What Lies Ahead for Notre Dame, UConn, and the Pac-2 in 2025?

Shifting Landscapes in College Football

The landscape of college football is evolving. With Army and Navy joining the AAC, and Liberty and New Mexico State now in Conference USA, the dynamics are shifting. UMass is returning to the MAC, and Sacramento State’s aspirations to stand alone as an FBS independent are dwindling. In just a year, Oregon State and Washington State are set to rejoin a robust Pac-12, albeit I still see them as independents for now, given their current status.

Independents on the Rise

The once-crowded indie scene has slimmed down, with Notre Dame and UConn likely to be the last teams standing come next year. There are persistent rumors about UConn potentially moving up to the Big 12, which could finally come to fruition. Both Notre Dame and UConn present compelling narratives ahead. Notre Dame looks poised for a more competitive season, perhaps even outperforming its previous national championship run. UConn is regrouping after an impressive nine-win season that took many by surprise.

2025: A Look Forward

As we look ahead to 2025, let’s delve into the profiles of the remaining independents and the final two-member Pac-12. Each week this summer, Bill Connelly will preview various FBS conferences, covering all 136 teams, including breakdowns for 2024 and forecasts for 2025. Expect insights into the MAC, Conference USA, Mountain West, Sun Belt, and AAC.

2024 Recap

Last season, we saw notable performances despite the limited number of teams. Oregon State and Washington State faced challenges as they adjusted to a new landscape after losing multiple conference members. Washington State started strong, then faltered, while Oregon State’s transition was equally rocky.

Meanwhile, UConn experienced a renaissance under Jim Mora, scoring its best season in over a decade, capped by a triumphant Fenway Bowl win against North Carolina. Notre Dame, despite some hurdles, made it to the national title game, demonstrating resilience even with a thin roster.

Future Projections

Looking into 2025, Notre Dame is projected to be a top contender, with a mix of returning talent and new recruits. Their schedule features tough early matches, but if they navigate those successfully, they could have a significant shot at the playoffs. UConn, despite needing to fill some gaps, has a favorable schedule that could lead them to another bowl game.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several key games are on the horizon for 2025, including:

• Cal at Oregon State (Aug. 30): A pivotal opener for the Beavers.
• Notre Dame at Miami (Aug. 31): A crucial test for both teams.
• Washington at Washington State (Sept. 20): A showdown that could define the Cougars’ season.
• Houston at Oregon State (Sept. 27): A critical moment for the Beavers as they look to establish momentum.
• Duke at UConn (Nov. 8): A chance for UConn to prove its mettle against a strong opponent.

Conclusion

With the 2025 season approaching, the stage is set for exciting developments. Notre Dame’s potential for success, UConn’s resurgence, and the evolving dynamics of the Pac-12 will all be closely watched. As teams adjust and new stories unfold, fans can expect a thrilling season ahead.

Context & Analysis

As college football navigates through a transformative period, teams like Notre Dame and UConn are not just competing for wins; they are also vying for relevance amid shifting conferences and emerging narratives. The implications of these changes could reshape the future of college football.