0
0
TGFF Gameday crew has gotten together and is giving their Pre season Rankings for 2025 college football season, and we will dive into it with several here and others on our TGFF Gameday YouTube channel. First up is the man covering the Wofford Terriers, PC, and Wake Forest Baseball this year in Mark Livingston.
My 2025 SoCon Football Favorites
9⃣ @MercerFootball
1⃣6⃣ @CatamountsFB
1⃣8⃣ @GoMocsFB
2⃣2⃣ @ETSUFootball #itsallhere https://t.co/iJxHIfnCy2— The Southern Conference (@SoConSports) August 11, 2025
The SoCon is going to be a fight this year, but these are the teams I’m most excited about heading into the season, along with where I have them ranked.
1 – Western Carolina
With Taron Dickens leading the offense, they’ve got the firepower to beat anyone. If the defense holds up, this could be a special season in Cullowhee.
2 – Mercer
They’re tough, balanced, and built to win late in the season. Andrew Zock is a game-wrecker on defense, and the Bears have the depth to push for the title.
3 – Chattanooga
Always physical and disciplined, the Mocs have the kind of roster that can pull off big wins. I expect them to be in the mix all year.
4 – ETSU
Their offensive line and running game make them a nightmare in November. They can grind out ugly wins when it matters most.
5 – Samford
Fun to watch through the air. If they can bring that same energy to the trenches, they could ruin a contender’s season.
6 – Furman
They’re getting overlooked, but with their experience and coaching, I think they could surprise a few people.
7 – Wofford
Still in rebuild mode, but they’ve got young players who could pop late in the season.
8 – The Citadel
They might not be a title contender, but they’re never an easy out—especially in rivalry games.
9 – VMI
Still closing the gap with the rest of the league, but they’ll be scrappy in spots and might play spoiler.
Games I’m Most Looking Forward To
Mercer at Western Carolina — Nov. 8
Western Carolina at Chattanooga — Nov. 1
Western Carolina at ETSU — Nov. 15
My 2025 ACC Football Favorites
Defense on Lock 🔒
15 ACC players named to the Bednarik Award Watch List – honoring the nation’s top defensive player. pic.twitter.com/M1BBsnQaMg
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) August 11, 2025
1 – Clemson
Loaded with returning talent on both sides of the ball, including Cade Klubnik at quarterback and one of the nation’s best defensive lines. They’ve been here before and know how to finish the job.
2 – Miami
Carson Beck under center gives the Hurricanes an instant offensive upgrade. The roster’s got speed all over the field, but their season will hinge on week-to-week consistency.
3 – Louisville
The Cardinals can score in a hurry with their playmakers at receiver and in the backfield. If the defense takes a step forward, they could easily be playing for an ACC title.
4 – SMU
Second year in the ACC and they already look like they belong. Kevin Jennings returns at QB, and their wide-open offense can break games open early.
5 – Georgia Tech
Haynes King leads a veteran offense, and the Yellow Jackets have enough on defense to challenge anyone. They’re a sleeper to knock off a contender.
6 – North Carolina
Bill Belichick’s first college season will be fascinating to watch. The Tar Heels have added a mountain of transfers, and if they gel quickly, they could make noise in the upper half of the standings.
7 – Florida State
A proud program with a lot to prove after a down year. The Seminoles have skill talent at the skill positions, but the offensive and defensive lines will determine how far they go.
8 – NC State
Not flashy, but they play physical football and protect home turf well. They have a knack for hanging around in games against higher-ranked teams.
9 – Duke
A disciplined, mistake-free team that forces opponents to play clean football. The Blue Devils might not lead the league in highlights, but they’re capable of grinding out wins.
10 – Pittsburgh
Unpredictable from week to week, but their pass rush can cause problems for any quarterback. If they find offensive rhythm, they could climb quickly.
11 – Virginia Tech
The Hokies are scrappy and improving under Brent Pry. They’ve got enough athletes to turn a couple of close losses from last year into wins.
12 – Syracuse
A team built on speed and aggression, especially on defense. If they can generate consistent offense, they’ll be dangerous, especially at home in the Dome.
13 – Wake Forest
New head coach Jake Dickert has scrapped the slow mesh for a power-spread offense. RB Demond Claiborne should thrive, and transfer QBs Robby Ashford and Ty Purdie bring fresh energy under center.
