As the new college football season approaches, optimism is high across the country. But while every program is eager to make its mark, there are still concerns that could impact each team’s success—whether it’s positional weaknesses, a tough schedule, or the loss of key players.

Let’s take a deep dive into the biggest concerns facing each of the top 25 teams and how those issues could potentially derail their goals for the upcoming season.

1. Penn State – Wide Receiver

Penn State’s biggest question mark is at wide receiver. The Nittany Lions dipped into the transfer portal to add talent like Syracuse’s Trebor Pena, but production remains a concern. Over the past three seasons, Penn State has had just one top-10 Big Ten pass-catcher—tight end Tyler Warren, who, along with top receiver Harrison Wallace III, is no longer with the team. Quarterback Drew Allar has struggled, in part due to a lack of reliable targets. Unless the receiving corps steps up, Penn State’s offensive ceiling will remain limited.

2. Clemson – Running Back

Clemson’s concern lies at running back. With Phil Mafah now in the NFL, the Tigers lose the bulk of their backfield production. Fortunately, Clemson has depth and a tradition of strong running back play. Freshman Gideon Davidson is one to watch, and Dabo Swinney’s track record with developing talent bodes well. While it’s a concern, it’s one that could be resolved quickly.

3. Texas – Offensive Line

Texas enters the season with questions up front. The Longhorns lost four offensive line starters to the NFL, including top-10 pick Kelvin Banks Jr. and center Jake Majors. With Arch Manning likely taking over at quarterback, this lack of continuity is concerning—especially with a Week 1 matchup against Ohio State looming. While returners like Trevor Goosby offer hope, this group must gel quickly.

4. Georgia – Pass Rush

Georgia’s defensive front took a major hit, especially at edge rusher, losing multiple veterans and two first-round picks. Though the Bulldogs are optimistic about players like Gabe Harris Jr. and Army transfer Elo Modozie, they’ll need consistent pressure off the edge to compete at a high level in the SEC.

5. Ohio State – Quarterback

With Will Howard off to the NFL, Ohio State will turn to either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz at quarterback. Whoever wins the job will benefit from throwing to standout receiver Jeremiah Smith. However, unless the Buckeyes get steady quarterback play, another title run seems unlikely—even with stars like Caleb Downs anchoring the defense.

6. LSU – Offensive Line

LSU lost four starters on the offensive line, including standout tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones. While returners DJ Chester and Tyree Adams are shifting into new roles, the Tigers also added Braelin Moore from Virginia Tech. Overall, LSU has done well to retool, but chemistry and protection will be critical.

7. Notre Dame – Tight End

Tight end, a historically strong position for the Irish, is suddenly a question mark. With Mitchell Evans gone to the NFL, and Cooper Flanagan recovering from a torn Achilles, Notre Dame is relying on senior Eli Raridon—who has talent but has battled injuries. The Irish upgraded at wide receiver, but tight end production remains uncertain.

8. Oregon – Defensive Line

Oregon’s defensive line enters 2025 with some uncertainty after losing Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch, and Jamaree Caldwell. While defensive end is a strength, the interior will rely heavily on newcomers like USC transfer Bear Alexander and rising star Aydin Breland. Until proven otherwise, this unit remains a question mark.

9. Alabama – Pass Rush

Alabama struggled to generate consistent pressure last season, finishing 13th in the SEC in sacks. Without a dominant edge rusher like Will Anderson Jr. or Dallas Turner, Alabama will need more from its interior linemen and hope an outside linebacker breaks out.

10. BYU – Quarterback

BYU’s quarterback room took an unexpected hit with Jake Retzlaff likely transferring. With no established starter heading into fall camp, the Cougars must find someone to lead the offense—fast.

11. Illinois – Explosiveness on Offense

Illinois ranked just 64th in plays of 10+ yards and 66th in plays of 20+ yards last season. With top receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin gone, along with leading rusher Josh McCray (now at Georgia), the Illini need new playmakers to emerge.

12. Arizona State – Pass Rush

Despite a strong finish to 2024, Arizona State still lacks a consistent pass rush. The Sun Devils ranked 110th in sacks per dropback. Returning duo Clayton Smith and Elijah O’Neal combined for just 8.5 sacks. Improvement in this area is crucial.

13. South Carolina – Defensive Front

South Carolina lost key defensive linemen including Kyle Kennard and TJ Sanders. While the Gamecocks hit the transfer portal hard, replacing that production and building chemistry quickly is a tall task.

14. Iowa State – Wide Receiver

The Cyclones lost Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins to the NFL, accounting for nearly 2,400 receiving yards. Combined with a conference-worst sack total last season, Iowa State faces challenges on both sides of the ball.

15. SMU – Defensive Line

SMU’s playoff run was anchored by its veteran defensive front. With key players departing, leadership and production must now come from less-proven players.

16. Texas Tech – Defense

After finishing 126th in total defense and 132nd in pass defense, Texas Tech made major changes under new DC Shiel Wood. The Red Raiders overhauled their unit through the portal, hoping to reverse their fortunes.

17. Indiana – Defense

Despite ranking among the best in run defense last year, Indiana lost several key contributors and is relying heavily on transfers. It’s unlikely the Hoosiers can replicate last season’s defensive success.

18. Kansas State – Limiting Big Plays

Kansas State’s defense was prone to giving up explosive plays, ranking 110th in opponent QBR and 107th in completions of 10+ yards allowed. With major losses in the secondary, the Wildcats have work to do.

19. Florida – Wide Receiver

Florida QB DJ Lagway is promising, but the Gators are thin at receiver. Top targets Elijah Badger and Chimere Dike are gone, and Eugene Wilson III is recovering from hip surgery. Depth and health will be key.

20. Michigan – Receiver

Michigan ranked 129th in passing yards last season. With no receiver topping 27 catches or 250 yards, and tight end Colston Loveland now in the NFL, the Wolverines need a revamped receiving corps to step up in 2025.

21. Miami – Linebacker

While Miami improved in many areas through the portal, linebacker depth is still a concern. The position lacked speed last year, but a new scheme under DC Corey Hetherman could help.

22. Louisville – Defensive End

With Ashton Gillotte now in the NFL, Louisville must find a new edge rusher. The defensive line’s strength lies in the interior, but replacing Gillotte’s 23.5 sacks over three seasons is no small task.

23. Texas A&M – Wide Receiver

The Aggies lost Noah Thomas and are adjusting to new OC Collin Klein. With no returning player recording more than two touchdowns last season, production from newcomers and returning players will be essential.

24. Ole Miss – Quarterback

Replacing Jaxson Dart with sophomore Austin Simmons is a gamble. Simmons showed promise in limited action but is still unproven. How quickly he adjusts will determine the Rebels’ ceiling.

25. Oklahoma – Tight End

Tight end remains a weak spot for Oklahoma, both as blockers and receivers. With no clear starter, the Sooners need this position group to step up and support a revamped offense.

In conclusion, while every top team enters the 2025 season with optimism, each faces critical questions. Whether these concerns are addressed—or exposed—will shape the playoff race this fall.