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Bowl Watch List: Ranking non-playoff games by watchability

Posted on 8 December 2025 | by Field Level Media

The College Football Playoff has certainly taken some of the shine off of bowl season.

Look no further than Notre Dame electing to opt out of a bowl game after it was left out of the CFP field on Sunday afternoon. Iowa State and Kansas State elected to opt out due to coaching changes this offseason.

There’s still joy to be found in bowl season, no matter what those Grinches want you to think. Especially since the transfer portal now doesn’t open until January, perhaps leading to more players electing to stay with their teams through bowl games.

Here’s a ranking of the non-playoff bowl games that will be played this holiday season based on their watchability.

Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. BYU (Dec. 27, 3:30 p.m. ET, Orlando, Fla.)
A clash of two teams that took CFP aspirations deep into the season, this could be a beauty if both teams retain much of their rosters. It would be the final college game for Georgia Tech QB Haynes King (11,628 career yards accounted for, 100 total TDs over six seasons) against the end of BYU QB Bear Bachmeier’s explosive freshman season (2,708 passing yards, 527 rushing yards, 25 total TDs). Plus the postgame Pop-Tart ceremony is must-see TV.

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas (Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET; Orlando, Fla.)
Arch Manning finally started looking more like the player he was hyped up to be at the end of the season. Bryce Underwood took some lumps as a true freshman quarterback. Texas and Michigan may be mad they weren’t able to remain in the playoff conversation, but both QBs have a chance to build some momentum entering the offseason against talented defenses in this blue-blood bowl. If these teams are remotely interested in competing, this game should deliver.

Isleta New Mexico Bowl: North Texas vs. San Diego State (Dec. 27, 5:45 p.m. ET; Albuquerque, N.M.)
A best-on-best matchup of the best offense in the country (North Texas at 504.3 yards per game) against the seventh-best defense (San Diego State 266.7 yards per game). However, it’s fair to worry if North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker (nation-leading 4,129 passing yards) will follow coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State and decide not to play in this game.

Reliaquest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt (Dec. 31, 12 p.m. ET; Tampa, Fla.)
Heisman contender Diego Pavia’s collegiate finale is going to be worth watching. The New Mexico State transfer led the longtime-loser Commodores to a 10-2 record this season and the brink of the playoff. Iowa’s Mark Gronowski (1,529 passing yards, 491 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs) is no slouch either. This should be one of the better QB matchups of bowl season.

Kinder’s Texas Bowl: LSU vs. Houston (Dec. 27, 9:15 p.m. ET; Houston)
While Lane Kiffin won’t be coaching this one, he’ll certainly use this game as an evaluation tool for the players he’s inheriting at LSU. The Tigers’ defense (fourth in the SEC in scoring defense at 18.3 points per game) will challenge Houston QB Connor Weigman (2,475 passing yards, 644 rushing yards, 32 total TDs).

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri (Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m. ET; Jacksonville, Fla.)
Another game that has a chance to be very good if the rosters are at full strength. Virginia was an overtime loss to Duke away from a CFP berth while the Tigers were an SEC threat unable to win the big games in league play. A matchup of great running backs between Virginia’s J’Mari Taylor (1,062 yards, 14 TDs) and Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy (1,560 yards, 16 TDs).

IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl: Troy vs. Jacksonville State (Dec. 16, 9 p.m. ET; Montgomery, Ala.)
A matchup of two G6 conference runners-up who were among the biggest surprises this season. Troy doubled its win total to eight despite having the worst offense in the Sun Belt. Jacksonville State won eight games under new coach Charles Kelly despite losing its coaching staff and much of its 2024 roster which won nine games. Bonus points for this being a renewal of an in-state rivalry which hasn’t been played since 2001.

Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois (Dec. 30, 5:30 p.m.; Nashville, Tenn.)
No return playoff trip for Tennessee this year, but it does get essentially a home bowl game. Joey Aguilar (SEC-leading 3,444 passing yards) leads a potent Volunteers offense against veteran Illinois QB Luke Altmyer (2,811 yards, 21 TDs). Both defenses are outside the top 75 nationally in passing defense. Points, points, points.

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke (Dec. 31, 2 p.m. ET; El Paso, Texas)
Duke won its first outright ACC championship since 1962, but three non-conference losses kept it out of the CFP. Still, Darian Mensah (third nationally with 3,646 passing yards and 30 TD passes) is a compelling watch. He’ll be challenged by an Arizona State defense which ranks second in the Big 12 in sacks (32).

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Cal vs. Hawaii (Dec. 24, 8 p.m. ET; Honolulu, Hawaii)
Cal has already hired Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to replace Justin Wilcox, whom it fired two weeks ago. Lupoi has already retained freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3,117 yards) for 2026, raising this bowl’s notoriety. Hawaii is bowling for the first time since 2020 and has arguably the best kicker in college football, Kansei Matsukawa of Japan (25 of 26 on field goals), who taught himself how to kick via YouTube.

Go Bowling Military Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina (Dec. 27, 11 a.m.; Annapolis, Md.)
Freshman QB Mason Heintschel (2,098 yards, 15 touchdowns in nine games) was one of the surprises of the ACC this season for Pitt. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely Desmond Reid (966 yards in 2024) will play after an oft-injured 2025. East Carolina is led by a defense which topped the American Conference in scoring defense (20.3 points) and total defense (348.9 yards).

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl: UNLV vs. Ohio (Dec. 23, 9 p.m.; Frisco, Texas)
Dan Mullen picked up where Barry Odom left off at UNLV, leading the Rebels to 10 wins in his first season. Virginia QB transfer Anthony Colandrea accounted for nearly 3,900 yards of offense and 32 TDs. Ohio (8-4) snapped a streak of three 10-win seasons in Brian Smith’s first season as head coach, but still had the second-best MAC offense in yards (416.3) and points (28.7) per game.

Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine: Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan (Dec. 19, 11 a.m.; Conway, S.C.)
Kennesaw State has a case for being the biggest surprise team in college football this season, 10-3 under first-year coach Jerry Mack. Gabriel Benyard led CUSA in receiving yards (898) for the Owls. Western Michigan won its first MAC title since 2016 on Saturday behind a defense that ranked second in the MAC in yards (299.9) and points allowed (18.2) per game.

