College Football
Back To The Top?
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
War damn Eagle! After a disappointing 2024 season the Auburn Tigers are looking to take a step back up to the first tier in the SEC.
The slide over the last few years has been directly correlated to an overall lack of talent and depth for the Tigers.
The Bryan Harsin debacle was just that. Two straight 7-loss seasons got him a pink slip and the real issue was Hugh Freeze stepped into a mess.
If you look at the two seasons under Freeze you still see 7 losses in 2023 and 2024. Not any better? The difference is that Freeze is rebuilding the program.
Most pundits think this is the year that the Tigers step back up. Freeze has done a great job recruiting with two top ten classes and some stellar portal additions. The Tigers will be dangerous this year.
That all starts with transfer Jackson Arnold at Quarterback. The former Oklahoma QB is a killer dual threat, ask Alabama.
In the 2024 Oklahoma Alabama game, Arnold rushed for 131 yards and was 9 of 11 throwing it. The result was a 24-3 thumping of the Tide.
Receivers for Auburn will be a strength. Cam Coleman, Malcom Simmons are All-SEC caliber players. Add in portal addition Eric Singleton Jr and this group ranks as one of the best in the country. There is depth and talent here.
Back at tight end is Brandon Frazier after missing much of 2024 with an injury.
The running backs are solid though not spectacular. Look for Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb to tote the load. Jarquez Hunter will be missed.
The line should be solid with Dillon Wade, Connor Lew, and Jeremiah Wright all back. Add in Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy via the portal and you have 5 returning starters.
The bottom line is that this should be a much better offense. If Jackson Arnold brings it, then the Tigers should be very good. This will also help the defense who played steady last year.
The Auburn defense was solid in 2024. Can they do the same in 2025?
They have one guy who says YES. That’s Keldrick Faulk. The Jr. defensive end is a Bonafide All American.
At 6’6” and 270 lbs he looks the part and plays the part. He has NFL written all over him. Throw in Malik Blocton and Bobby Jamison-Travis and the Tigers will be solid on the defensive line.
Auburn does have to replace talent at the linebackers. Demarcus Riddick was an ALL-SEC freshman last year and will be joined by Caleb Wheatland and Champ Anthony who is returning from an injury.
If this group steps up then the Tigers may be able to keep opponents at that 21.3 points per game on defense that they surrendered last year. That was good for 28th in the country. We’ll see.
All the Defensive Backs return. Kayin Lee, Jay Crawford, Kaleb Harris, and Sylvester Smith are solid and this should be a team strength. Add in Champ Anthony back from an injury at Nickel Back and this is one of the better groups in the league.
Back for the Special Teams is Alex McPherson. McPherson was one of the best around before a severe illness sidelined him for much of the 2024 campaign. His return brings stability back.
In 2023 he was 13 for 13 on FG’s and 40 for 40 on PAT’s.
Hudson Kaak takes over the punting chores and Jeremiah Cobb is slated to kick return although one of the talented wideouts could make a move here.
The schedule is grueling. Welcome to the SEC.
A season opener against Baylor on the road will be telling. Then throw in road trips to Oklahoma and Texas A&M before the end of September. Ouch.
Add in Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt and there is no rest for the weary. Ohhhh, and Auburn hosts Alabama at Jordan-Hare for the Iron Bowl. A game that Auburn has not won in 5 years.
The bottom line is that this should be Hugh Freeze’s best team. There are quality players throughout the roster.
Freeze has recruited well and worked the portal hard. Now let’s see if the Tigers can start winning again.
Tide To Roll?
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Entering last year, the questions for the Alabama Crimson Tide revolved around all of the “new” in T-Town.
This time a year ago, the Tide were preparing to embark on the first season under Head Coach Kalen DeBoer after Coach Nick Saban retired following the 2023 season.
Although a relatively successful 2024 season that saw a 9-4 record and just missing the first 12 team College Football Playoff, entering 2025, there’s a similar feeling of trying to feel out the “new. New quarterback, new offensive coordinator, new year for Alabama.
The biggest news coming out of Tuscaloosa in the offseason was a quick change, after one year, for Kalen DeBoer at offensive coordinator.
When DeBoer took over for Bama in 2024, he hired Nick Sheridan who had previously been an OC at Indiana before spending two years with DeBoer at Washington as a tight ends coach.
While the offense in 2024 had flashes with Jalen Milroe at quarterback, there seemed to be something missing or off all season. That led to the change at coordinator to a familiar name that has been associated with Kalen DeBoer.
