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Tag: Caleb Downs

  • Top Draft Classes of the 2026 NFL Draft: Winners and Losers

    The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books.

    The city of Pittsburgh set a new record, with an attendance of over 805,000 people, over the 3-day event.

    257 players had their dreams come true, hearing their names called on stage.

    The 1st pick wasn’t a surprise as National Champion and Heisman Trophy Winning QB Fernando Mendoza went to the Las Vegas Raiders.

    The Raiders also ended the epic slide of CB Jermod McCoy, when they took him with the 101st pick, in the 4th round. The slide was due to medical reports on his knee, otherwise he’d been takin in the 1st round.

    There were 11 Ohio State Buckeyes taken, the most in this 2026 NFL Draft Class.

    There were 10 Quarterbacks drafted.

    There were a whopping 36 WRs drafted.

    The Naval Academy had 2 players selected this year. DT Landon Robinson with the 226th pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick, to his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were taken in the 7th round.

    Mr. Irrelevant (the name for the player chosen last in the draft), is Red Murdock, LB, from the University of Buffalo.

    There were quite a few really good classes this year. Teams did really well at addressing needs and playing the board.

    There were also a few stinkers, as well.

    So, without further ado, here are a few of the best and worst team class this year.

    My Cleveland Browns had one of the best draft classes, however, I will be writing a stand-alone article on them, so they are not included here.

    BEST – Carolina Panthers.

    • Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs
    • Pick 49: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers
    • Pick 129: CB Will Lee lll, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats
    • Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions
    • Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH) RedHawks

    Every single one of these picks, have the chance to be full-time starters, either this season or next season. Freeling might be starting Day 1, because LT Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a major season ending injury late last season, and RT Taylor Morton is 31 years old and has only 2 years left on his contract.

    WORST – Jacksonville Jaguars

    • Pick 56: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 81: DI Albert Regis, Texas A&M Aggies
    • Pick 88: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks
    • Pick 100: S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Terrapins
    • Pick 119: ED Wesley Williams, Duke Blue Devils
    • Pick 164: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars
    • Pick 191: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor Bears
    • Pick 203: WR CJ Williams, Stanford Cardinal
    • Pick 233: ED Zach Durfee, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 240: LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

    I’m not even going to pretend to know, what the hell the Jaguars were doing. I’m sure this all makes sense in their heads, not only myself, but some Jaguars fans that I spoke to, are completely baffled. I will say this though…. OG Emmanuel Pregnon is a D-A-W-G!!! He was one of my favorite offensive linemen in this entire class.

    WORST – San Francisco 49ers

    • Pick 33: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi Rebels
    • Pick 70: ED Romello Height, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 90: HB Kaelon Black, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 107: DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners
    • Pick 127: T Carver Willis, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 139: CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies
    • Pick 154: LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
    • Pick 179: T Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas Jayhawks

    At least with the 49ers, I knew what their gameplan was here. They’re wanting Stribling to be the replacement for Aiyuk…..OK, but there were better players on the board. I do like CB Prysock. He’s a big corner with long arms, and does a good job locating the ball when it’s in the air. LT Trent Williams is probably retiring after this season, and by taking 2 OTs in Willis and Cruz Jr, they’re hoping for a mid/late round steal. It ain’t happening.

    BEST – New York Jets

    • Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
    • Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers
    • Pick 103: DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
    • Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
    • Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
    • Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what the New York Jets did in this class.
    They got the #1 rated DE/EDGE rusher.
    They got the #1 rated TE.
    They got my #4 WR prospect.
    They got the #1 rated Slot CB, who CAN play outside as well.
    Let me tell you, when Darrell Jackson keeps his hands disciplined and in line with his hips and feet, he just dominates inside. So much potential.
    QB Cade Klubnik had a down season, but he has great timing and accuracy on all levels of the field, with a smooth throwing motion. Do NOT be surprised, if he easily beats out Brady Cook for the backup QB spot, and plays significant time if Geno Smith struggles as the starter.

