Top 10 College Football Teams in the Carolinas to Watch for the 2025 Season

🏈 Kings of the Carolinas Preseason Rankings! 🏈

🔥 College Football in the Carolinas 🔥

As the thrilling 2025 college football season approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming games and the electrifying performances of their favorite teams! The Carolinas are the heart and soul of some of the most competitive college football programs in the entire nation. From powerhouse teams with a glorious history to dynamic emerging programs, the football landscape in this region is nothing short of vibrant and exhilarating! In this post, we will spotlight the Top 10 teams in the Carolinas that you absolutely have to keep an eye on this season!

10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons ⚡

Wake Forest 2025: Jack Dickert’s Aggressive Rebuild Begins at QB

After limping to a 4–8 finish in 2024 (just 2–6 in ACC play), Wake Forest slammed the reset button. Enter Jack Dickert, the former Washington State head coach known for his high-energy leadership and aggressive defensive schemes. His arrival marks a cultural shift in Winston-Salem—and the quarterback room is ground zero.

🔥 Transfer QB Duo: Ashford & Purdie Bring Juice

• Robby Ashford (South Carolina): The redshirt senior is a dual-threat weapon. In 2024, he threw for 324 yards and 2 TDs, while rushing for 227 yards and 2 more scores. His lone start vs. Akron was electric: 243 passing yards, 133 rushing yards, 3 total TDs. Ashford’s mobility and big-play potential give Wake Forest a dynamic edge it lacked last season.

• Deshawn Purdie (Charlotte): The sophomore quietly impressed in 2024, throwing for 1,802 yards and 10 TDs while leading Charlotte to a 5–7 record3. His breakout game? A 396-yard, 3-TD performance vs. FAU. Purdie’s arm talent and poise make him a serious contender for QB1.

⚙️ Offensive Identity: Fast, Flexible, Fearless

Dickert’s scheme will lean into tempo and versatility. Expect RPOs, designed QB runs, and vertical shots—especially with weapons like WR Micah Mays Jr., TE Kamrean Johnson, and RB Demond Claiborne returning 5. The offensive line is young but athletic, and the defense will mirror Dickert’s aggressive DNA.

📅 Circle These Games

Week 1 vs. Charlotte (Purdie’s former team)

Week 3 vs. NC State (early ACC litmus test)

Week 9 vs. Clemson (can Wake hang with the big dogs?)

9. Charlotte 49ers 🏙️

Charlotte 49ers: Total Overhaul, ACC QB Flavor, and a New Era Under Tim Albin

The Poggi experiment? A bust. Charlotte’s 2025 campaign begins with a clean slate and a new architect: Tim Albin, the former Ohio head coach known for maximizing talent in the MAC. His arrival signals a full cultural and schematic reboot—and the roster reflects it. Nearly every position group saw turnover, and the quarterback room is now a three-way battle with ACC pedigree and proven production.

🏈 QB1 Showdown: ACC Transfers and JUCO Redemption

• Connor Harrell (UNC): The junior lit up Charlotte last season with a 219-yard, 2-TD performance while at UNC. Now he’s wearing green and gold, looking to replicate that success from the other sideline.

• Grayson Loftis (Duke): Took first-team reps in spring and brings five career starts, 1,006 passing yards, and 8 TDs from his time at Duke. He’s a steady presence with upside.

• Zach Wilcke (Southern Miss): Started 8 games in 2022, throwing for 1,151 yards and 8 TDs before taking the JUCO route. He’s the wild card—experienced, hungry, and battle-tested.

🔄 Roster Turnover = Opportunity

Charlotte’s roster overhaul wasn’t cosmetic—it was foundational. From the trenches to the secondary, new faces dominate the depth chart. Expect growing pains early, but Albin’s track record suggests a disciplined, run-balanced offense with creative wrinkles.

🔥 What’s at Stake?

The 49ers open against App State and host UNC in Week 2—a chance for Harrell to face his former team and for Charlotte to prove the rebuild is more than just a facelift. With AAC parity and a fresh identity, this team could surprise.

8. Appalachian State Mountaineers 🏔️

Appalachian State: A Culture Reset and Offensive Overhaul in 2025

App State didn’t just tweak—they hit the reset button. In December, the program made the bold decision to move on from Head Coach Shawn Clark, despite his deep roots and emotional investment in the university. His departure signaled a major shift, and the hire of Dowell Loggains, a former NFL and SEC offensive coordinator, confirmed it: Appalachian State is ready to innovate.

