Tag: Texas

The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 7.

What a slate of college football games there is to choose from here in Week 7.

The week started last night, with Missouri State beating Middle Tennessee State 22-20, and Liberty beating UTEP 19-8.

We have big time ranked matchups in the Big Ten and SEC.

We have the annual Red River Shootout (I refuse to call it Red River Rivalry, PC can kiss my butt), between #6 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) taking on the Texas Longhorns (3-2) at 3:30 PM on ABC. As history has shown, records mean nothing in this heated rivalry.

With so many games to choose from, here are the Top 3 games, that you SHOULD watch this weekend.

I am 10-5 in my predictions so far this season.

1) #7 Indiana Hoosiers (5-0) at #3 Oregon Ducks (5-0).
Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS.

Yes, the Indiana Hoosiers are not just highly ranked, they’re a good FOOTBALL team. For those of us who are older, it’s been a long time since we could say that, and let’s be honest….it does feel good.

Curt Cignetti has come in and turned this program around. The Hoosiers are led by QB Fernando Mendoza, who’s completing 73% of his throws, for 1,208 yards with 16 TDs, to only 1 INT. He hasn’t made many mistakes, and goes through his progressions well. On defense, they get pressure off the line and are fairly gap sound. With 16 team sacks, they’ve forced 7 INTs this year.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning continues to chug along and win ball games. The Ducks are led by QB Dante Moore. He’s completing 74.6% of his passes, for 1,210 yards, with 14 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s shown great poise and decision making as only a sophomore. This is a fast and fundamentally sound defense. They stay in their lanes don’t give up many YACs in the run or pass.

Prediction – We’re going to find out if Indiana is “for real – real”. I think they’re going to hang tough, but it’s hard for opponents to win in Autzen Stadium. Give me the Ducks to pull away late and win 42- 31.

2) #15 Michigan Wolverines (4-1) at USC Trojans (4-1).
Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.

This game isn’t getting talked about enough, by the “national pundits” This is a MUST WIN for the Trojans, after a tough road loss last week, and next week’s game is a very tough game.

The hype around Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood was extremely high. His performance on the field, thus far, has been extremely disappointing. The REAL leader of this offense is HB Justice Haynes. He has 85 carries, for 654 yards, with 8 TDs. He’s averaging 7.7 yards per carry. It’s a Wink Martindale defense, which means pressure and forcing turnovers. With 15 team sacks and 7 INTs, it’s the same old, same old. Fast, tough, and sound. I love defenses like this.

USC QB Jordan Maiava has come in and done better than almost everyone thought he would. He’s completing 70.5% of his passes, for 1,587 yards, with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. HB Waymond Jordan takes the pressure off with his ability vision and ability to hit the hole FAST. He has 537 yards, on 77 carries, with 5 TDs, and averaging 7.0 yards per carry. The defense has been MUCH improved. They have 17 team sacks, 6 INTs, and have forced 6 fumbles. Senior LB Eric Gentry is the guy to watch, as he has 30 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

Prediction – As stated above, this is a must win for USC. It’s a home game, sandwiched between two tough road games. I’M CALLING THE UPSET HERE!!! The Trojans get it done in a close game 28-24.

3) #24 University of South Florida Bulls (4-1) at University of North Texas Mean Green (5-0).
Game is Friday Night, at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN 2.

The winner of this of this big time American Athletic Conference game, could very well end up getting the “G5 at large” spot in the College Football Playoffs.

The South Florida Bulls are battle tested, with wins over Boise State and Florida. They’re lone loss is to MY #1 team in the country, Miami Hurricanes. They’re led by dual-threat QB Byrum Brown. He’s thrown for 1,194 yards, with 10 TDs to 4 INTs. He’s also ran for 282 yards, on 64 carries, with 3 TDs. LB Mac Harris has been incredible so far this season. He has 42 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.

Freshman QB Drew Mestemaker has come in and shown great poise and decision making, so young. He’s thrown for 1,247 yards, with 11 TDs and 0 INTs. The Mean Green LBs are just dominate. Thier starting 3 have 119 of the 359 team tackles (33%). They also have 3 of the teams 6 INTs. The DL holds up well, so that these guys can fly all over and make plays.

Prediction – The Mean Green defense is for real. The Bulls are for real. It’s going to be a great, close, low scoring game. The big game experience that South Florida has this season, will be the difference. I’m taking the Bulls to win 24-17.

