College football's most prestigious brotherhood has welcomed its newest member.

Following the conclusion of the Army-Navy Game, the Heisman Trophy award — the sport's highest individual honor  — was handed to the top college football player in the country during an awards ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13 in New York.

Indiana football's Fernando Mendoza beat out the three other finalists — Ohio State's Julian Sayin,Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love — as the recipient of the 2025 Heisman Trophy race, marking the 13th time a quarterback has won the award since 2010.

Here's what you need to know about the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner:

REQUIRED READING: Heisman Trophy ceremony live updates: Highlights from award ceremony

Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2025?

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was named the recipient of the 2025 Heisman Trophy on Dec. 13 during an awards ceremony in New York City.

With Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy, he becomes the first Indiana player to win the Heisman.

The type of season that Mendoza had with the Hoosiers was far from impressive, as the former Cal quarterback continued to lead Indiana to new heights — like earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff after upsetting Ohio State in the Big Ten championship — during its historic turnaround under Curt Cignetti.

"I can't say enough about the way he competes," Cignetti said of Mendoza after Indiana's Big Ten championship win over Ohio State. "He's got the heart of a champion, and played great tonight and when we needed him."

Mendoza had been either the betting favorite for the Heisman or in the top three of the best-Heisman odds on BetMGM for much of the season. He was the favorite on BetMGM in each of the last two weeks, including last week at -5000 odds.

The moment that perhaps solidified Mendoza's Heisman candidacy came late in the fourth quarter of the Big Ten championship game when he connected with Charlie Becker for a 33-yard catch on third-and-6 backed up in the Hoosiers' side of the field.

REQUIRED READING: Fernando Mendoza's mom is Heisman finalist's best friend, inspiration

Heisman voting results 2025

Mendoza received a total of 2,392 points from Heisman Trophy voters, including 643 first-place votes. He edged out Pavia by 957 votes.

Here's the full points total for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, including first-place votes:

• 1st place: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (2,392 points — 643 first-place votes)
• 2nd place: Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia (1,435 points — 189 first-place votes)
• 3rd place: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (719 points — 46 first-place votes)
• 4th place: Ohio State QB Julian Sayin (432 points — 8 first-place votes)
• 5th place: Texas Tech QB Jacob Rodriguez
• 6th place: Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
• 7th place: Georgia QB Gunnar Stockton
• 8th place: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss
• 9th place: Ohio State S Caleb Downs
• 10th place: Georgia Tech QB Haynes King

Heisman Trophy finalists' stats

Here's a look at the stats of the four Heisman Trophy finalists in 2025:

Fernando Mendoza

• Passing: 226 of 316 (71.5%) passing for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns and six interceptions
• Rushing: 240 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 69 carries

Julian Sayin

• Passing: 279 of 356 passing (78.4%) for 3,323 yards with 31 touchdowns and six interceptions

Diego Pavia

• Passing: 242 of 340 passing (71.2%) for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions
• Rushing: 826 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns on 152 carries

Jeremiyah Love

• Rushing: 1,372 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns on 199 carries
• Receiving: 280 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on 27 receptions

Heisman Trophy winners history

Here's a look at the past 10 Heisman Trophy winners with the addition of Mendoza to the list:

• 2025: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
• 2024: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
• 2023: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
• 2022: QB Caleb Williams, USC
• 2021: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
• 2020: WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
• 2019: QB Joe Burrow, LSU
• 2018: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
• 2017: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
• 2016: QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville

For the full list of Heisman Trophy winners, click here.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heisman Trophy winner 2025: Voting results, finalist stats

The magic season for Indiana football continued on Saturday night in New York City at the 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza won this year's Heisman Trophy award, with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia placing second in the final tally.

10 great Heisman outfit photos for 2025 ceremony

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin finished third and fourth in the final vote, respectively. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez finished fifth in voting.

Mendoza likely cemented his Heisman Trophy over Pavia in the second half of last Saturday's Big 10 championship game against Ohio State. You can see the final voting tally below.