Ryan Grubb leads the Tide offensive unit in 2025. Grubb spent two magical years with DeBoer at Washington as his offensive coordinator as Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze helped lead the Huskies to a national championship game appearance.
Although Grubb takes over the title and play-calling duties, DeBoer made it a point to keep Sheridan on staff as a co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
The group that Sheridan will be leading this year in the quarterback room is going through a lot of “new” too.
With Jalen Milroe now battling for a job with the Seattle Seahawks, one of the biggest question marks has been who takes the snaps for the Tide in 2025.
Many expected throughout the off-season that Ty Simpson would turn into QB1 and Coach DeBoer announced that Ty Simpson would indeed be the starting quarterback for Alabama to start the year.
Simpson is a familiar name for the “Roll Tide-ers” after joining the program in 2022 but has only seen 16 career games since then.
Simpson has only recorded 50 pass attempts with only real meaningful snaps coming in the 2023 matchup against South Florida where he helped lead Bama to a victory in game 2 of the year when Milroe got benched for one game by Nick Saban.
While Simpson isn’t the elusive playmaker that Milroe has been the past few years for Bama, many believe he doesn’t have to be.
Between Ryan Williams, who you may have heard a time or two was only 17 years old last year as a freshman phenom, along with a couple of transfers to the receiving corps, Simpson seemingly only needs to have a firm grasp on the offense and a good distributor to get the ball in the hands of playmakers.
The season doesn’t start slowly for the new pieces for Alabama as the Tide opens the season with a road trip to Tallahassee to take on Florida State.
While the Seminoles had an abysmal season in 2024 (2-10 record and only one ACC win against Cal), Mike Norvell is expected to lead a much-improved team into Doak Campbell Stadium against the Crimson Tide.
So, while there’s a lot of new inside the gates of Bryant-Denny Stadium, the offense has an astounding number of great leaders on staff and weapons on the field for the “new” to turn into household names quickly in T-Town.
Hook Em Horns
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season with sky-high expectations, poised to contend for both the SEC Championship and a national title.
Coming off back-to-back College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearances and a 13-3 record in 2024, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s fifth season at the helm has the program buzzing with anticipation.
With a talented roster, a favorable SEC schedule, and a new quarterback in Arch Manning, the Longhorns are projected as the preseason No. 1 team in the AP Poll, a testament to their reloaded roster and championship aspirations.
The biggest storyline for 2025 is the ascension of redshirt sophomore Arch Manning to QB1, succeeding Quinn Ewers, drafted this spring by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
Manning, a former five-star recruit with a storied football lineage, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions across 10 games, including starts against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State.
His dual-threat ability—evidenced by 108 rushing yards and four scores—draws comparisons to Texas legend Vince Young.
Coach Sarkisian praises Manning’s work ethic, noting his dedication in the film room and weight room as key to his development. However, with only two starts under his belt, Manning’s ability to handle the pressure of a grueling schedule will be critical.
Behind him, the quarterback depth includes transfer Matthew Caldwell, redshirt freshman Trey Owens, and 4-star freshman KJ Lacey, providing insurance should injuries arise.
Despite losing 12 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, including four of five offensive linemen and key defensive starters, Texas has reloaded with the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and impactful transfers.
The offensive line, a major question mark, will rely on senior center Cole Hutson to anchor a rebuilt unit. The departure of left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a top-10 NFL Draft pick, leaves big shoes to fill, but Sarkisian remains optimistic about the group’s potential.
At running back, Quintrevion Wisner (1,064 yards in 2024) and CJ Baxter, returning from a torn ACL, form a dynamic duo.
Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo is expected to emerge as Manning’s primary target after a strong freshman campaign.
Defensively, junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (113 tackles, 8.0 sacks in 2024) and senior safety Michael Taaffe (78 tackles, 10 pass breakups) anchor a unit that ranked third nationally in yards allowed (284.3 per game) last season.
Transfers like defensive tackles Travis Shaw and Cole Brevard, along with sophomore edge rusher Colin Simmons, bolster a reloaded defensive line.
Texas faces one of the toughest schedules in college football, starting with a blockbuster road game against defending national champion Ohio State on August 30.
A rematch of the 2024 CFP semifinal, where Texas fell 28-14, this game will test Manning’s readiness against an elite Buckeye defense.