Valero Alamo Bowl: Southern California vs. TCU (Dec. 30, 9 p.m. ET; San Antonio, Texas)
A USC offense which ranks second in the Big Ten in total offense (471.6 yards) will be a real test for a TCU team which ranks ninth in the Big 12 in total defense (377.1 yards) and 14th in passing defense (242.8 yards). Frogs QB Josh Hoover has thrown for 3,472 yards and 29 TDs, but it feels like this one could be a lopsided win for the Trojans.

Wasabi Fenway Bowl: UConn vs. Army (Dec. 27, 2:15 p.m. ET; Boston)
UConn won nine games for the second straight year, but coach Jim Mora Jr. is off to Colorado State. If QB Joe Fagnono (3,448 passing yards, 28 TDs, one interception) plays, the watchability improves dramatically. Army fell off from last year’s 12-2 finish but still made a second straight bowl. QB Cade Hellums features heavily in the triple-option offense with 1,078 rushing yards and 15 TDs.

Trust & Will Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU (Jan. 2, 8 p.m. ET; San Diego)
Arizona more than doubled its win total from four in 2024 to nine this season, ending the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Noah Fifita had a bounceback season with 2,963 yards and 26 touchdowns to five interceptions. SMU, whose loss to Cal in the regular-season finale kept it out of the ACC title game, had the best passing offense in the ACC (283.5 yards) but also the 16th-ranked passing defense (284.7 yards).

Bucked Up LA Bowl: Boise State vs. Washington (Dec. 13, 8 p.m. ET; Inglewood, Calif.)
Boise State just became a lot more watchable when they got QB Maddux Madsen back for the end of the season, winning their third straight Mountain West title. Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. (2,850 passing yards, 595 rushing yards, 27 total TDs) is one of the better under-the-radar players in the country.

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Memphis vs. NC State (Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. ET; Tampa, Fla.)
NC State is bowling for the fourth straight year under Dave Doeren at 7-5. C.J. Bailey took a step forward this year (69.6%, 2,884 passing yards, 28 total TDs) and linebacker Caden Fordham leads all Power Four players in tackles (130). Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield is headed to Arkansas after six seasons with the Tigers, who lost their last three games after an 8-1 start.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati (Jan. 2, 4:30 p.m. ET; Memphis, Tenn.)
After this week’s rivalry matchup vs. Army, Navy’s attention turns to Cincinnati. The 9-2 Midshipmen are second nationally with 3,282 yards but can also pass the ball well for a service academy. Blake Horvath has 1,390 passing yards, the most by a Navy QB since 2016. Cincinnati, which lost its last four games and ranked 13th in the Big 12 in rushing defense, will have its hands full.

XBOX Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State (Dec. 18, 9 p.m. ET; Frisco, Texas)
A new FBS team this season, Missouri State was a surprising 7-5. The Bears had the third-best Conference USA defense (384.8 yards per game) and a productive QB in Jacob Clark (2,895 yards, 24 TDs). Arkansas State is anchored by experienced signal-caller Jaylen Raynor (3,073 passing yards this season; 8,406 yards, 49 TDs over last three seasons).

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Washington State vs. Utah State (Dec. 22, 2 p.m. ET; Boise, Idaho)
Washington State made a bowl in Jimmy Rogers’ first season, but he accepted the Iowa State job on Friday. It’s fair to wonder what the Cougars’ roster could look like for this game. Utah State also made a bowl in Bronco Mendenhall’s first season thanks to Bryson Barnes, who led the team in passing (2,687) and rushing (733) yards with 27 total touchdowns.

68 Ventures Bowl: Louisiana vs. Delaware (Dec. 17, 8:30 p.m. ET; Mobile, Ala.)
FBS debutante Delaware is a surprising bowl team this season, only eligible because there weren’t enough six-win teams. Blue Hens QB Nick Minicucci ranks fifth nationally in passing yards (3,507). Louisiana reached its eighth straight bowl due to a season-ending four-game winning streak. It had five bowl appearances in program history before this streak.

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) vs. Fresno State (Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m.; Tucson, Ariz.)
Miami is bowling for the fifth straight season. Kam Perry ranked second in the MAC with 996 receiving yards, nearly twice as many as any other RedHawk. Fresno State is also in its fifth straight bowl under first-year coach Matt Entz. Kurt Warner’s son, E.J., leads the Bulldogs with 1,811 passing yards, 12 TDs and 11 picks.

Rate Bowl: New Mexico vs. Minnesota (Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m. ET; Phoenix)
First-year coach Jason Eck made an immediate splash at New Mexico. The Lobos (9-3) have a chance to match the program single-season wins record with a Rate Bowl victory. Minnesota (296.3 yards per game) had a better offense than only lowly Wisconsin among Big Ten teams but still managed a fifth straight bowl appearance under P.J. Fleck.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: Florida International vs. UTSA (Dec. 26, 8 p.m. ET; Dallas)
First-year coach Willie Simmons has Florida International in a bowl for the first time since 2019. Kejon Evans ranks eighth nationally with 1,298 rushing yards. UTSA limped into its sixth bowl in as many seasons under Jeff Traylor with six wins, its fewest since 2019. The Roadrunners have another prolific running back in Chris Henry Jr. (1,045 yards, nine touchdowns).

New Orleans Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss (Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m. ET; New Orleans)
Western Kentucky reached eight wins for the sixth time in Tyson Helton’s seven seasons this year despite splitting time between Maverick McIvor and Rodney Tisdale Jr. at QB. Southern Miss went from one win in 2024 to seven this year under new coach Charles Huff, but he’s reportedly off to Memphis and could take a number of his players with him if his Marshall move last offseason was any indication.

Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans: Toledo vs. Louisville (Dec. 23, 2 p.m. ET; Boca Raton, Fla.)
Louisville faded down the stretch, losing three of its last four games after a 7-1 start. It seems unlikely standout running back Isaac Brown (782 yards) will play after he missed the last four games due to injury. Toledo won eight-plus games for the fourth straight season, but coach Jason Candle is headed to UConn, which could affect the Rockets’ roster for this game.

