Collegefootballfan.com announces 2025 College Football Schedule

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Lebanon, TN – In our 46th straight college football season, we release our 30-game plan for our 2025 college football schedule. Our first game kicks off on August 23rd (Week “0”) when Sam Houston State visits Western Kentucky. Sam Houston, Delaware and Missouri State will all be on this year’s slate assuring that we will have seen all 136 current Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams play at least once. Though most of these games are set in stone, consider this our “tentative” schedule as times, dates and better opportunities may come about as networks change TV programming for the next few months. By the way, numbers in parenthesis depict preseason rankings determined by 247Sports.

In Week 1, we make our first trip ever to see games played in the state of Oregon. Both state FBS programs play on Saturday, August 30. We await the TV network schedulers to make it convenient for us as the University of Oregon and Oregon State University are only 47 miles apart. Oregon State hosts the Cal Bears at 7:30 pm in Corvalis. The No. 5-ranked Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in Eugene that day as well. The Bobcats fell in the FCS National Championship last season, 35-32, to the North Dakota State Bison. They also opened last season for us with a 35-31 upset win at New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Montana State players celebrate with their fans at UNM's University Stadium after the last-minute 35-31 victory to open our 2024 season. They will likely play in front of us again at Oregon and maybe later at home in our 2025 Schedule.
Montana State players celebrate with their fans at UNM’s University Stadium after the last-minute 35-31 victory to open our 2024 season. They will likely play in front of us again at Oregon and maybe later at home on our 2025 College Football Schedule.

Economics set in early

We take advantage of “local games” for the first few weeks of 2025 to keep costs low to save for later. We also get to see some good, if not interesting, teams. FCS Tennessee State will host aforementioned perennial power North Dakota State at nearby Nissan Stadium. For week 3, we plan a local D-3/FCS doubleheader. At 1 pm that Saturday, we go back to our D-3 roots and hope to have a Guest Game Analyst with us who played at Sewanee University: The University of the South. He played for well-known Head Coach Shirley Majors who coached the Tigers there to a 93-74-5 record from 1957-1977. The late Shirley Majors is the father of former Tennessee and Pitt Panther Head Coach Johnny Majors.

The Sewanee program has been down for number of years, but it is starting to improve under current HC Andy McCollum, formerly HC at Middle Tennessee. A Sewanee claim to fame – Sewanee was a charter member of the SEC from 1933-1939! They never won a conference game. However, as a member of the Southern Conference prior, they recorded wins over LSU and Ole Miss. They will host Brevard of North Carolina in this game. A member of the USA South Atlantic Conference, the Tornadoes come off a 6-3 season. It will be a fun preliminary game before seeing the Stetson University at UT Chattanooga that evening in another FCS contest. Where else can a fan see the Hatters play the Moccasins?

Big Ten and SEC games on our 2025 College Football Schedule

Improved Indiana will host improving Illinois (14) on Sept 20. We never had a desire to attend a game in Bloomington until now. With the IU Hoosiers on the rise under Curt Cignetti, we decided to go and add another new stadium and hopefully see a good game against the Illini under HC Brett Bielema – always interesting. The following week features our two highest ranked teams. No. 5 Oregon visits No. 2 Penn State with our PSU buddy of these many years, John Massimilla. This one will definitely impact the College Football Playoffs (CFP) early.

SEC battles will feature Missouri at Auburn (No. 21). Possibly, we will get to Neyland to see the Tennessee Vols host Arkansas. If not, we have a couple of other non-SEC options that weekend to be considered. In November, Kentucky comes to Nashville to visit Vanderbilt who returns QB Diego Pavia. He keyed the Commodores last season with upsets over Virginia Tech, Alabama and Auburn. On Thanksgiving Saturday this year, we may get out to see Missouri at Arkansas for our first visit to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. It could be a big game by that time, but we look forward to getting out to see the Hogs at home! Still gets us to an SEC battle.

Among games on our 2025 schedule, we hope to see the Arkansas Razorbacks and their cheerleaders host a game in Fayetteville for our first time.
Among games on our 2025 College Football Schedule, we hope to see the Arkansas Razorbacks and their cheerleaders host a game in Fayetteville for our first time.

Weekday adventures on our 2025 schedule

Nice living in Conference USA territory to attend some local and even slightly distant games. We’ll add Missouri State as Team #135 when they call on Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, October 8, in Murfreesboro. The following week on Tuesday, we visit Mobile, Alabama to see Arkansas State play South Alabama in a Sun Belt clash. While in Mobile, we plan to visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial. Our late, great friend and San Diego State’s greatest fan of all time, Tom Ables, served aboard her during WWII. Can’t wait! The next evening, we return to C-USA play. We’ll add Delaware as FBS team #136 when they battle with Jacksonville State. Once again, after that, we can say “we’ve seen ’em all!”

MACtion, MACtion: we want weeknight action!

In addition, we plugged in one MACtion game on Tuesday, November 4. Akron hosts UMass. Why? you may ask. Well, it looks like a pretty even matchup. Both programs struggled in recent seasons. However, we look forward to seeing the progress by the head coaches at both schools. Joe Moorhead opens his fourth season at Akron. Despite an 8-28 record, he is starting to see some improvement there. We enjoyed watching him as HC at Fordham, his alma mater, where he coached them to Patriot League championships and in the FCS playoffs. After that, he was offensive coordinator under James Franklin at Penn State. (Breaking news: Akron Zips not academically eligible to qualify for a bowl game in 2025.)

New life for UMass

As for UMass, they come off a 2-10 season, but with a new HC in Joe Harasymiak. The Minutemen have rejoined the Mid-American Conference after playing as an Independent. Since 2019, Harasymiak coached as a top assistant at Minnesota and Rutgers gaining new experience and helping both programs improve. Before those stints, however, we saw him guide the University of Maine to a 10-4 season as Head Coach. We saw his team beat a very well-coached New Hampshire in 2018. We knew he would be back somewhere as head coach. A fellow Jersey boy, it looks like he’s assembled a strong, new staff in his first season with the Minutemen. We look forward to this game to see what both coaches do with these two beleaguered programs. This game looks to be more entertaining than what it appears to be on paper.

We don't think UMass can duplicate what we saw them do back in 2018 when they defeated Liberty to tie our record for the highest scoring game we ever attended. Same score as Louisville and Wake Forest previously, but no OT.
The high point of UMASS FBS football history on November 3, 2018.

Regarding Navy: Full speed ahead – four times

Always a favorite, we’ll see the Midshipmen play the most on our 2025 College Football Schedule. On October 4, we will see them take on Air Force for the first contest for the Commander-in-Chief’s-Trophy. They kept it in their trophy case currently with wins over the Air Force and Army in 2024. That weekend, I hope to catch up with old friends there from the class of ’78. On October 25, we look to continue our Annapolis, “Boys Weekend” tradition for a Big Tailgate at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Navy hosts Florida Atlantic, a fellow American Athletic member under former Houston and Texas HC Tom Herman.

We plan to get final word, but it looks like we will see the Mids play Notre Dame (7) in South Bend for the first time in our history. Then of course, we worked out tickets already for Army-Navy on December 13 in Baltimore. This will be the 20th time we will see the Midshipmen and Cadets battle on the gridiron. Army went 12-2 last season, but Navy shut them down, 31-13, to finish the regular season. Both won bowl games. USNA defeated Oklahoma. USMA defeated Louisiana Tech. Both have key, experienced players returning. No transfer portals beyond sophomore season for these programs.

On our 2025 schedule, we look for another fight to the finish between Army and Navy - maybe even two!
On our 2025 College Football Schedule, we look for another fight to the finish between Army and Navy – maybe we’ll even get to see them play one another twice! The American Athletic Conference title game could be another possibility.

Army-Navy always matters

It’s the final regular season game of the college football season every year. Despite even losing records by both of these teams in this game, television ratings annually draw one of the top ten biggest audiences. This game continues to be a non-conference game, though both compete in the American Athletic Conference. However, the AAC championship will be decided the week before Army-Navy in the title game played at the home of the highest ranked team. Can that game possibly be played between these two? If they do, this second game could have implications for the Group of Five CFP bid, but if not, it’s still a big game. Either way, the victor takes home pride and the Commander-in Chief’s Trophy. Go Navy!