– by Sean McKenzie

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

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 9, 2025
Week 6 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

WOW!!!

That’s the only word that can describe Week 6 of the college football season.

Then ranked #7 Penn State got beat 42-37, by a UCLA Bruins team, that hadn’t won a game all season.

Then #9 Texas lost to unranked Florida 29-21, in the swamp.

FYI, the final scores of those games do not indicate the true picture of how bad PSU and UT actually looked on the field.

Then #14 Iowa State could not overcome losing BOTH their starting CBs for the season, during the week, and lost to unranked Cincinnati 38-30.

The #3 Hurricanes and then ranked #18 Seminoles gave us a great game, as Miami won 28-22.

#10 Alabama got revenge on then ranked #16 Vanderbilt 30-14. In a game that was closer than the final score as well.

Then ranked #24 Virigina beat Louisville, in overtime, 30-27. The ACC has been completely whack-a-doo so far this season.

With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 6 college football Helmet Stickers Awards.

(Team) UCLA Bruins.

The Bruins hadn’t won a game all season AND already fired their head coach. EVERYONE had written them off for this season, but they reminded the whole college football world to, NEVER POKE A BEAR.

Congratulations to all the players and staff.

(Offense) Blake Horvath, QB, Navy Midshipmen.

When you hear “Navy football”, you think Option and Wing-T offense. However, in the 1st leg of the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy, Horvath set a school record with 469 total yards. He went 20 of 26 passing, for 339 yards, with 3 TDs and 0 INTs, as well as having 17 carries, for 130 yards, and 1 TD, in a 34-31 win over Air Force.

(Defense) Nathan Voorhis, DE, Ball State.

The defensive end had 8 total tackles, and 3.5 sacks on the day, as his timely defensive plays, helped lead the Ball State Cardinals to a 20-14, come from behind win, over the defending MAC champion Ohio Bobcats.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to???

– by Sean McKenzie

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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, yardbarker, and thestarpress.

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 7, 2025
The Real Top 10 College Football Rankings. Week 7.

Week 6 of the 2025-26 college football season is in the books.

We all know that the AP and ESPN are completely full of doo-doo and bias as all heck.

You can make a legitimate argument for ANY order of my top 3 teams.

Even for me personally, it was difficult to come up with an order.

So, without further ado, here is the REAL Top 10 teams.

1) Miami Hurricanes. 5-0. – They have 3 wins against ranked opponents. On the field results matter, and they have the best resume so far this season.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes. 5-0. – They’re cruising, and it doesn’t even look like they’re trying that hard yet. Wins over ranked Texas, as well as quality wins over Washington and Minnesota.

3) Oregon Ducks. 5-0. – New QB Dante Moore has this team rolling over everybody.

4) Texas A&M Aggies. 5-0. – That win over Norte Dame is looking better and better as the season goes on. Quality win over Mississippi State.

5) Ole Miss Rebels. 5-0. – Quality wins over LSU and G5 power Tulane, gave them the edge over the next team.

For the best coffee in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean.
Check out their Facebook Page for hours and special fall drinks.

6) Texas Tech Red Raiders. 5-0. – Quality wins over ranked Utah Utes and G5 power Houston. As they should, they’ve blown out the lesser competition.

7) Alabama Crimson Tide. 4-1. – Ever since they laid an egg in Week 1 against FSU, they have 2 wins against ranked teams (UGA and Vanderbilt).

8) Indiana Hoosiers. 5-0. – They mud stomped their only ranked matchup (Illinois) and grinded it out against an always game Iowa. They can run, pass, and play defense.

9) Georgia Bulldogs. 4-1. – Their lone loss against Alabama (see above) and they have a quality ranked win, at Tennessee.

10) Oklahoma Sooners. 5-0. – They have 2 wins against ranked team, but the unfortunate injury to starting QB John Mateer must count against them.

Just outside looking in – Tennessee, Georgia Tech, LSU, Notre Dame, Illinois.

– by Sean McKenzie.

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Picture courtesy of…..on3.

Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 5, 2025
Week 4 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

What a Week 4 of college football it was.

The #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes beat the Florida Gators 26-7, in their rivalry game. The Gators continue their freefall this season.

#17 Texas Tech beat the #16 Utah Utes, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, 34-10, in a turnover prone game.

#24 Notre Dame finally got a win, beating Purdue 56-30.

#19 Indiana Hoosiers absolutely beat the snot out of #9 Illinois Fighting Illini, 63-10.