Bad Boys Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Penn State vs. Clemson (Dec. 27, 12 p.m. ET; New York)
A matchup many people expected to be a potential national title game between the No. 2 and No. 3 preseason-ranked teams instead is a mid-tier bowl game. It’s fair to wonder the motivation for both of these teams and how many players could opt out from both rosters which are laden with NFL talent.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State (Jan. 2, 8 p.m.; Charlotte, N.C.)
Wake Forest was a major surprise team this season, doubling its win total to eight in Jake Dickert’s first season. Mississippi State is another 5-7 team that accepted a bid. Both teams run the ball effectively (Wake Forest was sixth in the ACC and Mississippi State third in the SEC with 28 rushing TDs). One team has stopped the run much better than the other. The Bulldogs ranked last in the SEC in rushing defense (189.5).

STAFFDNA Cure Bowl: Old Dominion vs. South Florida (Dec. 17, 5 p.m. ET; Orlando, Fla.)
Old Dominion won nine games, its most since 2016. However, star quarterback Colton Joseph (2,624 passing yards, 1,007 rushing yards, 31 total TDs) has already announced he’s sitting out of the bowl and entering the portal. South Florida’s roster is also likely to see attrition after head coach Alex Golesh took the Auburn job.

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah (Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. ET; Las Vegas)
With Dylan Raiola sidelined with a broken right fibula, Nebraska sputtered down the stretch, losing three of its last four games after a 6-2 start. Utah has won its last five games, leads the country in yards per carry (6.11) and is going against the 115th-ranked rush defense in yards per carry. Is there any reason to think this will be remotely competitive?

GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Northwestern (Dec. 26, 1 p.m. ET; Detroit)
Central Michigan is bowling for the first time since 2021 in Matt Drinkall’s first season after a three-win improvement to 7-5. Northwestern, which had a preseason win total betting line of 3.5, is in a bowl for the second time in three years under David Braun despite a 14-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio from Preston Stone.

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech (Dec. 30, 2 p.m. ET; Shreveport, La.)
Coastal Carolina is playing in a bowl for the sixth straight season but fired coach Tim Beck on Dec. 1. The Chanticleers rank 12th in the Sun Belt in scoring offense (22.8 points) and 13th in total offense (322.2 yards). Success will be hard to come by against a Louisiana Tech team which led CUSA in scoring defense (21.3 points).

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs. Texas State (Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET; Fort Worth, Texas)
Another 5-7 team that got in due to opt outs, Rice is bowling in Scott Abell’s first season. Texas State needed to win its last three games to get to 6-6. The records may be similar, but Texas State’s offense appears to be far and away the best unit in this game, entering seventh in FBS in total offense (475.8) anchored by a 1,000-yard rusher in Lincoln Pare and an 1,100-yard receiver in Beau Sparks.

JLab Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State (Dec. 29, 2 p.m. ET; Birmingham, Ala.)
We went deep enough into the 5-7 teams that two conference opponents who played this year (Georgia Southern won 25-23 on Nov. 6) will rematch in this bowl game. Georgia Southern is 6-6, Appalachian State is 5-7. Not sure either fanbase is particularly happy with their coach at the moment or that the Birmingham Bowl is happy with how this played out.

–Curt Weiler, Field Level Media

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said this year's team is the seventh in his coaching career he felt was capable of winning a Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

AFC West Primer: New season, same Chiefs

Posted on 4 September 2025 | by Field Level Media

A one-game margin separated the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos from the Chiefs the last time Kansas City failed to finish a season first in the AFC West.

That Peyton Manning-led outfit ruled the roost with 12 wins in the regular season, and then Kansas City began its current nine-year run as the best in the AFC West.

Having Andy Reid on the sideline and Patrick Mahomes at the controls of the offense might be a decided edge. But neither one of those things are expected to change any time soon.

Is there a team capable of shifting the pecking order in the division?

“They’ve been the bully on the block for a long time,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said ahead of Friday’s season opener against Kansas City in Brazil.

The Broncos were a surprise team in 2024, crashing the playoffs on the back of a playmaking defense and steady rookie quarterback Bo Nix. During training camp, head coach Sean Payton said he previously coached six teams he felt entering the season had a chance to win the Super Bowl.

“This is my seventh team that I think has that,” Payton said.

Las Vegas changed head coaches again, hiring Pete Carroll to turn the Raiders the right direction.

Here’s how we envision the West being settled in 2025:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5 predicted record)
Schedule
W1 Fri Sep 5 vs Los Angeles Chargers (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
W2 Sun Sep 14 vs Philadelphia Eagles
W3 Sun Sep 21 at New York Giants
W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Baltimore Ravens
W5 Mon Oct 6 at Jacksonville Jaguars
W6 Sun Oct 12 vs Detroit Lions
W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Las Vegas Raiders
W8 Mon Oct 27 vs Washington Commanders
W9 Sunday Nov 2 at Buffalo Bills
W10 Bye
W11 Sun Nov 16 at Denver Broncos
W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Indianapolis Colts
W13 Thu Nov 27 at Dallas Cowboys
W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Houston Texans
W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Los Angeles Chargers
W16 Sun Dec 21 at Tennessee Titans
W17 Thu Dec 25 vs Denver Broncos
W18 Sun Jan 4 at Las Vegas Raiders

Still the man in the middle: Defensive tackle Chris Jones was a rookie in 2016 when the Chiefs started their active run of dominance in the division. He had one of his best seasons to date in 2024 with a position-best win rate slightly below 20 percent. The Chiefs credited him with 29 forced incompletions, which was second best among defensive tackles last season.

Safety valve: Jaden Hicks inherited a lot of responsibility jumping into a starting role, and the strong safety earned the promotion with preparation according to Steve Spagnuolo. Hicks had three interceptions as a rookie last season to gradually earn more responsibility. The Chiefs are only planning to further expand his role in 2025.

