As the 2025 college football season approaches, several programs find themselves at a crossroads, needing to prove they can overcome past struggles and take the next step toward national prominence. Coaching changes, quarterback transitions, and conference realignments have reshaped the competitive landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for teams with high expectations. For programs like Oregon, Washington, Texas A&M, and Tennessee, this season represents a crucial test of their ability to compete at the highest level.
Oregon and Washington enter their first season in the Big Ten, facing a gauntlet of elite competition that will determine whether they can sustain their recent success on a bigger stage. Both programs have been on the cusp of playoff contention but must now prove they can consistently win against powerhouses like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Meanwhile, Texas A&M, under new leadership, is looking to finally capitalize on its elite recruiting classes and turn talent into results after years of underachievement in the SEC.
Tennessee, on the other hand, is aiming to solidify its resurgence under Josh Heupel, with a new quarterback at the helm and growing expectations from a passionate fanbase. After flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, the Volunteers must show they can maintain consistency and truly challenge Georgia and Alabama for SEC supremacy. As these programs navigate their defining moments, the 2025 season will be a proving ground for whether they can meet the demands of their ambitious aspirations.
Oregon has been on the cusp of greatness for years but has struggled to clear the final hurdle. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have remained a contender in the College Football Playoff (CFP) conversation but must prove they can take the next step.
The Ducks fell short in 2024, losing twice to Washington, which kept them out of the CFP.
They made the 2025 CFP but were dismantled by a team they had beaten earlier in the season.
Breaking in a new quarterback in Dante Moore and losing key players to the NFL adds pressure.
Oregon doesn’t necessarily need to win a national title in 2025, but they must demonstrate they can consistently be in the mix. If they fall short again, questions about Lanning’s ability to lead them to a championship will only grow louder.
The Huskies made a spectacular CFP run in 2024, but 2025 will be the real test of their staying power.
They must replace key players while ensuring they don’t regress to mediocrity.
A 7-5 season would raise concerns that they were simply a one-year wonder, much like TCU after their 2022 national championship appearance.
The emergence of powerhouse programs like Michigan, Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State could push Washington down the pecking order.
A strong eight or nine-win season would confirm Washington’s legitimacy as a national contender and prevent them from fading into irrelevance.
Texas A&M has been knocking on the door of greatness for years but has yet to take that next step. The Aggies’ fans are growing impatient, and while Mike Elko is only in his second year, the pressure is mounting.
The Aggies need to avoid losses like last year’s blowouts against South Carolina, Auburn, and Texas.
Their 2025 schedule is challenging but navigable, with crucial games against SEC powerhouses.
Winning nine or more games would solidify their position as an SEC contender.
A&M fans are tired of the perpetual 8-4 seasons. A strong 2025 campaign could be the turning point they desperately need.
Tennessee has the talent to be a national title contender, but the Volunteers must prove they can take the next step.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava enters his third year with high expectations.
The offensive line has question marks, but key transfers like Sam Pendleton from Notre Dame provide reinforcements.
They need to win an SEC Championship and at least one CFP game to silence doubters.
Failing to break through in 2025 could lead to recruiting struggles and stagnation for the program.
Utah has been one of the most consistent programs in recent years, but moving to the Big 12 presents new challenges.
The team doesn’t need a CFP appearance but must show they can contend in their new conference.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham may be nearing retirement, so the program must maintain its stability.
They must continue to develop top-tier talent and remain competitive.
If Utah can compete for the Big 12 title, they will cement their reputation as a perennial powerhouse.
Each of these teams faces unique pressures, but the 2025 season presents an opportunity to make a statement. Whether it’s Oregon trying to break through, Washington avoiding regression, Texas A&M meeting expectations, Tennessee proving its legitimacy, or Utah sustaining success, this season will be critical for their trajectories.