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Oklahoma State Football Is At A Crossroads In 2025

Mark Haines on April 28, 2025

Oklahoma State‘s 2024 season was one of the most disappointing in program history. The Cowboys finished 3-9 overall and went winless (0-9) in Big 12 conference play.

This collapse was especially shocking considering:

The Cowboys returned most of their production from a 10-win team
They had played in the Big 12 Championship Game just a year earlier
Many analysts had them as preseason Big 12 title contenders
Some even predicted a College Football Playoff appearance

Now, head coach Mike Gundy – after nearly two decades of remarkable stability and success – finds himself in unfamiliar territory: firmly on the hot seat.

The Complete Collapse: What The Hell Happened In 2024?

The 2024 season was disastrous for a program that had grown accustomed to bowl appearances and conference title contention.

After starting 3-0, the Cowboys:

Suffered a seven-game losing streak (longest in the Gundy era)
Finished the season with a humiliating 52-0 shutout loss at Colorado
Failed to win a single Big 12 conference game
Missed a bowl game for the first time since 2005

The statistics painted an even bleaker picture:

Defense allowed 500.6 yards per game (among the worst in FBS)
Surrendered 35.6 points per game (last in the Big 12)
Gave up 215 rushing yards per game (a defensive collapse)
Offensive line ranked 98th nationally in rushing yards before contact

Even with star running back Ollie Gordon II (who rushed for 880 yards and 13 TDs), the offense couldn’t overcome the defensive liabilities.

The Great Reset: Gundy’s All-In Coaching Overhaul

Mike Gundy has responded to the 2024 disaster with the most dramatic staff overhaul of his two-decade tenure.

Of his on-field assistants, only two remain in the same roles:

Sean Snyder (special teams coordinator)
Rob Glass (strength and conditioning)

The defensive staff has been completely rebuilt:

Todd Grantham (defensive coordinator/OLBs) – brings experience from Florida, Alabama, and the NFL
Ryan Osborn (defensive line) – previously Charlotte’s defensive coordinator
Kap Dede (linebackers) – from Western Kentucky
Greg Brown (safeties) – promoted from analyst
Jules Montinar (cornerbacks) – from East Carolina

The offensive makeover is equally dramatic:

Doug Meacham (offensive coordinator/inside WRs) – returns to OSU with a reputation for high-scoring offenses
Kevin Johns (quarterbacks) – previously with Oklahoma and Duke
Cory Patterson (running backs)
DJ Tialavea (tight ends) – formerly at Utah State
Theron Aych (wide receivers)
Cooper Bassett and Andrew Mitchell (offensive line)

This wholesale staff turnover acknowledges that the previous approach had failed catastrophically.

The Transfer Portal Frenzy: Rebuilding The Roster

Oklahoma State’s roster transformation for 2025 might be the most dramatic in college football.

The exodus was substantial, including:

Four NFL Draft picks: Collin Oliver (Packers), Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins), Korie Black (Giants), and Nick Martin (49ers)
Multiple transfers to conference rivals: Lyrik Rawls (Kansas), Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma)
Other key departures: Jason Brooks (Houston), Isaia Glass (Vanderbilt), De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss)

In response, OSU assembled what many consider a top-10 transfer portal class:

Chandavian Bradley (EDGE, former five-star, Tennessee transfer) – expected difference-maker
JK Johnson (CB, LSU) and Jaylen Davies (CB, UCLA) – immediate secondary help
Hauss Hejny (QB, TCU) – will compete for the starting QB role
Shamar Rigby (WR, Purdue) and Jaylen Lloyd (WR, Nebraska) – adding speed and experience
Mordecai McDaniel (DB, Charlotte) – previously played for DC Todd Grantham at Florida

These newcomers will be supplemented by a 2025 recruiting class of around 21 commits, mostly three-star prospects focused on developmental depth.

The Schedule: A Path To Redemption?

Oklahoma State’s 2025 schedule offers both opportunity and challenge.

Non-Conference:

Aug. 28: UT Martin (Home)
Sept. 6: Oregon (Away)
Sept. 20: Tulsa (Home)

Key Conference Games:

Sept. 27: Baylor (Home)
Oct. 11: Houston (Home)
Oct. 18: Cincinnati (Home – Homecoming)
Nov. 15: Kansas State (Home)
Nov. 29: Iowa State (Home – Senior Day)

Brutal Road Tests:

Oct. 4: Arizona (Away)
Oct. 25: Texas Tech (Away)
Nov. 1: Kansas (Away)
Nov. 22: UCF (Away)

CBS Sports projects OSU to finish 5-7, predicting wins against UT Martin, Tulsa, Houston, Cincinnati, and Iowa State, while projecting losses in all road contests.

But the most optimistic analysts believe a 9-3 record is possible if the new staff and roster perform well.

Gundy’s Last Stand: The Ultimate Hot Seat

Mike Gundy’s job security has never been more precarious in his two decades at Oklahoma State.

The evidence is overwhelming:

He agreed to a pay cut and restructured buyout (now $15 million over three years, down from $25+ million)
His new contract requires him to assist in finding his replacement if fired
There’s growing “Gundy fatigue” among the fan base and donors
Another losing season would almost certainly end his tenure

Simply making a bowl game (6+ wins) is now considered the minimum threshold for Gundy to keep his job.

The 5 Critical Factors For 2025 Success

Oklahoma State’s ability to rebound will depend on five key factors:

Defensive Resurrection – Grantham must immediately establish a more fundamentally sound unit to keep games competitive.
Quarterback Stability – TCU transfer Hauss Hejny must provide the leadership and playmaking that was inconsistent in 2024.
Offensive Line Improvement – The addition of dedicated O-line coaches Bassett and Mitchell must fix a unit that struggled mightily.
Culture Reset – After such a disastrous campaign, rebuilding player confidence and establishing a winning mindset is crucial.
Early Momentum – With winnable games early (UT Martin, Tulsa), building confidence quickly could create positive momentum.

The Bottom Line: A Program-Defining Season

The 2025 season represents the most pivotal moment of the Gundy era at Oklahoma State.

Most analysts project improvement from the 3-9 mark in 2024, with consensus expectations falling in the 5-7 to 7-5 range. Given the massive turnover in coaching staff and roster, significant uncertainty remains.

A reasonable expectation would be a return to bowl eligibility at 6-6 or 7-5, representing improvement enough to likely save Gundy’s job.

What’s abundantly clear is that Oklahoma State football stands at a crossroads.

The next few months will determine whether this proud program can recapture its winning ways under the coach who built it into a national contender, or whether a new chapter in Cowboy football will begin.

