Week 0 kicks off this weekend, which means one thing: football is officially back. Let’s break down the biggest storylines, conference winners, and my playoff picks for the 2025 season.
The Year of the Quarterback
Every season leans quarterback-heavy, but this year’s depth is on another level. There’s no Trevor Lawrence-style “lock” for the No. 1 pick, but the overall talent pool is stacked.
- Cade Klubnik – Has Clemson back in the title mix.
- Garrett Nussmeier – Could end up the top pick in next year’s draft.
- Drew Allar – Returns after a breakout campaign.
- LaNorris Sellars – Might be the most physically gifted QB in the country.
And that’s just the start. Arch Manning remains the sport’s most famous name, while John Mateer makes headlines for both his play and off-field drama. Carson Beck takes over for Cam Ward in Miami, and Gunner Stockton leads Georgia on another playoff push. Looking further ahead, DJ Lagway at Florida is already generating 2027 draft buzz.
For dark-horse Heisman talk, I like Sam Leavitt at Arizona State, but don’t sleep on Blake Horvath at Navy — who could be prepping for Army-Navy even while packing for New York.
Conference Champions
ACC – Clemson
They slipped into the CFP last year, and the roster’s even better now. Miami and SMU will make them earn it.
Big 12 – Arizona State
Toughest pick of the bunch — Kansas State, Iowa State, and Texas Tech all have legit claims. But ASU’s schedule sets up nicely.
Big Ten – Penn State
Ohio State may be ranked higher early, but QB uncertainty tips this to Penn State. Oregon and Michigan will be in the hunt, and Iowa could be sneaky dangerous with SDSU transfer Mark Gronowski.
SEC – Texas
The roster is loaded, but so is the SEC. Georgia, Alabama, LSU, South Carolina, and Florida all have playoff potential.
Group of Five Picks
AAC – Navy
Tulane is a real threat, but Navy with Horvath at QB has the edge.
Conference USA – Liberty
Weakest FBS conference this year. Even after losing Kaidon Salter to Colorado, Liberty’s depth should carry them.
MAC – Toledo
The kings of MACtion again.
Mountain West – Boise State
Last year’s G5 playoff rep looks ready for a repeat. UNLV with Michigan transfer Alex Orji will push them.
Sun Belt – James Madison
Since moving up to FBS, the Dukes have been nearly unstoppable. Texas State should meet them in the title game.
Playoff Picture
Automatic bids go to conference champs:
- Texas (SEC)
- Clemson (ACC)
- Penn State (Big Ten)
- Arizona State (Big 12)
- Boise State (G5 highest-ranked champ)
I see two Group of Five teams getting in — Boise State and Navy.
Final Seeding:
- Texas
- Penn State
- Georgia
- Clemson
- Ohio State
- LSU
- Oregon
- Arizona State
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Miami
- Navy
Bye weeks now go to the top four seeds, regardless of conference champion status — which is how Georgia sneaks into the top four.
Title Game: Penn State over Texas
Lower-Division Picks
- FCS: Montana State
- DII: CSU Pueblo
- DIII: Mount Union
This season’s quarterback depth, loaded playoff race, and Group of Five parity make 2025 one of the most unpredictable years we’ve had in a while — and that’s exactly how we like it.
The Stain Sports 