’s praise for Sunseri wasn’t just typical coaching speak: “Tino Sunseri is a natural leader of young men and a rising star in coaching. He puts his quarterbacks in positions to succeed, and it shows when you look at their production. Players will feed off his passion for development.”

The Iamaleava-Sunseri pairing has Hollywood-level intrigue. If they click immediately, UCLA could become the Big Ten’s most fascinating offense.

The transfer portal isn’t just changing UCLA’s quarterback room — it’s rebuilding their entire identity.

No program in America embraced college football’s free agency revolution more completely than UCLA this offseason.

The numbers are staggering: 29 incoming transfers and 34 outgoing transfers by mid-May 2025. That’s not roster tweaking; it’s a complete teardown and rebuild.

The transfer portal transformation includes:

Losing productive RB T.J. Harden to SMU, but adding Jaivian Thomas (Cal) and Anthony Woods (Idaho)
Reinforcing the receiver corps with Mikey Matthews to complement promising returner Kwazi Gilmer
Rebuilding an entire defense that lost all 11 starters, including standout LB Carson Schwesinger
Adding 20 new defensive players to work under returning coordinator Ikaika Malloe

This isn’t just changing players; it’s changing UCLA’s competitive DNA. Foster is betting that rapid, wholesale change through the portal will produce faster results than gradual development.

The question isn’t whether UCLA has talent. It’s whether a team with so many new faces can build chemistry quickly enough to maximize that talent.

A schedule with just enough runway for takeoff

UCLA’s second Big Ten schedule provides a sensible launch sequence for its rebuilt program.

The schedule begins with three appealing non-conference matchups:

Utah at home (Aug. 30) — Former Pac-12 rival now in the Big 12
At UNLV (Sept. 6) — Winnable road test at Allegiant Stadium
New Mexico at home (Sept. 13) — Opportunity to build confidence
BYE WEEK — Perfect timing before conference play

Then, the Big Ten gauntlet alternates home and away games (a massive improvement over 2024’s travel nightmare, which saw UCLA log over 22,000 miles).

The Winnable Games:

Northwestern (away, Sept. 27)
Maryland (home, Oct. 18)
Nebraska (home, Nov. 8)
Indiana (away, Oct. 25)

The Measuring Stick Games:

Penn State (home, Oct. 4)
Michigan State (away, Oct. 11)
Washington (home, Nov. 22)

The Major Challenges:

Ohio State (away, Nov. 15)
USC (away, Nov. 29)

This schedule has the perfect structure for a rebuilding team: early confidence-builders, midseason tests, and high-profile showcase opportunities late. If UCLA manages a 2-1 non-conference start and splits its winnable conference games, bowl eligibility becomes realistic.

Foster’s coaching future will be defined in the next 12 Saturdays

Year Two is when coaching narratives get solidified.

For DeShaun Foster, 2025 isn’t just another season — it’s potentially career-defining. After a 5-7 debut that showed both promise (winning 3 of last 6) and problems (losing first 5 conference games), Foster responded with one of college football’s boldest offseason overhauls.

What makes Foster’s second season so pivotal?

He’s betting his coaching future on the transfer portal model working immediately.
The financial stakes in the Big Ten raise expectations exponentially
His Bruins background (UCLA legend as a player) amplifies both the support and scrutiny
Bowl eligibility is now the minimum standard for fan satisfaction

Foster understands the ticking clock, telling reporters early in the offseason: “We’re going to be able to reload… That’s the nature of the business” — words interpreted by many as acknowledging his seat temperature.

Coaches who succeed in Year Two often build lasting programs, while those who don’t often find themselves updating résumés.

Bowl game or bust? Experts say it’s a coin flip.

Vegas and betting markets have UCLA sitting precisely on the bowl eligibility bubble.

The consensus over/under line for UCLA’s 2025 win total: 5.5 games.

What that means in plain English: experts believe UCLA is equally likely to win 5 games and miss a bowl as they are to win 6+ and qualify. The Bruins are the ultimate “prove it” team entering 2025.

