CFB Teams With MOST To Prove In 2025 - Josh Pate Cut

[@YodaSmokes]

Lincoln Riley has regressed every single year he’s been a head coach. Falling further and further away from that rose bowl choke job against Georgia.

[@Travis89-ob5tt]

That is true Stoops left him in an excellent situation.

[@lawrencematthes8948]

USC is in a bad place. They aren't in the top tier payroll schools to start with and it will cost them a fortune to fire Riley for at least 2 seasons. Probably more. Firing him would slow down the influx of talent they desperately need.They're stuck with a coach taking the program backwards. It could take five years minimum to turn it around if Riley's not successful.

[@lawrencematthes8948]

​@@Travis89-ob5ttdefinitely left him on 3rd base, so to speak.

[@Rob_uno]

@@lawrencematthes8948lmao you have no clue what your talking about at all. 😂😂😂😂

[@JohnMandock]

Get rid of him

[@YodaSmokes]

Oklahoma no doubt. BV got to prove he can be a head coach of a football team.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

he didn’t built the roster for the SEC while Sark did in the last year of the Big-12. that’s one major reason why they got boat raced.

[@JohnMandock]

I think he's done after this year

[@JohnMandock]

Do you think he will win this year? Or he won't do very good in their run him out. I looked at their schedule. I don't see eight wins

[@silvertiger1324]

Venables done. Next year he'll be a lucky team's DC. Most likely he'll stay in the SEC.

[@zophix-5741]

@@GoatedAtNFS People started saying that after Saban said it which makes it even funnier that OU beat Alabama. If you watched OU this year the roster wasn't the issue. It was the OC and offensive injuries. Hiring the wrong guy for OC and having injuries is not the same as failing to build a roster for the SEC.

[@johnmexico61]

I see both sides on Penn State. You’re right, but I can also see the perspective that they never win the big games as the underdog, but now you have one of the best, if not the best outlook for the upcoming year with what they have coming back. So now GO PROVE YOU CAN DO IT!

[@JMull25]

They say Ryan Day was born on 3rd Base.. Lincoln Riley was born on 3rd base and given the signal to run home and he tripped over his laces

[@lawrencematthes8948]

That's hilarious. I like the analogy. I was gonna say he was left with the bases loaded but I like yours better. To be fair tho, Kelly left Freeman pretty flush too. But Freeman almost stole home this year

[@JMull25]

@lawrencematthes8948 At least Freeman has Notre Dame competing in national relevance, unlike Riley who took his guys from Norman to LA just to go 7-5 and clean house after 2 years lol

[@lawrencematthes8948]

@@JMull25 no doubt about it. The future looks much brighter for the Irish than it does the Trojans

[@CertifiedClapaholic]

Day was still born on 3rd base tho.

[@JMull25]

@CertifiedClapaholic He finally got to home base though. Sadly 😥 🤘🏼

[@Lawsefrom334]

As a Trojan fan, next year is a make or break year for Riley. Bc our offense was not where it needed to be and the lack of touchdowns in the 4 quarter is unacceptable.

[@kevinfry1850]

lol is it? What will his buyout be after next year?

[@andygause8053]

Ironically, USC and OU are in similar situations: two head coaches with one good season and two incredibly disappointing seasons.

[@ScottHillen12345]

The only difference is usc wins those consolation bowl games. Oklahoma, not so much

[@JohnMandock]

Neither one is gonna win anything next year

[@tommyjones774]

Helll😂 ou ain’t one no bowl games lol😂

[@tommyjones774]

@@JohnMandock bet 2k usc win 10 games

[@JohnMandock]

@tommyjones774 you already bet the money in vegas?? Who will be their two losses??

[@vinnythewebsurfer]

This seems more like a segment about “who’s making a comeback” one. Cause Texas is the one I’d say that needs to prove they’re not just gonna end up in the median pack of the SEC instead of a regular top 3 SEC team.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

we won’t know that until they change schedules in 2026

[@ianflood1]

As a Penn State fan I agree. Most reasonable fans expect to make a playoff run because we have so many returning players and an amazing new DC. Some people will want to fire Franklin if he doesn’t win us a championship. Those people never held Paterno to the same standard. Penn State football is a massive brand and we expect to be a good team every year, and shoot for greatness, but our NIL and budget show that we aren’t at the same level of commitment as teams like OSU, Alabama, or Texas. We do care more about other sports than most schools though, and they are doing great. Wrestling has a dynasty that makes Saban look like a failure and women’s volleyball just won perhaps the most inspiring national championship ever.