Final Heisman voting. pic.twitter.com/rH0HHVEapu

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoATH) December 14, 2025

What a year for Indiana and Mendoza!

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Heisman Trophy final voting results: Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 award

NEW YORK – Indiana redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the school’s first Heisman Memorial Trophy as college football's most outstanding player Saturday night, capping a stunning two-year turnaround for the Hoosiers, the No. 1 seed in this year's College Football Playoff.

Mendoza coming out of nowhere to win the award is an understatement, as he was not listed on any of the Heisman Trophy oddsmakers' lists or the Big Ten Conference's preseason honors lists.

None of that mattered to the 22-year-old Miami, Florida product, as he completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards. He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes (an Indiana school record), ranked second in passer rating, and was the third Big Ten quarterback since 2000 with three-straight games of at least four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

More: Fernando Mendoza steps into Heisman spotlight as Indiana’s reluctant star

Who is No. 1? Ranking best, worst Heisman Trophy winners since 2000

Mendoza becomes the first Heisman winner from the Big Ten since Ohio State QB Troy Smith won in 2006.

A quarterback winning the Heisman is, of course, no surprise now that 20 of the past 24 winners played the position. Three Alabama players — running backs Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (2020) — and last year’s winner, two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado, are the only non-quarterbacks who have had their personalized identity engraved on the nameplate of the 45-pound trophy.

Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Cal this past offseason, received 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points. Diego Pavia, who put the perennial cellar-dweller Vanderbilt on the map and led them to their first 10-win season in 122 seasons of playing football, was second in the voting (189 first-place votes, 1,435 points).

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love came in third (46, 719) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was fourth (8, 432).

Mendoza was on 95.16% of the total ballots and won all six voting regions.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was fifth in the balloting (and got 17 first-place votes), followed by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King rounded out the top 10.

Before getting back to business and preparing for the College Football Playoff, where the top-seeded Hoosiers will take on the winner of No. 8 seed Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, Mendoza, who is full‑time Master of Business Administration student at Indiana's Kelley School of Business, spent the week racking up lots of other awards, taking home the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Walter Camp Award and the AP College Football Player of the Year award.

Mendoza's journey to the top of college football was a story in itself. Playing at Christopher Columbus High School, a private Catholic school, he was a two-star recruit and was ranked the 72nd-best quarterback prospect in his class by ESPN. With only one Power Four scholarship offer, Mendoza initially committed to Yale before shifting his focus to California. 

Even after arriving at Berkeley, he didn't find immediate success, redshirting in 2022, but took control the next season, starting the final eight games for the Bears. Over three seasons at Cal, he threw 30 touchdowns, achieving that success despite playing for three different offensive coordinators. 

But transferring 2,200 miles east to Bloomington proved an easy decision, as his younger brother, Alberto, was already on the roster as a quarterback and he had earned his undergraduate degree from Cal in just three years. And despite a playoff appearance last season, Indiana still entered the season with the most losses in college football history, was 9-27 in the three seasons before coach Curt Cignetti arrived, and had not won a bowl game since 1991.

This season, with expectations through the roof, the Hoosiers were ranked No. 19 in the preseason AFCA Coaches Poll, and they dominated their first eight opponents, including a major road win against then-No. 3 Oregon, setting the stage for Mendoza's two Heisman moments.

On Nov. 8, the Hoosiers trailed Penn State 24-20 with 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite being sacked on the drive's first play, Mendoza completed four straight passes before delivering the game-winning throw, a strike to Omar Cooper Jr., who made an exceptional catch for a 7-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds remaining to finish the 10-play, 80-yard drive and keep their undefeated season alive. 

In the season's biggest moment in the Big Ten Championship game against top-ranked Ohio State, Mendoza led Indiana on a crucial drive to start the second half, completing a 51-yarder to Charlie Becker before throwing his only touchdown pass, a 17-yarder to Elijah Sarratt.

He then clinched the game late in the fourth quarter, connecting with Becker again for a 33-yard gain to convert a third down, allowing Indiana to run down most of the clock and win their first Big Ten championship since 1967.

