College Football Teams Revamp Strategies for Competitive Season

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ICARO Media Group
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01/06/2025 17h47

**College Football Teams Gear Up for Competitive Season with Key Strategies**

Heading into what promises to be an intense season, several top college football teams are refining their playbooks and focusing on key improvements. Clemson, known for its potent mix of talent, finds itself with an inexperienced backfield. Freshman Gideon Davidson, third-year sophomore Jay Haynes, and redshirt freshman David Eziomume are expected to handle the running back duties in the wake of Phil Mafah's departure. As the Tigers gear towards a pass-focused strategy under quarterback Cade Klubnik, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley seeks reliability in short-yardage scenarios.

Meanwhile in Georgia, the Bulldogs face the challenge of replacing four starters on their offensive line. Coach Kirby Smart will be depending on tackles Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene to anchor a potentially inexperienced front line, especially with a first-year starting quarterback in the mix.

Head coach Dan Lanning of the reigning Big Ten champions is focusing on boosting Dante Moore's confidence. Moore, a former UCLA transfer, has had two Springs to absorb offensive coordinator Will Stein's schemes. With the Ducks' history of elite quarterback production, Moore is expected to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of a national title.

Notre Dame's coach Marcus Freeman is firm on finding a decisive starting quarterback early in the camp, foregoing any portal shopping. With a significant season opener against nationally-ranked Miami on August 31, the Fighting Irish need clarity between C.J. Carr and Kevin Minchey for the QB1 role.

LSU's Brian Kelly, aware of the preseason hype, is cautioning his team against complacency. The Tigers aim to break a streak of five consecutive season-opening losses while improving from recent disappointments. Their robust recruiting efforts this offseason reflect the importance of this campaign in Kelly’s tenure at Baton Rouge.

Alabama's defense looks promising but there's concern about generating a pass rush. Cornerbacks Zabien Brown and Domani Jackson are expected to shine, yet the team needs a stellar performance from LT Overton to wreak havoc on the field. Establishing depth in the secondary will also be crucial for the Crimson Tide’s success.

In Gainesville, Florida’s defense appears strong in the front seven but will rely on true freshmen to support junior starters Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton at safety. Co-defensive coordinator Vinnie Sunseri will use fall camp to evaluate and rotate new talents effectively.

The Hurricanes are set to maintain their aggressive offensive approach, despite losing significant playmakers like top pick Cam Ward. Quarterback Carson Beck will be pivotal in Shannon Dawson's game plan, with CJ Daniels expected to secure one of the outside receiver spots in a yet competitive receiving corps.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are equally focused on their rushing attack, especially after losing top rusher Josh McCray to Georgia. Running backs Aidan Laughery, Kaden Feagin, and Ca'Lil Valentine will have to step up to alleviate pressure off quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Kansas State's Avery Johnson, after a steady first season, remains central to their hopes despite occasional setbacks last year. After offseason contemplation, Johnson stayed with the Wildcats, entering the 2025 campaign as a key player in the Big 12.

At TCU, maintaining a physical edge will be vital for a team aiming to stay in the top half of the league in total defense. The Horned Frogs are determined to prove doubters wrong while eyeing Big 12 frontrunner spots.

Michigan is looking at a fresh start with five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. All indicators suggest Underwood has shown promising leadership, making him a strong candidate for the day one starter, backed by transfer Mikey Keene as an insurance.

Arizona State's offense hinges heavily on keeping running back Kanye Udoh healthy, especially with Heisman hopeful Sam Leavitt leading the charge. Following a standout season at Army, Udoh is expected to make a significant impact in the Big 12.

Finally, Oklahoma looks to lean back on head coach Brent Venables' defensive acumen. With a new offensive play caller in Ben Arbuckle and star quarterback John Mateer transferred in, Venables aims to tighten the defensive screws himself after a challenging season.

Iowa State's head coach Matt Campbell faces a defensive overhaul, particularly on the front line. With Domonique Orange staying on despite NFL temptations, the Cyclones will blend lower-tier transfers and promising freshmen to shore up their defense for the upcoming battles.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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