[@JohnMandock]

I think it's ridiculous that you beat nobody this year. And you made the playoffs. That's the problem with this 12 team playoff. You can beat all the stiffs. And still get in if you've got a name team.

[@JohnMandock]

You lost to Ohio state, Notre Dame. And Oregon, all 3 teams equal or better talent. Name one team you beat. That was any good and don't say the 2 teams you beat in the playoffs. They're nobodies.

[@Chainsoldier23]

@@JohnMandockthank you Penn state is the definition of overrated every year

[@JohnMandock]

@ianflood1 Michigan is now loaded in NIL $$ they are all on board now. Their main donor is larry ellison who owns oracle. His wife went to michigan. Why do you think they paid 12 million to get Bryce? Underwood number one quarterback in the country.

[@lawrencematthes8948]

@@JohnMandock some say he's second to Taveon St Clair.

[@Arcticpokemon]

Penn state is that high because that was what it was from 1970-2010 Penn state battle for the national championship or for a spot in it James Franklin’s been coach for 10 plus years too

[@JohnMandock]

Franklin's a clown

[@joshneal5526]

I’d say Alabama has a lot to prove after missing the playoffs the first year removed from Nick saban

[@lawrencematthes8948]

Fair point. There's always a lot to prove at Alabama every year. It will be even more intense until he wins something. I think he will in due time.

[@blakedavison2171]

Feel like Oklahoma State should be here too. After a disastrous season - coming after a string of WINNING seasons - it’s time to get back on our feet and win again.

[@49erLA]

Rob Ryan was a huge get for USC defensive staff

[@tommyjones774]

USC on the come up only the real fans know wasup

[@YodaSmokes]

Notre Dame and LSU both proved one thing this year. Brian Kelly is not that good of a head coach.

[@Booster6969]

ND did what they did under Kelly. They also lost to NIU and Marshall, they wouldn’t have been in a 4 team playoff and they are we we tho if he they were, a good college team who is over matched vs NFL talent

[@aonaran-2028]

Name one thing Marcus freeman has done that Kelly has not

[@TheAndersonjc67]

That’s so crazy

[@Aidnp-u4d]

@@aonaran-2028Freeman has more top 10 wins than Brian Kelly. Freeman has coached ND for 3 years. Brian Kelly spent a decade at ND

[@YodaSmokes]

@@aonaran-2028win a playoff game

[@kylecheney347]

BYU has a lot to prove, can they handle success? They've faltered in the past coming off good seasons.

[@TheWayWeTalk90]

Nebraska, can we finally get consistent and play with the big boys

[@nassaujones7055]

As a hurricane fan it’s Miami

[@Patrick-ru4ur]

Miami will be solid this year

[@33moneyball]

Thank You! Penn State did what they always do…we just called it something else

[@Frank313Archie]

They were no great teams this year, just a bunch of good ones.

[@user-dw9fc6ev7x]

Ohio State was great and fun to watch.

[@Frank313Archie]

@ nah, they were just good

[@aschraub9897]

@@Frank313Archie Truth

[@davidverlaney7764]

@@Frank313Archie lost two games by a total of four points. Missed two field goals against Michigan fumbled the ball right before the end zone out of the end zone. And a 7 yard touchdown drive after an interception. It happens. They beat six top 10 teams. Maybe seven if you count them beating themselves against Michigan. It happens but the new playoffs change everything.