Now, Mendoza, who is the seventh transfer to win the Heisman in the last nine years, will attempt to lead his team to another unprecedented accomplishment – a first national championship.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Heisman Trophy, becoming Indiana's first winner

BALTIMORE, MD — Down 16-7 in the third quarter, No. 25 Navy scored the game’s final 10 points, including the go-ahead touchdown 6:37 to play, and beat Army 17-16 in the 126th meeting in the series.

With the win, Navy retains the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy given to the winner of the round-robin series between the Bowl Subdivision service academics for the second year in a row.

After scoring on the game’s opening drive, costly mistakes by the Navy offense helped the Black Knights stake a 13-7 lead after making a 45-yard field with three seconds left in the second quarter. That scoring drive was set up an Army fumble recovery.

The Blake Knights added another field goal to take a 16-7 lead after defensive back Justin Weaver intercepted Navy quarterback Blake Horvath early in the third quarter. Weaver originally made a 32-yard touchdown return before an official review showed his knee was on the ground when he made the interception.

But the Midshipmen added a field goal of their own later in the third quarter, capping a 13-play, 72-yard drive that saw Horvath run or pass on all but two snaps.

The game shifted on a costly Army mistake. After forcing a Navy punt and taking over at their own 24-yard line with 11:54 left in the fourth quarter, the Black Knights gave the ball back to the Midshipmen on an interception by quarterback Cale Hellums, who missed an open receiver streaking downfield and then underthrew his intended target along the right sideline.

The Midshipmen went on a 50-yard drive capped by a Horvath touchdown pass to go ahead 17-16. The touchdown was Horvath’s 10th through the air, giving him at least 10 touchdowns as a passer and a runner in each of his two seasons as the starter.

Navy’s defense then delivered a key stop on Army’s ensuing possession, drawing a holding penalty that pushed the Black Knights back near their own goal line and then nearly intercepting Hellums’ desperation third-down heave down the middle of the field.

Taking over with 4:50 play at their 38-yard line, the Midshipmen gained one first down but then nearly handed the ball back to Army after Horvath fumbled when fighting to convert a third-down run.

On further review, though, officials ruled Horvath was down by contact, leaving Navy facing 4th-and-short from the Army 40-yard line. Instead of punting, the Midshipmen went for the conversion: Horvath handed the ball to running back Alex Tecza, who bulled forward for the first down.

With the Blake Knight out of timeouts, Navy was able to go into victory formation to seal the victory.

The Midshipmen have won 10 games in back-to-back years for the first time in program history. After nearly playing for the American championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth, Navy will face Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. Army’s season will continue against Connecticut in the Fenway Bowl.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Navy defeats Army with fourth-quarter pass by Blake Horvath

The University of Colorado’s Board of Regents has approved a big pay raise for one of Deion Sanders’ top assistant football coaches even as the university projects a $27 million deficit for the current fiscal year ending in June 2026.

The contract for new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion calls for him to be paid $1.5 million per year through Jan. 31, 2028, according to the contract obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The regents unanimously approved it on Dec. 12.

Marion, 38, previously was the head coach at Sacramento State and was hired by Deion Sanders last week. Marion will make nearly double what Colorado’s previous offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, made this year — $850,000.

READ: The wild story behind Deion Sanders' new coaching hire at Colorado

Shurmur was stripped of play-calling duties after a 53-7 loss at Utah Oct. 25. His contract expires Jan. 31, 2026 and was not renewed, unlike the contract of Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, whose pay was nearly doubled in February from $800,000 in 2024 to $1.5 million. This year, Livingston will make $1.7 million, including a $100,000 retention bonus due Sept. 1, 2026. Both Livingston and Marion will be the highest-paid assistant coaches in Colorado history.

Colorado is upping its investment under Deion Sanders

It comes at a time of financial uncertainty for the university, which projects a $27 million deficit in athletics for fiscal year 2026, which ends on June 30, 2026.

