Teams with the Most to Prove

Penn State Nittany Lions

Jake Trotter: The Nittany Lions haven’t claimed a national championship in nearly four decades. With Drew Allar returning as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, Penn State has a golden opportunity to dominate the Big Ten. Their schedule, with a critical game against Ohio State on November 1, seems manageable. This could be their year to break through.

Bill Connelly: Penn State’s receiving corps remains a question mark, but they have the best chance to win the Big Ten and possibly the national title.

Chris Low: Alabama, under Kalen DeBoer, can’t afford to miss the College Football Playoff again. DeBoer has to prove he can maintain the Crimson Tide’s elite status.

Andrea Adelson: Florida State has to rebound from a disastrous 2024 season. After several losing seasons, the Seminoles need to show they can consistently compete at the highest level.

Adam Rittenberg: USC must deliver results under Lincoln Riley. With the Big Ten becoming more competitive, the Trojans need to start winning key games.

Coaches under Pressure

Brian Kelly (LSU)

Kyle Bonagura: Kelly has failed to lead LSU to the College Football Playoff in his three seasons. The expectations are high, and another underwhelming season could put him on the hot seat.

James Franklin (Penn State): Franklin has a loaded team but needs to win big games to silence his critics. His 1-14 record against AP top-five teams is a glaring issue.

Lincoln Riley (USC): With no conference championships in his first three seasons at USC, Riley must prove he can turn things around.

Quarterbacks to Watch

Carson Beck (Miami)

Heather Dinich: Beck, once a top NFL prospect, needs to bounce back after an injury-marred season. Playing at Miami following Cam Ward’s footsteps, he must prove he’s still a first-round talent.

Arch Manning (Texas)

Steve Sarkisian: Manning has the daunting task of leading Texas to their first national title since 2005. The pressure is immense, and he will be under the spotlight from day one.

Freshmen with High Expectations

Bryce Underwood (Michigan)

John Calipari: As the No. 1 overall recruit, Underwood has the potential to be a game-changer for Michigan. The Wolverines are counting on him to live up to the hype.

Dakorien Moore (Oregon)

Bruce Barnard: Moore, a highly-ranked wide receiver, could make a significant impact at Oregon. His speed and playmaking ability are exactly what the Ducks need.

Transfer Players with Something to Prove

Carson Beck (Miami)

Bill Connelly: After transferring from Georgia, Beck has the chance to revitalize his career at Miami. The Hurricanes are hoping he can lead them to a successful season.

Darian Mensah (Duke)

Adrienne Lawrence: Mensah, a high-profile transfer from Tulane, has the opportunity to lead Duke to the College Football Playoff. The expectations are sky-high.

Non-Quarterback Players with the Most to Prove

Jaden Greathouse (Notre Dame)

Heather Dinich: Greathouse had a breakout playoff performance, but he needs to show he can be a consistent threat for Notre Dame.

Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU)

Andrea Adelson: Perkins is looking to return to his Freshman All-American form after an injury-plagued 2024 season. LSU needs him to be at his best.