The start of the college football season always brings anticipation for fans, but the 2025 campaign feels particularly charged. With seismic shifts in conference alignment now a year in the rearview, the focus returns to the action on the field, and a new set of captivating storylines have emerged. From the pressure of quarterbacks with superstar potential stepping into the spotlight to legendary coaches making their unexpected returns, this season is shaping up to be another exciting campaign in the race for the national championship. To get you ready for the season, here are the Top Storylines of NCAA College Football. 

Expectations For Deion Sanders and the University of Colorado Buffaloes

After revealing his diagnosis of bladder cancer, University of Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has faced some difficult medical challenges. On the field, this upcoming season may be his most challenging as he is without his two superstars, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, who are now in the NFL. “Coach Prime” and the Buffaloes are projected to take a step back after their nine-win season in 2024. Some experts have the team posting a 6-6 record, and pre-season polling has the Buffaloes outside of the top 25. But don’t count Sanders and his team out. His young team may still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Heisman Trophy Hopefuls

The Heisman Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in American college football,  is considered the most prestigious individual award in college football. There is an impressive list of potential candidates who are looking to etch their name in the history books by claiming the trophy this year. Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State and Ryan Williams of Alabama, running backs Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, Nate Frazier of Georgia, Makhi Hughes of Oregon, and quarterbacks Arch Manning of Texas, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, and Cade Klubnik of Clemson are some of the Heisman hopefuls to watch out for this season.

The Expanded College Football Playoff

The 2025 season marks the second year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, and the format has changed. This year, the top four highest-ranked teams will receive a first-round bye, regardless of whether they won their conference championship. As teams battle for position in the final CFP rankings, this change could lead to more drama as the top teams look for postseason glory.

Conference Realignment Fallout

As the NCCA moves toward more geographically dispersed conferences, the massive realignment has reshaped how we think of college football forever. These new-look conferences will create new rivalries as teams will face each other for the first time in a high-stakes game. For the SEC, one of the premier conferences of college football, now boasts powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma, who were founding members of the BIG 12. While the revenue streams will continue to grow for the blue-chip schools, backlash against conference realignment will be a major part of the conversation in college football this season.

Can Bill Belichick Bring His Winning Way to UNC?

After winning five Super Bowls as the head coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick could not land a new position in the NFL.  Instead, he was named the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels in December 2024. Without question, Belichick’s transition into college football was one of the most surprising developments and anticipated stories of the season. For the college rookie coach, the challenge is enormous as the Tar Heels have not won 10 games in a season since 2015.