But Colorado is upping its investment in football to stay relevant in college sports and keep up with the market. By paying is coordinators $1.5 million or more, the Buffaloes are still not paying the most in the Big 12 Conference. Utah in recent years paid its coordinators $2 million or more.

Colorado gave Sanders a new $10 million annual contract in March, up from $5.7 million in 2024. The university also has committed to pay a massive new expense this year that affects major universities nationwide — $20.5 million for athletes under the House-NCAA legal settlement.

The Buffaloes finished 3-9 during Sanders’ third season in 2025. By hiring Marion, they are hoping his unconventional Go-Go offense sparks a rebound for the team and leads to more sellout crowds at Folsom Field.

After selling out all six homes games in Sanders’ first season in 2023, the Buffs sold out three of seven home games in 2025. They still averaged more than 50,000 fans per game, up from 42,847 before Sanders arrived in 2022, when the team finished 1-11.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colorado approves big pay for Deion Sanders' new assistant coach

Bowl season is the best season, and we have a plethora of postseason bowl games culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 19, 2026.

In the meantime, Covers sports betting analysts Andrew Caley and Douglas Farmer have shared their best moneyline college football predictions for all 43 postseason bowl games.

Read on for our college football picks for the 2025 bowl season, beginning Saturday, December 13. 

College football bowl game moneyline picks

Game	Andrew	Douglas
vs	<<-370>>	<<-350>>
vs	<<+110>>	<<+140>>
vs	<<+138>>	<<-240>>
vs	<<+126>>	<<+116>>
vs	<<+100>>	<<-118>>
vs	<<+138>>	<<+140>>
vs	<<+176>>	<<+172>>
vs	<<-105>>	<<-110>>
vs	<<+146>>	<<+146>>
vs	<<-900>>	<<-1050>>
vs	<<-3000>>	<<-2300>>
vs	<<-150>>	<<-156>>
vs	<<-330>>	<<-315>>
vs	<<-178>>	<<-184>>
vs	<<-194>>	<<-192>>
vs	<<-132>>	<<-140>>
vs	<<-465>>	<<-465>>
vs	<<+115>>	<<+115>>
vs	<<-320>>	<<-320>>
vs	<<+158>>	<<+172>>
vs	<<-188>>	<<-152>>
vs	<<+164>>	<<-152>>
vs	<<+158>>	<<+158>>
vs	<<-164>>	<<-162>>
vs	<<-156>>	<<+136>>
vs	<<-260>>	<<+190>>
vs	<<-146>>	<<-146>>
vs	<<-176>>	<<+114>>
vs	<<-330>>	<<-310>>
vs	<<+168>>	<<+172>>
vs	<<-215>>	<<-210>>
vs	<<-210>>	<<-220>>
vs	<<-130>>	<<-122>>
vs	<<-285>>	<<-192>>
vs	<<-780>>	<<-800>>
vs	<<-410>>	<<+310>>
vs	<<+152>>	<<-154>>
vs	<<-146>>	<<-142>>
vs	<<-132>>	<<-132>>

College football bowl predictions

LA Bowl prediction: Boise State vs Washington

Andrew Caley's pick: Washington (-370 at Fanduel)

Demond Williams will outduel Maddux Madsen, who could be without his starting left tackle, after declaring for the NFL Draft.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Washington (-350 at FanDuel)

Washington quarterback Demond Williams burst onto the scene in last year’s Sun Bowl, throwing for 374 yards and four touchdown passes on 26-of-32 passing. Williams may replicate that on Saturday against a Boise State defense that has faced only one comparable passing offense, thoroughly exposed by Notre Dame in September.

Salute to Veterans Bowl prediction: Troy vs Jacksonville State

Andrew Caley's pick: Jacksonville State (+110 at Fanduel)

The Trojans already had one of the worst offenses of any bowl-eligible team, and starting running back Tae Meadows entered the transfer portal. The Gamecocks' power rushing attack behind QB Caden Creel and RB Cam Cook will control the game.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Jacksonville State (+140 at FanDuel)

Troy quarterback Goose Crowder suffered an injury in the Sun Belt championship game that very well could hold him out of this matchup just 11 days later. And against Jacksonville State’s rushing attack, the Trojans will need some offensive success to keep up.