[@chadh8132]

People act like PSU recruits at a top 5 level. They have top 5 results and are easily top 10 with producing NFL talent, but they only recruit between 10-15 most years. It’s not easy to get recruits to want to come to the middle of PA

[@jrcrit8843]

Lol do you think ppl really want to be in Tuscaloosa or Oxford MS. No but it’s about the program and staff. Location isn’t that important. Otherwise Miami would have a #1 class every season lol

[@jbaker7439]

I don’t really understand kids/people who want to give themselves early grave heart conditions brought on by unaddressed heat strokes. And of course the level of medicine in the south too. Some more years they won’t even be able to play these games in the south until October and they’ll have to shift the season a month back

[@jbaker7439]

@jrcrit8843 Aside from the winter months and the “scene” what’s great about Miami for college football appeal Couldn’t pay me to live in 85F 100% humidity every single night for about 6 months straight. Asking for early grave summer heart

[@JMilMovies]

Georgia Tech has some proving to do (specifically Brent Key himself). I'm not saying Tech should be in the national race, but Brent Key needs to show that what he is doing is working and that the team won't get stagnate. They need to compete in the ACC and be in a place to make a run for the conference championship and they need to pull off a win against Georgia. I know UGA is a top tier national team, but Tech needs to prove that the rivalry is still alive and that they are worth being UGA's rivalry game. They have put a lot of pressure on UGA the last 2 years, but they need to come away with a win and gain some momentum in the rivalry. Obviously, Brent Key has improved the program, but it can't stop now. He has to keep moving in a positive trajectory.

[@JB-tl8rj]

Ole Miss and Texas A&M have to prove they can make it to Atlanta

[@lawrencematthes8948]

A&M annually underachieves And always overrated. Ole Miss has the talent. They just have to prove they don't trip over their own feet against lesser teams.

[@davidcole2337]

Think Alabama because they are consider not Relevant anymore now that Saban Retired.. They will start being an Average Team going forward is opinion these days.

[@lawrencematthes8948]

LSU lost 4 games but look at that schedule. Imagine if Oklahoma didn't have a down season. That's just brutal. If they switched schedules with Tennessee they would have been in the playoffs and Tennesse probably loses more than 4 games. They wouldn't have beaten Ohio St but I'm betting they are more competitive. Great assessment on Penn St. Until they prove they can beat Ohio St or Michigan third place in the conference is where they will continue to live. Maybe. They now have to prove they can beat Oregon.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

Oklahoma isn’t gonna see 10 wins for a long time. so they need to just look competitive one team that has to be on here is Arizona State and Utah - can ASU do it again without one workhorse of a player? - does Kyle Whittingham need to retire ASAP and stop holding back Utah?

[@JohnMandock]

I agree on both get rid of whittingham

[@Swerve-Online]

Tigers are going to make a run this year. Nuss has some weapons this year, and his floor is 4k and 40 tds.

[@jrcrit8843]

😂😂😂

[@WhitneyGadison1]

With Brian Kelly as the coach?

[@kevinfry1850]

Penn state has the most to prove based on what we know about the landscape in 2025 but it’s also not make or break for them. Both things can be true.

[@Lram2525]

Before I watched the video. It’s FSU by a landslide. Undefeated to 2-10?! This is the worst season since before Bobby Bowden in 1976. Absolute train wreck of a year and they HAVE to turn it around this season.

[@guineveregruntle6746]

USC, Auburn, FSU, LSU, Pitt,

[@soonermark1]

OU is going to Temple this year. They came to Norman last year so we are returning the favor by going to Philadelphia.

[@WhitneyGadison1]

Good ole temple, should be an easy win for the Sooners then

[@byronbullough5739]

Michigan State. It’s time to show serious progress. In a year where Ohio State and Penn State are not on the schedule, we need to see a top 20 team again at minimum this fall

[@aschraub9897]

lmao get real you guys need a Big Time coach if you wanna do anything look at how shitty you are ranked in recruits right now

[@jbaker7439]

@aschraub9897 49 rank class overall. So at least they are in top 50. They have the 23 transfer class. IU pulled it off with less. So it’s possible. ASU didn’t have a top 50 class. System, staff, development.

[@jimmysexton4201]

Many people believe Coach Deboer's hands were tied in his first season and I agree! My question is who is to blame? As a head coach of a University should you allow players to dictate your teams starting roster? I would have been more impressed if he had put the players of his choosing on the field and if players were upset their favorite teammates werent out there and laid down sit their asses on the bench and show them who runs this program and we lost a few games! That's more respectable than bowing to a handful of players! Take control and run the show, Coach!!!