Other key matchups include a trip to Georgia on October 18, a revenge game after two losses to the Bulldogs in 2024, and the renewed Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M on November 28.
The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas on October 11 adds further intensity. However, Texas avoids Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss, giving them a favorable SEC slate.
Vegas has them at a 9.5 win total, with likely wins against San Jose State, UTEP, Sam Houston, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, and 50/50 games against Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Splitting the Ohio State and Georgia games could position Texas for an 11-1 record and a return to the CFP.
To reach their national title goal, Texas must address 2024’s shortcomings: nine penalties and two turnovers against Ohio State, red zone struggles (scoring under 80%), and too many tackles for loss allowed by the offensive line.
Cleaning up these “little things” will be crucial, as will the development of young talent under pressure. With Manning’s potential, a stout defense, and Sarkisian’s proven leadership, the Longhorns have the pieces to go all the way. Expect Texas to compete for the SEC title and make a deep CFP run, potentially bringing a championship back to Austin for the first time since 2005.
Texas is poised for a 10-2 or 11-1 season, likely dropping one of the Ohio State or Georgia games but dominating their remaining slate. With a favorable SEC draw and elite talent, the Longhorns are set to return to the CFP, with a strong chance to compete for the national championship.
Rubber To The Road
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Texas A&M has the money, facilities, recruiting base, and fan support to be a national power.
Now it is time to match the resources with results. For all its advantages, the program has just one double digit win season since 1998, and while Mike Elko’s first year brought progress, it also showed how far the Aggies still have to go to reach their ceiling.
Elko, entering his second season, steadied the ship with an 8-5 campaign in 2024, the program’s best in three years, but November defensive breakdowns and a frustrating bowl collapse against USC left a bitter aftertaste.
A&M even had a shot to play for the SEC title before an anemic offensive showing against Texas spoiled the chance.
The good news is that the roster is loaded, the schedule is manageable with no Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, or Ole Miss, and Elko has made key portal additions to fill important holes.
With Collin Klein coordinating the offense and Elko taking back defensive play calling, the Aggies believe they are positioned to break out of the eight-win rut.
Quarterback Marcel Reed, who emerged as a dual threat leader last year, is back after throwing for 1,864 yards, rushing for 543, and keeping turnovers in check. He is now the unquestioned starter.
Reed has great weapons at his disposal. The Aggies hit the transfer portal hard at receiver, landing KC Concepcion from NC State, one of the top wideouts in the country with 124 catches, nearly 1,300 yards, and 16 touchdowns in his first two seasons, and Mario Craver from Mississippi State, a dangerous deep threat.
These additions help form a versatile, speed driven group. At tight end, Texas transfer Amari Niblack and junior Theo Melin Ohrstrom will share duties.
The offensive line could be one of the SEC’s best. All five starters return, led by All SEC caliber tackle Trey Zuhn III, guard Chase Bisontis, and 330 pound mauler Ar’maj Reed Adams. Center Mark Nabou Jr., who missed most of last year with a torn ACL, should reclaim his starting role if healthy.
In the backfield, the Aggies expect the return of star running back Le’Veon Moss, who had 765 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games before injury.
Last year’s offense quietly led the SEC in scoring in conference play at 29.4 points per game. With Reed’s growth, the added speed at receiver, and a healthy backfield, that number could climb in 2025.
If A&M is going to jump from good to great, defensive improvement is essential. The Aggies gave up 44 points to South Carolina, 43 to Auburn, and 35 to USC late last year, with missed tackles and busted coverages becoming a recurring problem.
Up front, replacing departed pass rushers Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton is priority one.
Cashius Howell, who led the team with four sacks, returns, with Florida transfer TJ Searcy and Rutgers transfer Damon Hayes vying for big roles.
The interior is anchored by veteran Albert Regis, alongside Tyler Onyedim from Iowa State and promising sophomore DJ Hicks.
The linebackers are a strength. Taurean York led the team with 82 tackles, while Scooby Williams is a rangy, physical presence when healthy.
The secondary, hit by injuries last year, should rebound.
All-SEC corner Will Lee III is back, and nickelback Tyreek Chappell returns after missing most of 2024.
Transfers Julian Humphrey from Georgia and Jordan Shaw from Washington bolster coverage options.
Safeties Dalton Brooks and Bryce Anderson bring experience, though the unit must cut down on giving up explosive runs and deep completions.