Cure Bowl prediction: Old Dominion vs South Florida

Andrew Caley's pick: Old Dominion (+126 at Fanduel)

Both the Monarchs and Bulls will be without their starting quarterbacks in this one. But Old Dominion still has its head coach and offensive coordinator, plus an underrated defense.

Douglas Farmer's pick: South Florida (-240 at FanDuel)

South Florida’s offense has not had a bad afternoon since September. This game could become one final showcase.

68 Ventures Bowl  prediction: Louisiana vs Delaware

Andrew Caley's pick: Delaware (+126 at Fanduel)

It feels like the Ragin’ Cajuns are favored here just because of their pedigree. But the Fighting Blue Hens are the better team in this matchup. They have a balanced offense and a run defense that should take away Louisiana’s only strength.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Delaware (+116 at FanDuel)

Delaware’s absolute delight of a debut season at the FBS level concludes with an upset in Mobile. Frankly, the Blue Hens should be favored.

Xbox Bowl prediction: Missouri State vs Arkansas State

Andrew Caley's pick: Missouri State (+100 at Fanduel)

Mo State is another former FCS that found plenty of success in its first FBS season. Bears QB Jacob Clark can huck it a bit, and Arkansas State has one of the worst pass defenses in the country, ranking 131st in defensive success rate on dropbacks.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Missouri State (-118 at FanDuel)

Missouri State’s offense is the best unit in this game, and its pass-heavy approach should find success against the No. 131 defense in drop-back success rate, per CFB-graphs.com.

Myrtle Beach Bowl prediction: Kennesaw State vs Western Michigan

Andrew Caley's pick: Kennesaw State (+138 at Fanduel)

The CUSA and MAC champions face off in this bowl game. This should be a tight game, but I like the Owls to hit a couple of big plays on the ground, where the Broncos have been susceptible to explosive plays.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Kennesaw State (+140 at FanDuel)

Western Michigan runs the ball at the eighth-highest relative rate in the country, but it is hardly a potent rushing attack, and it now faces one of the Group of Five’s better rush defenses, No. 15 in expected points added (EPA) per rush against among the Group of Five.

Gasparilla Bowl prediction: Memphis vs NC State

Andrew Caley's pick: Memphis (+176 at Fanduel)

Memphis will be without its head coach, but NC State is dealing with a lot of potential opt-outs, and frankly, the Wolfpack just weren’t up to snuff this season.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Memphis (+172 at FanDuel)

North Carolina State’s pass defense has been a weakness all year long, a clear vulnerability for Memphis to exploit, whatever version of the Tigers’ roster and staff shows up.

CFP First Round prediction: Alabama vs Oklahoma

Andrew Caley's pick: Oklahoma (-105 at Fanduel)

The Sooners know they can hang with Alabama after beating the Tide in Tuscaloosa just a few weeks ago. Oklahoma has arguably the best defense in the country, while Alabama hasn’t looked good for more than a month now.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Alabama (-110 at FanDuel)

In a game that could have a total in the 20s, let’s trust the better offense, even if Alabama is incapable of running the ball. Ty Simpson finding Ryan Williams downfield one time could be enough to advance to the Playoff quarterfinals.

CFP First Round prediction: Miami vs Texas A&M

Andrew Caley's pick: Miami (+146 at Fanduel)

If Carson Beck plays well and Mario Cristobal stays out of his own way, the Hurricanes can beat anyone in the country. Those are big ifs, but at this value, I like The U to pull off the upset.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Miami (+146 at FanDuel)

Miami’s defensive line should prove the difference.