Loggains brings a reputation for aggressive play calling, quarterback development, and modernizing sluggish schemes. His vision? A rebuilt, run-heavy offense laced with option looks, RPOs, and downfield shots—if the quarterback play rises to the occasion.

Enter AJ Swann.

After putting up 2,731 yards and 22 touchdowns across two seasons at Vanderbilt, Swann transferred to LSU in 2024 but saw limited snaps behind established starters. He now arrives in Boone with untapped potential and a chip on his shoulder. If he adapts quickly to Loggains’ scheme, App State could see a seamless blend of power running and vertical passing—not a bad formula in a Sun Belt that prizes physicality.

Expect emerging talent in the backfield and renewed focus on controlling tempo. The O-line will be asked to do more, and Loggains' background suggests tight ends will play a bigger role than in previous years.

This isn’t just a reboot—it’s a culture shift. From Clark’s tradition-rooted approach to Loggains’ pro-style tendencies, the Mountaineers are reshaping their identity. The 2025 season could redefine what it means to play "App State football."

7. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 🌊

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are entering a pivotal season of transition. Once America’s darlings during the electric Jamie Chadwell era, they’ve since morphed into a resilient squad trying to maintain relevance amidst transfer portal turbulence.

Gone are the days of Grayson McCall’s dominance and a stable core that brought national attention to Conway. Now, Head Coach Tim Beck faces a high-stakes decision that could define the Chanticleers' trajectory: Who will lead the offensive charge?

Two transfer quarterbacks headline the battle—MJ Morris, who flashed dual-threat potential during his time at NC State and Maryland, and Emmett Brown, a late-season spark plug from Washington State known for his pocket presence and play-action rhythm. Spring camp offered glimpses, but Beck hasn’t named a starter yet, keeping the intensity high as fall rolls in.

Beyond quarterback, depth and leadership will be tested across the board. Coastal lost several starters to the transfer portal, particularly on defense, and their ability to reload will shape their competitiveness in the Sun Belt. Wide receiver Jared Brown returns as a key playmaker, and the offensive line’s cohesion will be critical to whichever QB wins the job.

Despite the uncertainty, the Chanticleers are far from counted out. The program still has fight, and the fan base still believes. The 2025 season is less about reclaiming glory and more about rewriting their story—with grit, new faces, and a hunger to prove that Coastal Carolina is more than just a one-era wonder.

6. North Carolina Tar Heels 🏀

🐏 Chapel Bill Begins: UNC’s Belichick Era Is More Than Hype

The Tar Heels didn’t just make a splash—they cannonballed into the deep end of college football’s coaching carousel. With Bill Belichick replacing Mack Brown, UNC is embracing a seismic shift in identity, discipline, and expectations. The sold-out 2025 season tickets? That’s not just fanfare—it’s belief in a blueprint built by one of football’s most cerebral minds2.

🧠 Patriot Way Meets College Chaos

Belichick’s arrival brings NFL-level structure to a landscape defined by NIL deals, transfer portal churn, and youthful volatility. His son, Steve Belichick, takes over as defensive coordinator, installing a Patriots-style 4–2–5 scheme. The challenge? UNC lost 51 players to the portal and brought in 41 newcomers, including key offensive weapons.

🎯 QB Spotlight: Gio Lopez, the South Alabama Transfer

2024 Stats: 2,559 passing yards, 18 TDs, 5 INTs, 72.3 QBR4

Rushing Threat: 463 yards and 7 TDs on the ground

Style: Dual-threat with poise, accuracy (66% comp), and explosive upside

Lopez is the perfect test case for Belichick’s system—smart, mobile, and battle-tested. If he thrives, UNC’s offense could be deceptively dangerous.

🔍 Supporting Cast to Watch

WR Kobe Paysour: Veteran route technician

RB Davion Gause: Power back with burst

TE Jake Johnson: 6'6" red-zone mismatch

OL Austin Blaske & Chad Lindberg: Anchor a revamped front

📅 Schedule Advantage

UNC dodges most ACC heavyweights and opens with winnable games: Charlotte, Richmond, UCF. Only Clemson and TCU loom as major hurdles. A fast start could flip the national narrative overnight.

5. NC State Wolfpack 🐺

🐺 NC State 2025: CJ Bailey Leads the Wolfpack’s Quiet Revolution

Don’t sleep on the Pack. While the ACC spotlight shines elsewhere, NC State is quietly assembling a contender, and it starts with sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey—a 6'6" Miami native with poise, arm talent, and a growing reputation as a game-changer.

