College Football’s Biggest Surprises and Disappointments After First Month

The 2025 college football season has already been a wild ride, and we’re only a month in. Hyped quarterbacks have stumbled, unexpected stars are suddenly everywhere, and teams keep blowing up or falling flat against what everyone thought back in August.

Let’s talk about the biggest surprises and disappointments so far. Who’s crushing it? Who’s flailing? Here’s a look at the standout performances and the teams that just haven’t lived up to the preseason noise.

Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 College Football Season

Plenty of high-profile teams and players have just not shown up like fans hoped. From Clemson to Oklahoma State, some programs have left people scratching their heads—or just plain frustrated.

Clemson Tigers: A Fall from Grace

Everyone pegged Clemson as the ACC favorite, and the preseason poll backed that up—167 out of 183 first-place votes. Quarterback Cade Klubnik was even in the Heisman conversation.

But the Tigers are sitting at 1-3, tied for last in the ACC. Their only win came against Troy, and they had to claw back from a 0-16 hole just to get that. The offense, despite all those All-Americans, ranks 116th in scoring. Only three other Power 4 teams are worse.

North Carolina Tar Heels: Belichick’s Struggles

Bill Belichick was supposed to turn things around in Chapel Hill after Mack Brown’s rough stretch. But the Tar Heels haven’t been close in their Power 4 matchups, getting blown out by TCU and UCF.

With 70 newcomers trying to fill the gaps left by the portal, it’s been a rocky start. North Carolina still looks lost in a tough ACC.

Oklahoma State Cowboys: Historic Lows

No one expected Oklahoma State to light the world on fire, but this is rough. Oregon hammered them 69-3, and that was it for coach Mike Gundy.

Then the Cowboys lost to Tulsa for the first time since 1951. It’s hard to remember a more humiliating start for this program.

Kansas State Wildcats: Falling Short

Kansas State came in as a Big 12 contender, ranked in the top 20. But things haven’t clicked—they’ve dropped games to Iowa State and Army.

Quarterback Avery Johnson hasn’t really taken a step forward, and the team’s inconsistent play is making everyone question that preseason hype.

UCLA Bruins: Winless and Woeful

UCLA was picked 15th in the Big Ten—not exactly high hopes, but now they’re the only winless Power 4 team. Losing 35-10 to New Mexico was the final straw, and coach Deshaun Foster got the boot.

The Bruins are staring down the barrel of their first-ever winless season. That’s not a record anyone wants.

Biggest Surprises of the 2025 College Football Season

On the flip side, some teams are blowing past expectations. A few have made wild improvements and look like they could make real noise this year.

Mississippi State Bulldogs: Most Improved Team

Last year, Mississippi State didn’t win a single SEC game. Now, under coach Jeff Lebby, they’ve started 4-0.

They even pulled off a dramatic win over Arizona State. Suddenly, a bowl game looks likely, and they might spoil some playoff dreams too.

UNLV Rebels: Playoff Contenders

Dan Mullen has UNLV off to an undefeated start. They’re one of the top Group of Five teams, and there’s a real path to the Playoff here.

Mullen leaned on the portal, and it’s working. The Rebels look like a legit force this season.

Missouri Tigers: Defying Expectations

Missouri was picked to finish 12th in the SEC, but you wouldn’t know it by watching them. Even after losing some key players, they haven’t missed a beat.