CFP First Round prediction: Tulane vs Mississippi

Andrew Caley's pick: Mississippi (-900 at Fanduel)

An intriguing coaching matchup here. Tulane’s John Sumrall took the Florida job but will be with the Green Wave until the end of their season. While Mississippi’s Lane Kiffin went to LSU. But Defensive coordinator Pete Golding is the new head coach, and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will stay with the team at least through the CFP.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Mississippi (-1050 at FanDuel)

Do not fault Tulane. Blame Larry Scott for never securing a worthwhile television contract for the Pac-12. And fault Pac-12 university administrators for mishandling their finances during the pandemic to such an extent that the schools, not just the athletic departments, desperately needed the money not coming in from television deals. The death of the Pac-12 turned the Power Five into a Power Four and meant the fifth conference champion slot in the Playoff each year would go to an overmatched Group of Five champion.

CFP First Round prediction: James Madison vs Oregon

Andrew Caley's pick: Oregon (-3000 at Fanduel)

James Madison is a fun team, but it is in over its head in this matchup with Oregon. The Ducks look like a legitimate title contender with their elite running game and Dante Moore under center.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Oregon (-2300 at FanDuel)

Do not fault James Madison. Fault the ACC for bloating too much for any reasonable tiebreakers to influence the conference championship.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl prediction: Washington State vs Utah State

Andrew Caley's pick: Utah State (-150 at Fanduel)

The Aggies were one of the best bets in college football this season, going 10-2 ATS. That includes 4-0 ATS down the stretch with their lone losses to MWC title participants Boise State and UNLV by a combined four points. Meanwhile, Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers has left the team to take the job at Iowa State.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Utah State (-156 at FanDuel)

Washington State may be the better team, but how focused are the Cougars going to be just two weeks after the sudden and unexpected departure of head coach Jimmy Rogers after just one season with Washington State?

Boca Raton Bowl prediction: Toledo vs Louisville

Andrew Caley's pick: Louisville (-330 at Fanduel)

Toledo head coach Jason Candle is off to UConn, so there could be several opt-outs coming, particularly in the secondary. That should be too much for the Rockets to overcome against this Cardinals team.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Louisville (-315 at FanDuel)

It is not an encouraging sign for your football program when its well-established head coach takes the job at UConn. It is not an encouraging sign for your entire conference when its most proven head coach takes the job at UConn. Jason Candle’s choice tells you all you need to know about Toledo this December.

New Orleans Bowl prediction: Western Kentucky vs Southern Miss

Andrew Caley's pick: Western Kentucky (-178 at Fanduel)

Southern Miss head coach Charles Huff has taken the job at Memphis. Hilltoppers QB Maverick McIvor should cook against a Golden Eagles defense that ranks 85th in EPA per dropback.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Western Kentucky (-184 at FanDuel)

Western Kentucky’s dynamic, high-volume passing offense should feast on Southern Mississippi’s defense, which is weaker against the pass than the run.

Frisco Bowl prediction: UNLV vs Ohio

Andrew Caley's pick: UNLV (-194 at Fanduel)

Dan Mullen’s first season at UNLV was pretty successful, coming up just short in the MWC championship game. The Rebels will ride the run game against an Ohio defense that ranks 120th in EPA per rush.

Douglas Farmer's pick: UNLV (-192 at FanDuel)

Ohio put head coach Brian Smith on leave at the start of December with no further details provided. Assume that provides some uncertainty to the Bobcats’ bowl preparations.

Hawai'i prediction: California vs Hawai'i

Andrew Caley's pick: California (-132 at Fanduel)

Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is staying put in Berkeley. Meaning he plays in this game, and he’ll be the best player in this game. He’ll be the difference in getting the Golden Bears a win.

Douglas Farmer's pick: California (-140 at FanDuel)

New Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi’s first task was to keep Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele in the fold. Originally from Hawai’i, Cal quickly accepting a Hawai’i bid certainly helped please Sagapolutele. He should show off in this pseudo-homecoming.

GameAbove Sports Bowl prediction: Central Michigan vs Northwestern

Andrew Caley's pick: Northwestern (-465 at Fanduel)

It sounds like Northwestern running backs Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon will play in this game. If they do, the Wildcats should roll against a Chippewas defense that ranked 110th in EPA per rush.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Northwestern (-465 at FanDuel)

Northwestern might be the most surprising bowl team in the country.