🔥 Bailey’s Breakout Potential

2024 Stats: 2,413 passing yards, 17 TDs, 10 INTs, 279 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs

Signature Games:

vs. Stanford: 234 yards, 3 TDs, 90% completion

vs. UNC: 242 yards, 2 TDs, 70% completion

Traits: Calm under pressure, accurate deep ball, sneaky mobility

Bailey stepped in after Grayson McCall’s retirement and never looked back. Now, with Kurt Roper calling plays—a coordinator known for maximizing QB talent—Bailey’s ceiling is rising fast.

🧩 Supporting Cast

Justin Joly (TE): 661 yards, 4 TDs in 2024—Bailey’s go-to target

Noah Rogers (WR): Explosive sophomore with 478 yards last season

Hollywood Smothers (RB): Averaged 6.4 YPC with 6 TDs

OL Anchors: Jacarrius Peak and Anthony Carter Jr. lead a unit built for tempo and protection

🧠 Roper’s Scheme = QB-Friendly Firepower

Expect RPOs, layered route concepts, and designed QB runs. Roper’s history with guys like Eli Manning and Bo Wallace suggests Bailey will be given the keys to a dynamic, aggressive offense.

📅 Key Matchups

Week 1 vs. East Carolina (Aug 28)

Sept 6 vs. Virginia (first ACC test)

Oct 18 vs. Clemson (prove-it moment)

🎙️ National Buzz

ESPN’s Greg McElroy calls NC State his “biggest sleeper” in the ACC, citing Bailey’s development and the team’s returning talent. With seven starters back on defense and a new coordinator in DJ Eliot, the Pack could be dangerous on both sides of the ball.

4. East Carolina Pirates ☠️

☠️ East Carolina 2025: Blake Harrell’s Pirates Are Coming for the Crown

Momentum isn’t just a buzzword in Greenville—it’s the fuel. After parting ways with Mike Houston mid-2024, ECU handed the reins to longtime defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, and the results were instant: a 5–1 finish, a bowl win, and a locker room that rediscovered its edge.

🔥 Harrell’s Blueprint: Defense, Swagger, and Carolina Ambitions

Harrell’s no-nonsense style and aggressive 4–2–5 scheme have reshaped the Pirates’ identity. The defense returns key playmakers like LB Julien Davis, DL Xavier McIver, and DB Teagan Wilk, while the offense is stacked with speed and versatility.

🎯 QB Room: Deep, Talented, and Ready

Katin Houser (Michigan State transfer): 6'3", 225 lbs, senior with a cannon arm and Big Ten experience

Raheim Jeter: 6'4", 226 lbs, dual-threat junior with upside

Mike Wright Jr.: Veteran presence, mobile and savvy

⚡ Skill Positions to Watch

RB Parker Jenkins: 5'11", 209 lbs, explosive junior from Houston

WR Yannick Smith: 6'3", 207 lbs, breakout candidate

TE Jayvontay Conner: 6'4", 239 lbs, matchup nightmare

🛡️ Trench Power

The O-line is anchored by Kyle Long (6'6", 328 lbs) and Marleo Neolien (6'7", 331 lbs)—massive bodies built for AAC warfare. On defense, J.D. Lampley and Justin Benton bring interior disruption.

📅 Circle These Matchups

Week 1 vs. NC State (statement game)

Week 2 vs. UNC (Carolina bragging rights)

Oct 11 vs. Memphis (AAC title implications)

This isn’t just a bounce-back—it’s a full-blown charge. Harrell’s Pirates are loud, proud, and laser-focused on reclaiming respect across the Carolinas and beyond.

3. Duke Blue Devils 🦇

Durham’s football renaissance is real. After a 9-win season in 2024, the Blue Devils are no longer just a basketball school—they’re building a football identity with bite. The hire of Manny Diaz as head coach signals a bold new direction, and his aggressive portal strategy is already paying dividends.

🚀 Darian Mensah: The Transfer Who Changes Everything

2024 Stats at Tulane: 2,723 passing yards, 22 TDs, 6 INTs, 132 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD2

Spring Game: 12-of-14, 185 yards, 2 TDs

Traits: 6'3", 205 lbs, elite accuracy (65.9%), layered throws, mobile enough to extend plays2

Mensah was the No. 3 transfer decision of the 2025 cycle according to ESPN, and he’s already earned a spot on the Maxwell Award Watch List. His fit in OC Jonathan Brewer’s fast-paced, vertical offense is seamless—and his leadership is already resonating in the locker room.