Unusual: we already have a post-season plan for our 2025 college football schedule

What a December and January we’re going to have! Always loved attending playoff games among the three lower divisions. Now on the first weekend of December, on Friday night, the Conference USA championship is slotted in at Jacksonville State. We’re there! The next day, depending on proximity to Jacksonville, we will try to get to the AAC or Sun Belt championship game at a site to be determined (conference champ). Army vs. Navy in Baltimore follows the next Saturday, December 13.

CFP dates

December 19, Friday, and then December 20 starts the First Round. We dread a Friday night game on a cold night in the north. The following Saturday, we get to stay home for Christmas, and the Music City Bowl is hopefully in Nashville on December 27. If not, no loss. This Big Ten vs. SEC matchup could sometimes be called the “Leftovers Bowl” in our opinion. However, with the new domed stadium being built in The Music City, we may have opportunities to see a lot of CFP action there in the future. On New Year’s Day, we’ll be at The Capital One Orange Bowl for the quarterfinal in Miami Lakes, Florida.

On January 5, the championship game! No, not for the CFP. The FCS title game will be in Nashville at First Horizon Stadium on the campus of Vanderbilt University. Four days later, the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl semi-final game lures us to Atlanta. If things really work out for us (based on the price of a ticket), we’ll be at the CFP championship back in Miami Lakes. Oh, what a season. Let’s Go! For our complete schedule as it stands now, Click here!

Great Read suggested before the upcoming season!

Article edited and pictures published by Stephen Koreivo – member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to purchase a copy today and to submit a review. Looking forward to the upcoming 2025 college football season? Check out our past 45 seasons of great college football adventures. Enjoy the stories and essays regarding the current changes taking place that are changing our great game! Please submit a review on our Amazon Author Page. We’d really appreciate your reviews. Thanks!

Don't sneak away until the season begins! Maybe it's time we to share some moments of cheer in the past before we start our preseason game reviews.
Don’t sneak away until the 2025 season begins! Maybe it’s time we promise to share some moments of great cheerleader memories before we start our preseason game reviews. Our version of a “Swimsuit Edition!“

Summary of Our 2025 NFL draft picks in action

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Lebanon, TN – Amazingly in the end, we cannot believe how many of the 257 college players selected in the 2025 NFL draft this past weekend. We attended 101 NCAA games since 2020. Granted, we may have missed some due to injury or other circumstances when we watched their teams compete. On the other hand, the extended eligibility due to Covid-19 in 2020 and the flexibility of players transferring (too often, in our opinion) also allowed us to see as many as we did. In our final analysis, we estimate that we saw 123 players selected in this year’s draft play during their collegiate careers.

It definitely helped that we attended games played by talent-rich programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Michigan, and others play. However, we savor our strategy of seeing other teams play. Sometime we’re not sure who, if any, we see get selected to perform at the next level. Among such programs, we captured players from Montana State, Toledo, Central Michigan, Navy and Western Kentucky earn invitations to join the professional football ranks. We look forward to seeing how big they can make it at the next level.

Part of the fun of Collegefootballfan.com – sharing our experiences

Despite camera issues at certain games and not happy with the quality of cellphone pics, or not keying on certain players we should have recorded in our photo albums, we captured quite a few of the latest NFL entries on snapshots. We share them with you below. Note that we present pictures of players here not displayed in previous articles depicting our projections before the draft. Please go back to previous articles. We provide predictions regarding where these players ended up in the 2025 NFL draft. We can say that one, OT Clayton Webb of Jacksonville State, did not meet our late round expectations. Already, we know he found his opportunity as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. Round by round, we show in order where players we’ve seen in action entered the 2025 NFL draft.

Second round selection – hard to keep track without game programs any more

In the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Bengals selected South Carolina LB Demerius Knight as the 49th pick. We saw him in the Gamecock win against Vanderbilt in 2024. However, we realized we also saw him play in a Charlotte loss against Navy in 2023. Here he is (28) as a 49er.
In the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Bengals selected South Carolina LB Demerius Knight as the 49th pick. We saw him in the Gamecock win against Vanderbilt in 2024. However, we realized we also saw him play in a Charlotte loss against Navy in 2023. Here he is (28) as a 49er.

Third Round selections

WR Isaac TeSlaa of Arkansas races for a score against Kansas in 2022 Liberty Bowl early in their 55-53 OT victory. The 6'4" D-3 transfer turned heads his junior season as the second leading pass catthcer. His seniior season performance against Texas A&M with 120 yards impressed teh Detroit Lions who selected him No. 70 overall.
WR Isaac TeSlaa of Arkansas races for a score against Kansas in 2022 Liberty Bowl early in their 55-53 OT victory. The 6’4″ D-3 transfer turned heads his junior season as the second leading pass catcher. His senior season performance against Texas A&M with 120 yards impressed the Detroit Lions who selected him No. 70 overall.
DT Vernon Broughton of Texas (45) looking to make a stop here against Arizona State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl CFP game in Atlanta. He went 71st to the New Orlean Saints.
DT Vernon Broughton of Texas (45) looking to make a stop here against Arizona State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl CFP game in Atlanta. He went 71st to the New Orlean Saints.
Notre Dame S Xavier Watts (0) shown here in Capital One Orange Bowl CFP action in their win over Penn State this past season. The Atlanta Falcons selected him at No. 96 overall.
Notre Dame S Xavier Watts (0) shown here in Capital One Orange Bowl CFP action in their win over Penn State this past season. The Atlanta Falcons selected him at No. 96 overall.
Seen here in 2022 against Troy, Western Kentucky DB Upton Stout (21) makes the stop. He went to the 49ers as he 100th selection in the 2025 NFL draft.
Seen here in 2022 against Troy, Western Kentucky DB Upton Stout (21) makes the stop. He went to the 49ers as the 100th selection in the 2025 NFL draft.

Among some third-round selections pictured previously in draft previews: Darius Porter, Toledo DE to Giants; Harole Fannin, Jr. Bowling Green TE to Browns; Jaylon Noel, Iowa St WR to Texans: Dylan Fairchild, Georgia OL to Bengals; Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (UCF) QB to Browns. Other third round selections seen in action are not pictured. Among them: Darren Porter, Iowa State CB to Raiders; Shavon Revel, East Carolina CB to Cowboys; and Josiah Stewart, Michigan (Charlotte) DE to Rams.

Fourth Round of NFL 2025 draft

Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten runs for yardage against Boston College in their win this season. He ran for 266 yards and four TDs that evening. He'll be4 playing for the Jaguars who selected him at 104.
Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten runs for yardage against Boston College in their win this season. He ran for 266 yards and four TDs that evening. He’ll be playing for the Jaguars who selected him at 104.
Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo runs in for the two-point conversion to knot the score in regulation, 24-24, in the Peach Bowl vs. Texas. The New York Giants selected him at No. 105.
Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo runs in for the two-point conversion to knot the score in regulation, 24-24, in the Peach Bowl vs. Texas. The New York Giants selected him at No. 105.
The Carolina Panthers drafted Georgia RB Trevor Etienne at No. 107. After transferring from Florida, he rushed for 609 yards and nine TDs his senior year in Athens - shown here against Auburn in UGA's 31-13 win.
The Carolina Panthers drafted Georgia RB Trevor Etienne at No. 107. After transferring from Florida, he rushed for 609 yards and nine TDs his senior year in Athens – shown here against Auburn in UGA’s 31-13 win.

SEC players among the bottom of the third round

We saw RB Jarquez Hunter (27) in action here against Penn State in 2022. In the following two years, we saw him in action again against Vanderbilt and UGA respectively. The LA Rams selected him as No. 117.
We saw Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter (27) in action here against Penn State in 2022. The following two years, we saw him in action again against Vanderbilt and UGA respectively. The LA Rams selected him as No. 117.
South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway throws his 284 lb frame around in 2022 against Kentucky. The Las Vegas Raiders will look for him to do the same for them taking him 135th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.
South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway throws his 284 lb frame around in 2022 against Kentucky. The Las Vegas Raiders will look for him to do the same for them taking him 135th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

Among fourth-round selections pictured in previous draft previews are Gunnar Helm, Texas TE selected by the Titans. Jaylin Lane, Iowa State WR went to the Commanders. Other players seen selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft include Jack Kiser, Notre Dame LB to the Jaguars; Cody Simon, Ohio State LB to the Cardinals; Jack Sawyer, Ohio State DE to the Steelers; and Kyle Kennard, South Carolina DT to the Commanders.