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The Fritz Factor: How Houston Football Plans to Rise in 2025

Mark Haines on April 24, 2025

The Big 12 will witness the real Willie Fritz effect with Houston Football.

After a challenging 4-8 debut season in 2024, the University of Houston Cougars aren’t just making tweaks for 2025—they’re executing a full-scale program transformation. With 15 strategic transfer additions, a promising recruiting class, and a more navigable schedule, the second-year head coach is building something that could surprise the conference this fall.

The question isn’t if Houston will improve, but by how much.

Why Willie Fritz Is College Football’s Ultimate Program Builder

You don’t accidentally win 212 games as a head coach.

Fritz arrived at Houston in December 2023 with one of the most impressive resumes in college football, ranking fourth nationally among active FBS head coaches in total victories. What makes his track record even more remarkable:

He’s won at least one conference title at every stop in his career
He transformed Tulane from a 2-10 hurricane-displaced team in 2021 to a 12-2 Cotton Bowl champion in 2022
His final two seasons at Tulane produced a stellar 23-5 record
He’s consistently achieved more with less throughout his 33-year coaching career
He demonstrated his upset capability at Houston already with wins over Utah, Kansas State, and TCU

“There is no ceiling for success, with the incredible fan support, excellent facilities, talented young men, and a collective desire to compete for championships,” Fritz said when taking the Houston job.

Year two is where his rebuilding projects typically accelerate.

The 2024 Season: Painful Lessons That Created Clear Direction

Houston’s first Big 12 campaign felt like freshman orientation—painful, overwhelming, but necessary.

The 4-8 record (3-6 in conference) revealed glaring weaknesses: an anemic offense averaging just 14.0 points per game, a defense allowing 22.9 points per game, and a -8 turnover margin that consistently put the team in difficult positions. The quarterback position remained unsettled for half the season, with Louisiana transfer Zeon Chriss eventually winning the job from incumbent Donovan Smith.

But amid the struggles emerged valuable bright spots:

Four quality wins, including upsets over Utah (17-14), Kansas State (24-19), and TCU (30-19)
A defense that ranked 22nd nationally in first downs allowed
The emergence of Zeon Chriss as a dual-threat quarterback, highlighted by his electrifying 71-yard touchdown run against TCU
Clear identification of roster weaknesses that needed immediate addressing

These struggles weren’t just growing pains—they were diagnostic tools.

The Great Roster Reset: 2025’s New-Look Cougars

Fritz isn’t renovating the house—he’s rebuilding the foundation.

Houston’s aggressive approach to the transfer portal netted 15 experienced players, strategically targeting the team’s most glaring weaknesses. Five offensive linemen lead the transfer class, addressing protection issues that plagued the offense throughout 2024. Additional wide receiver, quarterback transfers, and several defensive positions provide immediate experience and depth.

The 2025 recruiting class, while ranked 11th in the Big 12, brings high-ceiling talent in key positions:

QB Austin Carlisle: A dynamic improviser from Ridge Point High School with natural leadership skills
OL Demetris Dean II: A physically imposing, versatile lineman who could contribute immediately
DL Travis Buhake: An explosive interior defender with significant pass-rushing upside

At quarterback, Zeon Chriss returns after seizing the starting job midway through 2024. His dual-threat capabilities (66.7% completion rate, 6.7 yards per carry at Louisiana) perfectly complement Fritz’s offensive vision, though he’ll need to improve as a passer to maximize Houston’s potential.

This isn’t just a roster—it’s a strategic realignment.

The Coaching Brain Trust Gets Stronger

Fritz’s most significant offseason additions might be on the sideline.

Two SEC coaching imports bring Power 5 pedigree to critical coordinator positions:

Offensive Coordinator Slade Nagle (from LSU) brings innovative concepts to jumpstart the struggling attack
Defensive Coordinator Austin Armstrong (from Florida) adds schematic complexity to a unit that showed promise in 2024

With Fritz’s program-building expertise now supported by big-conference coordinator experience, Houston’s preparation and game-planning should take a significant leap forward in 2025.

Cohesion takes time, but the blueprint is becoming clearer.

A More Manageable Big 12 Schedule Provides Opportunity

Schedule luck matters in college football, and Houston’s 2025 slate offers more breathing room.

The season opens at home against Stephen F. Austin on Thursday, August 28, before the Bayou Bucket rivalry game at Rice on September 6. Big 12 play begins with Colorado visiting TDECU Stadium on September 13, followed by a non-conference finale at Oregon State.

What makes this schedule more favorable than 2024?

Alternating home/away games creates a consistent rhythm
Home contests against Colorado, Texas Tech, Arizona, West Virginia, and TCU
Road trips to Arizona State, Oklahoma State, UCF, and Baylor
Six opponents who played in bowl games last season (manageable, not overwhelming)
More balanced distribution of challenging opponents

The schedule isn’t easy—it’s winnable.

The 5 Critical Improvements Houston Must Make

For Houston to make meaningful progress in 2025, five specific areas demand immediate attention:

Offensive Production: The 14.0 points per game in 2024 would doom any Big 12 team. Houston needs more explosive plays and significantly better red zone efficiency.
Quarterback Development: Whether Zeon Chriss cements himself as the undisputed starter or a competition pushes everyone higher, the position needs stability and consistency.
Offensive Line Cohesion: The five transfer additions must gel quickly to provide better pass protection and more consistent running lanes.
Turnover Creation: The defense was solid in 2024 but rarely game-changing. Generating more takeaways would provide shorter fields for the offense and create momentum swings.
Cultural Identity: Fritz’s greatest challenge remains establishing a unified team identity, with 63 new players in 2024 (tied with Colorado for most nationally) and more newcomers this year.

Progress in these areas will determine whether Houston merely improves or genuinely competes.

Setting Realistic Expectations: What Success Looks Like in 2025

Bowl eligibility would represent meaningful progress.

Houston should improve on last year’s 4-8 mark with the roster improvements and a more favorable schedule. Early projections suggest 5-7 as the most likely outcome, with 6-6 and bowl eligibility representing a successful season that would validate Fritz’s rebuilding approach.

History suggests Fritz’s second season could produce a significant jump:

At Tulane, his program went from 2-10 in 2021 to 12-2 in 2022
His teams typically show their most dramatic improvement in years two and three
The foundation established in year one typically bears fruit in year two

While 2025 won’t likely deliver a conference championship, it represents a critical developmental phase in Houston’s Big 12 journey.

The objective measure isn’t wins alone—it’s competitiveness.

The Bottom Line: Houston’s Big 12 Ascension Has Begun

Year two of the Fritz era won’t complete Houston’s transformation, but will reveal its trajectory.

