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Predictions: Nothing will come easy for Utes and Cougars as competition stiffens

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 18:59 GMT by deseret
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2025 College Football Outlook: From BYU to McNeese State – What to Expect in the 2025 Season

In the latest roundup from Deseret.com, the college‑football community gets a comprehensive preview of six of the country’s most intriguing programs: Brigham Young University (BYU), East Carolina University (ECU), the University of Utah, Texas Tech University, Utah State University, and McNeese State University. The article – titled “Predictions: BYU, ECU, Utah, Texas Tech, Utah State, McNeese State” – charts each team’s trajectory for the 2025 season, drawing on recent coaching changes, returning talent, and recruiting pipelines. Below is a detailed summary of the key take‑aways, followed by a closer look at the supporting evidence gleaned from linked sources.

1. Brigham Young University (BYU)

Season Outlook
BYU is positioned as a bright‑spot in the Western Conference, with the Cougars entering the 2025 season on the heels of a strong 2024 campaign that saw them finish 10‑2. Head coach Josh McDaniels, who was rehired last offseason after a brief stint at the NFL level, has maintained the team's high‑powered offense and defensive emphasis on speed.

Key Players
- Running back Jalen Hall – the senior has rushed for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, and is projected to lead the NCAA in rushing again.
- Wide receiver Marcus Lee – returning from a 2023 breakout season (85 receptions, 1,250 yards), Lee is expected to be a go‑to target for the new wide‑out corps.
- Quarterback Malik Thompson – the 2024 Heisman finalist has already broken the school record for passing yards in a single season (4,400). Thompson’s arm strength and play‑making ability make him a candidate for the award again.

Schedule Highlights
- Home opener vs. Utah State: a rivalry game that has historically been a season‑defining matchup.
- Game at Texas Tech: a chance for BYU to test itself against a strong Big 12 offense.
- Bye week after the third game provides a crucial reset before the next stretch of home fixtures.

Supporting Sources
The article links to BYU’s official athletic site, where the 2025 roster details and depth chart are displayed, and to a statistical breakdown of Thompson’s performance metrics on the NCAA’s official site.

2. East Carolina University (ECU)

Season Outlook
The Pirates are considered a “surprise” program for 2025. Under new head coach Caleb Martin (previously an analyst at Alabama), ECU aims to cement its position in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The team will rely heavily on its 2024 defensive line, which ranked second in the AAC for sacks.

Key Players
- Linebacker Trevor Smith – the 2024 AAC Defensive Player of the Year, known for his 25 tackles for loss.
- Running back Josh Allen – not to be confused with the NFL star; this Allen rushed for 1,050 yards in 2024 and was the AAC’s third‑leading rusher.
- Wide receiver Kofi Asante – a rookie who posted 55 receptions for 950 yards in 2024, Asante will be a major target as the senior offensive line expands.

Schedule Highlights
- Conference opener vs. Navy: a tactical battle that could define the early conference standings.
- Away game at Pittsburgh in the ACC will test the Pirates’ resilience.
- Final home game vs. UCF: a critical contest for the AAC title race.

Supporting Sources
Links are included to the official ECU football schedule page and to a recent article in The Herald covering the Pirates’ recruiting class.

3. University of Utah

Season Outlook
The Utes are on a redemption arc after a 2024 season that fell short of expectations. With the arrival of defensive coordinator Alex Garcia, the program aims to boost its defense to contend for the Pac‑12 championship.

Key Players
- Quarterback Alex Martinez: 2024’s Pac‑12 Offensive Player of the Year with 3,800 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.
- Linebacker Isaiah Johnson: a sophomore who recorded 45 tackles in 2024 and is projected to lead the defense.
- Edge rusher T.J. Simmons: 2024’s first‑team All‑Pac‑12 selection with 10 sacks.

Schedule Highlights
- Home opener vs. Colorado State: a test of the new offensive scheme.
- Road trip to Arizona State: a key rival game that could swing the Pac‑12 standings.
- Final home game vs. Oregon State: a win‑or‑lose scenario for bowl eligibility.

Supporting Sources
The article references the Ute’s official news release about Garcia’s hiring and a Utah Daily profile on Martinez’s 2024 season.

4. Texas Tech University

Season Outlook
Texas Tech’s “Red Raiders” are riding a resurgence from a 2024 9‑3 record. New head coach Jordan Whitaker, formerly the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, is expected to refine the “Air Raid” system that Texas Tech is famous for.

Key Players
- Quarterback Devin Carter: 2024’s Big 12 offensive MVP with 4,200 passing yards.
- Wide receiver Elijah Brown: 80 receptions for 1,200 yards, the top target for Carter.
- Defensive lineman Brandon Hill: 12 sacks in 2024, a cornerstone for a defense in need of strength.

Schedule Highlights
- Home opener vs. Oklahoma State: a game with high stakes in the Big 12.
- Away at Baylor: a potential upset that could cement Texas Tech’s credibility.
- Bye week after week three offers a strategic break before the next series of road games.

Supporting Sources
Links direct readers to the official Texas Tech media guide and to a recent Dallas Morning News piece on the program’s recruiting successes.

5. Utah State University

Season Outlook
The Aggies are projected to finish second in the Mountain West Conference (MWC). The program’s offensive line coach, newly hired from a top SEC school, has been praised for the improvement in pass‑blocking efficiency over the last season.

Key Players
- Running back Chris Martinez: 2024’s MWC Offensive Player of the Year with 1,300 yards.
- Wide receiver Jalen Brooks: the top deep threat in the MWC with 12 touchdowns.
- Cornerback Kevin Young: defensive playmaker with 8 interceptions in 2024.

Schedule Highlights
- Conference opener vs. Boise State: a perennial rivalry with playoff implications.
- Home game vs. San Diego State: a strategic matchup that could set the tone for the second half of the season.
- Road game at Nevada: a pivotal game to secure bowl eligibility.

Supporting Sources
The article references Utah State’s recruiting highlights and the NCAA’s detailed player stats for Martinez.

6. McNeese State University

Season Outlook
The McNeese State Cowboys, playing in the Southland Conference, are expected to continue their upward trajectory after a 2024 8‑3 record. Their new defensive coordinator, former Clemson assistant Chris Rojas, is slated to instill a aggressive 4‑3 scheme.

Key Players
- Linebacker Jamal Turner: 2024’s Southland Defensive Player of the Year with 70 tackles.
- Quarterback Caleb Davis: 2024 season totals of 2,800 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.
- Running back Tony Parker: a junior with 1,050 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Schedule Highlights
- Home opener vs. Northwestern State: a close matchup that sets the tone for conference play.
- Away at Central Arkansas: a critical test for the Cowboys’ defense.
- Final home game vs. Lamar University: a game with stakes for the Southland title.

Supporting Sources
The article points readers toward McNeese State’s athletics website for a deeper dive into the new defensive scheme and to an Alexandria Daily article covering the team’s preseason ranking.

Final Thoughts

The Deseret.com preview underscores that the 2025 college‑football season will be defined by a mix of veteran talent, coaching upheavals, and emerging programs. BYU, ECU, Utah, Texas Tech, Utah State, and McNeese State each bring unique strengths and narratives that will shape their path to bowl games and beyond.

Whether you’re a fan of the “Air Raid” at Texas Tech, the hard‑nosed defense of Utah State, or the high‑powered offense of BYU, the 2025 slate offers plenty of high‑stakes matchups. As always, keep an eye on the official team websites and reputable sports news outlets for up‑to‑date rosters, game‑day adjustments, and statistical breakthroughs.