College Football Heats Up: Cover Stars, Conference Chaos, Player and Coaching Carousel
College football season is just around the corner, and the air is crackling with anticipation! Here’s a look at some of the hottest storylines grabbing headlines:
Fresh Faces, Familiar Game: College Football 25 Unveils Cover Stars
EA Sports’ long-awaited return to the college football video game scene brings a fresh twist: for the first time ever, the cover of College Football 25 features active players! Among the six athletes gracing the cover are Michigan’s electrifying running back Donovan Edwards, Texas’ gunslinger quarterback Quinn Ewers, and Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter. These athletes have etched their names in the annals of college football history already, and their inclusion on the cover is a testament to their exceptional talent and impact on the sport. Can’t wait to see these rising stars dominate the virtual gridiron (and the real one too!)
ACC on the Brink? Commissioner Vows to Fight
The future of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) hangs in the balance. While the future of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) remains uncertain, commissioner Jim Phillips has expressed optimism that the league can still be salvaged. Despite the challenges and potential departures of powerhouses like Florida State and Clemson, Phillips believes the ACC still boasts formidable teams and deserves respect. Fans and former players might suggest the University of California (Cal), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Stanford University (Stanford) hardly add weight to the strength of conference argument – it’s viewed as a further detractor. The path forward may be unclear, but the league is determined to fight for its survival. Can the ACC weather the storm? Stay tuned for this developing drama!
The Colorado Buffs and its transfers continue
Speaking of Colorado, the Buffaloes have made headlines with the transfer of former cornerback and top signee Cormani McClain to Florida. This move has sent ripples through the recruiting landscape, as McClain’s decision to join the Gators could potentially shift the balance of power in the SEC.
CJ Carr chose Notre Dame. A Year later, what will we see
Young quarterback CJ Carr, grandson of ex-Michigan coach Lloyd Carr chose to play his college ball at Notre Dame last year, disappointing some Michigan fans in the process. “You wearing that sweatshirt?” former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr asked his grandson with a smirk. “Yeah”, CJ responded. The former Saline High School star quarterback has two College Football Hall of Fame grandfathers, Lloyd Carr and Tom Curtis, with ties to the Wolverines and a late brother, whose battle with brain cancer inspired a foundation that has funded $27 million in research. His decision may stink for some, but Carr’s decision is a testament to his independent desires, resilience and determination, as he has faced far greater challenges than disappointing a fan base. He has earned the right to go be great, calling off past planned visits to Alabama, Georgia and LSU after breaking the news to his family back at home. I hear he did well in scrimmages. Let’s hope his career goes well, and ends up being a tribute to his late brother Chad.
Dabo’s non-love affair with that darn Portal – just won’t go away
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has defended his approach to the transfer portal, stating that the Tigers prefer to stick with their current players and starters. This stance has sparked debates within the college football community and on his campus, as the transfer portal has become an increasingly significant factor in shaping teams’ rosters and success. My opinion, he gets to decide but his indifference seems similar to the incomparable “Bear”. Most of us know the old story of how in Sam “Bam” Cunningham’s University of Southern California debut, he ran for 135 yards and scored two touchdowns against Alabama. That was long ago on Sept. 12, 1970, and when USC defeated Alabama 42-21, it was more than a victory. USC was integrated, and Alabama’s team was all white. Not to gas light his decision-making with a situational reference, I’m simply stating Dabo has to think about change and get beyond personal feelings, do the research, and be judicious in making the right selections that fit his University.
With the 2024 season approaching, who will lead their teams to glory (or ignominy)?
As we look ahead to the 2024 season, the rankings of the top 10 Power Four college football coaches and the top teams in the FBS have been unveiled. These lists have ignited discussions and debates among fans and analysts alike, as they attempt to predict the outcome of the upcoming season. Here are my top 10 coaches to watch (which excludes a few of my absolute favorites).
- Kirby Smart, Georgia.
- Kalen DeBoer, Alabama.
- Kyle Whittingham, Utah.
- Dabo Swinney, Clemson.
- Mike Norvell, Florida State.
- Steve Sarkisian, Texas.
- Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss.
- Dan Lanning, Oregon.
- Ryan Day, Ohio State.
- Lance Leipold, Kansas.
A temperature check on equity in college football
Finally, the number of Black FBS coaches has risen from 14 to 16 ahead of the 2024 season, a positive step towards greater diversity and representation in the coaching ranks. There is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and a level playing field for all, but I am happy to report that “some progress” is undeniable.
Recap: College football never disappoints with its drama, surprises, and electrifying action. Stay tuned as these storylines unfold, and get ready for a season filled with unforgettable moments! We’ll keep the House Packed as we capture it all.