The program has addressed its weaknesses through targeted portal additions and promising recruits. The schedule provides more opportunities for success. Fritz’s historically proven ability to engineer second-year improvements gives Cougar fans legitimate reasons for optimism.

The 2025 season isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about establishing Houston as a rising force in the Big 12. While championship contention remains a longer-term goal, the stepping stones are being methodically placed.

For Cougar fans, patience with this rebuilding project should be rewarded with more competitive football, legitimate upset potential, and a realistic shot at bowl eligibility.

The Fritz Factor is real, and 2025 is when it truly begins to show.

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BYU Football 2025 Preview: The Underdogs Are Back

Mark Haines on April 23, 2025

Everyone in college football loves to talk about how BYU Football “overachieved” in 2024.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about the college football landscape, it’s that no team accidentally wins 11 games and an Alamo Bowl.

This Wasn’t Luck, It Was a Statement

BYU’s 2024 campaign was one of the most impressive in recent memory:

They finished 11-2 overall (7-2 in Big 12 play)
They claimed a share of first place in just their second Big 12 season
They dominated Colorado 36-14 in the Alamo Bowl
They finished ranked #13 in the AP Poll (#14 in Coaches Poll)
They accomplished all this after being picked to finish 13th in preseason polls

And yet, as we enter 2025, national media projections have the Cougars with an over/under of just 7.5 wins.

The biggest mistake analysts make is thinking BYU’s 2024 success was a fluke.

History shows that Kalani Sitake and his staff consistently develop underrated talent into cohesive units that outperform expectations.

It’s not about star ratings with BYU—it’s about their development system and culture.

Retzlaff: From Gunslinger to Field General?

If there’s one player who embodies BYU’s boom-or-bust potential, it’s quarterback Jake Retzlaff.

The senior signal-caller threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, adding 511 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground. But his 12 interceptions tied for the most in the Big 12.

What most people miss about Retzlaff is his steady improvement curve. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick isn’t mincing words about his expectations, either.

“I expect him to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football next year,” Roderick told reporters after the 2024 season.

The keys for Retzlaff in 2025:

Improve his 58% completion percentage
Cut down on his 18 “turnover-worthy” plays
Maintain his explosive playmaking ability
Keep his competitive fire that makes him special

The Transfer Portal Giveth and Taketh Away

The transfer portal has dramatically reshaped BYU’s roster for 2025:

Key Departures:

All-American KR/WR Keelan Marion
LB Harrison Taggart
P Landon Rehkow
DE Nathan Hoke

Impact Arrivals:

Andrew Gentry (OL, Michigan)
Keanu Tanuvasa (DL, Utah)
Carsen Ryan (TE, Utah)
Tausili Akana (DE, Texas)
Hunter Clegg (DE, Utah)

The 105-player roster limit has forced BYU to make tough decisions, but their strategic portal moves have prioritized the trenches, addressing their primary weakness from 2024.

2025 Schedule: No Easy Path

BYU’s 2025 schedule features six home and six road games, with two bye weeks.

Home Slate:

Stanford
West Virginia
Utah (Homecoming)
TCU
UCF

Road Challenges:

East Carolina
Colorado
Arizona
Iowa State
Texas Tech
Cincinnati

The most brutal stretch comes mid-October through mid-November: Utah, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and TCU in consecutive weeks.

Addressing 2024’s Weaknesses

What is the difference between good and great programs? They’re honest about their flaws.

BYU’s coaching staff has systematically addressed its 2024 shortcomings:

Offensive Line Depth
- Added transfers Gentry (Michigan) and Jatta (Colorado)
- Return starters Lapuaho, Mitchell, Leausa, and Makasini
- Young players like Thomason and Williams are ready to contribute
Pass Rush Production
- Added 301-pound DT Tanuvasa from Utah
- Secured edge rusher Akana from Texas
- Brought in Clegg from Utah to bolster the front
- Defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s evolving scheme for personnel
Third-Down Defense
- Making third downs the top defensive priority
- Linebacker group led by Kelly and Glasker considered best of Sitake era
- Scheme tweaks focused on money-down situations
Tight End Production
- Added transfer Carsen Ryan from Utah
- Developing young talent like Moeaki and Olsen

Where Questions Remain

Despite the improvements, several concerns linger:

Cornerback Depth: Lost a top cornerback, need portal help
Quarterback Depth: McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet competing for backup role
Wide Receiver Adjustments: How will the WR room compensate for Marion’s departure?
Offensive Line Health: Success hinges on Gentry’s recovery

The Bottom Line

Do not be shocked when BYU contends for another Big 12 title in 2025.

The Cougars have quietly built one of the most consistent programs in college football. Their development system maximizes talent, and their culture produces resilient teams.

If Retzlaff takes the next step in his development, the lines hold up, and key transfers make immediate impacts, BYU will surprise the Big 12 again and surpass those 7.5-win projections.

The underdogs are back for another run.

Even if Hot Seat Insiders and BYU die-hards Steve and Renee no longer play “where’s Billy” during every BYU game.

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TCU Football 2025 Preview: Big 12’s Top Recruiting Class Ready to Make Noise

Mark Haines on April 22, 2025

TCU football is locked and loaded for a potential conference championship run after addressing every weakness from 2024.

Sonny Dykes Has Built a Recruiting Machine

If you want to predict which Big 12 team is poised to make the most significant leap in 2025, look no further than the TCU Horned Frogs.

TCU’s recruiting dominance is no longer a fluke—it’s a pattern that’s set to define the Big 12 landscape for years to come:

The Horned Frogs signed the #1 recruiting class in the Big 12 and the highest-rated class in school history
Their 2025 class features six four-star recruits, including edge rusher Chad Woodfork, quarterback Adam Schobel, and receiver Terry Shelton.
This marks Sonny Dykes‘ third straight top-three Big 12 class, establishing TCU as the premier destination for Texas talent.
The class strategically addressed 2024 weaknesses with 13 of 30 signees playing on the offensive or defensive line.

The 2025 class isn’t just about star ratings—it’s about addressing specific areas of need that kept TCU from championship contention last season.

The Transfer Portal: Strategic Additions Over Volume

While some Big 12 rivals chase quantity in the portal, TCU targeted quality additions to complement their stellar recruiting class.

Idaho receiver Jordan Dwyer brings proven production (1,192 yards, 12 TDs in 2024) to replace departed receiving stars.
UTSA running back Kevorian Barnes provides an instant boost to a run game that averaged just 3.9 yards per carry
LSU safety Kylin Jackson adds SEC experience and leadership to a young secondary

These calibrated additions should have an immediate impact while allowing TCU’s decorated freshmen class the time needed to develop.