Fifth and Sixth Rounders of the 2025 NFL draft

Maryland S Dante Trader (12) seen here in the Terps 2023 Music City Bowl win over Auburn. He landed with the Dolphins with their pick at no. 155.
Maryland S Dante Trader (12) seen here in the Terps 2023 Music City Bowl win over Auburn. He landed with the Dolphins with their pick at No. 155.
Colorado State WR snags a catch against Middle tennesse in 2023. In 2024, he earned all MWC first team honors wiht 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight scores. The Seattle Seahawks selected him at No. 166.
Colorado State WR Tory Horton (14) snags a catch against Middle Tennessee in 2023. In 2024, he earned All-MWC first team honors with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight scores. The Seattle Seahawks selected him at No. 166.
Auburn DE Jalen McLeod (35) pursues Maryland QB in 2023 Music City Bowl, He's headed to play for the Jaguars selected as draftee No. 194.
Auburn DE Jalen McLeod (35) pursues Maryland QB in 2023 Music City Bowl. He’s headed to play for the Jaguars selected as draftee No. 194.

Players from Navy and Montana State get their shots

Navy S Rayaun Lane (18) taken No. 189 by the Jaguars. He was taken as the first Midshipman ever selected as a DB by and NFL team. Shown here in action against Charlotte in 2023.
Navy S Rayaun Lane (18) taken No. 200 by the Jaguars. He was taken as the first Midshipman ever selected as a DB by an NFL team. Shown here in action against Charlotte in 2023.
Penn State LB Kobe King (41) playing against Notre Dame in 2024 Peach Bowl in CFP Semi-final. The Minnesota Viking picked him as the 201st player in the 2025 NFL draft.
Penn State LB Kobe King (41) playing against Notre Dame in 2024 Peach Bowl in CFP Semi-final. The Minnesota Vikings picked him as the 201st player in the 2025 NFL draft.
Could be a surprise low-round developmental QB. Tommy Melltot led the Montana State Bobcats to the FCS championship game in 2024. Seen here in opening season comeback upset over FBS New Mexico. Good dual threat, but small frame and arm strength are questionable until late rounds if a team wants to consider him in special packages. NewMexico
QB Tommy Mellott led the Montana State Bobcats to the FCS championship game in 2024. Four-year starter, he’s seen here in opening season comeback upset over FBS New Mexico. The LV Raiders put him on their roster with the 213th pick.

In the fifth round, players pictured on previous draft pages display Marcus Mbow, Purdue OL to Giants; Keandre Lambert-Smith Auburn (PSU) WR to the Chargers; and Drew Kendall, Boston College OT to the Eagles. Other fifth rounders seen on our schedules include Jeff Bassa, Oregon LB headed to the Chiefs; Elijah Roberts, SMU DT moving to the Buccaneers; and Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame TE on to play for the Panthers.

The only player pictured previously in the sixth round is Riley Leonard, Notre Dame QB drafted by the Colts. Among others we saw play collegiately, we list S Jaylen Reed of Penn State going to the Texans; DL Warren Brinson of Georgia going to the Packers; DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland of Virginia Tech drafted by the Eagles; and OT Cameron Willimas of Texas also joining him with the Eagles.

Last Round selections of the 2025 NFL draft in action

No. 4 CB Donte Kent of Central Michigan closees in on an Ohio U. ball carrker in the 2024 contet we attended in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The Steelers saw him enough to take him at No. 229.
No. 4 ,CB Donte Kent of Central Michigan, closes in on an Ohio U. ball carrier in the 2024 contest we attended in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The Steelers saw him enough to take him at No. 229. He played in 53 games for the Chippewas over five seasons.
WR Kaden Prather (1) of Maryland on the end of a 57-yard pass to set up the third Maryland TD of the first quarter against Auburn in the 2023 Music City Bowl. The Buffalo Bills took him on as No. 240.
WR Kaden Prather (1) of Maryland on the end of a 57-yard pass to set up the third Maryland TD of the first quarter against Auburn in the 2023 Music City Bowl. The Buffalo Bills took him on as No. 240.

Also in the final round, only one of our pictured players in our previous draft reports fell into the last round. Our caption on him read, ” Projected to be drafted in Round 2. We don’t consider him a long-term investment in the pros.” So, maybe our views were more in line among more real scouting reports than the media’s opinions than we thought. Texas QB Quin Ewers became the 231st player selected in the 2025 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. Among other players we witnessed on the playing fields: OT Jack Nelson of Wisconsin went to the Falcons at 218 and SMU RB Brashard Smith went to the Chiefs at No. 228. Teams saw more value in other positions than to take a chance a developing Ewers for the future.

Transferring doesn’t guarantee long-term success

Remember all the hype about him transferring to Texas from Ohio State? This demonstrates the level of talent between college and pro football. Other last rounders we witnessed taken after Ewers include Iowa OL Mason Richman to the Seahawks; Utah Ute TE Caleb Lohner to the Broncos; Long Snapper Julian Ashby of Vanderbilt to the Patriots; and Luke Lachey, Iowa TE injured in 2023 and son of All-Pro Jim Lachey selected third spot up from Mr. Irrelevant. Good luck to all the players on making it on their respective new rosters or wherever they end up. It’s got to be quite an honor to get selected at this level.

Great book to read before the upcoming season!

Edited and pictures published by Stephen Koreivo – member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to review the book and to purchase a copy today. Enjoy the stories and read his essays regarding the current changes taking place and changing this great game! Please submit a review on our Amazon Author Page as well. Thanks.!

Top defensive secondary picks for draft seen in action

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Lebanon, TN – We didn’t venture out to see Colorado in 2024. So, we missed out on seeing top defensive secondary pick Travis Hunter preform the past few years. However, we saw some of the next nine best secondary prospects and more play on our schedule. Problems came from poor photos from a broken camera; a trial with a cell phone camera; and misses of some quality prospects during games do not allow us to show photos of the following defensive secondary prospects we watched in action.

We missed out on CB Will Johnson of Michigan against Penn State in 2023; S Xavier Watts of Notre Dame against Navy nor PSU this season; surprising CB Shavon Revel of ECU against SMU in our 2023 game; nor Darien Porter of Iowa State in the 2023 Liberty Bowl. Next season, we dump the cellphone camera for a better-quality point and shoot we used in the past.

Coming Up next

We will review some of our top picks. Also, we will some surprise selections. We may fine we possibly captured some in our photo files after this weekend’s draft. After that, we will be announcing our Tentative 2025 College Football Schedule. We will have some options to be flexible. Game times, media schedules and opportunities for us will continue until opening kick-off on August 23rd. We will definitely see Sam Houston State, added as our 134th FBS team in our history, open our 2025 season. Our 713th game to be attended to begin our 46th season kicks off at Houchen Industries -LT Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky. There, the Bearkats take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Should be a fun Conference-USA opener!

Still captured some of the best defensive secondary picks you’ll see play on Sundays

Texas CB Jahdar Barron (7) kept close cover against Arizona Stat in this past Peach Bowl. Five INTs in 2024 earned him the Jim Thorpe Award as the best CB in the nation.
Texas CB Jahdae Barron (7) kept close cover against Arizona State in this past Peach Bowl. Five INTs in 2024 earned him the Jim Thorpe Award as the best CB in the nation.
Shown here for the South Carolina starting SC defensive secondary in 2022 as a Freshman, Nick Emmanwori (21) started all three seasons for the Gamecocks. With four pick, two returned for TDS in 2024, he earned first-team All-SEC honors.
Shown here for South Carolina starting SC defensive secondary in 2022 as a Freshman, Nick Emmanwori (21) started all three seasons for the Gamecocks. With four picks, two returned for TDS in 2024, he earned first-team All-SEC honors.
Georgia Safety Malaki Starks (24) displays his prowess to penetrate deep into the offense against Auburn. In 2024, he finished the season with 77 tackles including four Tackles for losses from his Safety position.
Georgia Safety Malaki Starks (24) displays his prowess to penetrate deep into the offense against Auburn. In 2024, he finished the season with 77 tackles including four Tackles for Losses from his Safety position.
Despite Florida State's struggles in 2024, CB Azareye'h Thomas continued to improve garnering All-Honorable Mention ACC Honors with his 52 tackles and earning team honors as a captain in three games. Considered a thiord round pick with some developmental work ahead at the pro level.
Despite Florida State’s struggles in 2024, CB Azareye’h Thomas (8) continued to improve garnering All-Honorable Mention ACC Honors with his 52 tackles and earning team honors as a captain in three games. He’s considered a third-round pick with some developmental work ahead at the pro level in the defensive secondary.