    WORST – Dallas Cowboys

    • Pick 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
    • Pick 23: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights
    • Pick 92: ED Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines
    • Pick 112: T Drew Shelton, Penn State Nittany Lions
    • Pick 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators
    • Pick 137: ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Pick 218: WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Pirates

    They had THE BEST pick in the 1st round, with the #1 overall player in the entire draft (safety Caleb Downs) just fall into their lap. After that, they completely tanked. They wanna get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, that’s great, but there were far better options at 23, 92, and even 137. It’s like they just threw spaghetti on the wall, and hoping that something sticks. OT Drew Shelton struggles against good competition, and the NFC East is a tough place for linemen.

    BEST – Miami Dolphins

    • Pick 12: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Aztecs
    • Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State Buckeyes
    • Pick 94: WR Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
    • Pick 130: LB Trey Moore, Texas Longhorns
    • Pick 138: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers
    • Pick 158: S Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns
    • Pick 177: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri Tigers
    • Pick 180: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State Bulldogs
    • Pick 200: G DJ Campbell, Texas Longhorns

    Other than their first pick (OT Kadyn Proctor), who is going to absolutely fail miserably, this is a GREAT draft by Miami. CB Chris Johnson is a Day 1 starting cornerback. LB Jacob Rodriguez is a turnover machine and is always around the football. WR Chris Bell was a LOCK to be a 1st Round WR before he tore his ACL late last season. He’s a great X WR and will be starting as soon as he is medically cleared. LB Kyle Louis is a tacking machine. S Michael Taaffe can do everything you need a safety to do.

    In summary, the 2026 Draft Class will go down as one of the strangest classes of all-time, certainly in my lifetime. Shocking picks, epic slides, a record-breaking number of trades, kept not just the teams on their toes, but fans on the edge of their seats or wondering….. “What the heck are they doing?”

    For the delicious breakfast bowls and bagels, as well as high protein snacks, and boba drinks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for special drinks and menu items.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Information courtesy of…..NFL, ESPN, and PFF.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and WTAE.

  • Best and the Worst, from the 1st Round, of the 2026 NFL Draft.

    The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books.

    In front of a record crowd of 320,000 people, we got the chaos and surprises that come, when nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen after pick #1.

    Indiana Hoosiers Heisman Trophy winning and National Championship QB, Fernando Mendoza went 1st to the Las Vegas Raiders.

    We all knew that the New York Jets were going to take a pass rusher; we just didn’t know which one. Was it going to be David Bailey, Arvell Reese, or Rueben Bain. They decided on Bailey from Texas Tech.

    The Arizona Cardinals decided to kick off the chaos by selecting HB Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame with the 3rd pick. He was my #2 overall player in this class. The highest a running back had been taken since 2018 (Saquon Barkley to the New York Giants).

    WR Carnell Tate from Ohio State, was the first WR to come off the draft board. But it wasn’t to the Cleveland Browns (my team), it was to the Tennessee Titans at #4.

    For the best high protein breakfast, as well as boba teas, drinks and snacks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. On the corner of US-49 and Tully Street

    Rounding out the Top 5, the New York Giants took pass rushing LB/EDGE, Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Making it back-to-back Buckeyes.

    For all 32 selections you can watch or visit ESPN or NFL Network.

    Without further ado, here are the best and worst of the 1st Round.

    Best overall pick – Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State.

    The Cowboys trade up from #12 to #11 for the best overall player in the entire class in Caleb Downs. He’s an elite, versatile safety, with exceptional football IQ and excellent leadership. Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker loves safeties that can play in the box, and single high. Downs is the perfect fit. Parker had to be doing backflips in the war room.

    Worst overall pick – Minnesota Vikings – Caleb Banks – DT – Florida.

    As soon as I saw this pick, I KNEW my friend Nick was not going to be happy, and he did not disappoint me and my fellow LabRoomFam in our group chat.

    He’s a big 6’6″, 327 lbs defensive lineman, that struggles in run stopping, and has had, not one, not two, but three, foot surgeries already. While he does a good job of splitting lineman, his pass rushing skills and moves are not polished, relying on his quick get off, which to be fair is quite good. They took the 4th best DT in the 1st round.