2. Denver Broncos (10-7 predicted record)
Schedule
W1 Sun Sep 7 vs Tennessee Titans
W2 Sun Sep 14 at Indianapolis Colts
W3 Sun Sep 21 at Los Angeles Chargers
W4 Mon Sep 29 at Cincinnati Bengals
W5 Sun Oct 5 at Philadelphia Eagles
W6 Sun Oct 12 at New York Jets
W7 Sun Oct 19 vs New York Giants
W8 Mon Oct 26 vs Dallas Cowboys
W9 Sunday Nov 2 at Houston Texans
W10 Thu Nov 6 vs Las Vegas Raiders
W11 Sun Nov 16 vs Denver Broncos
W12 Sun Nov 23 Bye
W13 Sun Nov 30 at Washington Commanders
W14 Sun Dec 7 at Las Vegas Raiders
W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Green Bay Packers
W16 Sun Dec 21 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
W17 Thu Dec 25 at Kansas City Chiefs
W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Los Angeles Chargers

First in the secondary: Quarterbacks all but refuse to throw in the direction of All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, which boosted the need for a second magnetic cover man. The Broncos drafted Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron in the first round and consider him a fit in multiple roles — cornerback, nickel corner and dime safety. If Barron meets expectations, opportunities to make plays should be plentiful.

Hand it here: Figuring out the No. 1 option in the Broncos’ backfield might take time. Payton assured his running backs he’ll find snaps for reliable options. Injuries have been the main detriment in J.K. Dobbins’ career, but he’s coming off of a strong season with the Chargers. Rookie RJ Harvey had a strong preseason and squarely is in the mix.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (10-7 predicted record)
Schedule
W1 Fri Sep 5 vs Kansas City Chiefs
W2 Mon Sep 15 at Las Vegas Raiders
W3 Sun Sep 21 vs Denver Broncos
W4 Sun Sep 28 at New York Giants
W5 Sun Oct 5 vs Washington Commanders
W6 Sun Oct 12 at Miami Dolphins
W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Indianapolis Colts
W8 Thu Oct 23 vs Minnesota Vikings
W9 Sun Nov 2 at Tennessee Titans
W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Pittsburgh Steelers
W11 Sun Nov 16 at Jacksonville Jaguars
W12 Sun Nov 23 Bye
W13 Sun Nov 30 vs Las Vegas Raiders
W14 Mon Dec 8 vs Philadelphia Eagles
W15 Sun Dec 14 at Kansas City Chiefs
W16 Sun Dec 21 at Dallas Cowboys
W17 Sun Dec 28 vs Houston Texans
W18 Sun Jan 4 at Denver Broncos

No Joe: Joey Bosa was drafted third overall by the Chargers in 2016 and compiled 72 sacks for the Bolts. But he’s gone after injuries made him more of a question mark than impact pass rusher. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter plans a deeper rotation off the edge while featuring Khalil Mack. Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree are the primary options on the right side.

Running men: Harbaugh wants a hard-nosed team that can pound the ball on the ground in any situation. The Chargers used the No. 22 overall pick to select Omarion Hampton even after signing former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Najee Harris to breathe new life into the ball-control vision. Hampton might begin the season in third-down role because of his accomplished work in pass protection, but Harbaugh also praised his vision, agility and explosiveness, framing a situation that could lead to the Chargers using Harris as the late-game hammer and goal-line runner.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (5-12 predicted record)
Schedule
W1 Sun Sep 7 at New England Patriots
W2 Mon Sep 15 vs Los Angeles Chargers
W3 Sun Sep 21 at Washington Commanders
W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Chicago Bears
W5 Sun Oct 5 at Indianapolis Colts
W6 Sun Oct 12 vs Tennessee Titans
W7 Sun Oct 19 at Kansas City Chiefs
W8 Bye
W9 Sun Nov 2 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
W10 Thu Nov 6 at Denver Broncos
W11 Mon Nov 17 vs Dallas Cowboys
W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Cleveland Browns
W13 Sun Nov 30 at Los Angeles Chargers
W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Denver Broncos
W15 Sun Dec 14 at Philadelphia Eagles
W16 Sun Dec 21 at Houston Texans
W17 Sun Dec 28 vs New York Giants
W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Kansas City Chiefs

Bring the “A” game: Ashton Jeanty was one of the five best running back prospects entering the league in the past decade based on the team evaluation, but Carroll repeated recently he will not “play one guy” as the position. Any time Jeanty spends off the field is sure to be short-lived. Carroll has built offenses around bell-cow backs before — Marshawn Lynch, anyone? — and Jeanty’s speed gives the Las Vegas offense a home-run threat it otherwise lacks. The Raiders averaged 3.6 yards per carry and had one gain over 39 yards in 2024. At Boise State, Jeanty had 50 rushing touchdowns, led the FBS with 159.7 scrimmage yards per game and was the only FBS player ever to post 1,000-plus rushing yards and 500-plus receiving yards in a season (2024).

Catching a steal: Dont’e Thornton can run, but he fell to the fourth round of the 2025 draft because NFL teams weren’t convinced the former Tennessee wideout would consistently catch. Thornton (6-5, 205) might have already outperformed his draft slot in the eyes of Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He’ll be a starter — or receive starter reps — early in the season. If you missed him this summer, check out his 17-yard touchdown catch on a ball quarterback Geno Smith wouldn’t throw to a player he didn’t trust.

–Field Level Media

College football hot seat: Auburn, Florida State already sizzling

Posted on 21 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

College football coaches were afforded a recruiting class’s full cycle of four years to prove their value, barring major malfeasance, not all that long ago.

Those days are long gone.

In today’s ecosystem, when freshman signees rarely stay at the same program for four years and what was once considered malfeasance is now unenforceable, a coaching staff is fortunate to get two full years if the program falls short of expectations.

Consider the following names who enter the 2025 season on the proverbial hot seat. It’s a group that includes a coach less than three years removed from reaching a conference championship game behind a Heisman Trophy winner; another coach less than two years removed from a league title and College Football Playoff snub; and a third who has barely had time to settle into his new home.

–Hugh Freeze, Auburn
After his unseemly exit from Ole Miss, Freeze rehabilitated his image enough in a 34-15 tenure at Liberty to return to the SEC in 2023.

Auburn brass banked on Freeze recapturing the magic he introduced nearly a decade prior in Oxford, when the Rebels reached New Year’s Six Bowls in 2014 and 2015 and flirted with the Playoff the latter campaign.

Instead, the Tigers have more closely resembled Freeze’s last Ole Miss team that finished 5-7 in 2016. Auburn dropped seven games in each of Freeze’s first two seasons. His 14 total losses already surpassing the 12 predecessor Bryan Harsin accumulated before his ouster midway through the 2022 campaign.

