Fall Camp Battles to Keep an Eye on Before the 2025 CFB Season
Only a few weeks remain until the 2025 college football season kicks off, and the anticipation built for fall camp is shifting to a time for competition.
Although most teams know a bulk of their starters, there are still starting jobs up for grabs around the country.
Now, yes, a proper level of nuance must be remembered. Other than quarterback, there is a chance for non-starters to contribute as part of a rotation. Simply because someone isn't officially first on the depth chart does not mean they'll be cemented to the sideline this season.
But there's no question that being a starter is a badge of honor.
Largely due to team expectations, these position battles will be watched closely as programs return to the practice field.
All the QB Battles
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In case you haven't heard this enough throughout the offseason, some marquee quarterback battles are still undecided.
Most situations are a competition with unproven players. That includes schools like Alabama (Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell), Ohio State (Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz) and Notre Dame (CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey).
However, there are also a few veteran vs. youth battles.
Michigan (Mikey Keene and Bryce Underwood), Oregon (Dante Moore and Austin Novosad) and Tennessee (Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre) all fall into the conversation. Colorado (Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis) is hanging around the picture, as well.
Coaches will stay quiet as long as possible about their QB1, but these reports will begin emerging soon.
Clemson Running Back
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Thanks to quarterback Cade Klubnik, an experienced offensive line and a terrific group of wide receivers, Clemson has massive upside in 2025.
But the Tigers are going to need a running back, too.
Jay Haynes, who likely otherwise would have replaced Phil Mafah, is recovering from a torn left ACL. He won't be available for much of the season, leaving the backfield to a cast of talented yet unproven options.
Keith Adams Jr. rushed for 122 yards last season, the highest total of available players. David Eziomume (62) and Jarvis Green (53) were minimal contributors. Adam Randall made the switch from receiver this offseason, and 2025 signee Gideon Davidson is a newcomer to the room.
Again, expect a rotation. Clemson has a mountain of opportunities for a player to command a significant share of carries, though.
Oregon Wide Receiver
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Similar to Haynes at Clemson, the injury to Oregon's Evan Stewart is both unfortunate and has opened an impactful void.
The bright side is the Ducks may have their top answer.
Gary Bryant Jr., who missed much of 2024 due to a hip injury, is a two-time 400-yard target between his time at USC and Oregon. The team is leaning on the sixth-year senior to play a leading role.
Even if he does, a single productive wideout isn't enough for a true championship team. Oregon needs one of two of Florida State transfer Malik Benson, freshman Dakorien Moore or returning players Justius Lowe, Kyler Kasper, Jeremiah McClellan or Jurrion Dickey to have a breakout season.
Without it, the Ducks will be immensely talented and perhaps not all that threatening against the best competition.
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Penn State Offensive Line
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Let's be very clear: Penn State is facing an enviable problem.
Five players who started six-plus games in 2024 return for the Nittany Lions, and three positions are settled. Left tackle Drew Shelton, left guard Vega Ioane and center Nick Dawkins are locked in.
But as Cooper Cousins presumably starts at left guard, Anthony Donkoh and Nolan Rucci are battling at right tackle.
Donkoh opened 10 games before his knee injury in 2024, yet Rucci excelled in the College Football Playoff. Given that history, both should play plenty of snaps this season. The rotation will be strong.
Nevertheless, a starting job for a high-end championship threat is coveted.
Iowa State Wide Receivers
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Iowa State must replace Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, who each notched 80-plus receptions and nearly 1,200 yards apiece last season.
No pressure, right?
The hope is transfer additions Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend will brace the receiving corps. The former had a pair of 600-yard seasons with East Carolina, but the latter posted 521 yards in 29 games at UCF. It's not a sure thing.
Potential risers like Carson Brown, Brett Eskildsen, Eli Brown or freshmen are sources of optimism, and maybe this is the year Daniel Jackson stays healthy.
But that's a fair amount of projection for a roster with Big 12 title dreams.
Tennessee Running Backs
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No matter who wins the QB battle in Knoxville, the offense will likely be leaning pretty heavily on the rushing attack.
However, gone is Dylan Sampson, a third-team AP All-American who scampered for nearly 1,500 yards with 22 touchdowns last season. Tennessee is tasked with finding his replacement but figuring out an interesting rotation.
DeSean Bishop tallied 455 yards at an efficient 6.2 per carry last season, and Peyton Lewis chipped in 339 with 5.3 per attempt. That's a good foundation.
Yet the Vols brought in more competition.
Tennessee added transfer Star Thomas after he surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards for Duke in 2024. He collected more than 1,600 all-purpose yards in two previous years at New Mexico State, too.
All three players should get touches in 2025, but Tennessee has to figure out the most dangerous split. And that's no easy task.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