The four factors that will determine which side of the bowl line UCLA lands on:

Quarterback Impact: Can Iamaleava reproduce his Tennessee production in a new system?
Staff Chemistry: Will a nearly complete coaching turnover create cohesion or confusion?
Schedule Navigation: Can UCLA handle the winnable games (Northwestern, Maryland, Nebraska)?
Defensive Rebuild: Is it possible to lose 11 starters and maintain defensive competence?

CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli perfectly captured the prevailing sentiment: UCLA has “a real shot at six wins and a bowl berth if they take care of business in winnable games.”

Foster’s aggressive offseason approach has given UCLA legitimate bowl aspirations. Now they need to convert potential into production.

The Bruins are running college football’s most fascinating experiment

UCLA is testing a revolutionary question: can you shortcut a rebuild through the transfer portal?

Traditional program building takes years of recruiting, developing, and establishing a culture. Foster is attempting to compress that timeline dramatically through immediate talent infusion.

If UCLA reaches a bowl game in 2025, it will validate a new model for rapid program transformation. If it falls short, it will demonstrate the limitations of the portal-centric approach.

The 2025 Bruins represent the clearest test case yet of college football’s new roster-building paradigm. By acquiring an elite quarterback (Iamaleava), innovative coordinator (Sunseri), and dozens of transfers, UCLA has positioned itself as the sport’s most interesting experiment.

In 12 months, we’ll know if it was brilliance or folly.

What we’re about to witness in Westwood isn’t just another season of Bruins football — it’s a glimpse into the future of college football program building.

And I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

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Nebraska Football 2025: The Season That Could Change Everything

Mark Haines on May 13, 2025

Nebraska football is back.

After ending its seven-year bowl drought and claiming its first bowl victory since 2015, the Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the 2025 season with sky-high expectations. Matt Rhule’s program made legitimate progress in year two, finishing 7-6 with a 20-15 triumph over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. Armed with a transformed roster and revamped coaching staff, the Huskers look ready to shatter expectations in the Big Ten.

The Mastermind Has Arrived (And He’s Staying)

Dana Holgorsen might be the most important addition to Nebraska football in a decade.

The offensive guru officially signed a two-year contract to remain Nebraska’s offensive coordinator after his late-season audition produced immediate results. Joining the staff initially as a consultant in 2024 before taking over play-calling duties for the final four games, Holgorsen transformed a stagnant offense almost overnight.

“Dana is one of the elite offensive minds in football, and the progress we made in our final three games provides a glimpse of the potential of our offense under his direction,” head coach Matt Rhule explained when announcing Holgorsen’s retention.

His resume tells the story of offensive brilliance:

Six seasons as an FBS coordinator with average national finishes of 2nd in passing offense, 3rd in total offense, and 6th in scoring
Experience developing more than 20 All-Americans and 50 NFL draft picks
History of coaching quarterbacks to fifteen 3,000-yard passing seasons
Track record of six 4,000-yard passing seasons and two 5,000-yard passing seasons under his guidance

Defensively, John Butler brings a fresh approach as coordinator with extensive experience from both the college and NFL ranks. Terry Bradden, who joins from the Kansas City Chiefs, coaches the defensive line, adding professional championship pedigree to the staff.

The combination of offensive continuity and strategic defensive additions positions Nebraska for a potential breakout in 2025.

Dylan Raiola 2.0: Leaner, Meaner, and Ready to Explode

Dylan Raiola is transforming himself into a championship quarterback.

No single player impacts Nebraska’s 2025 ceiling more than their sophomore signal-caller. The former five-star recruit showcased immense potential as a true freshman starter, completing 67.1% of his passes for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns. These weren’t just good numbers for a freshman but program-record-setting performances.

This offseason has been about physical transformation and leadership development. Matt Rhule didn’t mince words about Raiola’s need to reshape his body, stating bluntly: “He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 pounds.”

The message landed. Raiola attacked his conditioning with:

Pre-dawn 6 a.m. boxing sessions to improve his cardio and quick-twitch athleticism
Comprehensive nutrition and weight management program
Extended sauna sessions during breaks to improve conditioning

By spring practice, Raiola reported feeling “in the best shape” of his career, having dropped approximately 10 pounds while significantly improving his mobility.