Perhaps worse, Freeze did so employing an offensively anemic brand of football.

Freeze’s Ole Miss teams were celebrated for their explosiveness, which Auburn recaptured in a 43-41 upset of Texas A&M last November. But in the Tigers’ seven losses in 2024, they scored more than 17 points only once, including early-season home setbacks of 21-14 to Cal and 24-14 to Arkansas.

Both the Golden Bears’ Justin Wilcox and Razorbacks’ Sam Pittman enter 2025 on the hot seat in their own right.

–Lincoln Riley, USC
Another head coach lauded for his offensive chops, Riley’s stunning introduction at USC in late November 2021 seemed like an early Christmas gift for Trojans fans. Claiming just one Pac-10/12 championship since 2008, USC boosters longed for a return to their dominance of the Aughts.

Riley, having coached Oklahoma to four straight Playoff appearances from 2017 through 2020, seemed to be the man to recapture that glory. And, throughout his initial regular season, he validated that confidence.

But in being physically dominated by Utah to lose the Pac-12 championship, then again by Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, it became evident that Heisman winner Caleb Williams masked a number of deficiencies in the program. Those deficiencies couldn’t be masked in a disappointing 2023.

Replacing Alex Grinch at defensive coordinator with D’Anton Lynn from crosstown rival UCLA was a huge step in the right direction as USC moved to the Big Ten, but the Trojans sputtering on offense without Williams relegated them to a 7-6 finish in 2024.

The good news for Riley and USC is that five of last season’s six losses were decided by less than a touchdown, suggesting the Trojans are close to Big Ten contention.

–Mike Norvell, Florida State
Even in the hot-take friendly media climate of 2025, it feels reactionary to place the direction of an entire program on one game. However, Florida State’s no-show — literally with a bevy of players sitting out, and figuratively, as in the 63-3 final score — against Georgia in the Orange Bowl cast a dark cloud over the Seminoles.

For some, that outcome justified the Playoff committee’s unprecedented decision to exclude an undefeated power-conference champion from the field. It also set the table for a dismal 2024. Florida State’s 2-10 finish wasn’t just worse than the nadir under Norvell’s predecessor, Willie Taggart; it was the worst any Seminole team had finished since the 1973 squad went winless.

Florida State welcomes a talented crop of transfers that includes quarterback Tommy Castellanos (Boston College); wide receivers Duce Robinson (USC), Malik Benson (Oregon) and Squirrel White (Tennessee); and defensive end James Williams (Nebraska). Norvell will need the influx of experience to pay immediate dividends to remain in Tallahassee – and that means immediate in the most literal sense.

A Week 1 matchup with Alabama looms as the most singularly important game for the Norvell era at Florida State since being stomped in the Orange Bowl.

–Brent Brennan, Arizona
While the restructured transfer portal can offer a program instant relief, as Florida State seeks in 2025, it can also doom a program from the outset. Brent Brennan faced such a scenario in his return to coach his alma mater, Arizona.

Brennan achieved more with much less in his tenure at San Jose State, a perennial cellar-dweller that he led to a Mountain West Conference championship and repeated postseasons. Competing against Big 12 Conference competition with less proved to be more difficult, as the exodus of transfers in the wake of Jedd Fisch leaving for Washington following Arizona’s 11-win 2023 campaign left the Wildcats decimated in the trenches.

Arizona’s lack of depth on either line left the Wildcats unable to capitalize on the final season of their offense pairing friends Noah Fifita at quarterback and first-round NFL draft pick Tetairoa McMillan at wide receiver.

Fifita’s return in 2025 and Arizona featuring a more veteran lineup on the rest of the roster could help Brennan restore the excitement UA lost after a dizzying decline from one of the best seasons in program history.

–Field Level Media

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) and head coach Dabo Swinney at the start of fall workouts July 31.

ACC Primer: Can Miami — or Georgia Tech — catch Clemson?

Posted on 21 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

It wasn’t that long ago that the Atlantic Coast Conference was winning national titles at as high a rate as any conference.

Between 2013 and 2018, the ACC won three national championships (Florida State in 2013, Clemson in 2016 and 2018), more than any other conference over that span.

In the six years since, the ACC has won zero national titles while the Big Ten, which had won just one title between 2003 and 2022, has surged past the ACC by winning each of the last two.

However, the re-emergence of Clemson last season gives the conference its best shot in a number of years to snap that drought this fall. The Tigers’ No. 4 preseason ranking in the AP poll is the highest for an ACC team since 2022 Clemson was ranked fourth to begin the season.

“We’ve been a target around here for a long time,’ Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said during his preseason press conference. “Whether they’re talking bad about you, good about you, it doesn’t matter. Expectations are always high here, always have been, and they’re all big…

“As I always tell the guys, headlines this time of year, it’s all based on opinions and potential. The headlines that matter are the ones that are written on performance. Those are the ones that ultimately matter in the end.”

The Tigers, who won their seventh ACC championship in the last nine years in 2024, were picked by media voters to win the ACC once again in 2025, receiving 167 of the 183 first-place votes.

Here’s our projection for how the ACC standings will shake out this fall:

Clemson (12-1 projected record)

2024 record: 10-4

Last conference title: 2024

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Aug. 30, vs. No. 9 LSU

Why they will win the ACC: Veteran quarterback Cade Klubnik (6,483 passing yards, 55 passing TDs over the last two seasons) is back and enters 2025 as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. He’s flanked by a defensive line which has a strong case for being the best in the nation this season, returning Peter Woods and T.J. Parker while adding Purdue transfer Will Heldt.

Miami (10-3 projected record)

2024 record: 10-3

Last conference title: 2003 (Big East Conference)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Nov. 1, at No. 16 SMU

Why they will win the ACC: Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck has been getting rave reviews around the program since returning from offseason elbow surgery over the summer. He’ll be protected by what’s expected to be one of the best offensive lines in the country and surrounded by a roster assembled by head coach Mario Cristobal which has a case for being the most talented in the conference.

