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Tag: College Football

  • 5 Non-Conference College Football Games, You Should Pay Attention To.

    A lineup of football players wearing various colorful uniforms, showcasing different team colors and logos, against a dark background.

    As we come up on the midpoint of the summer calendar, we start counting down the days until the first college football game of the new season. 66 days by the way, as of this writing.

    The first few weeks is mostly non-conference games.

    There are always big games, like this year we have Texas traveling to Columbus to take on Ohio State.

    In a big surprise for us college football fans, an SEC team is actually traveling, to play a big non-conference game at another school. They typically always, always make them a neutral site game, which is garbage for the sport.

    LSU is heading northeast to play the Clemson Tigers, in Memorial Stadium.

    Upsets always happen. Teams that have no business “staying close” to a powerhouse, almost beat them.

    Example of that happened last season, as the Bowling Green Falcons from the MAC, almost beat Penn State (Big Ten) and Texas A&M (SEC). Losing both games ONLY by a combined 13 points.

    So, without further ado, here are 5 non-conference games, that you should watch and pay attention to (in no particular order).

    Logo and emblem of the Toledo Rockets combined with the logo of the Kentucky Wildcats, representing a college football matchup.

    Toledo Rockets (MAC) at Kentucky Wildcats (SEC).
    August 30th.
    Game starts at 12:45 PM (EST) on SEC Network.

    Kentucky is coming off a 4-8 season and ended HC Mark Stoops 8-season bowl streak. They are replacing starters at every skill position on offense and most positions on defense. Stoops hit the transfer portal hard, and got a lot of new players from G5 schools. Stoops hasn’t had consecutive losing seasons since 2015.

    Toledo returns their starting QB Tucker Gleason, speedy WR Junior Vandeross, and 3 starting offensive lineman. HB Chip Trayanum transferred in from Kentucky and Ohio State. They also return their entire secondary from last season.

    I am officially calling the upset in this one. The Rockets travel the 284 miles down I-75, and get their 2nd straight upset over an SEC opponent.

    Logos of Auburn Tigers and Baylor Bears displayed on a dark background.

    Auburn Tigers (SEC) at Baylor Bears (Big-12).
    August 29th.
    Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.

    This game is getting a bit of buzz, especially from Josh Pate (check him out on YouTube. I listen daily). and rightfully so.

    While neither team is going to win their conference, this game is going to shape their individual seasons.

    Auburn has a new starter behind center in transfer QB Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma), and a very good WR corps, with top WR transfer Eric Singleton Jr (Georgia Tech), and returning starters Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons. Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkins has DE Keldric Faulk (7 sacks) returning and 4 returning starters in the secondary. They only had 13 total takeaways though, so he’ll hope that number improves.

    Baylor returns almost their entire offense from last season, led by QB Sawyer Robertson, was tied for the 19th ranked scoring offense in the country last season. On defense, the Bears hit the transfer portal HARD. Basically, shopping at the Big-10 store, bringing in players from Ohio State, Northwestern, and Oregon to make improvements on one of the worst defenses in the Big-12.

    This game is going to be a shootout, and maybe even go into OT…..or 5.

    Logos of Ohio Bobcats and West Virginia Mountaineers on a split colored background with ESPN+ branding.

    West Virginia Mountaineers (Big-12) at Ohio Bobcats (MAC).
    September 6th.
    Game starts at 4:00 PM (EST) on ESPNU.

    HC Rich Rodriguez is back in Morgantown for his 2nd stint, where he was 60-26 in 7 years the first time around. He has his work cut out for him, as he’s replacing all but 2 starters on offense. Good news is that 6 players followed Rich-Rod from Jacksonville State on this side of the ball. Bad news is that he’s replacing every single starter on defense. He’s really hoping that transfer DE Jimmori Robinson, who was C-USA DPOTY (10.5 sacks at UTSA) will lead the way.

    QB Parker Navarro threw for 2,423 yards and ran for another 1,054 yards, and he returns for the Bobcats. 2 starting WRs and their starting TE also return, to lead a dangerous offense. The defense got absolutely smashed in the transfer portal. Only 3 starters return, and they’re all in the secondary.

    It’s only 149 miles between these 2 schools; it’s not like they’re strangers. Expect some trash talk and points on the board in this one.

    Logo of Boise State Broncos and Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a stadium background.

    Boise State Broncos (Mountain West) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Independent).
    October 4th.
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.

    Notre Dame has arguably the best running back in American returning in Jeremiyah Love. They always have a good/great offensive line. The offense will go through the running game. On defense they have an excellent pair of CBs in Christian Gray and Leonard (trial by fire last season for Moore after Morrison went down). Though no starters return on the defensive line, they all played significant snaps last season, whether through rest or injury.

    Yes, the Broncos lost Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, but QB Maddux Madsen returns after throwing for 3,018 yards with 23 TDs to only 8 INTs. In front of him, 4 starters are returning on the offensive line. On defense, Boise State led the entire country in sacks last season with 55. 3 of their top 4 sack leaders are returning in DE Virgin-Morgan (10), S Seyi Oladipo (6.5), and DT Braxton Fely (5.5).

    If you aren’t excited for this game as a college football fan, you aren’t a fan. How can you not be excited to see the Boise blue at Notre Dame Stadium?

    If Boise State loses, they have NO CHANCE of making the college football playoffs.

    Logo split between Virginia Tech Hokies and Vanderbilt Commodores, showcasing their team colors.

    Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC) at Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC).
    September 6th.
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ACC Network.

    Vanderbilt’s starting QB Diego Pavia is back for his final season, after throwing for 2,293 yards with 20 TDs to only 4 INTs, while adding 800 yards and 8 TDs rushing as well. They return 7 starters on a defense that only allowed 23.4 points per game all of last season. Their magical season last year, started by beat Virginia Tech at home.

