2025 College Football Conference Previews | Bill Connelly
Get ready for the 2025 college football season with in-depth conference previews. We analyze key matchups and team outlooks, particularly focusing on changes like Arch Manning’s debut for Texas and Bill Belichick‘s new role at North Carolina. Discover the potential impact of these coaching and player shifts on conference standings and playoff implications. With insights from News Directory 3, explore how programs like Ohio State, Clemson, and those in the Sun Belt and Mountain West Conferences are positioned. Uncover potential upsets and rising contenders. Discover what’s next?
College Football 2025: New Faces, Familiar Powerhouses
Updated June 15, 2025
The 2025 college football season is set to deliver its customary blend of excitement and intrigue. All eyes will be on Arch Manning as he steps into the starting quarterback role for the Texas Longhorns. Simultaneously, coaching legend bill Belichick begins his tenure as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. These high-profile changes add significant storylines to an already captivating landscape.
Beyond the individual star power,several key questions loom large. after Ryan Day silenced critics with a national championship, the focus shifts to Ohio State’s next chapter. Kalen DeBoer aims to rebound from a rocky first year at Alabama. Meanwhile, Clemson seeks to reclaim its status as a national title contender. These programs face pivotal moments that will define their seasons.
Conference races across the country will also be closely watched. The champion from the Group of 5 conferences will secure an automatic berth in the newly formatted 12-team playoff. This development adds another layer of competition and stakes to those leagues.
The Sun Belt Conference faces a leadership transition. Troy, after dominating with Sun Belt titles in 2022 and 2023, faltered last season. Marshall appears poised for a similar decline after their recent title run. James Madison hopes to capitalize, but after two narrow losses in 2024, their path is uncertain. Louisiana, Texas State, and South Alabama could also emerge as contenders in the competitive Sun Belt.
The Mountain West Conference (MWC) enters its final season in its current alignment. boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State, who have collectively won 12 of the last 13 MWC championships, will join oregon State, Washington State, and Gonzaga in a revamped Pac-12 next year. Despite the impending changes, the MWC will crown a champion, with a familiar team expected to be the favorite.
Conference USA continues to be a landing spot for emerging programs. With the additions of Delaware and Missouri State, the Football Bowl subdivision now includes 136 teams. Conference USA has housed nearly a quarter of them at some point. Liberty, after winning the title two years ago, looks to reclaim the top spot in 2025. However, the conference is known for surprises, as Jacksonville State’s title win in just its second year in the FBS demonstrated.
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) seeks to remain relevant as college football trends toward consolidation. Northern Illinois’ upset victory over Notre Dame in 2024 highlighted the MAC’s potential for impactful moments. Despite challenges related to NIL money and transfers, the conference retains proven coaches and talented players, ensuring that new stars will emerge.