🧩 Supporting Cast

WRs: Andrel Anthony Jr., Cooper Barkate, Que’Sean Brown

TEs: Landen King, Vance Bolyard

RBs: Jaquez Moore (back from injury), Quran Boyd

OL: Four returning starters + Jordan Larsen (1,000+ career snaps)

🛡️ Defense Has Teeth

Diaz’s defense returns stars like Chandler Rivers, Vincent Anthony Jr., and Wesley Williams, plus transfer Josiah Green. Expect a physical, attacking unit built to complement the offense’s tempo.

📅 Circle These Games

Week 1 vs. Elon (Aug 28)

Week 3 @ Tulane (Mensah’s revenge game)

Oct 4 vs. NC State (ACC litmus test)

This isn’t just a flash in the pan—it’s a program pivot. If Mensah delivers and Diaz keeps the culture tight, Duke could be the ACC’s most disruptive storyline in 2025.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks 🐔

The buzz in Columbia isn’t just noise—it’s a movement. With back-to-back top-tier recruiting classes and a roster stacked with speed, size, and swagger, South Carolina enters 2025 as one of the SEC’s most electrifying teams. At the center of it all? LaNorris Sellers, the sophomore quarterback whose blend of power and precision has him squarely in the Heisman conversation.

🔥 LaNorris Sellers: The SEC’s Breakout Star

2024 Stats:Passing: 2,534 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs

Completion Rate: 65.6%

QBR: 69.8 (40th nationally)

Rushing: 330+ yards, 5 TDs

Signature Game: 353 yards and 5 TDs vs. Missouri

Sellers isn’t just a dual-threat—he’s a game-changer. His performance against Clemson last season, including the game-winning score, ignited national Heisman buzz. Coach Shane Beamer called him “the best player in the country,” and NFL scouts are already circling2.

🧩 Supporting Cast

WR Nyck Harbor: 6'5", 235 lbs, Olympic-level speed

TE Jordan Dingle & Maurice Brown II: Red-zone threats with NFL frames

RB Rahsul Faison & Oscar Adaway III: Power and burst in the backfield

OL Anchors: Josiah Thompson, Tree Babalade, and Blake Franks—massive and mobile

The Gamecocks’ offense is built to dominate in space and punish in the trenches. Sellers has weapons everywhere.

🛡️ Defense & Identity

Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and Desmond Umeozulu lead a disruptive front seven, while DQ Smith and Jalon Kilgore anchor a secondary that’s fast and physical. Expect a 4–2–5 scheme with aggressive blitz packages and turnover-hunting DBs.

📅 Must-Watch Matchups

Week 1 vs. Virginia Tech (Aflac Kickoff)

Nov 30 @ Clemson – Rivalry, revenge, and playoff implications

Oct 12 vs. Georgia – SEC East litmus test

This isn’t just hype—it’s a program on the rise. If Sellers delivers and the defense holds, South Carolina could crash the SEC party and make a serious playoff push

1. Clemson Tigers 🐅

The Tigers aren’t just chasing titles—they’re hunting legacy. With Cade Klubnik entering his senior season as a Heisman frontrunner, Clemson is locked in for a run at both the ACC crown and a return to the College Football Playoff.

🔥 Cade Klubnik: The Engine of the Offense

• 2024 Stats:

  • Passing: 3,639 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs

  • Rushing: 463 yards, 7 TDs

  • QBR: 78.7 (12th nationally)

• Career Totals: 7,180 passing yards, 57 TDs, 13 rushing TDs

Klubnik’s growth has been meteoric. From a shaky 2023 debut to a 43-touchdown explosion in 2024, he’s now the centerpiece of Garrett Riley’s offense and a top candidate for the College Football 26 cover.

💪 Defensive Line: NFL Factory in Full Force

Peter Woods:

2024: 32 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF

Versatile DT/DE with elite burst and violent hands

Projected 1st-round pick in 2026 T.J. Parker:

2024: 57 tackles, 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles7

ACC leader in sacks and fumbles forced

Disruptive edge rusher with a relentless motor

This duo anchors a front seven that’s fast, physical, and built to dominate. Add in Vic Burley, Stephiylan Green, and Sammy Brown, and Clemson’s defense might be the most feared in the country.

🧠 Dabo Swinney’s Dynasty Mentality

Swinney’s blueprint remains unchanged: recruit elite talent, develop relentlessly, and win with culture. With back-to-back ACC titles and a playoff berth in 2024, the Tigers are roaring into 2025 with momentum and belief.

📅 Key Matchups

Aug 30 vs. LSU (season opener, national spotlight)

Oct 4 @ UNC (Belichick vs. Swinney chess match)

Nov 29 @ South Carolina (rivalry revenge)

This isn’t just a team—it’s a statement. If Klubnik delivers and the defense holds, Clemson could be lifting hardware in January.