Edited with photographs taken by Steve Koreivo, member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to peruse his author page and to purchase the book on Amazon.

Top defensive linemen and EDGE rushers in 2025 draft in action

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Lebanon, TN – Of all positions, defensive linemen and EDGE rushers we photographed these past few years bring some of the best value into this year’s NFL draft. We will see some of the best talent witnessed get selected in the early rounds. Among others seen but not captured by us adequately in our file, we include Derrick Harmon of Oregon, Jack Sawyer of Ohio State, and DT JT Sanders of South Carolina. Before this week’s draft, we’ll present our presentation of top linebackers and secondary players over the course of our recent game history.

As the 2025 season looms to begin on August 23, after our draft summary, we will release our tentative schedule for the upcoming season. Top teams, new venues to attend and great rivalries highlight our plans for 2025. We look forward to presenting our new slate and some pre-season reporting of the teams and games we plan to see in action next fall. In addition, we already have a pretty solid schedule of post-season play in this year’s portfolio. Only four months to go!

Look for these great defenders to go early

Penn State's Abdul Carter (11) goes high for a block against Ohio State in 2022. Look for him to go very high in this year's draft. Top defensives player to be taken for sure.
Penn State’s Abdul Carter (11) goes high for a block against Ohio State in 2022. Since then, his move from LB to EDGE earned him All-American honors. Look for him to go very high in this year’s draft. Top defensives player to be taken for sure.
Michigan DT Mason Graham (55) in pursuit of an option pass against Penn State in his team's 2023 undefeated national championship season. He garnered All-American status all three seasons with the Wolverines.
Michigan DT Mason Graham (55) in pursuit of an option pass against Penn State in his team’s 2023 undefeated national championship season. He garnered All-American status all three seasons with the Wolverines.
Michigan DT Kenneth Grant (78) seen here stopping PSU RB Nick Singleton short of the goal line. His combination of power and speed at 6'4" 331 lbs. has many defensive coaches looking to add him in the early rounds of the 2025 draft. Second team All-Big Ten second team and a national champion in 2023.
Michigan DT Kenneth Grant (78) seen here stopping PSU RB Nick Singleton short of the goal line. His combination of power and speed at 6’4″ 331 lbs. has many defensive coaches looking to add him in the early rounds of the 2025 draft. Second team All-Big Ten and a national champion in 2023.

Some middle round defensive linemen ready to make their moves

Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaka (6) brings pressure against Florida State in their 2024 win in Tallahassee. He won the Ted Hendricks Award as the top DE in college football at the end of this season. He tallied 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for losses.
Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaka (6) brings pressure against Florida State in their 2024 win in Tallahassee. He won the Ted Hendricks Award as the top DE in college football at the end of this season. He tallied 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for losses.
Ohio State DE JT Tuimalolo (44) had a big game agaisnt Penn State in 2022 with a big sacck and an interception in their key win for the Big Ten title in this game.
Ohio State DE JT Tuimalolo (44) had a big game against Penn State in 2022 with a big sack and an interception in their key win for the Big Ten title.
Toledo DT Darius Alexander (9) earned second Team All-MAC honors in 2024. Shown here in 2023 against Bowling Green, he tallied 36 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 4.0 sacks. Projected to go in Round 3.
Toledo DT Darius Alexander (9) earned second Team All-MAC honors in 2024. Shown here in 2023 against Bowling Green, he tallied 36 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 4.0 sacks. Projected to go in Round 3.

Edited and photographed by Steve Koreivo – member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to review and buy it on his Amazon Author page.

Top receivers for 2025 draft in action

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Lebanon, TN – We attended games played by top wide receivers Matthew Golden of Texas, Luther Burden of Missouri and Emeke Egbuka of Ohio State the past three collegiate seasons, but we did not capture quality photos to share. However, we caught some other top talents you will see on Sunday and present them here. In particular, we did see some of the top Tight Ends entering the 2025 draft and recorded them here. We envision several becoming mainstays for year to come at the next level.

Top wide-outs: two from one program

WR Jayden Higgins of Iowa State closed out his junior season with 214 yards against Memphis in the 2022 Liberty Bowl. He concluded his senior seaoan with 87 receptions for, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. Look for him to go no later than Round 2.
WR Jayden Higgins of Iowa State closed out his junior season with 214 yards against Memphis in the 2022 Liberty Bowl. He concluded his senior season with 87 receptions for, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. Look for him to go no later than Round 2.
In the 36-26 Liberty loss to Memphis, WR Jaylin Noel complemented Harris. In 2024, he added 80 catches for 1,14 yards and 8 TDS to propel teh Cyclones to a record of 11-3. Look for him to follow Higgins soon after in the draft.
WR Jaylin Noel also complemented Harris at Iowa State as top receivers for ISU. In 2024, he added 80 catches for 1,194 yards and 8 TDs to help propel the Cyclones to a record of 11-3. Look for him to follow Higgins soon after in the draft.
In 2022, PSU WR KeAndre Labert -Smith (1) blocks against Auburn in the Lions 41-12 victory. A season later, after over 100 catches for PSU, he transferred to play for these same Auburn Tigers. In his final season at AU, he caught 50 passes for 981 yards and 8 scores. Expect him to go in the middle round of the 2025 draft.
In 2022, PSU WR KeAndre Lambert -Smith (1) blocks against Auburn in the Lions 41-12 victory. A season later, after over 100 catches for PSU, he transferred to play for these same Auburn Tigers. In his final season at AU, he caught 50 passes for 981 yards and 8 scores. Expect him to go in the middle rounds of the 2025 draft.

Top receivers witnessed at TE for the 2025 draft

Penn State First-team All-American TE Tyler Warren tallied 22 scores in his college career. His 67 catches for 808 yards plus six rushing touchdowns have pro scut drooling. Look for him to go first among Tight Ends drafted in 2025.
Penn State First-team All-American TE Tyler Warren tallied 22 scores during his college career. His 67 catches for 808 yards plus six rushing touchdowns his senior season have pro scouts drooling. Look for him to go first among Tight Ends drafted in 2025.
Also among top receivers expected to go early, expect Harold Fannin, Jr. (44) of Bowling Green to be right there. We saw him in 2023 make this one-handed TD catch against archrival Toledo in a 32-31 loss. However, that season, Fannin became the first FBS TE to lead the nation with 117 grabs and 1,555 receiving yards. He will be a great addition to a receiving corps at the next level.
Also among top receivers expected to go early, Harold Fannin, Jr. (44) of Bowling Green should be right there. We saw him in 2023 make this one-handed TD catch against archrival Toledo in a 32-31 loss. However, that season, Fannin became the first FBS TE to lead the nation with 117 grabs and 1,555 receiving yards. He will be a great addition to a receiving corps at the next level.
Michigan TE Colson Loveland clearing way for Michigan at Penn state in 2023. He showed continuous improvement in Ann Arbor as Big Ten Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, First team Big Ten in 2023 on before setting all-time receiving records for Michigan TEs with 56 this past season. He'll go in one of the first two rounds.
Michigan TE Colson Loveland (center) tries to clear way for Michigan at Penn State in 2023. May need improvement in regards to blocking, but he showed continuous improvement in Ann Arbor since Big Ten Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. First team Big Ten in 2023 before setting all-time receiving records for Michigan TEs with 56 this past season. He’ll go in one of the first two rounds.