Texas A&M has averaged eight wins per year since joining the SEC, and that has become the defining plateau.
With an established quarterback, one of the league’s best offensive lines, upgraded speed at the skill positions, and Elko’s renewed hands on role with the defense, the 2025 Aggies have the look of a team ready to break through.
The path is there. The question is whether A&M finally takes it.
Toothless Gators?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After an encouraging 8–5 2024 campaign and a dominant Gasparilla Bowl win—Billy Napier and the Florida Gators are positioned for meaningful advancement in 2025.
With Napier entering his fourth season (19–19 overall), the program exudes renewed belief and confidence.
Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway emerged as a transformational presence in 2024.
Taking over mid-season, he posted a 6–1 record, including marquee wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and rival Florida State.
His dual-threat capabilities—combined with high-level recruiting pedigree—set the stage for a breakout season. Veteran observers, such as RJ Young, have Florida’s win total odds poised just above 7.5, signaling expectations of moderate improvement.
Florida’s 2025 slate is undeniably daunting, featuring road trips to LSU, Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia, along with a home game against Texas.
Media projections place them third in the SEC behind Texas and Georgia, while coach Billy Napier confidently asserts that the team “can compete with any team in the nation”.
Across online forums, conservative fan projections cluster around 8 to 10 wins, with key losses expected against LSU, Texas, Ole Miss, or Georgia.
With Lagway’s development, Wilson’s emergence, and improving cohesion under Napier, Florida seems set to outperform 2024’s 8-win tally.
But the Gators’ gauntlet of a schedule realistically caps their ceiling—unless they pull big upsets.
Projected record: 9–3 regular season.
Potential losses: LSU (road), Texas or Texas A&M (depending on momentum), Georgia (tough SEC clash).
A likely SEC bowl berth, with a dark horse shot at a New Year’s Six game if they can steal one marquee upset.
Not so fast, Florida under Billy Napier does not have a marquee road win in his entire tenure.
With DJ Lagway under center, the Gators will have a chance in every game. Without DJ Lagway, Florida is a 5 to 6 win team.
Currently Lagway is nursing an ankle and shoulder injury. He has not been available in scrimmages and is limited during seven on seven drills.
This is a make or break season for Billy Napier and my prediction is: break.
I predict the Gators will go seven and five. Napier’s reign as head coach will come to an end.
Florida fans tune in for a competitive, rollercoaster season and on the other side of it: a big leap forward or another step back.
Eagles To Soar?
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As Clay Helton enters year four in Statesboro at the helm of the Georgia Southern Football program, one of the big themes (at least heading into the season) is consistency.
2025 will mark the first time since 2019 that Georgia Southern will begin the year with the same Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator and Director of Strength and Conditioning that they began the previous year with.
The other piece of consistency for Helton heading into 2025 is at quarterback. 2025 will mark the first time in Helton’s tenure that Georgia Southern returns the starting quarterback from a year ago with JC French slated to command the Eagle offense.
2024 wrapped up for the Blue and White with an 8-5 record and an appearance in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl against Sam Houston State.
In his first season as the field general, French completed a Georgia Southern record 65.6% of his passes while racking up over 2,800 yards and connecting for 17 touchdowns.
The former transfer from Memphis put a huge emphasis on the nutrition and conditioning programs in the offseason and has shed over 8% body fat and dropping about 15 pounds.
The Eagles bring back two key pieces of the backfield with running backs OJ Arnold and David Mbadinga returning after not going through spring ball due to rehabbing injuries but look to be full go when boot meets ball in 2025.
Arnold was the second leading rusher a year ago after the leading rusher, Jalen White, signed a free-agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
Georgia Southern will lean on a number of returners on both sides of the ball but also brought in 17 transfers to the program.
Two guys that really impressed in the spring and look to make an impact defensively are Brendan Harrington (transferring in from rival App State), and Brandon Tyson (transferring from Elon) in the linebacker room.
The Eagles will open the 2025 season in a unique way. Clay Helton will return to familiar territory as the Eagles get the season going on a ten-day west coast trip that begins at Fresno State on August 30th.
The team will stay in California the following week as Southern will then face the USC Trojans in week 2 the following Saturday.
Coach Helton spent a combined 11 years (from 2010-2021) in Southern California as an assistant coach, interim head coach twice and Head Coach of the Trojans from 2015-2021.
After the left-coast swing, the Eagles open the home slate against Jacksonville State who burst on the scene in their first year as a member of Conference USA and appeared in the Cure Bowl last season.
