The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of intriguing storylines and potential surprises. Every year, a team or two emerges from the shadows to exceed expectations, capturing the imagination of fans and analysts alike. In 2024, Indiana was that team, making an unexpected playoff appearance. So, the question on everyone's mind is: who will be the next Indiana in 2025? Here are some of the top storylines to watch as we approach the new season:

The Quarterback Carousel

As always, quarterback battles and the emergence of new signal-callers will dominate headlines. All eyes will be on Texas and Arch Manning as he takes the reins of a title-contending team. The pressure is immense, but the talent is undeniable. How quickly can he adapt to the college game and lead the Longhorns back to the promised land? Elsewhere, programs like Alabama, Oklahoma and Notre Dame are also navigating quarterback transitions, with the success of their new QBs being crucial to their playoff aspirations. The new-look Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry will be defined by the play of quarterbacks Arch Manning and John Mateer.

Contenders Reloading and Rebuilding

Several traditional powerhouses are facing significant roster turnover. Ohio State, despite winning the national championship last year, lost key players and coordinators, raising questions about their ability to repeat. Kalen DeBoer enters his second season at Alabama, following the legendary Nick Saban and is trying to keep Alabama at the pinnacle of college football. Meanwhile, teams like Georgia are looking to reload after losing key players to the NFL. How these programs manage these transitions will be a major factor in the national title race.

Teams on the Rise

Several teams are generating buzz as potential breakout candidates. Illinois, with 18 returning starters, including quarterback Luke Altmyer and all five offensive linemen, is poised for a strong season and could be this year's version of Indiana. Iowa State, coming off an 11-win season with quarterback Rocco Becht returning, is also in a good position to contend in the Big 12. Other teams to watch include Kansas State, with dynamic quarterback Avery Johnson, and South Carolina, led by talented quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Several teams have the potential to make their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2025, including Miami, Florida, Illinois, Kansas State and South Carolina.

Schedule Challenges and Opportunities

The expanded Big Ten and SEC schedules will present new challenges and opportunities for teams. Florida, for example, faces a gauntlet of tough opponents, including LSU, Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Nebraska also has a difficult schedule, with games against Michigan, Penn State, and USC. However, these tough schedules also provide opportunities for teams to prove themselves and make a statement on the national stage.

The Transfer Portal Impact

The transfer portal continues to reshape college football rosters, with teams adding key pieces to fill immediate needs. Auburn, for example, landed former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, while Texas Tech has one of the top transfer classes in the country. These additions could significantly impact the fortunes of these programs and help them compete for conference titles and playoff berths.

Parity or the Usual Suspects?

Will the 2025 season bring greater parity to college football, or will the usual suspects – Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama – continue to dominate? While NIL and the transfer portal have helped close the gap, high school recruiting remains the ultimate separator. Teams like Clemson, LSU, Oregon and Notre Dame are also in the mix. Whether a new team can break through and challenge the established order remains to be seen.

The 2025 college football season promises to be filled with drama, excitement, and unexpected twists. While predicting the next Indiana is a difficult task, these storylines provide a framework for understanding the key factors that will shape the season. From quarterback battles to roster transitions and schedule challenges, there are plenty of opportunities for teams to surprise and emerge as contenders. As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans can look forward to another thrilling season of college football.