The Schedule: A Gauntlet of Tests

TCU faces the most demanding schedule in college football this season—a challenge that will expose weaknesses or forge championship mettle.

The Horned Frogs will navigate:

11 Power Four opponents (only one of two programs nationally with this distinction)
A Labor Day night opener at North Carolina
Traditionally challenging road environments at Arizona State, Kansas State, West Virginia, BYU, and Houston
Home tilts against rising programs like Colorado and traditional rival Baylor

This unforgiving slate leaves little margin for error but provides weekly opportunities for statement victories.

Building on Last Season’s Momentum

The foundation for 2025 success was laid during TCU’s impressive stretch run to close the 2024 campaign.

After a middling start, the Horned Frogs found their identity and dominated down the stretch:

Closed with a 6-1 run and four straight victories
Dominated Louisiana 34-3 in the New Mexico Bowl
Developed a high-powered passing attack (312.9 yards per game, 66.8% completion)
Created 22 turnovers (11 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries)
Quarterback Josh Hoover emerged as a star (3,949 yards, 27 TDs)

The late-season surge showed this program’s ceiling when firing on all cylinders, and the 2025 roster appears significantly more talented overall.

2024’s Weaknesses Addressed Head-On

Every championship program must be honest about its deficiencies, and TCU attacked theirs with surgical precision this offseason.

Run Game Inconsistency: TCU’s 3.9 yards per carry and lack of a 1,000-yard rusher undermined offensive balance in 2024.

The solution:

Added impact transfer RB Kevorian Barnes from UTSA
Return promising sophomore Jeremy Payne (4.4 YPC in limited action)
Signed four quality offensive linemen to boost run blocking

Defensive Vulnerability vs. Run: Allowing 160.5 rushing yards per game at 4.2 YPC proved costly in TCU’s losses.

The solution:

Signed nine defensive linemen in the 2025 class
Added linebacker Keylan Abrams (23.5 sacks in high school)
Targeted the transfer portal for immediate defensive help

Replacing Departed Receiving Stars: TCU lost leading receivers Jack Bech, Eric McAlister, and John Paul Richardson.

The solution:

Transfer portal addition Jordan Dwyer (1,192 yards, 12 TDs at Idaho)
Four-star freshman Terry Shelton expected to contribute immediately
Young receivers from previous classes are ready for expanded roles

These targeted improvements should transform last year’s vulnerabilities into potential strengths.

Projected Record: Why 9-3 is Within Reach

Despite facing one of college football’s most demanding schedules, TCU has the roster talent and coaching continuity to exceed most projections.

Early prognosticators have TCU hovering around seven wins, but here’s why a 9-3 ceiling is realistic:

QB Josh Hoover’s continued development after throwing for nearly 4,000 yards as a sophomore
Big 12’s top recruiting class providing immediate impact, especially on defense
Strategic transfer additions at skill positions to maintain offensive potency
Momentum from a strong 2024 finish carrying into the new season
Coaching continuity with Sonny Dykes and his staff entering their fourth season

The margin between a 6-6 season and a 9-3 breakthrough will likely come down to close-game performance, as nine games on TCU’s schedule could reasonably be considered “toss-ups.”

With 9 “toss-up” games on TCU’s schedule, close game performance is crucial.

The Bottom Line

TCU enters 2025 as the Big 12’s most intriguing sleeper—not quite a preseason favorite but undeniably talented enough to challenge for a conference championship.

For the Horned Frogs to leap from good to great, they’ll need three things to happen:

Improved run game production to balance their already-potent passing attack
The immediate impact of their highly-touted defensive recruits
Continued development from QB Josh Hoover into an all-conference performer

If these elements fall into place, TCU won’t just compete for bowl eligibility—they’ll compete for championships.

The days of TCU being an afterthought in the Big 12 race are over. Sonny Dykes has built a recruiting powerhouse in Fort Worth, and the 2025 season is when those efforts could culminate in the program’s return to national prominence.

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Baylor Football 2025: Redemption Tour or Reality Check?

Mark Haines on April 21, 2025

Dave Aranda’s coaching career with Baylor football was hanging by a thread after a disastrous 3-9 season in 2023 and a rough 2-4 start to 2024.

Then something clicked. The Bears rattled off six straight wins, finished 8-5, secured a Texas Bowl appearance, and completely rewrote Aranda’s future in Waco. Now entering 2025 with a .508 winning percentage and a contract through 2029, the once-scorching hot seat has cooled to room temperature.

But the real question remains: Was 2024’s surge the beginning of something special, or just a mirage that raised expectations to dangerous heights?

The Offensive Arsenal Is Locked and Loaded

One sentence says it all: Baylor returns 9 of 11 starters from an offense that ranked 6th nationally with 440.1 yards per game.

This offensive continuity creates multiple advantages heading into 2025:

QB Sawyer Robertson (3,071 yards, 28 TDs) returns fully healthy after battling late-season ankle issues and enters with dark horse Heisman buzz
Freshman All-American RB Bryson Washington (1,028 yards, 13 TDs) provides the perfect ground complement
Alabama transfer WR Kobe Prentice joins returning deep threat Josh Cameron (754 yards, 10 TDs)
The offensive line that helped convert 92% of red-zone opportunities (5th nationally) remains largely intact

With this collection of talent, Baylor’s offense has the firepower to hang with any team in the reconfigured Big 12.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Required Immediate Intervention

The Bears’ defense gave up 234.2 passing yards per game in 2024, with opposing quarterbacks completing 60.3% of their attempts.

Aranda’s staff attacked these weaknesses with surgical precision:

Hired Paul Gonzales (13 years at TCU) as passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach to address technical issues in the secondary
Added Ohio State CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt and Northwestern S Devin Turner through the transfer portal
Brought in 380-pound NT Samu Taumanupepe from Texas A&M to strengthen the interior line
Repositioned veteran Cooper Lanz to defensive end to maximize his impact

The returning anchor is LB Keaton Thomas (114 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2.5 sacks), whose leadership will be crucial in implementing these defensive adjustments.

The Staff Overhaul Speaks Volumes About Priorities

Aranda didn’t just tinker with his coaching staff—he surgically targeted his team’s most significant weaknesses with precision hires.

The defensive backfield desperately needed new direction after allowing 246.3 passing yards per game (bottom five in the Big 12). Outside linebackers coach Caleb Collins and cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis were not retained, replaced by Carson Hall (Western Kentucky) and Paul Gonzales (TCU).