    For the best artisan pizzas and homemade pies in Van Wert County, stop by The Local Slice in Convoy, Ohio.

    Biggest surprise – Houston Texans – OG – Keylan Rutledge – Georgia Tech.

    I swear, the Texans do not believe in offensive line positions other than center. They just draft offensive guards and stick them at the other 4 positions. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rutledge, he was my OG3, but they need tackles. Are they just gonna line up and play old school, downhill, pound the rock, smashmouth football? As everyone knows, that’s my favorite style, but it’s unrealistic in today’s game.

    Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft are Friday Night, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures courtesy of…..MSN and yahoosports.

  • Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 5.

    A collage of various college sports team logos set against a black background, featuring symbols from popular universities.

    Week 5 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Army Black Knights (1-2) at East Carolina Pirates (2-2), at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    With conference play underway, the games start to have serious meaning towards season goals, and ultimately, the college football playoffs.

    With so many great games available to watch, I’m here to give you the 3 games that you should.

    1) #6 Oregon Ducks (4-0) at #3 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.

    Logos of the Oregon Ducks and the Penn State Nittany Lions on a blue background.

    The highflying Ducks offense is traveling across the country to take on the Nittany Lions, in Penn State’s “White out game”.

    Sophomore QB Dante Moore has thrown for 962 yards with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s completing 74.7% of his throws so, and the offense just hums along with quick strikes. The defense plays fast and downhill, making it difficult for opposing offenses to get anything started.

    The Penn State offense has been anemic to say the least. Has head coach James Franklin been holding back so far?

    The Nittany Lions have arguably the best running back tandem in the country with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They have a combined 8 TDs so far. QB Drew Allar was some people’s “QB1”, and he’s only thrown 4 TDs through 3 games. Their defense as always is tough and gets pressure on the quarterback. DC Jim Knowles will scheme something up for this big matchup.

    Prediction – Penn State is 13-8 in “White out games”, make it 13-9, as Oregon wins this game 31-27.

    2) #17 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) at #5 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

    Logo split of Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, showcasing their team symbols against contrasting backgrounds.

    Where is the running game? They’ve only rushed for a combined 371 yards and 4 TDs, through 3 games. Where is the defense? They only have 4 sacks total. Can junior QB Ty Simpson carry this team? He’s thrown for 862 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs so far. He just might have to find some magic.

    The Bulldogs have found their running game. They have 3 HBs already over 100 yards each, and as a team, have run for 627 yards and 10 TDs. That means that junior QB Gunnar Stockton just need to not make mistakes, and he’s done that so far, throwing for 722 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. It’s Georgia, which means fast and active linebackers and safeties flying all over the field making tackles.

    Prediction – I think this game is going to be ugly for Alabama. Give me Georgia to win 42-21.

    3) #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) at Washington Huskies (3-0).
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS and Paramount+.

    The logos of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Washington Huskies on a split background, with Ohio State's logo on red and Washington's logo on purple.

    The Buckeyes have arguably the best WR tandem in America, with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. That means sophomore QB Julian Sayin has a big edge. He’s thrown for 779 yards, with 8 TDs and 3 INTs. Projected starting HBs James Peoples and CJ Donaldson have been disappointing, but freshman HB Bo Jackson has done great in his brief appearances. On defense, S Caleb Downs is a playmaker that every team avoids, so LBs Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, are free to fly all over and wreak havoc.

    The Huskies offensive gameplan is simple; get the ball to senior HB Jonah Coleman, as much as possible. He has 51 carries, for 347 yards, and 9 TDs. Sophomore QB Demond Williams Jr, is a dual threat as well. He’s thrown for 778 yards, with 6 TDs and 0 INTs, but he’s also ran the ball 34 times, for 220 yards, with 2 TDs.

    KEY STAT: Washington has won 22 straight games at home.

    TRAP GAME ALERT!!!