    The Hokies have a good dual threat QB in Kyron Drones. When he’s healthy, he’s as good as anyone in the country. Transfer HB Terion Stewart (Bowling Green) is going to give the offense some power and pop in the running game. On defense, they must replace their entire secondary and defensive line, but they return both starting LBs.

    Clark Lea and Vanderbilt need to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke. What better way to start that process than back-to-back wins over a P4 school with prestige.

    HC Brent Pry is on the hot seat in Blacksburg. If he loses to Vandy again, the cries for his job will get even louder.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, athlonsports, and MSN.

  • Top 5 College Football Coaches “On the Hot Seat” for the 2025-26 Season.

    A grid displaying various college football team logos, featuring symbols from universities like Florida State, Michigan, Auburn, and others.

    The college football season starts on Saturday, August 23rd. That’s just 66 days away (as of this writing).

    The coaching carousel ran its course in the offseason, with big names like Rich Rodriguez heading back to West Virginia. Dan Mullen leaving the booth to take the job at UNLV. Bronco Mendenhall going to Utah State. Of course, the one that got all the headlines was Bill Belichick leaving the NFL and taking the job at North Carolina.

    So, we now look ahead to the 2025-26 season, and which coaches are or could be coaching for their jobs.

    Group of Wisconsin Badgers football players in red uniforms walking onto the field, led by their head coach.

    Luke Fickell – Wisconsin – (12-13 overall. 8-10 in the Big Ten).

    I was all on this train back in 2023 when he was named the Badgers head coach. After compiling a 57-18 record at Cincinnati and taking them to the College Football Playoff. That success just hasn’t translated in Madison.

    Wisconsin missed a bowl game for the first time since 2001, after going only 5-7 last year, and is only 12-13 in his 2 seasons. Getting smoked by rivals Iowa and Minnesota doesn’t make it any easier.

    The alumni and the fans are not going to tolerate another losing season and are already demanding action. He must at the very minimum make a bowl game, or he’s getting canned.

    A football coach wearing sunglasses and a headset, looking thoughtfully during a game.

    Hugh Freeze – Auburn – (11-14 overall, 5-11 in the SEC).

    Unlike at up north, I didn’t like this hire at all in 2023. So far, I’ve been proven right.

    They always have talent at Auburn, and for a team with the history and traditions this is unacceptable to their alumni and fanbase.

    There is a bit of hope here though. Freeze had great success in the transfer portal, landing QB Jackson Arnold and the #1 WR in Eric Singleton Jr. They return almost their entire OL intact as well.

    While it would be nice to beat Alabama and/or Georgia, it isn’t a necessity right now, just don’t get clobbered again. A bowl game is an absolute must for this team.

    College football coach wearing a headset, deep in thought during a game.

    Mike Norvell – Florida State – (33-27 overall, 20-20 in the ACC).

    You do not go from an undefeated 13-0, to a 1-11 against FBS teams the very next season and think your butt ain’t on the line.

    The college football world just doesn’t work that way.

    They’ve been recruiting as well as any program in the country and have the NIL money to spend in the portal, which they do.

    Something just isn’t right in that locker room down in Tallahassee.

    Norvell brought in 2 brand new coordinators in Gus Malzahn (OC) and Tony White (DC).

    They hit the portal hard, getting 4 new starters along the offensive line, 2 new starters at wide receiver Duce Robinson (USC) and Squirrel While (TENN). They brought in another transfer quarterback in Tommy Castellanos (Boston College), who worked with Malzahn when both were at UCF.

    They MUST win at least one rivalry game (CLEM, MIA, UF) and make a bowl game, or he’ll be unemployed before leaving the locker room on November 29th.

    A football coach for USC stands with arms crossed on the field, looking focused while players are positioned nearby in uniform.

    Lincoln Riley – USC – (26-14 overall, 17-10 in conference).

    Since quarterback Caleb Williams went to the NFL, Riley only has a record of 18-12 overall.

    8-5 in 2023 and 7-6 in 2024.

    USC has one of the best and richest histories and traditions in all of college football. Who doesn’t get goosebumps watching Traveler gallop onto the field. The Trojan Warrior piercing the turf at midfield with his sword.

    The USC alumni has proven that they have NO QUALMS about paying out a “buyout penalty” and Riley’s is reportedly $90 million dollars.

    Riley must win 9 games, make a bowl game, and beat UCLA if he’s going to keep his job.

    A college football coach observing players during practice, wearing a red Oklahoma uniform and a cap, showing a focused expression.

    Brent Venables – Oklahoma – (22-17 overall, 17-10 in conference).

    Like Luke Fickell, I was all about this hire by the Sooners. Venables was a great defensive coordinator at Clemson, and deserved his shot.

    Nobody said the transition from the Big-12 to the SEC was going to be easy. The 6-7 record last season, gave the Sooners 2 losing seasons in the last 3 years, and they hadn’t had a losing season since 1998 (5-6).

    Fairly or not, Venables and Oklahoma’s successes and failures are directly tied to the burnt orange and white of Texas.

    The Longhorns success since joining the SEC really puts the pressure on Brent in his 4th season at the helm.

    To keep his job, I believe it starts with Oklahoma beating Michigan at home in Week 2, and somehow find a way to win 8 games, and make a bowl.

    Question of the day – Which head coach do you think has the hottest seat in college football?

    – by Sean McKenzie.

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

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA, ESPN, Lindy’s, sports-reference, and Athlon Sports.

    Pictures courtesy of…..on3, MSN, LATimes, and wallpapercave.

  • 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.