Rate Bowl prediction: New Mexico vs Minnesota

Andrew Caley's pick: New Mexico (+115 at Fanduel)

The Lobos have been one of the best stories in college football this season, going 9-3 with the fewest returning players in college football. The Golden Gophers' offense is bad enough to keep New Mexico in this game.

Douglas Farmer's pick: New Mexico (+115 at FanDuel)

Few things sound more miserable than preparing for an offense as unique as New Mexico’s while undoubtedly losing contributors from your defense to opt-outs.

First Responder Bowl prediction: FIU vs UTSA

Andrew Caley's pick: UTSA (-320 at Fanduel)

It was a tough season for the Roadrunners, but they ended their season on a high note with a win in this bowl. UTSA running back Robert Henry Jr. is primed for a big day against a Golden Panthers defense that ranks 105th in success rate vs. the rush.

Douglas Farmer's pick: UTSA (-320 at FanDuel)

Consider this for one of your strongest bets in any bowl confidence pools. UTSA has the two best units in this game and by a significant margin.

Military Bowl prediction: Pittsburgh vs East Carolina

Andrew Caley's pick: East Carolina (+158 at Fanduel)

Pitt’s offense has struggled with consistency all season. While East Carolina has an underrated defense and a quarterback who can chuck it in Katin Houser.

Douglas Farmer's pick: East Carolina (+172 at FanDuel)

As long as Katin Houser plays on Dec. 27, risk the moneyline with East Carolina. That offense is too high-powered to be priced as nearly a touchdown underdog.

Pinstripe Bowl prediction: Penn State vs Clemson

Andrew Caley's pick: Clemson (-188 at Fanduel)

Penn State is in flux with an interim head coach. The Nittany Lions have a ton of NFL talent at running back and offensive line. Expect most of them to opt out. While it sounds like Dabo Swinney says he doesn’t expect many opt-outs. Clemson has proven it will still fight in a lost season.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Clemson (-152 at FanDuel)

Penn State’s roster is about to see a pile of opt-outs, between the NFL draft and the turnover that will be natural to Matt Campbell taking over the job at relatively late notice.

Fenway Bowl prediction: UConn vs Army

Andrew Caley's pick: UConn (+164 at Fanduel)

It sounds like seventh-year senior QB Joe Fagnano will play in this game. Which is great for the Huskies because he had an incredible season with 28 TDs and just 1 INT. Army’s 121st-rated defense will have trouble slowing him down.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Army (-152 at FanDuel)

Broadly speaking, bet on service academies in bowl games. If their opponent is at all unfocused, preparing for the option offense will go awry.

Pop-Tarts Bowl prediction: Georgia Tech vs BYU

Andrew Caley's pick: Georgia Tech (+158 at Fanduel)

The non-playoff granddaddy of them all! Haynes King in the Pop-Tarts Bowl? Sign me up. Running QBs have given BYU problems this season, and there aren’t many running QBs in college football better than King.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Georgia Tech (+158 at FanDuel)

Betting on Brent Key as an underdog at Georgia Tech has been a very profitable decision the last few years.

Arizona Bowl prediction: Miami (Ohio) vs Fresno State

Andrew Caley's pick: Fresno State (-164 at Fanduel)

The RedHawks have issues at QB. Starter DeQuann Finn left the team a few weeks ago, and the team has gotten sketchy play from freshman Tommy Gotkowski and veteran Henry Hesson. Fresno State’s strength is its defense, and it should carry it to a win in this bowl.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Fresno State (-162 at FanDuel)

Miami freshman quarterback Thomas Gotkowski struggled mightily in his third start, the MAC title game. And Fresno State’s defense is significantly better than Western Michigan’s.

New Mexico Bowl prediction: North Texas vs San Diego State

Andrew Caley's pick: North Texas (-156 at Fanduel)

North Texas was oh-so-close to the College Football Playoff. QB Drew Mestemaker is one of the best stories in college football, helping the Mean Green rank among the most prolific offenses in the country. San Diego State has a solid defense, but its offense will hold it back here.