    Prediction – The Huskies are going to give the Buckeyes, all they can handle. I won’t be shocked if they pull off the massive upset. However, I’m going with Ohio State to win a close game 42-38.

    – by Sean McKenzie.

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    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, ESPN, and CBSSports.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • Top 10 Returning College Football Players (Non-QB).

    A collage of various college football team logos displayed in a grid format.

    With the 2025-26 college football season starting in just under 100 days; I thought we should look and talk about the best returning players in the sport.

    This list does not include quarterbacks. Yes, it’s the most important position. There will be a sperate list for that.

    Y’all know me, so let’s get right into it.

    1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State.
      A college football player wearing a red jersey with the number 4 celebrates in the end zone, holding a football aloft, with a cheering crowd in the background.

      2024 stats – 76 receptions, for 1,315 yards, with 15 TDs.

      Smith broke multiple records at Ohio State in his freshman season with ease. He was the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and was a First-Team All-American.

      The crazy thing is that the 6’3″, 215 lbs sophomore, still has 2 years of college football to play. He was unguardable last season and will continue to improve under OC/WR coach Brian Hartline.

      Smith could walk into the NFL and be WR1 for most teams today. He has the size, speed, and hands to dominate the game for the next decade.

      2, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State.

      Ohio State football player celebrating during a game, dressed in a red jersey with the number 2, while fans in the background cheer.

      2024 stats – 81 total tackles, .5 sacks, 2 INTs, 6 PDs, 1 Punt Return TD.

      The 6’0″, 205 lbs junior can do everything on defense. He can come down and play in the box. He’s an excellent blitzer, hitting the gaps with speed. He can deliver big hits. He can drop back and play the deep safety. He can come up and play in the slot. He does it all.

      He adds additional value in the return game, as evidenced by his punt return touchdown against Indiana.

      As a sophomore last season, he won Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Award. He was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, and the Nagurski Award. He was also named a unanimous first team All-American.

      3. Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

      A Texas Longhorns football player celebrates on the field, wearing a white jersey with 'TEXAS' across the front. The player appears to be in action during a game, surrounded by teammates and opponents in the background.

      2024 stats – 113 total tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 1 PD.

      The 6’3″, 235 lbs junior was a second-team All-American last season. He has the speed and burst to beat the offensive tackle off the snap and is able to drop back in coverage. He goes for the football, evidenced by his 4 forced fumbles.

      4. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama.

      Wide receiver from Alabama making a catch in a football game, defended by an opposing player.

      2024 stats – 48 receptions, for 865 yards, with 8 TDs.

      The 6’0″, 185 lbs Williams started his freshman season very strong, scoring a touchdown in his first five games. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about him is SPEEEEEEDDDD.

      Williams is very fast, and if you don’t get hands on him at the line of scrimmage, you’re eating dust and seeing his numbers.

      He faded in the second half of last season. Teams figured out that he can be bullied on the LOS and be taken out of the play because of his small size.

      I think that changes this season, and he’ll be better using his hands of the snap. He was first-team All-SEC and Freshman All-American.

      5. Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame.

      A Notre Dame football player in a navy blue jersey and gold pants runs with the ball during a game. There's a crowd in the background, and team members are visible on the sidelines.

      2024 stats – 163 carries, for 1,125 yards, with 17 TDs. 28 receptions for 237 yards, with 2 TDs.

      The 6’0″, 212 lbs junior is the best running back in the country, especially when he’s healthy. All those numbers you see above and the highlights on YouTube, he did all that while battling a number of injuries.

      He has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. The power to break tackles and run between the lines. He has the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s improved his pass blocking and blitz pickup as he’s progressed in his time in South Bend.

      Fighting Irish OC Mike Denbrock even said that he was going to “deploy Love in the slot this season”, showing the he can be a playmaker anywhere.

      6. T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson.

      A Clemson football coach speaks to a player wearing an orange jersey with the number 12 during a practice or game. In the background, additional teammates are visible in orange uniforms.

      2024 stats – 57 total tackles, 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 PD.

