Spring Football: Who Has the Most to Prove?
As the anticipation for spring football builds, it’s time to cast our eyes forward to the upcoming season and identify the teams, coaches, and players with the most to prove. With the College Football Playoff and national championships on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. Let’s dive into the key storylines and see who needs to step up in 2025.
Quarterbacks with a Point to Prove
Carson Beck, the former Georgia quarterback, is back for another season, but this time he’s donning a Miami Hurricanes jersey. After an injury sidelined him during the College Football Playoff, Beck is eager to prove himself once more. The question is, what does Beck need to accomplish at Miami to re-enter the first-round draft conversation?
Meanwhile, at Penn State, Drew Allar is gearing up for a pivotal season. The Nittany Lions, led by James Franklin, are returning their top running backs and an experienced quarterback in Allar. After a tough loss to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinal last season, what do Penn State and Allar need to demonstrate to silence the doubters?
Teams with the Most to Prove
Jake Trotter: The Penn State Nittany Lions haven’t claimed a national championship in nearly four decades, despite an unbeaten season in 1994. With Drew Allar, one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, and the top returning running back duo in the nation, the Nittany Lions are poised for a breakthrough. The Big Ten powerhouses, Ohio State and Michigan, are introducing freshman passers, while Oregon and Indiana have graduated their star quarterbacks. Penn State’s acquisition of Jim Knowles from Ohio State, who coordinated the top defense in the country, further bolsters their chances. This season presents the best opportunity for the Nittany Lions to win the Big Ten and potentially a national title.
Bill Connelly: It’s hard to argue against Penn State. The Nittany Lions are all-in, boasting some of the most proven stars in the country. While questions remain about their receiving corps, their schedule is manageable, with a crucial game against Ohio State on Nov. 1. The time for a breakthrough is now.
Chris Low: Alabama always has something to prove. With Nick Saban’s legacy of six national championships, the pressure is on Kalen DeBoer in his second season to avoid missing the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year. DeBoer has recruited well and retained Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator. The 2025 season is crucial for the Crimson Tide.
Andrea Adelson: While Penn State is an obvious choice, Florida State has even more to prove after a disastrous 2024 campaign. The Seminoles went from 13-1 and ACC champions in 2023 to 2-10 in just one season. With five losing seasons in the past seven years, Florida State needs to demonstrate that their recent success wasn’t a fluke.
Adam Rittenberg: USC, under Lincoln Riley, has yet to deliver on the high expectations set when he was hired. With a 26-14 record, one division title, and no league championships or CFP berths, USC must start producing results. The Big Ten is getting tougher, and USC needs to prove they can compete at the highest level.
Ryan McGee: Oregon, under Dan Lanning, has been close but hasn’t secured a title. With two consecutive seasons ending in disappointment, the Ducks need to break the cycle and prove they can win it all.
Kyle Bonagura: Colorado made significant strides last season, narrowly missing the Big 12 title game. However, with the departure of key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders faces a challenging season ahead.
Coaches Under the Spotlight
Bonagura: Cal’s Justin Wilcox is making bold moves this offseason, hiring former Boise State and Auburn coach Bryan Harsin as OC and bringing in former NFL head coach Ron Rivera. Wilcox, entering his ninth season, has yet to achieve a winning record in conference play. The pressure is on to turn things around.
Trotter: James Franklin’s record against top teams is under scrutiny. With a loaded team, it’s time for Franklin to win the big games and prove Penn State’s mettle.
Connelly: Oklahoma’s Brent Venables faces pressure after two losing seasons. Despite a challenging schedule, Venables needs to translate recruiting success into on-field results.
Low: Lincoln Riley at USC is feeling the heat. With no conference championships and a declining trajectory, Riley must turn things around in his fourth season.
McGee: Brian Kelly at LSU needs to figure out how to win big games, especially in Week 1.
Rittenberg: Brian Kelly’s move to LSU was meant to bring national titles, but the Tigers have yet to make the CFP. With improved recruiting, anything short of a CFP appearance will raise doubts.
Hale: Bill Belichick’s transition to college football at North Carolina is under the microscope. Can his NFL success translate to college victories?
Quarterbacks with Something to Prove
Hale: Carson Beck’s move to Miami is a chance to reignite his draft prospects. After a challenging season at Georgia, Beck needs to prove he’s still a top quarterback.
Trotter: Arch Manning at Texas is under immense pressure to lead the Longhorns to a national championship. With high expectations, Manning’s performance will be closely watched.
Rittenberg: Drew Allar’s tears after the CFP semifinal loss highlight the pressure on him and Penn State. With a strong season, Allar could be a top NFL draft pick.
Adelson: Miller Moss at Louisville has a chance to shine under coach Jeff Brohm. With a talented supporting cast, Moss can lead Louisville to success.
McGee: Arch Manning’s hype is unmatched, and anything less than an SEC title will be seen as a disappointment.
Connelly: Drew Allar’s potential is evident, but he needs to elevate his game to lead Penn State to victory.
Low: Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava has the talent to be a difference-maker. With high expectations, Iamaleava needs to deliver in the SEC.
Transfers and Freshmen to Watch
Low: Darian Mensah’s move to Duke comes with high expectations. With impressive numbers at Tulane, Mensah needs to elevate Duke to playoff contention.
Connelly: Patrick Payton’s transfer to LSU is a chance for redemption. A strong season could boost his draft stock and LSU’s prospects.
Trotter: Carson Beck’s transfer to Miami is a fresh start. With high expectations, Beck needs to prove he’s a top quarterback.
Rittenberg: John Mateer’s move to Oklahoma is crucial. With a strong season, Mateer can secure Brent Venables’ future and elevate Oklahoma’s offense.
Bonagura: Devon Dampier’s transfer to Utah is significant. With questions about the team’s future, Dampier’s performance will be closely watched.
Freshmen with Potential
Low: Dakorien Moore at Oregon is a top recruit with the potential to make an impact. With elite speed and talent, Moore can elevate Oregon’s offense.
Trotter: Bryce Underwood at Michigan has immense expectations. As the No. 1 recruit, Underwood needs to prove he’s worth the hype.
Adelson: Clemson’s Gideon Davidson has a chance to shine. With opportunities in the backfield, Davidson can make a significant impact.
Rittenberg: Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis at Colorado is a key player for the Buffs. With high expectations, Lewis needs to lead the team to success.
Connelly: Keelon Russell at Alabama has the potential to be a game-changer. With high expectations, Russell needs to deliver for the Crimson Tide.
Non-Quarterback Players to Watch
Trotter: Notre Dame’s Jaden Greathouse needs to build on his playoff performances. With potential, Greathouse can lead the Fighting Irish to success.
Connelly: Kyron Hudson at Penn State needs to step up. With potential, Hudson can elevate Penn State’s receiving corps.
Low: Miami’s Francis Mauigoa has the potential to be the best tackle in the country. With high expectations, Mauigoa needs to deliver.
Hale: Clemson’s Peter Woods has the potential to be a force. With a new scheme, Woods can elevate Clemson’s defense.
Adelson: LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. needs to return to form. With potential, Perkins can lead LSU’s defense to success.
Rittenberg: Zachariah Branch at Georgia has the potential to be a playmaker. With high expectations, Branch needs to deliver for the Bulldogs.
Originally Written by: ESPN