With conference road trips coming to JMU, Arkansas State, App State, and Marshall, the Eagles welcome Southern Miss, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and ODU to Allen E. Paulson Stadium this season.
Georgia Southern showed flashes of greatness last season in the 8-5 campaign and again carry consistency into the new year.
It seems that year four under Coach Helton is set to be a jumping point for Georgia Southern in getting the program back to not only Sun Belt prominence, but also national excellency that Coach Helton has talked about since arriving in Statesboro.
Elite Or Not?
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In 2024 the Georgia Bulldogs won the SEC Championship and went to the College Football Playoffs. They won 11 games and beat the 2025 consensus number 1 team Texas twice.
What a great year, right? Not hardly sports fans. Such are the expectations in Athens, Ga these days. It doesn’t matter that many of the 2024 starters are in NFL camps right now. And the 2025 schedule has top twenty teams all through it. The Dawgs are expected to win and win big!
This all starts with Kirby Smart. Widely acknowledged as one of if not the best college coach in America. Kirby has built a dynasty.
And while the Dawgs annually reload, this year’s edition has more young gunslingers than in the past. That means Kirby will have to be at his best. And that goes for Bobo, Schuman, and the rest of staff.
There are holes to fill and changes to be made. The talent is younger than ever. Georgia will be very good. But will they be elite? That is probably Kirby’s’ favorite phrase. With the schedule they play they had better be.
For me there are 4 critical keys for Georgia in 2025. If these end up positive then the Dawgs will be hell.
First is the offensive line. Georgia lost 4 linemen to the NFL this year. And yet they underachieved. Rushing per game was horrendous. Especially in the 3 losses.
Granted many of Georgia’s second teamers would start for many SEC schools. Well, it’s time for some young pups to get rabid.
Monroe Freeling, Micah Morris (Camden County), Drew Bobo, and Ernest Greene all have starting experience. Add in Daniel Calhoun and these guys have got to be better in the rushing game and protecting the QB.
Secondly is the defensive line. Kirby Smarts Dawg teams have regularly sent D linemen to the NFL. This year was no exception.
And while Christen Miller, Gabe Harris, Xavier McLeod and Jordan Hall have all played extensive minutes for the Red and Black. They and their cohorts will need to step it up in 2025. The linebackers and defensive backs should be solid. So how the defense plays will rest on how the line plays.
Next is Brett Thorson. What? The punter? YEAH…… Think how many times Thorson flipped the field against teams. It’s a big difference to have to drive 80 or 90 yards as opposed to 50. He was missed terribly in the Playoff loss to Notre Dame. How he returns from ACL surgery is critical for the Dawgs.
And last but not least is you guessed it……. Gunner.
Is he serviceable or is he elite? We’re about to find out. With an improved rushing game and receivers who don’t lead the nation in drops, Gunner could be very good.
They have brought in help for both of those shortcomings from last year. If he plays within himself and limits his mistakes, he could be very good.
Throw in the best tight end room in the nation and it’s there for him.
He is completely different from Carson Beck and the team loves the guy. How he held on to the ball on the run to inside the 5 against Texas I’ll never know.
The Dawgs need to run the ball and catch the ball. That’s bottom line. Do that and Gunner has a good chance to shine.
The schedule gets Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas at home.
Alabama and Texas will see Athens go completely crazy.
Road games at Tennessee and Auburn are scary.
Throw in the Gators and Jackets and the pups had better be DAWGS by the time they head to Knoxville.
The Dawgs have the talent. They also have two home games to start the season that should help them fix any issues. After that all hell will break loose one way or the other.
Rocky Top Playoff?
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Tennessee Volunteers enter the 2025 college football season with high expectations following a strong 2024 campaign that saw them reach the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Josh Heupel, now in his fifth year, the Vols aim to build on their recent success and contend for an SEC Championship and another playoff berth.
However, significant changes on offense and a challenging schedule present both opportunities and hurdles for a program striving to return to elite status.
The biggest storyline for Tennessee in 2025 is the transition at quarterback following the surprising transfer of former starter Nico Iamaleava to UCLA.
Stepping into the spotlight is Joey Aguilar, a senior transfer from Appalachian State, who brings notable experience with 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Aguilar’s dual-threat ability aligns with Heupel’s high-octane “Veer and Shoot” offense, but his adjustment to the SEC’s competitive landscape will be critical.