      The 6’3″, 265 lbs junior set a new school record for forced fumbles and had the most sacks in a season for Clemson, since 2018. He has good burst at the snap, and he’s always looking for the football.

      Even if the offensive tackle gets his hands inside on him, Parker still has the strength to force him into the pocket and force the quarterback to get out of his rhythm.

      Parker was the only FBS player in 2024 to finish in the Top 10 nationally in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles.

      7. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech.

      A college football player wearing a red uniform with 'Red Raiders' on the chest, running on the field with a focused expression.

      2024 stats – 127 total tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1 Defensive TD.

      The 6’1″, 230 lbs senior is a tackling machine. He has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline. He has the strength to take on DT (see Iowa State game), and the toughness to take on the strongest of HBs at the LOS (see the hit on Arizona State HB Cam Skattebo).

      He has great hand usage, to get off of blockers and make the tackle. He wraps up and doesn’t let go.

      He was named Captain as a junior and has the complete trust of his teammates and coaches.

      8. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State.

      A football player wearing a blue and white uniform with the number 33, running on the field during a game at Penn State, showcasing his athleticism and readiness for action.

      2024 stats – 42 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 3 PD.

      The 6’5″, 265 lbs, senior has ideal size and length at the position. He has the burst to win off the edge and strength to bull rush through the offensive tackles body.

      He more than held his own, playing opposite of #3 draft pick Abdul Carter last season.

      He played his best football in the college football playoffs, getting 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an INT in those 3 games.

      With new DC Jim Knowles now running the defense, he’ll have even more opportunities to make his mark this upcoming season.

      9. Matayo Uiagalelei, OLB/EDGE, Oregon.

      An Oregon football player in a green uniform tackles an opposing player in a yellow uniform during a game.

      2024 stats – 38 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 1 PD.

      The 6’5″, 270 lbs junior led the Big Ten in sacks last season. He had at least one sack in nine straight games. He’s a straight pass rushing LB.

      He’s not going to go out there and keep up with TEs on verts and crosses.

      He’s going to give you strength, effort, a relentless motor, and more often than not, he wins his matchups.

      10. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson.

      Clemson football player wearing an orange jersey with the number 11, standing on the field during a game.

      2024 stats – 26 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 5 QB hurries.

      The 6’3″, 315 lbs junior is the best DT in America, and possibly the best overall defensive lineman in college football.

      That’s right, I said it.

      Woods has the strength and speed inside, to demand double teams on every play. You absolutely cannot have him one on one. What makes him even better, is that he can kick out and not only play DE but play it well.

      He can play in either a 4-3 or a 3-4, and be just as productive in both schemes.

      He plays his best games, against the best teams (see Georgia and Texas games) last season.

      Putting my “fan cap” on, I’d LOVE to see him in my Cleveland Browns Orange next season.

      A close-up of the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy on the football field, with empty stadium seats in the background under clear blue skies.

      There you go, the 10 best non-QB returning players for the upcoming college football season.

      Do you agree or disagree?

      Who would put in or take out?

      Let me know.

      – by Sean McKenzie

      Follow me on X (Twitter) at JoeAmerican6771 and allsportsfancom.

      Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.

      Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, athlonsports, on3, 247sports, clutchpoints, tigernet,texasfootball, clemsontigers, cnn.

    1. My College Football 2025 Way Too Early, Top 10 Rankings.

      Players from college football teams, including South Carolina, Ohio State, Texas, and Florida, are depicted in action, showcasing their team jerseys and helmets against a colorful background.

      The sparse spring football games are over.

      The spring transfer portal is closed.

      The college football calendar has a brief lull in it, as graduation ceremonies start taking place, and summer break coming up.

      So, I figured now is the time to get my 1st “rankings” article out.

      There is NO “clear cut” number 1 team out there this upcoming season. They all have weaknesses, they’ve lost a lot of starters, they got a new quarterback, got to rebuild the offensive line, etc, etc.

      So, here we go….

      #1 Penn State Nittany Lions.