“I’m super excited about my future with Nebraska,” Raiola told reporters in March 2025. “Coach Holgorsen’s offense really suits my style and gives me freedom to make plays. I’m focused on mastering the system and being a better leader for my teammates.”

Beyond physical improvements, Raiola has embraced becoming the team’s unquestioned leader, even coaching younger quarterbacks during practices. Rhule has noticed the difference, noting Raiola is “10 steps ahead of where he was” as a freshman, showcasing improved pocket movement, quicker decision-making, and advanced understanding of defensive coverages.

The Transfer Portal Revolution

Nebraska just assembled one of the nation’s elite transfer classes.

The Huskers aggressively leveraged the transfer portal to address their 2024 weaknesses, landing eleven high-impact transfers who will immediately elevate the program’s talent level in critical areas.

Dane Key from Kentucky stands as the crown jewel of the class. The 6-foot-3 receiver arrives with eye-popping SEC credentials:

126 catches for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons
Career-high 715 receiving yards in 2024 despite inconsistent quarterback play
Extensive experience against NFL-caliber defensive backs

Key immediately projects as Raiola’s primary target, bringing precise route-running, reliable hands, and high-level experience against elite competition.

“Dylan was one of the first people that texted me when I came on my visit,” Key revealed during spring practice. “Dylan was with me on every second of my visit.”

The connection between quarterback and new receiver is already blooming, with Key specifically mentioning that Raiola’s talent was “one of the main reasons why I chose to come here.”

Defensively, former Oklahoma linebacker Dasan McCullough brings versatility and playmaking ability. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound former Freshman All-American at Indiana gives Nebraska’s defense an actual chess piece capable of playing multiple positions.

Nebraska also secured cornerback Andrew Marshall from Idaho, among the top FCS defensive backs in 2024 with first-team All-Big Sky honors. Marshall provides coverage skills and elite return ability, addressing a critical special-teams weakness from last season.

Other crucial additions include Notre Dame offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (projected as one of the Big Ten’s top interior linemen) and former Missouri defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri (a disruptive force who should help offset losses along the defensive front).

A Schedule Made for Success

Nebraska couldn’t have asked for a more favorable Big Ten schedule.

The 2025 slate sets up perfectly for the Huskers to make serious noise. They open against Cincinnati in a neutral-site game (likely at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City) before hosting Akron and Houston Christian to complete non-conference play.

In conference action, Nebraska benefits from several fortunate breaks:

Avoiding both Ohio State and Oregon completely
Hosting Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, USC, and rival Iowa at Memorial Stadium
Building momentum with four consecutive home games early in the season
Playing their toughest road games (Penn State, UCLA) after establishing identity

This structure allows Nebraska to build confidence and momentum early with four straight home games (including two Big Ten contests) following the opener against Cincinnati.

With analysts already projecting Nebraska to win 8-9 games in 2025, this favorable schedule could be the catalyst needed to exceed expectations if Raiola and the offensive additions click under Holgorsen’s guidance.

Holgorsen’s Offensive Revolution

Dana Holgorsen spent a month redesigning Nebraska’s offense from the ground up.

After his brief but impactful late-season audition as play-caller, Holgorsen dedicated his entire offseason to reshaping Nebraska’s offensive identity. He’s maintained schematic continuity from 2024 but is streamlining the system to maximize Raiola’s strengths and enhance the team’s explosiveness.

“I sat here for a month, watched every cut-up, and figured out stuff I wanted to do and didn’t want to do,” Holgorsen explained of his methodical approach. “If there are subtle changes in terminology, sets or plays, a majority of it’s going to stay the same.”

The receiving corps has undergone complete transformation. Dane Key and Cal transfer Nyziah Hunter join returners Jacory Barney Jr. and Jaylen Lloyd to form what could be Nebraska’s most dynamic playmaker group in years.

During spring workouts, Barney particularly caught Key’s attention: “The way that guy moves is very special. I haven’t seen too many guys move and shift the way that he can.”

Emmett Johnson steps into the featured role in the backfield after averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry last season. Johnson’s explosiveness fits perfectly in Holgorsen’s historically balanced offensive system.