Georgia Tech (10-2 projected record)

2024 record: 7-6

Last conference title: 2009

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Sept. 13, vs. No. 4 Clemson

Why they will win the ACC: Brent Key has had quite a bit of success as head coach at his alma mater, quickly turning things around into back-to-back overachieving seasons to begin his tenure. QB Haynes King and RB Jamal Haynes, who combined for over 1,500 rushing yards and 20 rushing TDs in 2024, will anchor what should again be a high-powered offense.

Louisville (10-2 projected record)

2024 record: 9-4

Last conference title: 2012 (BIg East Conference)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Oct. 17, at No. 10 Miami

Why they will win the ACC: Head coach Jeff Brohm has proven to be something of a QB whisperer, and he’s got another promising starter this season in USC transfer Miller Moss. Pair him with RB Isaac Brown (1,173 yards, 11 TDs as a freshman in 2024) and an experienced receiver room and the Cards should have another potent offense on their hands.

SMU (9-3 projected record)

2024 record: 11-3

Last conference title: 2023 (American Conference)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Nov. 4, at No. 4 Clemson

Why they will win the ACC: Rhett Lashlee has made SMU a pinnacle of consistency early in his tenure, leading the Mustangs to consecutive 11-win seasons for the first time in program history in 2023-24 after they had just one 10-win season over the prior 37 seasons.

Florida State (8-4 projected record)

2024 record: 2-10

Last conference title: 2023

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Aug. 30, vs. No. 8 Alabama

Why they will win the ACC: It’s hard to see FSU jumping up from its 2024 disaster all the way to ACC champions this season. However, the combination of new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s track record with mobile QBs and FSU starter Tommy Castellanos’ remarkable athleticism could be the spark that was badly missing for the Seminoles last season..

North Carolina (9-3 projected record)

2024 record: 6-7

Last conference title: 1980

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Oct. 4, vs. No. 4 Clemson

Why they will win the ACC: While new UNC head coach Bill Belichick has never coached in college, he’s got a strong case for best NFL head coach of all time with six Super Bowl victories. Additionally, the Tar Heels have what appears to be an easier ACC slate, facing just one of the top seven teams in our projected ACC standings.

Duke (6-6 projected record)

2024 record: 9-4

Last conference title: 1989

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Nov. 22, at North Carolina

Why they will win the ACC: Manny Diaz did a great job in Year 1 carrying over the program momentum he inherited from former head coach Mike Elko. This offseason, he brought in Tulane QB transfer Darian Mensah (2,723 yards, 22 TD passes to six interceptions as a true freshman), who is being paid a reported $8 million over the next two seasons.

Syracuse (6-6 projected record)

2024 record: 10-3

Last conference title: 2012 (Big East)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Nov. 22, at No. 6 Notre Dame

Why they will win the ACC: The Orange made a remarkable Year 1 improvement under new head coach Fran Brown, improving by four wins for just the program’s third 10-win season this century. Brown, previously an assistant at Georgia, has been acquiring talent far above Syracuse’s normal level considering its geographical disadvantages.

Virginia Tech (6-6 projected record)

2024 record: 6-7

Last conference title: 2010

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Nov. 22, vs. No. 10 Miami

Why they will win the ACC: When healthy, QB Kyron Drones is a dynamic playmaker capable of raising a team’s level. It sounds like he’s recovered well from an injury-prone 2024 and could help head coach Brent Pry break through the plateau he appears to have hit entering his fourth season atop the program.

Pitt (6-6 projected record)

2024 record: 7-6

Last conference title: 2021

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Sept. 13, at West Virginia

Why they will win the ACC: Second-year offensive coordinator/playcaller Kade Bell immediately transformed the Panthers’ offense in 2024. That should only continue to grow with Eli Holstein back as the starting QB. Plus Pitt’s defense, especially the front seven, should be very solid, as it normally is under head coach Pat Narduzzi.

Virginia (6-6 projected record)

2024 record: 5-7

Last conference title: 1995

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Sept. 26, vs. Florida State

Why they will win the ACC: While contending in the ACC would be great, even making a bowl game for the first time since 2019 would be a success in Tony Elliott’s fourth season leading the Cavaliers. With North Texas transfer Chandler Morris (3,774 passing yards, 31 TDs in 2024) in the fold, they now have the stability at QB to potentially get there.

NC State (5-7 projected record)

2024 record: 6-7

Last conference title: 1979

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Sept. 20, at Duke

Why they will win the ACC: With new coordinators on both sides of the ball, the 2025 NC State team could look quite a bit different. But the stabilizing force is head coach Dave Doeren, who has led the Wolfpack to nine bowl games in his 12 seasons. Sophomore QB CJ Bailey should be improved after he was thrown into the deep end last season as a freshman, and he has preseason All-ACC tight end Justin Joly as a reliable target.

Boston College (4-8 projected record)

2024 record: 7-6

Last conference title: 2004 (Big East)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Oct. 4, at Pitt

Why they will win the ACC: BC has quite a bit of important turnover to deal with entering Bill O’Brien’s second season. All-American defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and three starting offensive linemen are off to the NFL. It’ll be up to Alabama QB transfer Dylan Lonergan and some solid returning skill-position talent around him to keep things rolling in 2025.

California (3-9 projected record)

2024 record: 6-7

Last conference title: 2006 (Pac-12 Conference)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Nov. 22, at Stanford

Why they will win the ACC: Cal was hit harder than any other ACC team in terms of transfer departures. QB Fernando Mendoza is now at Indiana, star RB Jaydn Ott is now at Oklahoma, and the top 10 players in rushing yards from the 2024 team are all gone. Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele beat out Ohio State transfer Devin Brown for the starting job. Could the four-star prospect be talented enough to prevent a drop-off in Year 2 in the ACC?

Wake Forest (3-9 projected record)

2024 record: 4-8

Last conference title: 2006

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Sept. 11, vs. NC State

Why they will win the ACC: It’s hard to see Wake Forest (4-8 each of the last two seasons) being competitive in Jake Dickert’s first season leading the program after he left Washington State to replace Dave Clawson, who resigned. But in convincing Demond Claiborne (1,049 yards, 11 touchdowns in 2024) to return, the Demon Deacons have a flashy running back who could help them steal a few wins this season.