      Logo of the Penn State Nittany Lions with the text 'Penn State' and a silhouette of a lion.

      WE ARE PENN STATE!!!

      The Nittany Lions have my #2 ranked returning QB returning in Drew Allar. They have my #1 returning backfield in HBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They always have a guy that can rush the quarterback.

      They got 2 EXCELLENT transfer WRs in Trebor Pena (84 catches, for 941 yards and 9 TDs at Syracuse), and Devonte Ross (76 catches, for 1,043 yards, and 11 TDs from Troy).

      They get the Oregon Ducks at home on September 27th. They have back-to-back road games against Iowa on October 18th, then get 13 days off before going into Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 1st.

      #2 Texas Longhorns.

      Logo of the Texas Longhorns with a stylized longhorn skull on an orange and gray background, featuring the word 'TEXAS'.

      The “Arch Manning Era” has officially begun.

      He did well, when he had to start for the injured Quinn Ewers, going 61 of 90, for 939 yards, with 9 TDs and 2 INTs, PLUS, don’t forget about his running ability. 25 carries, for 108 yards and 4 TDs. Can he stand up to a full season of college football? We’ll see.

      They brought in 4 defensive linemen from the transfer portal (Maraad Watson, Travis Shaw, Cole Brevard, and Lavon Johnson). They’re going to rely on 2 freshmen at WR in Ryan Wingo and transfer Emmett Mosley V, to come in and keep the recent trend of strong play, going at that position.

      They open the season at Ohio State on August 30th. That will be a HUGE game for both teams. Of course, you have the Red Rivalry against Oklahoma on September 11th, but their 2nd hardest game isn’t until November 11th at Georgia.

      #3 Ohio State Buckeyes.

      Ohio State Buckeyes logo on a dark background featuring repeating leaf patterns.

      The Buckeyes have the #1 offensive player in the country in WR Jeremiah Smith AND the #1 defensive player in the country in S Caleb Downs.

      YES, they have to replace 14 players that were drafted into the NFL in April, but they always have one of the top recruiting classes every year, so the cupboard is never bare, let alone dearth. Transfer TE Max Klare (51 catches, for 685 yards and 4 TDs) from Purdue will add a different dimension to the passing game over the middle. DE Beau Atkinson (35 tackles, and 7.5 sacks) the transfer from North Carolina will look to ease the loss of Sawyer and JTT.

      The biggest question is….Who is the starting QB?

      My source in Columbus has told me that Julian Sayin has already wrapped it up, the coaching staff is just keeping it to themselves.

      Ohio State gets Texas at home in the season opener. That game will say a lot about where this team is with all the new players and new staff. Of course, the biggest game in ALL of college sports is Ohio State vs Michigan on November 29th.

      #4 Georgia Bulldogs.

      Georgia Bulldogs logo on a textured red background.

      HC Kirby Smart is always going to put a tough defense on the field. He went out and got LB Elo Modozie (34 tackles and 6.5 sacks) from Army, to add to returning LBs CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson.

      Transfer HB Josh McCray (117 carries, for 609 yards and 10 TDs) from Illinois will add some old-school between the tackles toughness, to compliment the speed of returning HB Nate Fraizer. They’re hoping that transfer WRs Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (USC) add some much needed production outside.

      They do get Alabama (9/27) and Texas (11/15) at home this season. They have no real “road test” in 2025. They play Florida in their rivalry game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.

      #5 Clemson Tigers.

      Clemson logo featuring a stylized paw print with an orange and red gradient background.

      The Tigers have my #1 ranked QB in all of college football in Cade Klubnik. He has returning playmakers at WR in Antonio Williams and Bryant Westco, and an experienced offensive line in front of him.

      They have no running game to speak of, as Phil Mafah went to the NFL and Jay Haynes is still recovering from a torn ACL. Freshman HB Gideon Davidson COULD start from day one. He was the #3 ranked HB in the 2025 recruiting class.

      They open the season against LSU at home on August 30th. That’ll be a tough game. The ACC isn’t what it once was. Their toughest conference games are home against SMU (10/18) and at Louisville (11/14).