The offensive line, a priority for both Rhule and Holgorsen, should take a significant step forward with Spindler’s addition and returning experience. Improved protection for Raiola and a consistent ground game will be essential for unlocking the full potential of Holgorsen’s offensive vision.

A New Defensive Identity

John Butler brings fresh defensive ideas while honoring what already worked.

With Tony White departing to Florida State, new defensive coordinator Butler introduces his approach while maintaining elements of the successful 3-3-5 structure that served Nebraska well in 2024. Look for more multiple fronts and aggressive pressure packages designed to generate turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.

McCullough’s arrival gives Nebraska a versatile weapon that can line up almost anywhere, including the hybrid “Jack” role, which combines linebacker and edge-rusher responsibilities. Nebraska’s secondary, which performed admirably in 2024 by holding opponents to a 63.9% completion rate, adds Marshall to an already talented group featuring Ceyair Wright, Malcolm Hartzog Jr., and Marques Buford Jr.

The defensive front will showcase several new faces following key departures, but Nwaneri’s addition provides immediate impact potential. Nebraska’s defensive success in 2025 largely depends on how quickly these new pieces mesh and whether Butler can maintain the improvement shown under White’s leadership.

Fixing the Kicking Game

Special teams improvement could be worth an extra win or two in 2025.

This phase remains a critical focus heading into 2025 after inconsistent performance plagued the Huskers last season. Nebraska’s field goal percentage (68.4%) fell below the national average, and the return game generated almost no explosive plays.

Matt Rhule diagnosed the issue directly during spring practice: “I think a lot of our problems stemmed at the snapper position.”

To address these weaknesses, Nebraska made targeted additions:

Andrew Marshall brings elite return skills from his time at Idaho
Long snapper Kevin Gallic transfers in from New Hampshire
Punter Jack McCallister arrives from Washington to boost field position

These specialized additions demonstrate Nebraska’s commitment to improving every aspect of its program, not just the headline-grabbing offensive and defensive positions.

Five Keys to a Breakthrough Season

Nebraska’s path to exceeding expectations depends on five critical factors.

For the Huskers to surpass the 8-9 win projection that analysts have set, they must address these specific areas:

Red Zone Efficiency: Converting drives into touchdowns was Nebraska’s Achilles’ heel in 2024. Holgorsen’s offensive system should produce immediate improvement, paired with Key’s addition and Raiola’s development.
Breaking Through Against Ranked Teams: Nebraska competed with but ultimately fell short against ranked opponents in 2024. Securing signature wins against quality competition represents the next crucial step in the program’s evolution.
Special Teams Impact: Field position battles and scoring opportunities via the kicking game often decide close conference contests. Nebraska’s focused portal additions in this area should pay immediate dividends.
Quarterback Evolution: Raiola’s progression from promising freshman to established Big Ten quarterback will determine Nebraska’s ultimate ceiling. His physical transformation and comfort in Holgorsen’s system suggest he’s ready for the leap.
Defensive Cohesion: Despite a coordinator change, maintaining defensive effectiveness while integrating new starters represents a critical challenge. Butler’s NFL experience and the influx of talented transfers offer reason for optimism.

The Return of Big Red

Nebraska football is finally back where it belongs.

Seven years removed from their last bowl appearance before 2024, the Cornhuskers finally appear to be on solid footing under Matt Rhule’s leadership. The combination of Raiola’s development, Holgorsen’s offensive genius, strategic transfer additions, and a manageable schedule creates legitimate excitement heading into 2025.

“This is about building a sustainable program,” Rhule has consistently emphasized. With tangible progress already evident and significant investments in coaching and talent acquisition, the 2025 season represents a potential turning point in Nebraska’s return to national relevance.

While challenges remain, particularly integrating numerous new faces and establishing consistency against top competition, the foundation is firmly in place for Nebraska to surpass last season’s seven-win mark and potentially challenge for a top-half finish in the expanded Big Ten.

The 2025 season may not yet represent a return to championship contention for a program with Nebraska’s storied tradition. Still, it signals that the Cornhuskers are officially returning to prominence after nearly a decade in the wilderness.