Gonzales’s emphasis on technique and eye discipline directly addresses the pass interference penalties that plagued the 2024 squad. Meanwhile, Aranda expanded his support staff with key additions:

Kaeron Johnson (former Baylor player) returns as Assistant AD for Football Relations
Connor Killian joins as Director of Football Strategy
Jadyn Wells takes over as Director of On-Campus Recruiting

This balanced approach—stability at the coordinator level with targeted changes in position coaching—provides the perfect blend of continuity and fresh perspectives.

The Program Structure Has Been Modernized for Today’s College Football

The days of a head coach simply running practices and calling plays are long gone.

Baylor has responded to college football’s rapidly evolving landscape by restructuring its operations for 2025:

Aaron Hunt’s promotion to general manager professionalizes the front office
Anthony Mauro (Assistant GM) and Joe Reynolds (Associate Director of Player Personnel) focus specifically on portal management
David Kaye now serves as NIL General Manager, recognizing the importance of name, image, and likeness in talent retention.

These administrative changes might not make highlight reels, but they represent Baylor’s commitment to competing in modern college football’s talent acquisition marketplace.

Our Hot Seat Team Member Jeff Exemplifies the Fan Experience

Jeff is our newsletter’s resident Baylor superfan, having experienced every high and low of the Bears’ recent rollercoaster seasons.

The increased season ticket prices for 2025 haven’t dampened his enthusiasm, as he—like many dedicated Bears supporters—sees the potential in this revamped squad. His steadfast loyalty through the 3-9 disappointment of 2023 and the promising finish to 2024 mirrors the broader fan base’s journey.

Fan surveys reveal this dramatic shift in sentiment, with over 90% of respondents feeling optimistic about the program’s trajectory under Aranda. This remarkable turnaround in fan perception provides tangible evidence of last season’s impact beyond the win-loss record.

The Schedule: Opportunity or Obstacle?

The 2025 slate opens with a high-profile matchup against SEC opponent Auburn that 68% of fans identified as their most anticipated game.

But that’s just the beginning of a gauntlet that includes:

Reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State in the conference opener
Challenging road trips to TCU, Oklahoma State, Houston, and Arizona
Traditional Big 12 powers who are looking to establish themselves in the reconfigured conference

Two strategically placed bye weeks (October 11 and November 8) provide valuable recovery time before critical late-season matchups that could determine Baylor’s postseason fate.

Expectations Are Sky-High, But Reality Requires Caution

Fan surveys reveal dramatic optimism, with 44% predicting a 9-3 record, 28% forecasting 10-2, and 15% expecting 8-4.

This represents a stunning reversal from the uncertainty surrounding Aranda just one year ago. Over 90% of surveyed fans now express positive feelings about the program’s trajectory—a testament to what six consecutive wins can do for public perception.

But the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff has raised the stakes even higher. Nearly 70% of fans believe Baylor has a legitimate shot at making the field, especially if they can win the Big 12.

The most realistic path forward? Baylor’s success hinges on winning two-thirds of its toss-up games (Auburn, Arizona State, TCU, Arizona). With offensive continuity and defensive improvements, a 9-3 regular season record appears achievable but far from guaranteed.

So What’s The Final Verdict?

Baylor football enters 2025 with significant momentum following last season’s six-game winning streak and Texas Bowl appearance.

The offense features proven playmakers at every position. The defense has been reinforced through coaching changes and strategic transfer additions. The program structure has been modernized to compete in today’s collegiate landscape.

But expectations can be dangerous, especially in the unpredictable world of college football. While Baylor has positioned itself as a competitive program in the Big 12, the difference between 10-2 and 7-5 often comes down to a handful of plays, injuries, and bounces of an oddly-shaped ball.

What’s certain is that Aranda has earned the opportunity to build upon last year’s momentum, and Baylor fans have reason for cautious optimism that their program is headed in the right direction once again.

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Is Brennan’s Ship Already Sinking? The Arizona Wildcats 2025 Football Preview Reveals Hard Truths

Mark Haines on April 17, 2025

Brent Brennan’s Arizona Wildcats sit at a brutal crossroads heading into 2025.

After inheriting a 10-win team that had just claimed an Alamo Bowl victory, Brennan steered the program straight into an iceberg during his debut season. The wreckage was spectacular:

A disastrous 4-8 record (2-7 in Big 12 play)
Six fewer wins than the previous season
Embarrassing blowout losses, including a 49-7 humiliation against rival Arizona State
A complete collapse from a preseason #21 ranking to irrelevance

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Brennan’s coaching record portrays mediocrity.

His career .404 winning percentage (37-56) tells a story that Arizona fans desperately hoped wouldn’t repeat itself in Tucson. At San Jose State, Brennan established a clear pattern:

First two seasons: Abysmal (2-11, 1-11)
Middle seasons: Marginal improvement, but still losing records
One outlier 7-1 season during pandemic-shortened 2020
Return to mediocrity in subsequent seasons

When you strip away the coaching speak and recruiting rankings, you’re left with a simple truth: Brennan has never sustained success at any point in his career.

Key Players to Watch in 2025

The quarterback battle will dominate early headlines and could define Arizona’s ceiling.

With Noah Fifita’s inconsistent performance in 2024, all eyes will be on these signal-callers:

Braedyn Locke (Wisconsin transfer): Brings Big Ten experience and pocket poise that could stabilize the offense
Sawyer Robinson (Freshman): The Dallas-area record-setter has tremendous upside as the potential future of the program
Robert McDaniel (4-star recruit): Another high-ceiling freshman who could surprise in competition

At running back, the offense desperately needs a spark:

Ismail Mahdi (Texas State transfer): The home-run threat who averaged over 5 yards per carry across two seasons
Mike Mitchell (Transfer): Provides needed depth and power running to complement Mahdi’s explosiveness

The receiver room must replace Tetairoa McMillan’s production:

Kris Hutson (Washington State transfer): Expected to be the new WR1 with his speed and route-running precision
Tre Spivey (Kansas State transfer): At 6’4″, brings the size element missing from other receiver options
Luke Wysong (New Mexico transfer): Coming off a productive season with 69 receptions for 840 yards

Defensively, watch these potential difference-makers:

Blake Gotcher (Northwestern State transfer): The tackling machine (162 tackles in 2024) who must immediately shore up run defense
Tiaoalii Savea (Texas transfer): Expected to provide immediate impact on the defensive line
Jay’Vion Cole (Texas transfer): Cornerback who must stabilize a secondary that struggled last season
Zac Siulepa (Freshman DL): The massive 6’7″, 350-pound New Zealand native with immense potential

What Should Fans Look For?