      #6 LSU Tigers.

      Collage featuring the LSU Tigers logo and players in action, showcasing team spirit and excitement for college football.

      My #3 ranked QB Garrett Nussmeimer threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 TDs last season. He got help at WR in the transfer portal with Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky) coming in.

      They did lose 4 starters on the offensive line, so that is a problem. HC Brian Kelly is hoping that transfers C Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and G Josh Thompson (Northwestern) will step in and sure up that weakness.

      The defense is hoping that LB Harold Perkins Jr is able to get back to his freshman and sophomore numbers, after only playing in 4 games last season, due to injury.

      The Tigers play the afore mentioned Clemson Tigers on the road to start the season. They play Alabama (11/8) on the road, but they do get Florida (9/13), South Carolina (10/11), and Texas A&M (10/25) at home this season.

      #7 Oregon Ducks.

      A vibrant graphic featuring a green and black Oregon Ducks football helmet with a stylized background, showcasing the team's logo prominently.

      There is a tight QB battle between former 5-star recruit Dante Moore and Austin Novosad. Whoever wins that race just needs to not do anything stupid. This is a young team on offense, that will probably really on the running game. Big time transfer HB Makhi Hughes comes in from Tulane, where he had 265 carries, for 1,401 yards, and 15 TDs.

      HC Dan Lanning always has a good defense on the field, and this season is no exception, as LBs Devon Jackson, Teitum Tuioti, Matayo Uiagalelei, and leading tackler Bryce Boettcher return.

      They get Oklahoma State at home September 6th, which is a sleeper great game. Conference games at Penn State (9/27) and at Iowa (11/8) are their toughest in conference opponents.

      #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

      Logo of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish featuring the university name and mascot in gold and navy colors.

      The Fighting Irish have arguably the #1 ranked HB in the country Jeremiyah Love back. Junior HB Jadarian Price isn’t a slouch as a backup either (120A-746Y-7TDs).

      They got some much needed help at WR in the portal with Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin).

      They lost 3 contributors along the offensive line, so that vaunlted depth that ND usually has is gone this season.

      They have a QB battle between freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey. According to reports, Carr had the edge coming out of spring practice.

      Notre Dame has a tough 2 games to open the season. They play at Miami(FL) on (8/31), then they have Texas A&M at home on (9/13).

      #9 Alabama Crimson Tide.

      Logo of the Alabama Crimson Tide featuring a stylized 'A' in a circular design with the team's name.

      Yes, HC Kalen DeBoer had a rough first season as the HC, but there is too much talent on this team to fall completely off the map.

      WR Ryan Williams is back after his breakout freshman season. He added 6’5″ transfer WR Isaiah Horton from Miami (FL) to add some size. The offensive line returns 3 starters, including LT Kadyn Proctor.

      Experienced LBs Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson return. CB Domani Jackson and S Keon Sabb are back in the secondary.

      Alabama plays Georgia in Athens on (9/27) but gets LSU at home on (11/8). The Iron Bowl against in-state rival Auburn, is in Auburn on (11/29).

      #10 Illinois Fighting Illini.

      Logo of the University of Illinois featuring an orange 'I' on a blue background.

      That’s right I said it!!!

      The Fighting Illini won 10 games last season, and are returning their starting QB Luke Altmyer, all 5 starting offensive linemen, their entire starting secondary, and their best LB Gabe Jacas.

      They got WR Hudson Clement (West Virginia) in the portal, along with DL James Thompson Jr (Wisconsin), Curt Neal (Wisconsin), and Tomiwa Durojaiye (Florida State).

      They should be undefeated heading into their home game against USC (9/27). They get Ohio State at home on (10/11). They have to face Wisconsin (11/22) in Madison, and I know that Luke is angry about losing starters to Bielema.

      This team could absolutely sneak into the Big Ten title game and maybe the College Football Playoffs.

      Question – Who is your surprise team for the upcoming college football season?

      – by Sean McKenzie

      Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.

      Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapersafari and on3.