Top 25 Teams Summer Secrets to a Championship Season

College Football's Summer Blueprint: Key Focus Areas for the Top 25 in 2025

The echoes of spring practices have faded, and the summer break is officially upon us. For college football programs, this isn't a time for complete rest; it's a crucial period for strategic planning and addressing critical needs before the intensity of fall camp descends. As coaches navigate recruiting visits and media obligations, they're also quietly strategizing to solidify their teams' chances for success in the 2025 season. We've taken a look at the top 25 teams as projected by CBS Sports, identifying one key area each must address to be a true contender.

Here's a glimpse into the summer agenda for some of the nation's elite:

1. Texas Longhorns: Assess Arch Manning's Weaponry

With Ryan Wingo stepping up as the new WR1, the Longhorns need to identify the other reliable targets for Arch Manning. The departure of Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Gunnar Helm leaves voids to be filled. Keep an eye on freshman Kaliq Lockett and veteran DeAndre Moore as potential starters at the Z and slot positions.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions: Gel at Wide Receiver

Drew Allar needs more consistent options beyond All-American tight end Tyler Warren. The Nittany Lions' lack of receiving production in critical moments last season led to a portal overhaul. Transfers Kyron Hudson (USC), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Trebor Pena (Syracuse) are expected to make an immediate impact.

3. Clemson Tigers: Find Comfort in Run Game

Despite being loaded on both sides of the ball, the Tigers need to establish a reliable rushing attack to complement Cade Klubnik's passing prowess. With Phil Mafah gone, freshman Gideon Davidson, sophomore Jay Haynes, and redshirt freshman David Eziomume will compete for carries. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley needs a dependable short-yardage option.

4. Georgia Bulldogs: Fix Uncertainty Along Offensive Line

Replacing four starters on the offensive line is a daunting task, even for a program like Georgia. With a new starting quarterback, dependable tackle play from Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene is crucial for the Bulldogs' success.

5. Oregon Ducks: Boost Dante Moore's Confidence

Dan Lanning needs Dante Moore to take the reins and excel. After backing up Dillon Gabriel last season, Moore has had two springs to learn the offensive scheme. Elite quarterback play is a must for the Ducks to maintain their championship trajectory.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Pick a Quarterback and Go

Marcus Freeman needs to name a starter between C.J. Carr and Kevin Minchey early in fall camp. The season opener against Miami is looming, and the chosen quarterback needs to be ready.

7. LSU Tigers: Avoid Press Clippings

Brian Kelly needs to keep his team grounded despite the preseason hype. The Tigers have invested heavily in recruiting and need to avoid complacency.

8. Alabama Crimson Tide: Generate a Pass Rush

While the secondary looks promising, Alabama needs to find consistent pass rushers beyond James Smith and Tim Keenan III. LT Overton needs to realize his potential and become a disruptive force.

9. Florida Gators: Establish Secondary Depth

Billy Napier's defense relies on several true freshmen in the secondary. Fall camp will be crucial for Vinnie Sunseri to establish a reliable rotation behind Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton.

10. Miami Hurricanes: Maintain Offensive Approach

Shannon Dawson must maintain an aggressive offensive approach despite replacing significant production. Carson Beck and new additions need to quickly gel with CJ Daniels leading the receiving corps.

11. Illinois Fighting Illini: Have confidence in the rushing attack

With injury concerns and transfer losses, Thad Ward must find a dependable rushing attack with Aidan Laughery, Kaden Feagin and Ca'Lil Valentine to take the pressure off Altmyer

12. Kansas State Wildcats: Ensure Avery Johnson is ready to roll

After transfer buzz Johnson needs to be prepared to lead as one of the most important players in the conference and cut down on the interception totals.

13. BYU Cougars: Ride Chase Roberts and Jojo Phillips

With Keelan Marion gone Roberts and Phillips need to become more integral cogs on the offense with Phillips having the potential to be a mismatch nightmare.

14. TCU Horned Frogs: Continue to push physicality

To prove doubters wrong and earn notoriety physicality on both sides of the ball will be paramount.

15. Michigan Wolverines: Take the training wheels off Bryce Underwood

Make Underwood the day 1 starter as Mikey Keene will act as the insurance if Underwood falters.

16. Arizona State Sun Devils: Keep Kanye Udoh healthy

The Sun Devils need to do everything they can to make sure Udoh is ready to go. He's a key piece for replacing Cam Skattebo and making the offense go.

17. Oklahoma Sooners: Get out of Brent Venables' way defensively

Venables needs to get back to running the defense and utilize his experience in that field as well as get the losing campaign behind him.

18. Iowa State Cyclones: Get creative defensively

With heavy losses to the defensive line the Cyclones need to look different on the defensive side of the ball at all three levels.

19. Tennessee Volunteers: Use motivational fuel

Josh Heupel needs to use the lack of expectations to his advantage and go to work with what he has despite the losses to key players

20. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Fix the secondary

After finishing last in the conference in pass defense heavy competition to determine starters is key.

21. South Carolina Gamecocks: Prepare other ballcarriers just in case

Even with the anticipation of Rahsul Faison being available, others at the position need to be ready just in case.

22. Louisville Cardinals: Find the pieces, put them together

Jeff Brohm needs to find a way to integrate all the transfers he brought in to make the team work.

23. SMU Mustangs: Ditch last season's success

The Mustangs need to avoid complacency and temper expectations despite the previous season and tough schedule.

24. Auburn Tigers: Keep it simple

Hugh Freeze needs to let his team, including Jackson Arnold, perform to the level they should be capable of.

These are just a few of the challenges and opportunities facing college football's top programs this summer. The work done now will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the 2025 season. It's a time for refinement, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Get ready for what promises to be another thrilling year on the gridiron!

Tags: College football, Summer break, Football recruits, Fall camp, 2025 contenders, Defensive line, Pass rush, Beau Atkinson, Eddrick Houston, Kayden McDonald, Arch Manning

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-footballs-summer-agenda-one-area-every-top-25-team-must-address-for-success-in-2025/