The spring showcase on April 19th will provide the first authentic glimpses of what’s to come.

Early signs to monitor:

Offensive scheme transformation: How drastically will new OC Seth Doege change the offensive approach? Watch for formation variations, tempo changes, and how the running game is incorporated.
Quarterback hierarchy: Which QB takes first-team reps early will indicate the initial pecking order, though expect this battle to extend through fall camp.
Defensive front seven improvements: The most glaring weakness last season was stopping the run. Watch how new DL coach Joe Salave’a reorganizes the front seven and whether the tackling fundamentals improve.
Transfer integration: With 25+ transfers, team chemistry could be an issue. Watch for natural leadership emerging from the transfer group.
Special teams emphasis: Often overlooked, but poor special teams play cost Arizona in multiple close games last season. Any visible changes here would signal a comprehensive program rebuilding.

Once the season begins, these benchmarks will determine success:

For Arizona fans, the 2025 season isn’t just about wins and losses – it’s about seeing tangible evidence that the program is moving in the right direction.

After the regression of 2024, even competitive losses that show fight and execution would represent progress over last season’s frequent blowouts.

The Portal Hail Mary: 53 New Players for 2025

If there’s one area where Brennan deserves credit, it’s that he recognizes that a total roster overhaul was necessary.

This offseason brought a staggering 53 new players to the program:

23 high school recruits
5 community college transfers
25 four-year transfers (ranked 15th nationally by Rivals)

The transfer additions specifically target glaring weaknesses:

RB Ismail Mahdi (Texas State): 2,300+ yards over two seasons
WR Kris Hutson (Washington State): A proven big-play threat
QB Braedyn Locke (Wisconsin): Potential starter with P5 experience
LB Blake Gotcher (Northwestern State): Led Division I with 162 tackles
OL help from Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech

The coaching staff also received a makeover with Seth Doege (OC) and Joe Salave’a (DL/associate HC), who brought fresh perspectives to a program desperate for new ideas.

A Schedule With No Mercy

Arizona opens at home against Hawaii on August 30th before welcoming Weber State on September 6th.

The conference schedule offers no relief:

Road games against Iowa State (11-3 last season), Houston, Colorado, Cincinnati, and rival ASU
Home matchups with Oklahoma State, BYU, Kansas, and Baylor
Two bye weeks (September 20 and October 25) that could provide crucial adjustment periods

This schedule offers no soft landing spots for a coach already on the hot seat.

The Bottom Line: It’s Bowl or Bust

Brennan’s track record suggests a coach destined to hover around mediocrity rather than build a consistent winner.

His career pattern shows brief flashes of potential surrounded by long stretches of underperformance. The 2020 pandemic season at San Jose State looks increasingly like an anomaly rather than evidence of building prowess.

For Arizona fans, the bar for 2025 is painfully clear: reaching bowl eligibility (6-6) would represent significant progress. Anything less likely means another coaching search by December.

The countdown to August 30th has already begun — perhaps the final chapter of the brief Brennan era in Tucson.

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THIS IS SCOTT SATTERFIELD’S FINAL CHANCE TO RESURRECT CINCINNATI

Mark Haines on April 16, 2025

Scott Satterfield has 12 Saturdays to save his job.

After back-to-back losing seasons and a dismal 8-16 record, the Cincinnati head coach enters 2025 with the temperature rising and patience wearing thin. The contrast couldn’t be more stark between Satterfield’s tenure and the Luke Fickell era that preceded it—a golden age that saw the Bearcats crash the College Football Playoff and compile a stunning 53-10 record.

For Bearcats fans who once tasted the sweetness of national relevance, the current state of affairs is unacceptable.

The Brutal Truth: Satterfield’s On The Hot Seat

Is Scott Satterfield the right man for the job?

That question hangs over Nippert Stadium like a storm cloud as the Bearcats enter a pivotal 2025 campaign. The statistical reality is sobering:

Satterfield’s .333 winning percentage stands in stark contrast to the program’s recent history
Cincinnati finished 2024 with a 5-7 record after a promising 5-2 start
Five consecutive losses to end last season continued a troubling pattern
Industry analysts, including On3’s Andy Staples, have placed Satterfield firmly on the hot seat

“We’re trending up, and we’re going in the right direction,” Satterfield claimed after the final game of 2024, pointing to young players gaining experience.

But the math suggests otherwise.

The Financial Stakes Are Enormous

Cincinnati invested heavily in Satterfield when they hired him.

His six-year, $3.4 million annual contract runs through 2028, with a 100% buyout clause for early termination—a potentially expensive decision for Athletic Director John Cunningham if the team struggles again. The financial commitment also includes a record $7.25 million assistant coaching pool, bringing the total coaching investment to $10.65 million annually.

This massive financial stake only heightens the pressure to produce results immediately.

A Coaching Staff Overhaul Was Necessary

Satterfield recognized changes were needed and acted accordingly:

Special Teams and Cornerbacks Coach Kerry Coombs departed
Co-Defensive Coordinator and Stars Coach Nate Fuqua left the program
Adam Braithwaite joined from Samford to coach safeties
Eddie Hicks arrived from LSU as cornerbacks analyst
Special teams will see complete restructuring after ranking 80th nationally in net field position

“Tim Connor is still on our staff here… I want all eyes on it,” Satterfield explained about special teams. “We’ve got to put the best guys on the field… We’re going to do all we can to emphasize our special teams and all hands on deck in the coaching staff.”

The staff changes signal Satterfield’s awareness that the status quo was unacceptable.

The Players Who Will Determine Cincinnati’s Fate

Will these key players elevate the program or continue the downward trend?

Offensive Firepower

Brendan Sorsby (QB): Generated 2,453 passing yards with 16 touchdowns through the air and 8 more on the ground in 2024
Corey Kiner (RB): Produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,153 yards in 2024
Xzavier Henderson (WR): Led the team with 52 receptions for 632 yards in 2024
Joe Royer (TE): Provides stability and leadership in the passing game

Defensive Anchors

Dontay Corleone (DL): Returns as the standout defensive lineman and NFL prospect
Jack Dingle and Jared Bartlett (LB): Veteran linebackers expected to anchor the middle of the defense
Josh Minkins and Derrick Canteen: Returning secondary leaders

Impact Transfers

Tawee Walker (RB): Adds power and experience from Wisconsin
Cyrus Allen (WR): Brings deep-threat capability from Texas A&M
Matthew McDoom (CB): Bolsters the secondary from Coastal Carolina
Taran Tyo (OL): Provides offensive line experience from Ball State
Christian Harrison (DB): Competes for starting role after transferring from Tennessee

The talent is there, but integration and development remain critical questions.

