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Jackson's college football predictions for the 2025 NCAA season. His projections for all 9 conference champions, including the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and more.
2025 College Football Predictions
College football is so close, yet so far. But it’s never the wrong time to look forward to the start of the 2025 campaign. To get things rolling, let’s dive into our ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, American, Conference USA, MAC, MWC, Sun Belt, and National Championship predictions.
Some of these projected conference winners are chalky picks, while others have longer odds but legitimate chances to take home the hardware in 2025.
ACC - Clemson
Clemson has a whopping 16 starters returning from its ACC Championship squad from a season ago, including breakout quarterback Cade Klubnik. Dabo Swinney’s program hasn’t been a bona fide title contender over the last few seasons, but that could change in 2025. The Tigers rank first in offensive returning production (86%) and seventh in defensive returning production (75%) nationally.
Klubnik, along with a stud wide receiver group consisting of Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore, should produce a top national offense, and new defensive coordinator Tom Allen will have plenty to work with on the other side of the ball. Both Peter Woods and T.J. Parker could be top 10 NFL draft picks next year. All the pieces are here for another elite Clemson team.
Odds to Win Conference: +120
Big 12 - Texas Tech
Coming off an 8-5 campaign, the Red Raiders are poised to take a step forward entering 2025. Quarterback Behren Morton is one of the more underrated signal-callers in the country, and he’ll be supported by a strong group of pass-catchers in his redshirt-senior campaign.
Texas Tech brought in the No. 2 transfer portal class this offseason, including 14 four-star prospects (24/7). The program’s offensive and defensive lines should be ready to match up with anyone in the Big 12.
Odds to Win Conference: +650
Big Ten - Penn State
Ohio State is the favorite to win the Big Ten, and while we should expect the Buckeyes to be in the College Football Playoff, the significant roster turnover could lead to a small step back. Meanwhile, it feels like now or never for Penn State, which saw quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Kayton Allen and Nick Singleton return for another year instead of entering the NFL Draft.
This is a veteran group, and the Nittany Lions always have a strong defense. The November 1 showdown with Ohio State could decide who wins the Big Ten. Give me Penn State — for once.
Odds to Win Conference: +260
SEC - Texas
The always-tough SEC remains loaded at the top, but Texas should be expected to be back in the SEC title game. The Longhorns have to face Georgia in Athens, but the rest of their SEC schedule sets up for another 7-1 conference record.
A matchup with Georgia or Alabama in Atlanta could be on the horizon, and Texans fans believe Arch Manning is the quarterback who will get the program over the hump. Quinn Ewers was highly successful, but it’s time to take the next step. Texas lost a lot of NFL talent over the last two drafts, but make no mistake, they will not be hurting for talent or depth.
Odds to Win Conference: +280
American Conference - Navy
The Navy offense has evolved, and quarterback Blake Horvath is a difference-maker. The Ohio native completed 80 passes for 1,353 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 176 rushing attempts for 1,254 yards and 17 scores a season ago. If the rising senior takes a step forward, he could be in Heisman-trophy contention. Navy ranks second in returning offensive production (74%) among American Conference teams.
On the other side of the ball, Navy ranked fourth in the conference in yards allowed per game (369.0) and is always technically sound. It will be interesting to see if the Midshipmen can claim the final College Football Playoff spot.
Odds to Win Conference: +420
Conference USA - Liberty
Quarterback Kaidon Salter is now with Deion Sanders at Colorado, and Coastal Carolina transfer Ethan Vasko is slated to be QB1 for Jamey Chadwell. While the talented Salter can be viewed as a big loss, Chadwell’s offenses have always been prolific, and Liberty ranks 15th in total returning production.
The Flames are the favorite to win the CUSA, and I expect them to do so.
Odds to Win Conference: +140
MAC - Toledo
The Rockets rank 11th nationally in returning offensive production, and former Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Tucker Gleason is headed into his sixth year of college football. He was electric a season ago, tallying over 3,000 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns to just eight interceptions.
Head coach Jason Candle has already led the program to three MAC title games, including two over the last three seasons. We’re predicting him to return and win it in 2025.
Odds to Win Conference: +260
Mountain West - Boise State
Boise State is the only team in the country with “minus” odds to win their conference — and for good reason. While superstar running back Ashton Jeanty is clearly a significant loss, the Broncos rank ninth in total returning production, and quarterback Maddux Madsen, who threw for over 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, is back as the QB1.
Running back Sire Gaines is expected to fill in nicely for Jeanty, so expect the rushing attack to remain potent. This is a group with playoff experience, and there’s a real chance all starters on offense and defense will be juniors or seniors, excluding Gaines. Head coach Spencer Danielson is a rising star in the sport.
Odds to Win Conference: -135
Sun Belt - Georgia Southern
The Georgia Southern program is trending in the right direction under head coach Clay Helton. After two 6-7 campaigns, the Eagles won eight contests a year ago. Quarterback JC French is heading into his second year as the program’s starter, and the team added transfer pass-catchers River Helms (Western Kentucky), Camden Brown (Auburn), and Dylan Gary (West Georgia) to help his cause in 2025.
This selection is more of a long shot, but the Sun Belt feels wide open this season. An upset of James Madison on September 13 would go a long way in the program’s title hopes.
Odds to Win Conference: +700