More top receivers among TEs of interest

Texas TE Gunnar Helm scores her in OT against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl to put Longhorns in the lead for good in their CFP quarterfinal win. Second team SEC this past season with 58 catches for 744 yards and seven socres. Mid to late rounds for a team looking for an immediate impact.
Texas TE Gunnar Helm scores here in OT against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl to put Longhorns in the lead for good in their CFP quarterfinal win. Second team SEC this past season with 58 catches for 744 yards and seven scores. Should go in mid to late rounds for a team looking for an immediate impact.
Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson battl;es to get free from a Wisconsin Badgers in this season's 16-13 win in Madison. For the Ducks, he finished his career with 91 xatches and 13 TDS. Some mock drafts project him as a second day selection.
Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson (3) battles to get free from a Wisconsin Badger in this season’s 16-13 Duck win in Madison. For the Ducks, he finished his career with 91 catches and 13 TDS. Some mock drafts project him as a second day selection.
Iowa TE Luke Lachey performed in 2022 Music City Bowl in a 210 win over Kentucky. Son of former NFL all-pro Jim Lachey showed improvement but fell to injury in 2023. In 2022, his 28 receptions resulted in 398 yards and four TDs. His retrun in 2024 also resulted with 28 grabs, but only 231 yards. Pros wee may other positives in his style of play. We see him as a late round selection.
Iowa TE Luke Lachey (85) performed in 2022 Music City Bowl in a 21-0 win over Kentucky. Son of former NFL all-pro Jim Lachey showed improvement but fell to injury in 2023. In 2022, his 28 receptions resulted in 398 yards and four TDs. His return in 2024 also resulted with 28 grabs, but only 231 yards. Pros see many other positives in his style of play. We see him as a late round selection.

Edited by Steve Koreivo- member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Please buy your copy from Amazon by clicking on the title. Submit a review after reading it and tell your college football friends all about it. We think you’ll enjoy it just like Dick Vitale did!

Top Offensive Linemen for 2025 draft in Action

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Lebanon, TN – Despite the mock drafts calling for quarterbacks to go first, top offensive linemen outweigh signal-callers as far as the best long-term value in most drafts. Especially when NFL teams bring up the rear in the standings. They don’t have effective pass or run-blocking offensive systems that land them at the bottom in the first place. In recent years, pro teams recognized that this is where games are won – up front in the trenches.

Just ask QB Jalen Hurts and RB Saquon Barkley of the world Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Just compare Barkley’s improved performance on his move to the Eagles from the Giants. No guarantees but watch what happens to QB Daniels Jones after his departure from the same Giants. And why would that Giants chance any new young QB behind an inept offensive front? They’ve proven they can’t protect their QB or open holes for their RBs. Successful teams and turnarounds on football Sundays start with their offensive lineman.

Scouting the O-lines

This is difficult to do for capturing the best play makers up front in pictures. Most often, it’s difficult to discern them from withing the heaps of humanity battling each other up front. When we do get a decent view, we’ve followed the passer or ball carrier benefitting from their blockers up front. We saw games played by some of the best teams with the best offenses during the 2024 season. Some pass-oriented, some run-oriented, and some very balanced. Those three categories determine the best skills they bring with them from the college level. All the pros will look for balanced blocking techniques most likely. So, some of their development programs have to adapt to improve skills based on what their new offensive linemen bring to training camp.

What we’ve gathered below show some of the top linemen we’ve seen in action entering the 2025 draft. We’ve seen others from the rosters of Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, Oregon and others like Ohio U. Other MAC squads may also be among some of the best. However, we just didn’t get the right angle or right time when we attended their games. However, some noted below should be selected somewhere in the draft and possibly have success for years to come.

Best offensive linemen we caught on camera

Texas RT Kelvin Banks (70) seen blocking for Quin Evers in 2022, looks primed to go as a top offensive lineman in the 2025 draft.
Texas RT Kelvin Banks (70) seen blocking for RB Bijan Robinson in 2022. He looks primed to go as a top offensive lineman in the 2025 draft.
Oregon guard Josh Conerly lines up against Wiscosnin this ppast season. He's had a stellar career block for the likes of QBs Bo Nix and Dillon Gaabriels in college. Now we'll see what he can do to protect signal callers at the next level.
Oregon left tackle Josh Conerly lines up against Wisconsin this past season. He’s had a stellar career blocking for prolific Oregon QBs Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel in college. Now we’ll see what he can do to protect signal callers at the next level.
Georgia Bulldog right tackle Tate Rutledge keeps Auburn Tigers at bay and demonstrates why he could be a top offensive lineman at the next level.
Georgia Bulldog right tackle Tate Rutledge (blocking in foreground) keeps Auburn Tigers at bay. He demonstrates here why he could be a top offensive lineman at the next level.
Missouri OT Armond Membou (79) protects QB Brady Cook from Vanderbilt defenders in 2022. Seen as very effective inthe power run game, reports indicate he will need to develop skills against EDGE rushers. At 6'3" considered short at OT, hut his great athleticism should compensate. First or second round pick.
Missouri OT Armond Membou (79) protects QB Brady Cook from Vanderbilt defenders in 2022. Seen as very effective in the power run game, reports indicate he will need to develop skills against EDGE rushers. At 6’3″ considered short at OT, hut his great athleticism should compensate. First or second round pick.

Offensive Linemen tapped for middle rounds

Purdue's Marcus Mbow started his first game as a sophomore guard blocking for QB Aidan O'Connell here against Penn State in 2022. He demonstrated versatility the pros like by moving to OT his junior season.
Purdue’s Marcus Mbow (2nd OL from right) started his first game as a sophomore guard blocking for QB Aidan O’Connell here against Penn State in 2022. He demonstrated versatility the pros like by moving to OT his junior season.
Boston College offensive tackle Ozzie Trapilo (70) showed the skills in line with other top offensive linemen from the BC Eagle program who have excelled in the NFL over the years.
Boston College offensive tackle Ozzie Trapilo (70) showed the skills in line with other top offensive linemen from the BC Eagle program. Many BC players have excelled in the NFL over the years.
Jacksonville State OT Clayton Webb (74) blocked for a very potent run-pass Gamecock offense. A team will probably find him as a solid pick in the middle rounds.
Jacksonville State OT Clayton Webb (74) blocked for a very potent run-pass Gamecock offense. A team will probably find him as a solid pick in the middle rounds.
With 56 starts at Center in his wake, C Jake Major (65) looks to continuing to open holes as seen here for Bijan Robinson against Baylor in 2022.
With 56 starts at Center in his wake, C Jake Major (65) looks to continue to open holes as seen here for Bijan Robinson against Baylor in 2022. Scouts tout him as a better pass blocker than run game leader. A pass-oriented teams will seek his value.

Low Rounds to long shot offensive linemen

Boston College C Drew Kendall gets ready to snap against Florida State last season. Looks to be a low round selection of free agent as determined by some scouting report - kind of a fixer-upper at the pro level.
Boston College C Drew Kendall (66) gets ready to snap against Florida State last season. Looks to be a low round selection or free agent as determined by some scouting reports – kind of a fixer-upper at the pro level.
Kentucky C Eli Cox looking to make a downfield block in an upset loss against South Carolina in 2022. Team Captain, 2nd team All-SEC and graduate student intest his leadership capabilities in the pros. Moved from RG to C in 2022 displaying his versatility.
Kentucky C Eli Cox (75) looking to make a downfield block in an upset loss against South Carolina in 2022. Team Captain, 2nd team All-SEC and graduate student indicate his leadership potential in the pros. Moved from RG to C in 2022 displaying his versatility.
Iowa OT Connor Colby (77) started four years including this Hawkeye Music City win against Kentucky in 2022. Despite 37 starts at RG, seven at LG and seven at LT before 1st team All-B1G honors in 2024, he comes from an Iowa offense that struggled the past four years. Maybe he's learned well from his experience there!
Iowa OT Connor Colby (77) started four years including this Hawkeye Music City win against Kentucky in 2022. Despite 37 starts at RG, seven at LG and seven at LT before 1st team All-B1G honors in 2024, he comes from an Iowa offense that struggled the past four years. Maybe he’s learned well from his experience there!

Top QBs entering 2025 draft seen in action

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Lebanon, TN – Note that many mock drafts for 2025 identify some of the top draft picks this year as quarterbacks. We did not see Shedeur Sanders of Colorado nor Cameron Ward of Miami in action during their collegiate careers. Despite what the “experts” say, we see some of the early teams selecting more in need of players up front to block for protection before they invest in a multi-year, starting quarterback. Some would be better building up front first and selecting QBs of lower value with good talent in later rounds or later drafts. We have to say that in previous seasons, among the college play-callers available for this year’s draft, we hesitate to say we saw many that stood out. Among some of the best we witnessed, we had issues capturing them on camera due to malfunctions or poor pictures taken. We have to improve upon that in upcoming seasons. Others decided to continue college ball for now or realized that their skills don’t measure up in the pro game.