In a great Saturday night game, #11 Oklahoma Sooners got a big conference win, over #23 Auburn Tigers, 24-17.

The Clemson Tigers and Wisconsin Badgers continue to fall apart, with losses to unranked opponents, Syracuse and Maryland.

With so many performances to choose from, here are your Week 4 college football helmet stickers.

1) Indiana Hoosiers.

There was no better team performance in Week 4, then Indiana. The college football spotlight was on Bloomington, IN with a primetime game on NBC, and the Hoosiers put their best foot forward. The offense couldn’t be stopped, and the defense was a stonewall, not allowing the Illini to get anything going. Great win for the team and the program.

2) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers.

The 6’5″ junior transfer quarterback shone the brightest in the biggest game of his career to date. He went 21 of 23 (91.3%), for 267 yards, and 5 TDs, with a 260.0 RTG, and 96.3 QBR. He didn’t make any mistakes and kept the ball out of harm’s way. That’s exactly what he needs to do, if they’re going to keep winning as conference play ramps up.

3) Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo Bulls.

The 6’3″, 240 lbs senior was all over the field, and just wreaking havoc all game long, in a 21-17 loss. He finished the game with 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, indystar, and ubbulls.

September 23, 2025
Week 3 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

What a Week 3 of college football!!!

We had some incredible games, that came down to the wire and overtime.

Georgia needed OT to beat Tennessee in Knoxville 44-41.

Texas A&M scored a TD with only 13 seconds left, to beat Notre Dame 41-40 in South Bend.

Vanderbilt upset (then ranked #11) South Carolina 31-7.

The USF Bulls train finally ran off the tracks, getting beatdown by the Miami Hurricanes 49-12.

Unranked (at the time) Georgia Tech upset (then ranked #12) Clemson, 24-21 on a field goal with no time left.

There was a lot to choose from, so here are the Week 3 college football helmet stickers.

1) Vanderbilt University Commodores

The Commodores are picking up right where they left off, from their magical run last season.

Super senior QB Diego Pavia made plays when they mattered most. Throwing for 177 yards with 2 TDs and sophomore S CJ Heard was flying all over the field making plays and was a tackling machine on defense.

This is a massive win for the program and head coach Clark Lea, as the Commodores continue to show the world, that they aren’t the loveable losers of college football anymore.

2) Ahmad Hardy, Running Back, Missouri.

The sophomore running back had 22 carries, for 250 yards, and 3 TDs, in the Tigers 52-10 win over UL Ragin Cajuns.

He’s now 2nd in country in rushing yards with 462 yards, as he’s a key component in the Tigers (3-0) high powered offense, after the loss of WR Burden and QB Cook to the NFL.

3) Bryun Parham, Linebacker, University of Connecticut.

The Huskies 5th year senior had 10 total tackles and 3 sacks in a 44-41 loss to Delaware.

The linebacker has had a long cross-country journey in his college football career. Starting at San Jose State, then a one year stop in Washington, before landing at UConn this season. He’s already doubled his season totals in tackles from last season and is currently tied for 1st in the nation in sacks.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to?

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, thehour, and si.

September 16, 2025
The Real College Football Power Rankings For Week 3.

Week 2 of the college football season has come and gone.

We saw a big upset in USF over Florida.

Oregon absolutely smoked Oklahoma State.

Georgia and Clemson struggled offensively against inferior opponents in Austin Peay and Troy.

Arch Manning and Texas rebounded against San Jose State.

As things start to settle in with teams, I’m here to give you the REAL Power Rankings. Not that bias crap that ESPN and the AP spits out there.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes. (2-0).
2) Oregon Ducks. (2-0),
3) LSU Tigers. (2-0)
4) Miami Hurricanes. (2-0).
5) Penn State Nittany Lions. (2-0).
6) Georgia Bulldogs. (2-0).
7) Florida State Seminoles. (2-0).
8) Tennessee Volunteers. (2-0).
9) Illinois Fighting Illini. (2-0).
10)South Florida Bulls. (2-0).

Yes, I put the USF in the Top 10.

They are the only team with two, Top 25 wins so far this season. If a Power 4 school had won at Boise State and at Florida, in back-to-back weeks, the mainstream sports media would be heaping praise on them.

Since they weren’t “ranked” before the season started, they’re being ignored, and given a “courtesy ranking” by the clowns at ESPN and the AP.