NFL Draft Prospects Creating Their Own Stories

Despite team struggles, several Bearcats are generating NFL Draft buzz:

Luke Kandra (OG): The All-Big 12 offensive guard has allowed just one sack over 24 games
Corey Kiner (RB): Consecutive 1,000-yard seasons have scouts taking notice
John Williams (OT): Consistent starter at left tackle with prototypical size
Xzavier Henderson (WR): Reliable hands and production make him an intriguing prospect

Individual success stories could help change the program’s perception among recruits.

The Statistical Case For Optimism

Can Cincinnati turn close losses into victories in 2025?

The 2024 statistics reveal reasons for cautious optimism:

Balanced attack: 236.5 passing yards, 184.1 rushing yards per game
Efficient ground game: 5.2 yards per carry
Solid completion percentage: 63.8% team completion rate
First down advantage: +3.3 first downs per game over opponents

Four one-score losses suggest that fine-tuning, rather than a complete overhaul, could flip the script.

The Roadblocks Standing In Their Way

But significant obstacles remain before Cincinnati can compete for bowl eligibility:

Turnover margin: -0.3 per game in 2024 proved costly in close games
Defensive inconsistency: 385.5 total yards allowed per game
Red zone efficiency: Scoring didn’t match yardage production
Special teams liability: Among the nation’s worst in field position
Late-season fades: Back-to-back years with 5+ game losing streaks

These aren’t minor issues—they’re program-defining weaknesses that must be addressed immediately.

A Schedule That Offers Both Opportunity And Peril

The 2025 slate features pivotal matchups that will define Cincinnati’s season:

Must-Win Home Games

UCF (October 11): This is a winnable rivalry game with Big 12 standing implications
Baylor (October 25): This is a critical swing game against a rebuilding Bears team
BYU (November 22): Late-season opportunity against a beatable opponent
Bowling Green (September 6): This is a non-conference game that cannot slip away
Northwestern State (September 13): FCS opponent that must be handled decisively

Season-Defining Road Tests

Nebraska (August 27): The season opener at Arrowhead Stadium sets the tone
Kansas (September 27): First conference road test against an improving Jayhawks team
Oklahoma State (October 18): Challenging trip to Stillwater
Utah (November 1): Perhaps the most challenging game on the schedule
TCU (November 29): The season finale that could determine bowl eligibility

Early momentum is essential with this challenging schedule.

The Pathway To Salvation For Satterfield

What must happen for Cincinnati to reach bowl eligibility and cool Satterfield’s hot seat?

Quarterback elevation: Brendan Sorsby must reduce turnovers and increase TD production
Special teams revival: The restructured coaching approach must yield immediate improvement
Turnover creation: The defense must generate more than 1.2 takeaways per game
Transfer impact: Newcomers need to make immediate contributions
Health preservation: Key players like Kiner and Sorsby must stay injury-free
Early momentum: At least a 3-1 start is essential before hitting the Big 12 gauntlet
Home-field advantage: Nippert Stadium must become a true advantage again

The margin for error is nonexistent.

The Bottom Line: It’s Now Or Never For Satterfield

The clock is ticking loudly in Cincinnati.

Industry projections suggest another 5-7 finish, but program expectations demand at least 6-6 and bowl eligibility. With a buyout that becomes increasingly prohibitive the longer Cincinnati waits, 2025 represents an actual inflection point for Satterfield and the program.

As the Bearcats continue spring practice and Nebraska looms on the horizon, the question isn’t whether Satterfield is on the hot seat—it’s whether he can finally deliver the results this proud program demands.

Twelve Saturdays will tell the story.

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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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When No One Is Bigger Than The Program: The Tennessee QB Saga

Mark Haines on April 14, 2025

Tennessee QB Saga: College football witnessed one of the most dramatic quarterback exits in recent memory.

The Shocking Departure

Nobody saw it coming, but everyone should have.

In the era of NIL deals and transfer portal drama, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel stood at a podium Saturday afternoon, addressing the elephant not in the room: Star quarterback Nico Iamaleava had practically vanished from the program.

“Man, listen, it’s the state of college football,” Heupel told reporters with the resolute calmness of someone who’d seen this movie before. “At the end of the day, no one is ever bigger than the program. That includes me, too.”

What followed was the unraveling of a relationship that had been built on promise, potential, and apparently, a price tag that suddenly changed:

Iamaleava was in contract negotiations for a new NIL deal on Thursday
The redshirt sophomore no-showed practice Friday morning
He didn’t communicate with Tennessee coaches throughout Friday
By Saturday morning, Heupel and the Vols were “moving on”

The modern college athlete isn’t just playing for passion—they’re negotiating their value in real-time.

Players now understand their market worth and aren’t afraid to leverage it.

When negotiations break down, the consequences aren’t just financial—they’re program-altering.

The Rising Star Who Fell to Earth

Just months ago, Nico Iamaleava represented Tennessee football’s brightest future.

The five-star prospect arrived in Knoxville with expectations as towering as his 6’6″ frame. Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the On3 ratings, Iamaleava wasn’t just another talented quarterback—he was the cornerstone of Tennessee’s championship ambitions.

His freshman season showed flashes of brilliance:

2,616 passing yards in 13 games
19 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions
A career-high 314 yards in the season-opener
63.8% completion percentage

What makes this departure so stunning isn’t just the talent walking out the door—it’s the suddenness with which it happened.

The New Reality of College Sports

Contract negotiations have replaced scholarship offers as the primary currency of college athletics.

This shift has transformed how programs and players interact, creating a professional dynamic within an ostensibly amateur framework. When Iamaleava reportedly entered negotiations for a new NIL deal, he wasn’t being greedy—he was participating in the new normal.

But there are unwritten rules even in this wild west environment:

Show up to practice while negotiations continue
Communicate with coaches when issues arise
Remember the team still comes first
Understand that leverage works both ways

The failure to honor these principles led to what insiders describe as Heupel’s decision to move forward without his star quarterback.

What Happens Next?

Tennessee football now stands at a crossroads with two young quarterbacks holding the program’s immediate future.

Jake Merklinger, a redshirt freshman, and George MacIntyre, a true freshman, suddenly find themselves thrust into a spotlight neither expected this early. Both were four-star prospects with promising futures, but neither has taken a meaningful snap in college football.

“We got two guys in that room, excited to go watch them go play,” Heupel said, masking whatever disappointment or frustration might lie beneath his coach-speak exterior. “They’ve had a really good spring, grown throughout it.”