His interception issues at Appalachian State are a concern, and how quickly he masters Tennessee’s system will determine the offense’s ceiling.
The offense faces additional challenges with the departure of star running back Dylan Sampson to the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and a largely rebuilt offensive line.
Tennessee’s running game, a key component of their 8-0 record when rushing for 185 yards or more in 2024, must find new contributors.
The wide receiver room is young and thin, with sophomore Mike Matthews (seven receptions, two TDs in 2024) expected to emerge as a primary target. Transfer Chris Brazzell II, a deep threat with 29 catches for 333 yards last season, adds potential firepower. Developing chemistry among these pieces will be crucial for offensive coordinator Joey Halzle.
Tennessee’s defense, which was one of the best in the nation in 2024, remains the team’s backbone.
Coordinated by Tim Banks, the unit is poised to dominate again, led by senior edge rusher Joshua Josephs, who anchors a defensive front that recorded 100 tackles for loss in 2024.
Interior linemen Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi provide depth, while Junior Linebacker Arion Carter is expected to lead the second level.
The secondary features talented cornerbacks Rickey Gibson III and Jermod McCoy, though McCoy’s recovery from an ACL injury is a key variable. Sophomore Boo Carter, a dynamic playmaker at the STAR position, could shine across all three phases, including special teams. This defense is capable of keeping Tennessee competitive in every game.
Special teams should be a strength, with kicker Max Gilbert and punter Jackson Ross returning as multi-year starters. Boo Carter’s explosiveness as a returner adds another dimension.
The 2025 schedule is manageable but includes critical tests.
The season opens against Syracuse in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta on August 30, followed by non-conference games against ETSU, UAB, and New Mexico State—games Tennessee is favored to win.
The SEC slate begins with a marquee home matchup against Georgia on September 13, a chance to snap an eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs.
Tough road games at Alabama (October 18) and Florida (November 22) will challenge the Vols’ mettle, while home games against Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt offer better opportunities for a W.
Vegas projects Tennessee’s win total at 8.5, meaning the uncertainty on offense is more than compensated by the strength on defense.
A favorable schedule means that a record of 9-3 or 10-2 is achievable, but reaching the College Football Playoff again may hinge on upsetting Georgia at Neyland, or Alabama/Florida on the road. With a young roster—49% freshmen or redshirt freshmen—Tennessee is building for the future while remaining competitive in 2025.
If Aguilar adapts quickly and the offense finds rhythm, the Vols could exceed expectations and solidify their place among the SEC’s elite.
War Chant
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida State opens their season at home on August 30, 2025, hosting Alabama at a newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium.
In my opinion, this game is a litmus test for FSU’s season.
So far this off-season, FSU starting quarterback, Tommy Castellanos has been verbally battling with the Alabama defense.
This could turn out to be a positive or a catastrophic mistake on Castellanos’ part.
Aug 30 vs Alabama: A daunting opener against one of college football’s elite. FSU enters as substantial underdogs—Vegas favors Alabama by about 12.5 points. A loss seems likely, but a competitive showing could set a different tone.
Sep 6 vs East Texas A&M: A home game versus an FCS team. A near-certain win.
Sep 20 vs Kent State: Another winnable home non‑conference game, with high confidence in a victory.
Sep 26 @ Virginia: Virginia projects around 6.5 wins—FSU first road test, Nole should get the win.
Oct 4 vs Miami: The storied Florida State–Miami rivalry resumes. This matchup remains evenly matched—Miami holds a one-game edge historically. Expect an emotional game with FSU keeping it close, but the Canes have more talent. Noles take the L.
Oct 11 vs Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh projects around the 6.5-win mark. FSU should control at home, though not a guaranteed win.
Oct 18 @ Stanford: A late-night cross-country trip poses logistical challenges. Still, Stanford struggled in 2024 (3–9) and faces instability in coaching. If FSU handles travel, this is a likely win.
Nov 1 vs Wake Forest: Wake is forecasted around 4.5 wins. On home turf, FSU should prevail.
Nov 8 @ Clemson: A high-stakes rivalry game. Clemson is favored in the conference polls. FSU will get manhandled on both lines of scrimmage. Loss.
Nov 15 vs Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech projects around 6.5 wins. Another winnable ACC home fixture.
Nov 21 @ NC State: NC State also projected near 6.5 wins. Road environment adds difficulty, and another L.