I omitted the Texas Longhorns, because their offense is struggling. Yes, Arch Manning threw for 4 TD’s, but 3 of those were on busted coverages and most of his passes, were under 4 yards.

BOLO – Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Texas A&M Aggies, and Vanderbilt Commodores.

– by Sean McKenzie

Pictures courtesy of…..drroto and wallpapercave.

September 9, 2025
Week 2 College Football Helmet Stickers.

Week 2 of the college football season has come and gone.

While it was chalk for most of the games, there were a few good games and some upsets.

The University of Findlay Oilers (Division 3) upset #17 University of Indianapolis Greyhounds, 38-35. (Fan hat on) Congratulations to Head Coach Kory Allen and the Oilers. Go Oilers!!! (Fan hat off)

#18 Oklahoma beat #15 Michigan 24-13.

#11 Illinois woke up in the 2nd half to be Duke 45-19.

#8 Clemson didn’t even get off the bus until halftime. They were down 16-0 at halftime, before coming back to win 27-16.

The CyHawk Trophy game down to a 50+ yard field goal for the 2nd straight year; and again, it was the #16 Iowa State Cyclones coming away with the victory, 16-13 over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Without further ado, here are your Week 2 college football helmet stickers.

1) University of South Florida Bulls.

Coming off a big win against (then ranked #25) Boise State, for the 2nd straight week, the Bulls were on the road in a hostile environment. AND once again, they pull off the upset. Beating the #13 Florida Gators, in Gainsville, 18-16.

QB Byrum Browns went 23 of 36, for 263 yards, and 1 TD, but it was the kicking game that showed out for the win.

Kicker Nico Gramatica hit FG’s of 38, 25, and the game winner of 20 yards, with no time left on the clock.

2) Julin Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State.

After outplaying the overhyped Arch Manning in Week 1, the sophomore followed it up going 18 of 19, for 306 yards, with 4 TDs and 1 INT.

He showed off his accuracy, ball placement, ability to adjust presnap, and ability to scan and read the defense.

He’s stepping in and showing that the spotlight and expectations are not too much for him.

3) Jadon Pearson, Linebacker, Fresno State.

I watched quite a bit of this game on the CW Network, and Pearson was absolutely everywhere. In the backfield, getting sideline to sideline in a flash, making tackles downfield, filling the gap on blitz packages, he did it all against Oregon State.

Finishing the game with a big 16 tackles, many on third downs to get the Beaver offense off the field.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to? Drop a comment.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, 24/7sports, gobulldogs.com

September 7, 2025
Week 1 College Football Helmet Stickers.

Week 1 of the college football season has come to an end. Except for the UNC vs TCU game tonight.

Ohio State made Paul Finnebaum look like the clueless jackwang that he really is. Defeating Texas 14-7.

Unranked Florida State coming off a two-win season, upset an obviously over-rated #8 Alabama 31-17.

#9 LSU went into Death Valley and defeated #4 Clemson 17-10.

#17 Kansas State BARELY avoided starting the season 0-2, defeating FCS North Dakota 38-35.

The Arch Manning hype train proved to be what I said it was months ago. I did not, and do not believe he’s even a Top 5 college football quarterback right now.

My Upset special for Week 1 did not come through, as the Toldeo Rockets fell to the Kentucky Wildcats 24-16.

So, without further ado, here are my helmet sticks for Week 1.

1) Florida State Seminoles.

Coming off one of the worst seasons in program history. They went out and got another transfer quarterback from the portal. Tommy Castellanos had a history with new offensive Gus Malzahn; and they used it to pull off the upset of the season (as of now).

2) Isaiah Chisom, Linebacker, UCLA.

The linebacker transferred from Oregon State to UCLA and had a whopping 17 tackles for the Bruins, in a 43-10 thumping at the hands of the Utah Utes. He was all over the field. The lone bright spot for a Bruins team that had so much hype around their new incoming quarterback.

3) Eddie Lee Marburger, QB, UT Rio Grande Valley.

The transfer quarterback from UTSA, went 18 of 19, for 365 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs. That’s a 94.7% completion percentage and a QBR of 343.0.

Week 2 of the college football season begins on Thursday night at 6:00 PM (EST), with 5 different division 2 or division 3 games.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and scores courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, uclabruins, and goutrgv.

September 1, 2025
5 Non-Conference College Football Games, You Should Pay Attention To.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

June 29, 2025
Top 10 Returning College Football Players (Non-QB).
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.
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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
May 23, 2025