[@nicholasruhling6429]

ND needs to prove this wasn’t a fluke year. They don’t necessarily need to make it all the way back to the natty, but at least the quarters

[@Troy-fv9uq]

Was OSU running Mike Norvel's offense in their playoff run? If so I bet he was just smiling watching it work.

[@silvertiger1324]

"SEC beatin up on each other cuz tha's what they do" That crap don't fly anymore. You literally had Vandy beat "the" team for the first time in 30 years last year. It's sad Josh keeps pumping the SEC like they're really good still.

[@evanmixon2827]

“the” team lost its historical coach. Its still a big deal, but dont sit here pretending like that fact doesnt exist.

[@joeyoung8184]

Got to be the Dawgs

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

PSU- prove they can beat a top team Colorado- Prime is going into his first year coaching with a Qb he’s had to recruit, and no Travis Hunter Alabama- how Debor responds LSU- can Kelly finally put it together Indiana- prove last year wasn’t because they were gifted an easy schedule Texas- still having one of the easiest SEC schedule, is Arch the man?

[@ericlofroos2405]

Mike Norvell took UNPROVEN guys from the portal last year in an effort to develop players and start focusing more on high school recruits. He will NOT do that again! He will only focus on PROVEN guys from the portal from here on out. Norvell hired a completely new and experienced coaching staff that are both excellent recruiters and developers. FSU will be FINE!

[@anthonymelendez333]

Ima be real chief lol I think 5 wins is next years ceiling and it's because we banked so hard on that portal

[@nateh882]

Penn State has still yet to beat any top dog in college football which is why they are still considered unproven. Didn’t beat OSU, Oregon, or Notre Dame. You said they made a run in the playoffs which they did but look at their draw. SMU and Boise were never contenders so their “playoff run” is not nearly as impressive as a team like OSUs

[@JohnMandock]

Very well said. That's what I've been saying. The whole time they never beat anybody with equal. Or better talent. James franklin is a clown

[@kentate1304]

​@@JohnMandockWhile bashing Penn State and James Franklin, you have yet to reveal your team. I bet we could equally bash. Even the National Champs lost to a 7-5 Michigan, so let's have it. Who is your team?

[@JohnMandock]

@kentate1304 Michigan beat ohio, state and alabama to end the year and they won eight games, not seven. And no, I'm not a Michigan fan. I just watch college football and know what i'm talking about. Just be honest with yourself. Name one quality team. The penn state is in the last few years just and then I'll tell you who my team is??

[@kentate1304]

@@JohnMandock Michigan was 7-5 when they beat OSU. I'm not saying PSU played a tough schedule. You can't bash other teams if you aren't willing to give others a chance to bash yours. It's cowardly.

[@garyroenicke2102]

I would definitely agree with your USC take, FSU some, LSU and Auburn Not so. I don’t think of either program as a playoff contender. They are in the SEC with Texas, Georgia, Bama, Tenn and S Carolina along with Ole Miss and Florida. All teams who are most likely better in 2025 than Auburn for sure and possibly LSU. I would include Alabama in this talk, with Kalen DeBoer who is suppose to be an Elite Coach who loses 3 games as Big Favorites.

[@garyroenicke2102]

I forgot Tex A&M. Wow, the SEC is indeed LOADED

[@jbaker7439]

SEC is loaded with bad coaching staffs and not working as hard programs that have come to rely on a given talent edge and depth they don’t have the same advantage in anymore due to NIL/transfer. Texas A&M won’t do anything. Never do. Texas feels like a step back and they also always under perform their recruiting. Honestly some of those schools not really sure why kids go there because they almost all perform worse than their recruiting level. Auburn had a top 10 class last season and went 5-7 was it and lost to CalTech at home 😂 OU same deal. Alabama by far underperformed their #1 overall class even with the transfers they lost. Shambles.

[@garyroenicke2102]

@ agreed. The league underperformed overall or the talent was rated too high. Never did understand how they can rank HS players. All Subjective. I was involved with the Baseball industry for 36 yrs and saw it all the time. Evaluation was Wrong. I honestly think I could evaluate HS talent in football Better than many of these guys

[@rockytoptom]

In the loser bracket, yea, FSU all day, most to prove by far. In the mediocre to good bracket, UT has the most to prove. We can't win on the road. Our OL cost us big time last year. Our Defense got shredded because our Coordinator is a 5 year old. Can we take the next step? We've been on the verge of being very, very good for 3 years now. This year's schedule is not easy.