14 – Stanford
Physical and methodical, but adjusting to ACC speed is the challenge. They’ll try to win ugly, and in some weeks, that might work.
15 – California (Cal)
Their defense can hold its own, but the offense needs more punch to compete with the ACC’s faster teams.
16 – Boston College
A gritty, physical team that wants to control the clock. Lacks the firepower of the top-tier programs.
17 – Virginia
A young squad in the middle of a rebuild. They’ll fight hard, but this year is more about development than results.
Games I’m Most Looking Forward To:
Clemson at Louisville — Nov. 14. A heavyweight showdown with major title implications.
Miami at SMU — Nov. 1. Two explosive offenses facing off in what could be a shootout.
Georgia Tech at Florida State — Oct. 18. A big test for the Yellow Jackets and a chance for FSU to prove they’re back in the mix.
North Carolina at NC State — Nov. 28. A rivalry game that could have bowl positioning — or more — on the line.
Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh — Sept. 27. Early in the season, but a tone-setter for both programs.
My 2025 Big Ten Football Favorites
Congrats to The Ohio State Buckeyes on winning the 2024-25 National Championship!!!
This makes 2 straight Big Ten national championship winners!!! pic.twitter.com/ysuHfu9jcs
— Sidelines – Big Ten (@SSN_B1G) January 21, 2025
1 – Penn State
The Nittany Lions are my top pick. Ranked No. 2 nationally in the AP poll, they return QB Drew Allar and a retooled defense that could dominate all year.
2 – Ohio State
Ranked No. 3 in the AP poll, the Buckeyes have elite talent across the board, led by preseason Offensive Player of the Year Jeremiah Smith and Defensive Player of the Year Caleb Downs.
3 – Oregon
The defending Big Ten champs come in at No. 7 nationally. With QB Dante Moore stepping into a bigger role and a physical defense, the Ducks have a real shot to repeat.
4 – Illinois
Ranked No. 12 nationally, the Illini return 16 starters from a 10-win season. They’re balanced, experienced, and built to hang with the league’s best.
5 – Michigan
The Wolverines start the Bryce Underwood era at quarterback. Ranked No. 14 in the preseason poll, they still have the depth to challenge anyone.
6 – Indiana
The Hoosiers are ranked No. 20 after a breakout season under Curt Cignetti. If they keep the momentum going, they can stay in the upper half of the league.
7 – Iowa
Physical and disciplined with one of the nation’s best offensive lines. They’ll be a tough out for any contender.
8 – USC
Still adjusting to Big Ten play but loaded with skill talent. Consistency will be the key to a strong season.
9 – Michigan State
A mix of veteran transfers and young talent gives the Spartans a chance to surprise in a few big games.
10 – Wisconsin
A bruising defense and power run game make the Badgers dangerous, especially in November.
11 – Minnesota
Strong in the trenches and capable of controlling tempo. Not flashy, but they can grind out wins.
12 – Northwestern
Rebuilding but always well-coached. They have a knack for catching a better team off guard.
13 – Nebraska
Still in the middle of a rebuild. If their young QB develops quickly, they could move up.
14 – Rutgers
Quarterback stability is a plus, but a brutal schedule will keep them fighting uphill.
15 – UCLA
QB Nico Iamaleava is a playmaker, but the rest of the roster needs to catch up to compete.
16 – Maryland
Plenty of speed on offense, but defensive consistency is still an issue.
17 – Purdue
Searching for stability at quarterback and leadership on defense. This could be a long year.
18 – Washington
Still adapting to Big Ten competition. They have some young pieces, but depth is a concern.
Games I’m Most Looking Forward To:
Penn State at Ohio State — Could decide the Big Ten East.
Oregon at Illinois — A matchup of physical, disciplined teams with title aspirations.
Michigan vs. Indiana — A rising Hoosiers program takes on a Michigan team with a star freshman QB.
USC at Wisconsin — Big Ten newcomers visit one of the league’s toughest environments.
Iowa at Minnesota — A classic rivalry that will be won in the trenches.
Week 11 College Football Reports & Predictions Across The Nation | Thank… https://t.co/C4AVmFQFAP via @YouTube
— TGFF Gameday ™ (@GSM_TGFFGameday) November 15, 2024
Check out video predictions on our YouTube channel above.
About the Author