Nov 29 @ Florida: The season finale against the Gators is a rivalry away game. Florida is the more physically talented team. The Noles leave Hogtown with an L.
Vegas has set FSU’s win total at 7.5 games for the 2025 season—many oddsmakers favor the under. Analysts widely project a 7–5 or 8–4 finish, highlighting FSU’s relatively soft schedule outside of marquee matchups.
One popular perspective: beating all assured opponents (East Texas, Kent State, Virginia, Stanford, Wake, Virginia Tech, Pitt) yields seven wins.
Winning one of the bigger matchups (Miami, NC State, Clemson, Florida) pushes them to a potential eight. Dropping all big tests will leave them at or below bowl eligibility.
In short: under new coordinators Gus Malzahn (offense) and Tony White (defense), Florida State’s 2025 campaign looks like a rebound opportunity. Avoiding the bottom of the ACC and reaching bowl eligibility is likely.
A strong push in November or early ACC games could ignite something more—but at least reaching 7 wins would represent real progress from The Seminole’s disastrous 2024.
I can see FSU winning eight games; I also can see them losing seven. Coach Norvel has an uphill battle in 2025 with keeping the games competitive on the field and keeping the noise down off the field.
FSU fans, buckle up. This season will be a bumpy ride. Let’s hope some of those are good bumps.
Geaux Tigers
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 LSU Tigers enter the season with both urgency and optimism.
After consecutive seasons falling short of the College Football Playoff, head coach Brian Kelly faces pressure to turn promise into postseason success. Fortunately for Tiger fans, the pieces might finally be in place.
Despite losing standout talents like left tackle Will Campbell and wide receiver Kyren Lacy, the Tigers return a battle-tested quarterback, a retooled and aggressive defense, and a mix of transfers and rising stars who are ready to bring LSU back to the national spotlight.
Senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is back for his final season and ready to prove he is more than just a bridge between Jayden Daniels and the future of the program.
In 2024, he passed for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, showing he can compete with the best in the country. However, turnovers and red zone issues hurt in key moments.
With a strong group of receivers and a deep backfield, Nussmeier has everything he needs to lead an offense that scored 24 or more points in all nine of its wins last season. In each of the four losses, they failed to reach that mark.
The offseason loss of Kyren Lacy was a tragic blow, but LSU is still loaded with playmakers at wide receiver. Aaron Anderson returns after a breakout 2024 campaign where he totaled 61 receptions for 884 yards. Transfers Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, Barion Brown from Kentucky, and Destyn Hill from Florida State bring elite speed and big-play ability.
At tight end, Trey’Dez Green and Oklahoma transfer Bauer Sharp will battle for the starting role. Sharp caught 42 passes last season and brings experience to the position.
Sophomore running back Caden Durham returns after rushing for 753 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is expected to take the lead role in a backfield that also features 235-pound power runner Kaleb Jackson.
Replacing a top five NFL Draft pick like Will Campbell at left tackle is no easy task, but Tyree Adams has the size, experience, and potential to take on the role. DJ Chester returns at center, and Braelin Moore, a transfer from Troy, is expected to fill a starting guard spot.
The offensive line ranked among the best in the SEC last season in both sack prevention and run blocking. Despite a few new faces, the expectation remains high.
LSU’s defense improved from 108th to 61st in total yards allowed last season. This year, the goal is to climb even higher and generate more turnovers.
The Tigers were undefeated in games where they recorded an interception and had a losing record when they failed to do so.
Newcomer Patrick Payton from Florida State brings 16 career sacks to the defensive edge and could make an instant impact.
Whit Weeks returns at linebacker after making 125 tackles in 2024. Harold Perkins Jr., one of the most talented defenders in the country, is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to return to his dominant form.
In the secondary, Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane, DJ Pickett, and Ashton Stamps form a deep cornerback rotation.
LSU has lost five straight season openers since the 2019 national championship season.
This year, they open at Clemson in a game that could shape the narrative for the rest of the season. They also face tough road trips to Alabama, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, with a critical home game against Florida.
I think that in order to be a serious playoff contender, the Tigers likely need to go at least 4-1 in those five marquee games.
Brian Kelly enters his third year at LSU with a team that looks more physical and complete than in previous seasons. With a seasoned quarterback, explosive skill players, and a defense full of emerging talent, the Tigers have the tools to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
If LSU can avoid early stumbles and stay healthy, this could be the season Tiger fans have been waiting for.
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