Stanford (2-10 projected record)

2024 record: 3-9

Last conference title: 2015 (Pac-12)

Circle this game on the 2025 schedule: Sept. 13, vs. Boston College

Why they will win the ACC: Stanford is more likely to be battling to avoid finishing last in the ACC than to come close to competing this season. The Cardinal had a tougher ACC adjustment last season than fellow Pac-12 convert Cal, and then fired head coach Troy Taylor in March after a harassment/bullying investigation. Frank Reich will take the helm as interim head coach for 2025, but he’s made it clear he doesn’t want the job long-term. This season is about surviving before building for the future under GM Andrew Luck.

-Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone, right, speaks next to head coach Liam Coen during a press conference at Miller Electric Center Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jaguars 2025 draft needs, picks, best fits, history

Posted on 16 April 2025 | by Field Level Media

Another year, another top five draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Owner Shad Khan reversed his initial decision to retain general manager Trent Baalke when he fired head coach Doug Pederson after a 4-13 season in 2024. But when head coach candidate Liam Coen pulled out of the running for the job, Khan ejected Baalke, hired 34-year-old James Gladstone and landed Coen, 39, to replace Pederson.

With quarterback Trevor Lawrence recovering from left shoulder surgery and some mystery about the overall direction of the team’s schemes, Gladstone rides into his first draft in the big chair with plentiful options and 10 total picks.

The show begins at No. 5. History indicates a top talent will be available, but which direction will Gladstone steer the Jaguars?

As the draft approaches, the rumor mill has consistently connected the team to a pass rusher or running back Ashton Jeanty.

Here’s a closer look at the hand Gladstone holds.

–Team needs
Cornerback: Travis Hunter would be the ideal steal and if Gladstone was paying attention during his nine years with the Rams (spoiler alert: he was), swinging for the fences won’t be a problem. With 10 selections there’s room to gamble and the Jaguars offer Hunter a CB1 role with a chance to be heavily incorporated on offense. If they aren’t willing to trade with Cleveland or the New York Giants to get Hunter, a move down for Will Johnson (Michigan) or targeting a mid-round developmental type could work, too.

Running back: It’s not that the position is a need so much as it’s likely Gladstone will be sitting on the clock with the option to select Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Mentor Les Snead of the Rams had a similar decision in 2015, one year before Gladstone joined the franchise, when he opted to drafted Georgia running back Todd Gurley. More recently in Rams’ lore and as part of Gladstone’s tenure, the Rams found Pro Bowl RB Kyren Williams with the 164th overall pick in 2022.

Defensive line: Michigan’s Mason Graham appears to be an ideal fit for the Jaguars based on need and the team’s stated approach to the draft class.

Not to dwell on his nine-year run with the Rams, but has anyone benefited more from a strong interior defensive line than Los Angeles under Snead? They were questioned for the “risk” of drafting a smaller three-technique out of Pitt in 2014, and Aaron Donald, the No. 13 overall pick that year, is a few years shy of being fitted for a gold jacket. Last year, the Rams snagged Braden Fiske (second round) after already addressing their pass rush with Jared Verse in the first round.

–Best prospect fits
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
DT Mason Graham, Michigan
CB-WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
OT Will Campbell, LSU
OT-OG Armand Membou, Missouri
OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia

–2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 10
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 5, 5
2: 4, 36
3: 6, 70
3: 24, 88 (from Minnesota Vikings)
4: 5, 107
4: 24, 126 (from Minnesota Vikings)
5: 4, 142
6: 6, 182
6: 18, 194 (from Seattle Seahawks)
7: 5, 221

–History Lesson
–This is the 15th time since 2008 the Jaguars are drafting in the top 10.

–With the No. 5 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jaguars drafted cornerback Jalen Ramsey. They previously selected Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon fifth overall in 2012.

–Field Level Media

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Titans 2025 draft needs, picks, best fits, history

Posted on 11 April 2025 | by Field Level Media

Soliciting a package of top-100 picks and repeating the sentiment in media sessions that the franchise is “open for business” didn’t bring a flotilla of trade offers to the Tennessee Titans.

So are the rebuilding Titans up a creek without a trade partner at No. 1?

Not exactly.

The franchise is armed with the top overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and most signs point to selecting Miami quarterback Cameron Ward, but nothing is diecast at No. 1 given the uncertain history of the new decision-makers in the Titans’ power structure.

Options in the conversation beyond Ward, such as playmaker and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and pass rusher Abdul Carter, might be better fits for a team with a proven roster closer to contending.

Does Ward fit the pressing need at the QB position? Arguably, he does, rating as the only top 20 quarterback in the draft according to Field Level Media’s composite rankings.

Head coach Brian Callahan lived what he said is NFL truth: Franchise quarterbacks are priceless. Callahan helped develop Joe Burrow, the No. 1 pick of the Bengals in 2020. He also has many points of reference as a QB coach and coordinator to help measure the potential for Will Levis to develop after an erratic first year together.

Burrow’s only issues at the NFL level have been taking too many sacks (196 in his young career to date) — pinned mostly on a fragile front five — and the resulting injuries from the constant pounding (knee, calf, wrist).

General manager Mike Borgonzi was with the Chiefs when Patrick Mahomes was picked 10th in 2017 and experienced every season of his NFL brilliance before taking over in Nashville in January. The two most meaningful games Mahomes lost in his career were both blamed in large part on a leaky offensive line.

Borgonzi doesn’t want to leave that possibility open.

Previous GM Ran Carthon didn’t leave the cupboard bare. He selected two offensive linemen in the top 11 — Peter Skoronski in 2023 (11th overall) and JC Latham in 2024 (seventh overall) — and Borgonzi signed left tackle Dan Moore from the Steelers in free agency to solidify a group that could help keep the runway clear for Ward to lead a turnaround in Tennessee.

Team needs
Pass rusher
An interior pairing of 2024 second-rounder T’Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons serves as a solid foundation, but the Titans’ 3-4 defense can’t function without a pass rusher. Harold Landry was more technique and persistence than explosive and twitchy, which is the order of the day for coordinator Dennard Wilson.

Quarterback
Will Levis being on the roster is a thinly clipped insurance plan for the Titans receiving a Herschel Walker- or Ricky Williams-type offer in the days before the draft. The job will go to a rookie and Ward has the maturity, makeup and live arm to be a quality NFL starter.