[@jbaker7439]

Texas has recruiting at a high level going back decades and only very limited years of living up to the recruit rank. Maybe 5 times in 50 years of solid recruiting. Lot of problems there beyond the football field. Schedule is the same as last year (easy) just with home and aways switched. Don’t play ol miss. Don’t play Alabama. Don’t play lsu. Don’t play Tennessee.

[@rockytoptom]

@@jbaker7439 I said UT, not Texas.

[@MigitMan975]

Throw a dart at the state of Oklahoma and you’ll find a team with a lot to prove

[@bradybenedict3607]

Oklahoma has THE MOST to prove. One of the best programs historically, near the top of total wins in the last 100yrs, 50yrs, 25yrs, 10yrs. Near the top in every accolade. Some of the best players and coaches in CFB history. Currently, the most players in this years super bowl. Changes conferences, has one of the worst seasons in 25 years. They have to prove they are what they claim to be.

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

If Penn State isn’t Natty or bust at this point, what programs are? Ohio State, Georgia, who else? The CFP expansion pretty much guarantees Penn State a spot now. With the extra seeds, the B1G doing away with divisions, and a diluted conference with less parity, Penn State now no longer has to beat Ohio State and Michigan. They can lose 2 games a season and get it. Penn State is Natty or bust now.

[@JohnMandock]

Agreed, unfortunately, they're run by a clown, james franklin. They never beat anybody with equal or better talent.

[@Patrick-ru4ur]

I agree with both of these statements

[@Vern-ht3pk]

Penn state is no better than the middle to lower tier in the big ten. Who have they beat the past 5-6 years. Not 1 team in the what top 15-20. Penn State is far from elite.

[@JohnMandock]

@Vern-ht3pk agreed. They never beat Michigan or Ohio state. Or anybody of equal or better talent. Look at this year. They lost Oregon, Ohio state and notre. Dame think about it. I'm tired of hearing about penn state. All they do is beat up on stiffs.

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

@@Vern-ht3pkdude, you are arguing with someone that knows this, hence they have the biggest to prove and it’s natty or bust for them. They’ve made excuses for years. There is no more room for excuses. They have put themselves in the Natty or bust category. They’ve been screaming for years just to get a chance. The CFP expansion was basically made for programs like Penn State.

[@daddio159]

Pate is a schedule snob I’m starting to fear. Are you even 30?

[@daddio159]

I don’t understand the LSU possible fav for the natty talk.

[@al9685]

Florida St not being able to keep up with the Jones’ in HS recruiting is pretty mind boggling. Get Norvell out of there. FSU would kill it with Deion.

[@keldur16]

Mike Norvell is more accomplished as a head coach than Deion. Deion has yet to beat a ranked team in two years at Colorado while having two heisman hopefuls. Mike Norvell has gone undefeated in the regular season, won a conference championship and sent a bunch of guys to the nfl. Let’s see what Deion does when he has to develop his qb and he isn’t running the heisman winner into the ground before we jump to conclusions.

[@johngetz8585]

PSU holds its storied program to a high standard. But...like many programs, there is this fringe of 10-15% of fans who are massive WHINERS..!!! Most of us love our lions. PSU was a score from 3 more victories. They did not lose to anyone but teams who were predicted to. Better than most programs.

[@johncena420swag]

Jonathan Smith needs to get MSU on the rails next year. If they miss another bowl game the program’s future looks bleak. Aidan Chiles needs to prove himself as well.

[@Aviator-Chicken]

A lot of people aren’t mentioning Georgia We’re still a top ten team but 2025 or 26 we need to be in a Natty or else Kirby will just be the new Dabo Swinney

[@jbaker7439]

It’s hard to pick because there are so many. - Florida, Billy, has DJ no excuses - Auburn, Freeze, top recruiting classes, 3rd year, easy schedule, no excuses - Alabama, way underperformed talent level - Michigan, people aren’t paying attention but Michigan could easily revert to the wilderness of the pre Harbaugh years - USC, Riley, obviously, making a billion mcbucks for mediocre - OU, Venables, obviously. Worst season in 30 years ish. - Utah, ok no Texas or OU big 12 should be yours - OSU, no Texas or OU here’s your chance and they returned almost all their starters. Horrible.