The coming days will reveal more about this dramatic separation:

Iamaleava plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens Wednesday
Reports suggest he wasn’t the only player considering financial ultimatums
Tennessee must now rebuild around inexperienced signal-callers
The college football world watches to see which program will offer Iamaleava his price

One sentence captures it all: When Josh Heupel said no one is bigger than the program, he wasn’t just making a statement—he was setting a precedent for college football’s new reality.

A to Z Sports breaks down the family and school dynamics that led to this. LINK

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BULLS ON THE RISE: South Florida Bulls Football Is Ready To Make The AAC Tremble In 2025

Mark Haines on April 11, 2025

The South Florida Bulls aren’t rebuilding anymore—they’re reloading.

After posting a 7-6 record in 2024 and winning a marathon five-overtime Hawaii Bowl thriller against San Jose State, Coach Alex Golesh’s squad has transformed from a perennial doormat to a legitimate conference threat. The bowl victory wasn’t just a feel-good ending to a solid season—it was a declaration that USF football has officially awakened from its half-decade slumber.

But the real question facing Bulls fans now isn’t whether their team can reach another bowl game.

It’s whether USF is ready to challenge for an American Athletic Conference championship.

The 2024 Breakthrough Nobody Saw Coming

Last season marked a dramatic shift in South Florida’s football fortunes.

A 7-6 overall record (4-4 in AAC play) ended a streak of four consecutive losing seasons
The offense exploded for 32.2 points per game (33rd nationally)
Record-breaking performances included 425 rushing yards against Charlotte and 715 total yards versus Tulsa
A Hawaii Bowl victory that required five overtimes became the longest bowl game in FBS history

“We’re finally establishing the foundation of what this program can be,” Golesh told reporters after the Hawaii Bowl. “This isn’t a finished product by any means, but we’ve taken significant steps forward.”

The 2024 campaign wasn’t just about wins and losses but about creating a new identity.

Byrum Brown: The Dual-Threat Engine That Powers Everything

Quarterback stability changes everything for a college football program.

Brown returns for his third season after setting multiple school records when he was healthy.
Despite playing just 6 games in 2024, he compiled 836 passing yards with a 59.1% completion rate.
His dual-threat capabilities make USF’s offense particularly difficult to prepare for
The team’s offensive production jumped dramatically in games Brown started and finished.

When examining the statistical differences between USF’s wins and losses last season, one trend is becoming increasingly clear. When the offense clicked (485.1 yards per game in victories vs. 317.3 in defeats), the Bulls became nearly unstoppable.

Brown’s health might be the most crucial factor in determining USF’s 2025 ceiling.

The Transfer Portal Cavalry Has Arrived

The Bulls attacked the transfer portal with surgical precision this offseason.

Offensive Line Reinforcements: Stanford transfer Connor McLaughlin (6’7″, 260 lbs) and Appalachian State transfer Thomas Shrader (6’5″, 305 lbs) bring immediate size and experience
Backfield Boost: Charlotte transfer Cartevious Norton (RB, 5’11”, 210 lbs) provides a power-running complement
Defensive Upgrades: Wisconsin transfer Jonas Duclona (DB) and Texas A&M transfer Josh Celiscar (DE, 6’4″, 230 lbs) address the pass defense issues
Special Teams Overhaul: New kicker Adam Zouagui (Davidson) and punter Chase Leon (Lamar) fix last season’s inconsistent specialists

“We identified specific needs and targeted players who can make immediate impacts,” Golesh said regarding the transfer strategy. “It’s about finding the right fits culturally while addressing positional gaps evident last season.”

The transfer additions aren’t just depth pieces—they’re potential game-changers at critical positions.

The 2025 Schedule: Early Tests, Conference Opportunities

USF’s path to contention features both landmines and golden opportunities.

Non-Conference Challenges:

Aug. 28: vs. Boise State (Season Opener at Raymond James Stadium)
Sept. 6: at Florida
Sept. 13: at Miami
Sept. 20: vs. South Carolina State

AAC Home Opportunities:

Charlotte (defeated 59-24 in 2024)
Florida Atlantic (defeated 44-21 in 2024)
UTSA
Rice

AAC Road Battles:

North Texas
Memphis
Navy
UAB

The early-season gauntlet against Boise State, Florida, and Miami provides statement opportunities that could supercharge the program’s momentum—or expose lingering weaknesses.

Fixing The Defense: USF’s Championship Roadblock

The glaring weakness that kept USF from greater heights last season wasn’t hard to identify.

The defense surrendered 29.8 points per game (99th nationally)
Opponents averaged 278.8 passing yards per game against the Bulls secondary
The -0.5 turnover margin per game prevented the team from controlling close contests
Even in victories, the defense rarely dominated opponents

“Defensively, we’re not where we need to be yet,” Golesh acknowledged. “That’s an area where we simply have to make substantial improvements if we want to compete for championships.”

The additions of Duclona, Celiscar, and Charlotte transfer Dre Butler (DL, 6’5″, 280 lbs) directly address these defensive vulnerabilities.

Whether these reinforcements can transform the unit will determine if USF is merely competitive or truly dangerous in 2025.

5 Keys To USF Becoming AAC Champions

For South Florida to make the leap from surprising bowl team to championship contender, five critical developments must occur:

QB Stability: Byrum Brown must remain healthy for all 12+ games while continuing his development as a passer
Defensive Evolution: The defense needs to trim at least 7-8 points from its points-allowed average (29.8 in 2024)
Turnover Improvement: Championship teams typically win the turnover battle, not lose it (USF was -0.5 per game in 2024)
Road Warrior Mentality: With tough trips to Florida, Miami, Memphis, and Navy, the Bulls must improve on last year’s 3-3 road record
Transfer Integration: The new additions must assimilate quickly, particularly on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary

The margin between 7-5 and 10-2 in college football often comes down to execution in these fundamental areas.

Winning close games separates champions from also-rans.

The Bottom Line: Bulls Are Charging Up The AAC Hierarchy

South Florida football has evolved from afterthought to contender in just two seasons under Alex Golesh.

With Byrum Brown directing an offense with explosive potential, improved protection from transfer offensive linemen, and defensive reinforcements addressing the team’s primary weaknesses, USF has positioned itself as a legitimate threat to win 8-9 games and compete for an AAC championship game berth.

“We’re building something that isn’t just about one good season,” Golesh emphasized after the Hawaii Bowl victory. “This is about establishing a program that competes for championships year after year. We’ve taken steps, but the journey is just beginning.”

For a program that wandered through the football wilderness for half a decade, that journey now has a clear direction.

The Bulls aren’t just back—they’re hunting bigger prey.

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