The Winds of Change: Welcome to Autumn and College Football’s Turning Point
Welcome to autumn, where cool mornings fade into warm afternoons and the college football landscape shifts with the Coaching Carousel, bold upsets, and rising stars. From Penn State and Florida resets to UCLA’s second act and Vanderbilt’s Heisman push, this season is a study in momentum, mentorship, and the endless drama of the sport. As teams chase greatness, every game becomes a chapter in a larger playbook of ambition and opportunity.
Autumn leaves flutter as the college football season intensifies, with rising stars and veteran mentors shaping the storylines. Courtesy of the NCAA
Welcome to Autumn, my favorite season. The time of year when cool mornings fade into warm afternoons and close with crisp, chilly nights. The colors turn brown, and fallen leaves cushion the streets. It’s apple-picking season, sweater weather, and yes, that time when some folks still trick for candy (not me).
But this year, the winds of change have arrived early — especially in college football.
The Coaching Carousel Spins Early
The first two months of the 2025 college football season have been nothing short of thrilling. From Indiana’s surprising rise under Curt Cignetti to the chaos in Chapel Hill with Bill Belichick, the sport has delivered nonstop storylines. We’ve seen the fall of Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers and the meteoric rise of Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia.
As I write this, 9 FBS head-coaching jobs have already opened, and by season’s end, there could be several more. College football has officially entered its Pro Model era.
Among the vacancies, two jobs stand out above the rest: Penn State and Florida.
Penn State finally parted ways with James Franklin after a string of tough losses — including heartbreakers to Oregon and a surging UCLA squad dubbed “America’s New Team.” Despite an impressive 128-60 record (.681-win percentage) over 11 years, Franklin’s 4-21 mark against Top 10 opponents ultimately sealed his fate. He deserves credit for restoring PSU’s national presence, but change sometimes is a good thing. I think this move serves both sides well.
In Gainesville, the Florida Gators also hit reset. Billy Napier was dismissed on October 19, ironically, after a win, bringing his four-year run to a 23-23 record. Florida fans crave the glory days, and mediocrity won’t cut it in “The Swamp.”
So where will these proud programs turn next? Stay tuned we will discuss at a later date.
Hollywood Rising: UCLA’s Second Act
If the 2025 season has a Cinderella story, it’s happening in Los Angeles.
When Tim Skipper took over as UCLA’s interim head coach after an 0-4 start and an embarrassing loss to New Mexico, few believed the Bruins could rebound. But since Skipper (a former Fresno State linebacker and son of longtime NFL coach Jim Skipper) stepped in, UCLA has gone 3-1 in Big Ten play and completely flipped its narrative.
Offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel — son of former Bruin head coach Rick Neuheisel — has the offense humming like it’s straight out of an EA Sports game. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, once the butt of jokes, is now getting the last laugh.
UCLA’s gritty 20-17 win over Maryland wasn’t pretty, but it proved they can grind out close games. Sitting at 3-4 with Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff headed to Bloomington for a showdown with Indiana, the Bruins suddenly find themselves in the national conversation. If they pull off the upset, calling them a Playoff contender won’t sound far-fetched — or delusional.
Stock Up
Vanderbilt: In the heart of beautiful Nashville, the Commodores are no one’s punching bag anymore. Quarterback Diego Pavia has thrust himself into the Heisman race, leading Vanderbilt to a 6-1 start. His preseason declaration that “Vandy is a playoff team” was once laughable now, no one’s laughing.
Georgia Tech: Head coach Brent Key has his alma mater flying high at 7-0 (4-0 in ACC). With four of the next five games favoring the Yellow Jackets, including a season-ending home date with Georgia on Nov. 28, the “Rambling Wreck” could be eyeing an ACC title a possible home playoff game.
Stock Down
Kansas State: Since running back Dillon Edwards suffered a knee injury on a wet field in Ireland, the Wildcats’ season has unraveled. Once favored to win the Big 12, they’re now fighting for bowl eligibility at 3-4.
Syracuse: This one hurts. After a stellar 2024, Fran Brown’s Orange have stumbled following quarterback Steve Angeli’s season-ending Achilles injury. Backup Ricky Collins has struggled, and with road trips to Georgia Tech, Miami, and Notre Dame remaining, it could be a long, cold winter in Central New York.
Games to Watch this Weekend
As you make you’re weekend plans, and while I don’t want anyone to get in trouble because of me, find a TV to watch these matchups. Trust me they deserve your full attention:
- UCLA vs. Indiana: No, this isn’t basketball matchup. Can Nico, Tim, and Jerry (sounds like an ice cream shop) keep the good vibes rolling against money-making Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers?
- Texas A&M vs. LSU: As Les Miles once said, “Death Valley — where opponents’ dreams go to die.” Will the Tigers crush the Aggies’ undefeated hopes?
- Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma: Lane Kiffin’s Rebels always entertain, and this top-25 clash in Norman might be one of the weekend’s most electric games.
Final Thoughts
As Autumn settles in, continue to enjoy the season: the crisp air, the colors, the chaos oh so fun. But make sure you find time to watch America’s greatest weekly drama: College Football.
Because, as the great Kevin Garnett once said, “Anything is possible.”
See you next week.
– KP