[@joeschmo7834]

Alabama in my opinion. Many pundits don’t even have them in their top ten which was unfathomable as soon as 3 years ago. I get that Saban retired but they still have way too much talent to not be in the top 10.

[@braxtonfriday8713]

As a Noles fan, Mike needs to prove that 2024 was a fluke and that the standard is 2022/23

[@Patrick-ru4ur]

I would say LSU. They seem to be going for a run, and most fans feel like it's playoffs or bust. With that much talent, they better, or I'd hate to be BK otherwise.

[@justinstergar6757]

Take a break Josh. Cfb season is over. See you next August.

[@Andy-je8fs]

I mean if Georgia keeps Mike bobo they will have the most to prove to justify that horrible decision

[@mynumberoneguy]

As Josh would say. I screenshatted your comments.

[@iAmCLPN]

Debore is top 8 in college football but I'd put him top 3 Much much to prove to the bama fanbase. Gotta beat the teams we should beat

[@daledonnell8155]

Riley has never been as great as you think he is with all due respect to you.

[@BHTSGOHRD]

The Trojans no doubt have the most to prove this season ✌️🔥🔥

[@jimmysexton4201]

Prove to who? As a lifelong diehard Bama fan I must say Bama! I'm not impressed with Coach Debo's first impression! The 2025 season will be make or break for Coach! I'm praying for his success!! ROLL TIDE BAMA NATION!!!

[@jbaker7439]

They won’t fire him cause he’d only be 2 years into an 8 year contract and it’s bad business to just piss off $60 million with no return. It also makes your HC job less desirable. Should have done a better job on hiring and contract.

[@caseywaldrop4827]

billy napier

[@ryannelson2653]

FSU just admit defeat on your portal heavy approach and build your team like every elite program does. HS recruiting first and a couple transfer portals guys to fill your needs.

[@roberts3921]

Let’s cut the crap: it’s Oregon.

[@jbaker7439]

That’s an interesting pick. They got really unlucky on the seeding and drawing Ohio State. They also picked up some injuries right away in that game. But even so, should have been more competitive. Didn’t seem like they were ready for the stage.

[@JoshPateCFB]

Keep the show free - SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL! - jp

[@garyroenicke2102]

No Doubt Lincoln Riley has now become the Most Overrated Coach around. Even at OU with Baker Mayfield, look at his play calling in that playoff Loss, Conservative approach and they Lost, with the Heisman QB. Then Huge Contract and did well with a Heisman QB again and two terrible years followed

[@tim12970]

Penn St have been the Dallas Cowboys of College for years ( Not presently as the Cowboys are a shit show) They beat up on Bad to Mid teams and lose to good teams like clockwork.

[@rickysmith133]

The team with the most to improve is ALABAMA!!!!!

[@tommyjones774]

Auburn 😂😂wtf they ain’t on no come up

[@jbaker7439]

They had better be or freeze is gone. Recruiting classes 19, 19, 11, 9, 6. What else are they waiting on? Coach has his staff and talent and system in place for 3rd year. Really no excuse if they piss that off.

[@telloboi]

He talks about the same teams every show lol

[@Mike_the_Tiger_King]

Sure Jan

[@JoshPateCFB]

No I don’t

[@tommyjones774]

Oregon didn’t win one game in the playoffs 😂😂😂😂

[@NIKE-Duck]

Still won the Big10 championship.

[@Gopwarhorse]

In Winston Salem

[@brianreese7804]

PSU has to prove they can win THE BIG GAMES

[@mikemcg2828]

Well yeah if you’re gonna refine the “big games” to mean any game they lost, this is very true

[@johnschlong]

Matt Rhule

[@JohnMandock]

Nebraska has become a nothing program

[@jbaker7439]

@JohnMandock I wouldn’t say “nothing” but certainly not a factor in the big time. But. They have a good recruit class, experience, and a returning QB. They did well in the portal considering they lost a few key players but have replaced them. Schedule is favorable so they need to get it done.