Top QBs not captured on camera or for future reference

Despite attending 31 games in 2024, we didn’t come up with as many QB photo shoots as we would have preferred. Probably among the missing for these reasons, Will Howard of Ohio State came in as one of the best available though he didn’t excel in the Buckeyes 20-13 win over Penn State that we attended. Can say the same for Georgia’s Carson Beck when the Bulldogs beat Auburn, 31-13, but he delayed the draft another year to replace Ward at The U next season. We didn’t catch any photos of SMU’s Kevin Jennings in his team’s CPP loss at Penn State. LaNorris Sanders at South Carolina put together a nice performance against Vanderbilt in a 28-7 victory. Considerations for him in the future. His counterpart that day for Vandy, Diego Pavia, didn’t show much, but he’ll be on our schedule again in 2025 with the improved Commodores. Gutsy performances witnessed came from run-pass option QBs in Ohio U’s Parker Novarro and Jacksonville State’s Tyler Huff, but their playing capabilities probably don’t match up well with what the pros look for at that upper level of play.

Our Top QBs: the NFL can take ’em or leave ’em

Many of the signal-callers we scouted started off with strong reputations and good collegiate beginnings, but in many cases, they did not sustain the type of interest heading into the 2025 draft. So, here we present some of the best of the best seen by us in action that offer some interest at the pro level. In most cases, these players can fall into free agency considered as long shots. Sometimes, these types of players rise to the occasion. Maybe their maturity, their coaching staff, or the talent around them did not allow them to excel during their college careers. Sometimes they just might find a good fit at the next level. For these reasons, we can’t write them off. For our purpose, however, these are the guys we can always say, “We saw them before anybody knew he could make it big at the next level.” It’s part of the fun of attending all these college games and seeing what happens to the players after they move on.

Quarterbacks

Texas QB Quin Ewers fires down field in victory in OT win ine 2025 Peach Bowl against Arizona State. Projected to be drafted in Round 2. We don't consider him a long-term investment in the pros.
Texas QB Quin Ewers fires down field in victory in OT win in 2025 Peach Bowl against Arizona State. Projected to be drafted in Round 2. We don’t consider him a long-term investment in the pros.
In 2020, QB Dillon Gabriel started for Central Florida in this 36-33 loss against Cincinatti. Four seasons later, we'll see him play for his third team from coast to coast, Oregon.
In 2020, we watched QB Dillon Gabriel start for Central Florida in this 36-33 loss against Cincinatti. Four seasons later, we saw him play for his third team from coast to coast, 12-1 Oregon. Experience and arm strength will make him a good pick in early to middle rounds.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard (13) proved to be a good leader and ran the ball well for the Irish behind a good line with good RBs. He got his team key yardadage more often with his legs than with his arm. Not sure if his running skills will be as effective at the next level. Seen here against Navy and later vs. Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard (13) proved to be a good leader and ran the ball well for the Irish behind a good line with good RBs. He got his team key yardage more often with his legs than with his arm. Not sure if his running skills will be as effective at the next level. Seen here against Navy and later vs. Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
Missouri QB Brady Cook seen here in win against Vanderbilt in 2023. Started for the Tigers last three seasons. Won 21 games last two seasons. Passed for 8,591 yards, 46 TDs and 15 INTs. See him as a good QB to develop into a starter at the pro level in a few years.
Missouri QB Brady Cook seen here in win against Vanderbilt in 2023. Started for the Tigers last three seasons. Won 21 games last two seasons. Passed for 8,591 yards, 46 TDs and 15 INTs. See him as a good QB to develop into a starter at the pro level in a few years.

Quarterbacks on “the bubble”

We saw DJ Uiagalelei play for Florida State last season and for Clemson in 2022. He never impressed. Was suppsoed to be the the replacement for Tevor Lawrence at Clsmson, but just never stepped up. See him taken very low or possibly as a free agent. Too many better choices to be considered in this year's QB pool.
We saw DJ Uiagalelei (4) play for Florida State last season and for Clemson in 2022. He never impressed. Was supposed to be the replacement for Trevor Lawrence at Clemson, but just never stepped up. See him taken very low or possibly as a free agent. Too many better choices to be considered in this year’s QB pool.
KJ Jefferson connects with his WR for Arkansas in the 2022 Liberty Bowl. A good leader with a strong arm. Won MVP in this Liberty Bowl victory in OT over Kansas. Set passing records through 2023 for the Razorbacks. Transferred to Central Florida in 2024 and only started five games before being benched. Enters draft as a rebuilding project. Very low, but maybe with a position change.
QB KJ Jefferson (1) connects with his WR for Arkansas in the 2022 Liberty Bowl. A good leader with a strong arm. Tough runner. Won MVP in this Liberty Bowl victory in OT over Kansas. Set passing records through 2023 for the Razorbacks. Transferred to Central Florida in 2024 and only started five games before being benched. Enters draft as a rebuilding project. Very low, but maybe with a position change.
Could be a surprise low-round developmental QB. Tommy Melltot led the Montana State Bobcats to the FCS championship game in 2024. Seen here in opening season comeback upset over FBS New Mexico. Good dual threat, but small frame and arm strength are questionable until late rounds if a team wants to consider him in special packages. NewMexico
Could be a surprise low-round developmental QB. Tommy Mellott led the Montana State Bobcats to the FCS championship game in 2024. Four-year starter. Seen here in opening season comeback upset over FBS New Mexico. Good dual threat, but small frame and arm strength are questionable. Watch into late rounds if a pro team wants to consider him in special packages.

NFL QB Long Shots

QB Seth Henigan of Memphis may be a surprise draft pick who will outshine many of the top QB picks selected earlier than he will be. Tall, seems to have good vision. May have drive to improve at next level. Considered as a back-up now at best.
QB Seth Henigan of Memphis may be a surprise draft pick who will outshine many of the top QB picks selected earlier than he will be. Tall, seems to have good vision. May have drive to improve at next level. Considered as a back-up now at best. Shown here on an 11-yard TD against Iowa State in 2023 Liberty Bowl victory.
Grayson McCall of Coastal Carolina seen here in loss at Appy State in 2021.
Grayson McCall (with football) of Coastal Carolina seen here in loss at Appy State in 2021. His move to NC State in 2024 may not have improved his reputation with pro scouts.

Edited by Steve Koreivo – Member of Football Writes Association of America (FWAA) and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to buy on Amazon today.

Super Memories of Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX as college players

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Lebanon, TN – Players in this year’s Super Bowl for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles competed in many key games attended by collegefootballfan.com over the years. We always have fun sharing pictures taken. See pictorials below. In many cases, we knew we would see some of these former college stars making it big in at the professional level. What’s even more intriguing? Capturing a game played and a picture taken on a guy few expected to see playing on Sunday. Great satisfaction also occurs when we find good pictures of linemen in action who we caught, to be honest, randomly.

This year’s Super Memories Pictorial provides us with instances of all these categories. We like showing off our photos of players who will participate in Super Bowl LIX. Going through our extensive library of photos indicates that we chose games to attend with some of the best talent ever seen on their way to the next level. Among all our pics, we choose only players who are active entering the upcoming title game.

Enjoy the memories shared here. We look forward to more seasons of recording more great college football talent. Below, we display our Kansas City Chiefs contingent. Not as impressive an array as our Philadelphia Eagle portfolio.

Of luck and opportunities

Sometimes, it’s either just pure luck or total misfortune that captures or even loses the right pictorial moments. Kansas City DE George Karlaftis played for Purdue against Tennessee in the 2021 Music City Bowl, we either didn’t capture him, or we didn’t get him in a clear, recognizable angle worth publishing. DT Chris Jones played in a very memorable Orange Bowl as a Junior for Mississippi State in 2016. Never made it into our digital camera, but Dak Prescott did. On the other hand, Jones made it to the Super Bowl. Prescott never did.

WR De Andre Hopkins played for Clemson in 2011 when we saw the Tigers visit annual, in-state rival South Carolina. Probably had some pics of him. However, since that time and before publishing many of these photos, we got hacked and lost a lot of first-hand stories and pics. Patrick Mahomes? We never made it to Lubbock, Texas, and Texas Tech never came close enough back east for a game to go see him play. Tech scored a lot of points. Red Raiders went 16-21 over Mahome’s three seasons. Closest drive for me at the time was WVU. Oh well. We focus on finding competitive games that we can afford to travel to. Didn’t find such an opportunity when Mahomes played for Texas tech.

Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LIX offensive players in action

As a redshirt freshman, KC Center Creed Humphrey (56) can be seen here blocking for Kyler Murray here in the 2017 CFP semi-finals against Alabama. On Sunday he will be blocking for Patrick Mahomes once again in the Super Bowl.
As a redshirt freshman, Kansas City Chief Center, Creed Humphrey (56), can be seen here blocking for Kyler Murray in the 2017 CFP semi-finals against Alabama. On Sunday, he will be blocking for Patrick Mahomes once again in the Super Bowl.
A year ago, Hunter Nourzad (64), center for Penn State University was leading the ground attack for the Nittany Lions. This year, He's heading to the Super Bowl LIX with the Kansas City Chiefs.
A year ago, Hunter Nourzad (64), Center for Penn State University was leading the ground attack for the Nittany Lions. This year, He’s heading to the Super Bowl LIX with the Kansas City Chiefs.
We saw Kansas City Chiefs RB Isaiah Pacheco in action several times for Rutgers. Here, we saw him in 2019 against Boston College. Who knew he would become a main cog for this perennial Super Bowl contender?
We saw Kansas City Chiefs RB Isaiah Pacheco (1) in action several times for Rutgers. Here, we saw him in 2019 against Boston College. Who ever dreamt he would become a primary cog for any perennial Super Bowl contender? We never know.
Oklahoma Sooner RB Samaje Perine (32) explodes against Clemson in the Orange Bowl. He did spot duty for the Chiefs this season with only 92 rushing yards and 322 receiving yards.
Oklahoma Sooner RB Samaje Perine (32) explodes against Clemson in the 2015 Capital One Orange Bowl. He did spot duty for the Chiefs this season with only 92 rushing yards and 322 receiving yards.
In 2015, we watched a very super memory as Georgia Tech's Harrison Butker converted a 35-yard FG with 54 seconds left to tie No. 9 Florida State, 16-16. Tech defeated FSU on a blocked FG to win as time expired.
In 2015, we watched a very super memory as Georgia Tech’s Harrison Butker converted a 35-yard FG with 54 seconds left to tie No. 9 Florida State, 16-16. Tech defeated FSU on a blocked FG to win as time expired.
In 2022, Indiana TE Peyton Hendershot (86) blocks here for Michael Penix against western Kentucky. Drafred by Dallas, they traded him to the Chiefs before this season where he did some light duty. Could he possibly pop up in some significant play in Super bowl LIX? Stranger things have happened.
In 2022, Indiana TE Peyton Hendershot (86) blocks here for Michael Penix against Western Kentucky. Drafted by Dallas, they traded him to the Chiefs before this season where he did some light duty. Could he possibly pop up in some significant play in Super Bowl LIX? Stranger things have happened.

Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LIX defensive players in action

Stanford Soph Safety Justin Reid (8) on right, takes an angle to make a stop against Cal Bears in their 2016 win in The Big Game.
Stanford Soph Safety Justin Reid (8) on right, takes an angle to make a stop against Cal Bears in their 2016 win in The Big Game. He’s back again with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in 2025.
Notre Dame LB Drue Tranquil (23) takes outside leverage against Stanford in 17-10 loss in 2016.
Notre Dame LB Drue Tranquil (23) takes outside leverage against Stanford in 17-10 loss in 2016.
University of Cincinnati CB Bryan Cook Covers University of Houston WR Nathaniel "Tank" Dell in 2021 American Athletic Conference Championship. Dell now plays for the Houston Texans. Cook's Bearcats won the AAC that year, and this year he looks to win Super Bowl LIX again with the Kansas City Chiefs.
University of Cincinnati Bearcat CB Bryan Cook (6) covers Houston Cougar WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell in 2021 American Athletic Conference Championship. Dell now plays for the Houston Texans. Cook’s Bearcats won the AAC that year, and this year he looks to win Super Bowl LIX again with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Edited by Steve Koreivo – Blogger of this site, member of Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to purchase your copy today on Amazon. And please, submit your review after you’re finished. You can’t find another lifelong adventure like this one anywhere. Thanks!

Super Memories of Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX as college players

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Lebanon, TN – Players in this year’s Super Bowl for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles competed in many key games attended by collegefootballfan.com over the years. We always have fun sharing pictures taken. In many cases, we knew we would see some of these former college stars making it big in at the professional level. What’s even more intriguing? Capturing a game played and a picture taken on a guy few expected to see playing on Sunday. Great satisfaction also occurs when we find good pictures of linemen in action who we caught, to be honest, randomly.

This year’s Super Memories Pictorial provides us with instances of all these categories. We like showing off our photos of players who will participate in Super Bowl LIX. Going through our extensive library of photos indicates that we chose games to attend with some of the best talent ever seen on their way to the next level. Among all our pics, we choose only players who are active entering the upcoming title game. Enjoy the memories shared here. We look forward to more seasons of recording more great college football talent. Below, we display our Philadelphia Eagles contingent. This group looks hard to top. Our Kansas City Chief roster will follow shortly.

Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX offensive players in action

Saquon Barkley (26) took this leap for Penn State against Michigan State for at TD in 2016. Now he hurdles defenders for the Eagles to set records and get them to the Super Bowl.
Saquon Barkley (26) took this leap for Penn State against Michigan State for a TD in 2016. Now, he just hurdles defenders for the Philadelphia Eagles to set records and get them to the Super Bowl.
We watched Jalen Hurts (2) lead Bama to a 24-7 CFP win over Washington in 2017. They fell to Clemson in the final. Hurts look to get the win back to the loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
We watched Jalen Hurts (2) lead Bama to a 24-7 CFP semifinal win over Washington in 2017. They fell to Clemson in the final. Hurts looks to get the win back for the loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
South Dakota State TE Dallas Goedert goesd down in a pass break up by James Madsion S Raven Greene in 2017 FCS playoff game. Never knew we were watching a player in this game make it to the Super Bowl, but he played in it last year as well as this year.
South Dakota State TE Dallas Goedert (86) goes down in a pass break up by James Madsion S Raven Greene in a 2017 FCS playoff game. Never knew we were watching a player in this game make it to the Super Bowl, but he played in it last year as well as this year.
Alabama WR Devonta Smith (6) on the end of a 50-yard reception from Tua Tagovailoa in their first drive against Oklahoma in The Orange Bowl in 2019 before they fell to Clemson in the National Championship.
Alabama WR Devonta Smith (6) on the end of a 50-yard reception from Tua Tagovailoa in their first drive against Oklahoma in The Orange Bowl victory in 2019 before they fell to Clemson in the National Championship.
PSU WR Jahan Dotson dives for TD passes to take an early 7-0 lead over the Buffalo Bulls in 2019. He hopes to see some action against KC this weekend.
PSU WR Jahan Dotson dives for a TD pass to take an early 7-0 lead over the Buffalo Bulls in 2019. He hopes to see some action against Kansas City this weekend.
Louisville's Mekhi Becton (73) seals off Wake Forest defense in 2017 as Lamar Jackson uses him to his advantage. Now, he blocks for Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl.
Louisville’s Mekhi Becton (73) seals off Wake Forest defense in 2017 as Lamar Jackson used him to his advantage to turn up field here. Now, he blocks for Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl. He must be doing the right things for the Philadelphia Eagles as he did for the Louisville Cardinals.
When the Philadelphia Eagles got tired of bolstering their defense, they bulked up their offensive line with Alabama's No. 54 Tyler Steen. Shown here in The Tide's opener against Utah State, Steen landed at No. 65 in the draft. In 2018, as a freshman, we found him as a freshman on the roster for Vanderbilt.
When the Philadelphia Eagles got tired of bolstering their defense, they bulked up their offensive line with Alabama’s No. 54 Tyler Steen. Shown here in The Tide’s opener against Utah State, Steen landed at No. 65 in the draft. In 2018, as a freshman, we found him as a freshman on the roster for Vanderbilt. That’s quite a transfer.
In 2016, Army LT Brett Toth blocked against Temple in a 28-13 victory at Lincoln Financaial in Philly. The Eagles reactivated him recentlyso the Army Veteran will suit up for the Super Bowl.
In 2016, Army LT Brett Toth blocked against Temple in a 28-13 victory at Lincoln Financial in Philly. The Philadelphia Eagles reactivated him recently so the US Army Veteran will suit up for the Super Bowl.
Kentucky LT Darian Kinnard blocks against South Carolina in 2020. He's blocking up front now to protect Jalen Hurts and open holes for Saquon Barkley
Kentucky RT Darian Kinnard blocks against South Carolina in 2020. He’s blocking up front now to protect Jalen Hurts and open holes for Saquon Barkley.

Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX defensive players in action

Georgia DT Jalen Carter (88) leads Dawgs against Kentucky for short gain. Philly likes to draft these Georgia Bulldawg defenders.
Georgia DT Jalen Carter (88) leads Dawgs against Kentucky for short gain in 2023. The Philadelphia Eagles like to draft these Georgia Bulldawg defenders. It looks like a very smart strategy.
Wisconsin LB Zach Baun (56) pursued Penn Stat QB Trac McSorely in 2018 Big Ten battle. Now he leads the Eagle defense as their top tackler heading into Super Bowl LIX.
Wisconsin LB Zach Baun (56) pursued Penn State QB Trace McSorley in this 2018 Big Ten battle. Now he leads the Eagle defense as their top tackler heading into Super Bowl LIX.
MTSU Safety Blankenship chases WKU's Jerreth Sterns in 2021 game won by teh Toopers, . Blankenship now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Middle Tennessee State Safety Reed Blankenship (12) chases down Western Kentucky’s Jerreth Sterns in 2021 game won by the WKU Hilltoppers, 48-21. Blankenship now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles in his second Super Bowl.
In 2023, we watched Toledo DB Quinyon Mitchell lay a lick on a Bowling Green WR in a 32-31 comeback. At the end of the 2024 season, he rockets into the Super Bowl with the Eagles of Philadelphia.
In 2023, we watched Toledo DB Quinyon Mitchell (27) lay a lick on a Bowling Green WR in his Rockets’ 32-31 comeback victory. At the end of the 2024 season, he rockets into the Super Bowl with the Eagles of Philadelphia.
Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass and turned to race downfield the spot the ball on the 47. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him at No. 105 in 2023. Georgia seems to be the AAA football team for Philly. Great strategy! Going to Super Bowl LIX.
Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo (5) hauled in this underthrown Kentucky pass by Will Levis who’s not going to the Super Bowl. He turned and raced downfield toe spot the ball on the 47 in UGA’s 16-7 win. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ringo at No. 105 in 2023. Georgia seems to be the “AAA football team” for Philly. Great strategy! Going to Super Bowl LIX.
UMass DB defends against Liberty WR in 2018 62-59 victory we attended. Never know where we'll find future Super Bowl players. UMass?
UMass DB Isaiah Rodgers (9) defends against Liberty WR in their 2018 62-59 victory we attended. Never know where we’ll find future Super Bowl players. UMass? Even here they allowed 59 points!
Music City 2022 Bowl MVP and DB Cooper DeJean (3) makes one of his eight stops, and he also returned a pick six for the Hawkeyes to defeat Kentucky, 21-0. Maybe we should scout defensive backs for the Eagles. Thys must follow us around.
Music City 2022 Bowl MVP and Iowa DB Cooper DeJean (3) makes one of his eight stops. He also returned a pick six for the Hawkeyes to defeat Kentucky, 21-0. Maybe we should scout defensive backs for the Philadelphia Eagles. They must follow us around knowing the players we will watch. No, not really! But, maybe the Giants and the Titans should!

Edited by Steve Koreivo – Blogger of this site, member of Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and Author of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. Click on the title to purchase your copy today on Amazon. And please, submit your review after you’re finished. You can’t find another lifelong adventure like this one anywhere. Thanks!

Ohio State defeats Notre Dame in CFP, 34-23; CFF announces 2024 Top Ten

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Lebanon, TN – Ohio State defeated Notre Dame with a balanced offense to fend off a game Fighting Irish team who came back to challenge the Buckeyes in the end. Ohio State led midway through the third quarter, 31-7. However, the Irish countered with two TD passes from Riley Leonard to WR Jaden Greathouse to close the score. In both instances, the Irish converted two-point conversions to Jerimiyah Love and Beaux Collins to trail, 31-23 with 4:03 left to play.

The Buckeyes seemed to seal it when they isolated WR Jeremial Smith one on one with DB Christian Gray for a 56-yard completion from Will Howard to the ND 10. OSU kicker Jay Fielding connected on a 33-yard FG with 26 seconds remaining. It to finalized Ohio State’s first national championship since 2014, 34-24. This season, Collegefootballfan.com attended games played by both schools. With their win, Ohio State becomes the 15th FBS National Champion to appear on our annual schedule.

Ohio State and Notre Dame both came through Penn State

We saw Ohio State defeat Penn State in State College, PA with a last quarter goal line stand, 20-13. At our 700th game in our 45-year history, we watched Notre Dame dominate Navy at the Meadowlands, 51-14. In the semifinal played at the Orange Bowl on January 9, Notre Dame and Penn State tied four times. Tied 24-24, Christian Gray intercepted a Drew Allar pass late in the game. Again, a pass from Leonard to Greathouse put the Irish at the PSU 25. With seven seconds left, Notre Dame PK Mitch Jeter booted a 41-yard FG. The Fighting Irish advanced the Irish to face Ohio State in Atlanta for the 2024 CFP title.

Notre Dame RB Jermiyah Love (4) starts out on his hard-fought run to the left for a two-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame RB Jermiyah Love (4) starts out on his hard-fought run to the left for a two-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to eventually defeat Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl, 27-24.

2024: Probably our best season ever

Probably our greatest season among our 45 thus far, we attended three College Football Playoff (CFP) games among the 31, our most ever attended in one season. We now stand at 712 games attended heading into 2025. Among this year’s games, we attended games featuring 41 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools. With games played in four new states for us (total of 41 now including D.C) play and in 13 new FBS and FCS venues, we now have attended games played in 98 of the 135 FBS Stadiums and in 193 venues among all NCAA divisions and neutral sites and bowl games. And among the games this season, we’ve seen many top teams including eight that competed in the first 12-team College Football Playoff. With that, we give you our Final Top Ten we saw in person this season:

Sun Devils star RB and Game Offensive MVP Cam Skattebo gets stopped by Texas for a turnover on downs in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Texas won 39-31 to move on to the AT&T Cotton Bowl. There they fell to Ohio State, 28-14.
Sun Devils star RB and Game Offensive MVP Cam Skattebo gets stopped by Texas for a turnover on downs in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Texas won 39-31 to move on to the AT&T Cotton Bowl. There they fell to Ohio State, 28-14.

Collegefootballfan.com 2024 Top Ten

  1. Ohio State 14-2 (at Penn State)
  2. Notre Dame 14-2 (vs. Navy; vs. Penn State)
  3. Penn State 13-3 (vs. Ohio State; vs. SMU; vs. Notre Dame)
  4. Texas 13-3 (vs. Arizona State)
  5. Oregon 13-1 (at Wisconsin)
  6. Arizona State 11-3 (vs. Texas)
  7. Georgia 11-3 (vs. Auburn)
  8. SMU (11-3) (at Penn State)
  9. BYU 11-2 (at Wyoming)
  10. Navy 10-3 (at UAB; vs Notre Dame)
    • Other under consideration: Ohio U. 11-3 (at Central Michigan; vs. EMU; at Toledo)

Edited by Steve Koreivo – Member of Football Writers Association of America and Author of Fifty Years of tailgate Tales: The Good, the fun, and the Ugly Click on the title to get your copy on Amazon.com today, and please submit your review of this fun, unique life-long adventure after you’ve read it. Thanks!

Tailgaters from throughout the years were able to join up today for a festive and fun occasion in the parking lot this day. Some inquired already about Game No. 1000. Maybe another ten years from now?
Tailgater friends from throughout the years were able to join up on October 26 for a festive and fun occasion in the MetLife Stadium parking lot this day. Today marked our 700th Game, Navy vs. Notre Dame. Some inquired already about Game No. 1000. Maybe another ten years from now? For now, maybe we’ll set our sights on No. 750 for a game and a venue to be named later!