10 Intriguing NCAAF Teams Heading Into 2025: Alabama’s QB Battle, Penn State’s Championship Push & More

Spring Football Storylines to Watch

The college football landscape continues evolving rapidly with transfer portal movement and NIL reshaping rosters. While spring games may provide limited insights, several teams enter the 2025 season with compelling narratives that could define their campaigns.

Alabama: The Post-Saban Transition Continues

Why they matter: Even after a rare 9-4 season, SP+ projects Alabama as a national title contender - if they solve their quarterback situation.

• Roster strength: Returns sophomore phenom WR Ryan Williams, most of the offensive line, and 13 defensive contributors
• QB competition: Ty Simpson appears the frontrunner but must fend off promising underclassmen
• Early tests: Face FSU, Wisconsin, and Georgia before October - no soft landing for new starter

Clemson: Searching for Offensive Explosiveness

Why they matter: The Tigers need Cade Klubnik to develop deep-ball consistency to complement their elite defense.

• Playoff potential: Returns most production in nation, led by emerging WR T.J. Moore
• Defensive questions: New DC Tom Allen must improve unit that hasn't ranked top-10 since 2021
• Immediate test: Host SEC power LSU in critical Week 1 showdown

LSU: The Ultimate Transfer Portal Experiment

Why they matter: Brian Kelly assembled a dream team of transfers for one final push at playoff glory.

• Proven playmakers: QB Garrett Nussmeier returns after top-15 QBR season
• Defensive upgrades: Added impact transfers at CB (Delane, Jackson) and DE (Payton, Butler)
• Coaching pressure: Kelly needs breakthrough after three straight 3+ loss seasons

Michigan: New Era Under Center

Why they matter: The defending champs landed the nation's top freshman QB to fix their offensive woes.

• Bryce Underwood hype: True freshman generating major spring buzz
• Defensive questions: Must replace three likely first-round NFL draft picks
• Schedule advantage: Avoids Ohio State during regular season

Penn State: Championship or Bust

Why they matter: With key veterans returning and new DC Jim Knowles, this might be Franklin's best roster yet.

• Elite consistency: 33-1 as favorites since 2022 but 0-6 as underdogs
• QB experience: Drew Allar returns for senior season
• Portal additions: WR transfers Ross and Hudson add needed playmaking

Other Teams to Watch

• North Carolina: Bill Belichick's college coaching debut
• Oklahoma: Young offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's system install
• UNLV: Dan Mullen's attempted program turnaround
• Utah: Exciting new spread offense with QB Devon Dampier
• Washington State: Jimmy Rogers' FCS-to-FBS culture transplant

Final Thoughts

The 2025 season appears wide open, with traditional powers navigating transitions while programs like LSU go all-in through the transfer portal. While spring answers may be limited, these 10 teams will provide fascinating storylines throughout the summer and into the fall campaign.