Wide receiver
Playmakers are in short supply with no surefire No. 1 receiver, no matter how optimistic the team claims to be about Calvin Ridley.

Best prospect fits
QB Cameron Ward, Miami
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 8
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 1, 1
2: 3, 35
4: 1, 103
4: 18, 120 (from Seattle Seahawks)
5: 3, 141
5: 29, 167 (from Kansas City Chiefs)
6: 2, 178
6: 12, 188 (from Dallas Cowboys)

History Lesson
–The last time the franchise had the No. 1 pick was 1978. The then-Houston Oilers drafted Texas RB Earl Campbell.
–In three of the past five drafts and five of the past 10 years, the Titans used their first-round pick on an offensive lineman (2014, 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024).
–In 2015 with the No. 2 overall pick, the Titans drafted QB Marcus Mariota.

–Field Level Media

NFL sets 2025 salary cap at $279.2M, a $23.8M jump

Posted on 27 February 2025 | by Field Level Media

NFL teams were informed on Thursday that the 2025 salary cap will be a record $279.2 million per club, a $23.8 million increase from last season.

The NFL and the players association agreed to the number that the 32 teams must be under when the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

It had been previously reported that this year’s cap would be somewhere between $277.5 and $281.5 million.

The biggest factors contributing to the cap’s climb are the league’s most recent TV rights deals with its broadcast partners.

The cap has risen annually since 2011, except for 2021 when the league prioritized recovery from the pandemic, including loss of live attendance gate and concessions profits.

In 2011, the cap was $120.37 million. It crossed the $200 million barrier in 2022 at $208.2 million and was at $255.4 million last season.

–Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.

Report: Decision could come soon on Aaron Rodgers’ future with Jets

Posted on 9 February 2025 | by Field Level Media

The New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers have been discussing whether the four-time league MVP will return to the team in 2025, with a decision potentially coming this week, NFL Network reported Sunday.

Rodgers, 41, has spent two seasons in New York. The quarterback suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the opener in 2023, and last season, he rebounded to start all 17 games but the Jets finished only 5-12. He completed 63.0 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

If he is to stay in New York, he likely will need to agree to a pay cut from his $37.5 million base salary. He is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season.

Per the report, the Jets will want a commitment that he’ll take part in offseason programs to learn the offense of coordinator Tanner Engstrand, brought on board by new head coach Aaron Glenn.

Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before moving on the Jets. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame member ranks in the top 10 in NFL history in many statistical categories.

He is first in passer rating (102.6), fifth in career touchdown passes (503), and seventh in both pass completions (5,369) and passing yards (62,952).

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks to quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Rams, Sean McVay anxious for QB Matthew Stafford’s decision on ’25

Posted on 23 January 2025 | by Field Level Media

Sean McVay wants to avoid what happened last offseason when the Los Angeles Rams spent months in limbo awaiting clarity from Matthew Stafford.

After reaching the playoffs and beating the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round, Los Angeles ended its season with a road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC divisional playoffs last week, thus restarting the cycle of Stafford questions for the coach.

“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said of Stafford stringing out a final call on whether he’ll play another season. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication. I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.”

McVay did not fully commit to keeping Stafford as the QB1 in 2025. His plan, as usual, is to begin charting a course at quarterback, then expanding to other positions.

“The quarterback is always the first thing in mind as it relates to how you move forward with the team,” McVay said.

Stafford was acquired from the Lions in a deal in which the Rams sent Jared Goff and draft picks that ultimately landed wide receiver Jameson Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and others in Detroit. Thirteen months after the trade was completed, Stafford and McVay were celebrating a win in Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.

Asked whether the Rams are definitively committed to Stafford in his 17th NFL season if he doesn’t retire, McVay was vague.

“We’ll talk about all those things at the appropriate time,” he said. “I love him. I love working with him.”

Stafford is among the league’s statistical greats, ranked 10th all-time in career passing yards (59,809) and touchdown passes (377), and ninth in both pass completions and attempts. He’s 5-2 with the Rams in the playoffs after going 0-3 over his 12 seasons in Detroit.

Stafford said he feels like he’s playing good enough football to return. He turns 37 two days before the Super Bowl and is recovering from a rib injury McVay confirmed was a factor in his performance, although it didn’t keep Stafford out of practice. Stafford’s wife, Kelly, said her husband played the final games of the season with five broken ribs suffered in a 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers last month.

McVay said tests on Stafford were taken after the game and “nothing showed up on that imaging.”

“But he did have some irritation. And then before the Minnesota game when he did get an MRI scan there showed some stress reactions. That was what was communicated to me,” McVay said.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Report: Pass-rusher Khalil Mack to return in 2025

Posted on 22 January 2025 | by Field Level Media

Nine-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Khalil Mack will return for his 12th NFL season in 2025, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The veteran linebacker, who turns 34 next month, is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.

Playing his third season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, he tallied six sacks and 15 quarterback hits in 16 starts.

Mack, the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, told reporters he was considering retirement after the Chargers’ 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game.

“Man, it’s a lot of different thoughts in my head right now,” he said on Jan. 12. “I can’t really speak on a definitive decision in terms of what I’m going to do because I don’t know if I’m going to play football moving forward, so there’s some things I gotta talk through with my wife, spend some time with my kids and try not to make a rash decision after a loss.”

During the same interview, Mack said he believed his best chance to win is with the Chargers.

“As long as Justin Herbert is your quarterback. You got (safety) Derwin James and all these guys that love the game of football. And Jim Harbaugh coaching?” Mack said. “You know you always have a chance to win. Yeah, that’s a no-brainer.”

Mack recorded two sacks against the Texans in his fifth career playoff game, but his teams have yet to win a playoff game in five tries.

Mack was named to his ninth Pro Bowl this season and is also a three-time All-Pro first-teamer (2015, 2016, 2018).

In 167 career games (166 starts) for the then-Oakland Raiders (2014-17), Chicago Bears (2018-21) and Chargers (2022-24), Mack has compiled 107.5 sacks, which ranks tied for 32nd all-time. He has 630 tackles (142 for loss), 32 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries and three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.

–Field Level Media