College Football Preview Series Kickoff
At Sandman Sports, we are all in on football season. Over the next several weeks we will be previewing every FBS conference as part of our 2025 preseason coverage. From playoff contenders and surprise teams to key transfers and games to watch out for, we will break down what you need to know before kickoff. Today we begin with a unique group: the two remaining Pac 12 programs and the 2025 independents.
Team Breakdowns and 2025 Outlooks
The Pac-12 continues to be in the midst of a major shift, and 2025 is set to be an awkward in-between. The conference lost 10 of its 12 teams in 2024 and has secured six new members set to join in 2026. Until then, the Pac-12 will operate with just two programs: Oregon State and Washington State.
Both teams took a hit after the conference collapse. Once promising programs, the Beavers and Cougars now face an uphill climb to regain competitive footing.
Alongside them, Notre Dame and UConn carry the mantle as the two lone independents in 2025. While this is a short list of teams, there are some juicy storylines and potential developments to track.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2024 Record: 10–3
2025 Projection: 12–0
Notre Dame is so far removed from the other teams on this list it’s a bit crazy. The Irish enter 2025 with top-five billing, the most feared run game in the country, and a deep, talented roster that could carry them to the College Football Playoff.
If they win their Week 1 matchup against Miami and Carson Beck, a 12–0 season is very much in play. Their independent schedule isn’t overly difficult, and if they avoid a trap game, Notre Dame could run the table.
Key Returning Players:
RB Jeremiyah Love (JR)
RB Jadarian Price (RS JR)
LB Drayk Bowen (JR)
S Adon Shuler (RS SO)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Malachi Fields (RS SR)
CB Devonta Smith (RS SR)
K Noah Burnette (RS SR)
UConn Huskies
2024 Record: 9–4
2025 Projection: 7–5
UConn surprised many last year with a strong 9–4 finish. But 2025 could be tougher. The Huskies exceeded expectations, and that success led to several key departures through the portal.
Jim Mora returns with a mostly intact offense, including starting quarterback Joe Fagnano. But the defense is another story as just two starters return, leaving the unit with major question marks. The Huskies were aggressive in the portal, but it’s hard to know how quickly the new additions will gel.
Key Returning Players:
QB Joe Fagnano (GR)
RB Cam Edwards (RS JR)
S D’Mon Brinson (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
LB Tyquan King (RS SR)
DE Stephen Wright (GR)
OT Ty Chan (RS JR)
WR Chris Parker (RS SR)
Oregon State Beavers
2024 Record: 5–7
2025 Projection: 7–5
Oregon State took it on the nose in 2024 after a roster mass exodus, including the head coach. The Beavers entered that season with 19 new starters. Things look a bit more stable in 2025.
Trent Bray returns as head coach, and the Beavers added a handful of key transfers while retaining some important pieces. Texas transfer Maalik Murphy arrives to take over at quarterback, and while his upside is high, the defense still has major questions after a poor 2024.
Key Returning Players:
RB Anthony Hankerson (SR)
WR Trent Walker (RS SR)
S Skyler Thomas (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Maalik Murphy (RS JR)
TE Riley Williams (JR)
LB Raesjon Davis (RS SR)
Washington State Cougars
2024 Record: 8-5
2025 Projection: 4–8
To put it bluntly, 4–8 might be generous for the Cougars in 2025.
The program was gutted after head coach Jake Dickert left for Wake Forest. Nearly the entire roster hit the portal, including highly touted quarterback John Mateer, now at Oklahoma. There are few returning starters, and it is unclear what this team will even look like when the season begins.
Key Returning Players:
QB Zevi Eckhaus (RS SR)
WR Josh Meredith (RS SR)
OT Christian Hilborn (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
RB Angel Johnson (RS SR)
LB Caleb Francl (SR)
S Matt Durrance (RS SR)
IOL AJ Vaipulu (SR)
Games to Circle
Notre Dame @ Miami (Aug. 31)
This is Notre Dame’s biggest challenge of the year: a Week 1 showdown that could define their playoff push. Miami’s Carson Beck will test the Irish defense from the jump.
UConn vs. Duke (Nov. 8)
This matchup could determine whether UConn posts another winning season. Duke reloaded quickly after losing Maalik Murphy, and Tulane transfer Darian Mensah could cause problems.
Oregon State vs. Washington State (Nov. 29)
The Pac-2 showdown. They’ll play twice in November, but this late-season game will matter more. With the conference rebuilding in 2026, momentum could be critical.
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