Douglas Farmer's pick: San Diego State (+136 at FanDuel)

How certain are you that North Texas’s offense will stay intact and not start trickling toward Oklahoma State already? Against a top-15 passing defense, every piece of Mean Green roster attrition will matter.

Gator Bowl prediction: Virginia vs Missouri

Andrew Caley's pick: Missouri (-260 at Fanduel)

Mizzou is the more well-rounded team in this matchup. As long as the Tigers don’t suffer too many opt-outs, they should come out on top here.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Virginia (+190 at FanDuel)

Tony Elliott needs to get every ounce of value out of this roster that he can, an all-in attempt in the transfer portal to save his job that worked and could now give him more of a runway moving forward.

Texas Bowl prediction: LSU vs Houston

Andrew Caley's pick: Houston (-146 at Fanduel)

The Lane Kiffin era at LSU kind of begins. But this version of the Bayou Bengals will vaguely resemble next season’s team. Houston QB Connor Weigman announced he is returning and will shine as he leads the Cougars to a win.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Houston (-146 at FanDuel)

LSU’s disappointing and melodramatic season is going to end in misery, playing against Willie Fritz’s run-always ethos.

Birmingham Bowl prediction: Georgia Southern vs App State

Andrew Caley's pick: Georgia Southern (-176 at Fanduel)

The Eagles offense will be the best unit on the field in this game and should have plenty of success against a Mountaineers defense that ranks 121st in opponent EPA per play.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Appalachian State (+114 at FanDuel)

Georgia Southern jumped out to a 19-0 lead in their early November meeting, a rare bowl game rematch and an almost unprecedented conference matchup in a bowl game. That's because the 5-7 team, after the 5-7 team turned down the chance to play Georgia Southern, finally agreed to play Appalachian State. Seems like the Mountaineers may have a grudge to settle.

Independence Bowl prediction: Coastal Carolina vs Louisiana Tech

Andrew Caley's pick: Louisiana Tech (-330 at Fanduel)

Coastal Carolina fired head coach Tim Beck heading into this bowl game. The Bulldogs' defense will be the story here, shutting down the Chanticleers.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Louisiana Tech (-310 at FanDuel)

The Coastal Carolina program's direction is uncertain, with an up-and-down season leading to the firing of Tim Beck despite exceeding most expectations.

Music City Bowl prediction: Tennessee vs Illinois

Andrew Caley's pick: Illinois (+168 at Fanduel)

The Vols could be dealing with a lot of opt-outs, including their best player, wide receiver Chris Brazzell III. Illinois should be almost at full strength.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Illinois (+172 at FanDuel)

The greatest trick Josh Heupel ever pulled was convincing the world he had a defense in 2024, that one season somehow removing all doubts in Tennessee’s defense, even now, despite the Volunteers’ ranking No. 49 in the country in adjusted defensive EPA, not able to stand up in any particular regard on that side of the ball.

Alamo Bowl prediction: USC vs TCU

Andrew Caley's pick: USC (-215 at Fanduel)

Keep an eye on the QBs here. If Jayden Maiava plays, the Trojans should win. The question is, does TCU QB Josh Hoover follow his offensive coordinator to South Carolina?

Douglas Farmer's pick: USC (-210 at FanDuel)

Lincoln Riley needs to keep building offensive momentum, just as he successfully did in last year’s Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M.

ReliaQuest Bowl prediction: Iowa vs Vanderbilt

Andrew Caley's pick: Vanderbilt (-210 at Fanduel)

I can’t fade Vanderbilt in Diego Pavia’s last dance. It sounds unlikely that Vandy’s star QB will win the Heisman. But you know he’s going to give his all to put on one final show for college football fans everywhere.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Vanderbilt (-220 at FanDuel)

Has there ever been a player more certain not to opt out of a bowl game than Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia? And has there ever been a player more certain to risk life and limb in a bowl game than Pavia?

Sun Bowl prediction: Arizona State vs Duke

Andrew Caley's pick: Duke (-130 at Fanduel)

It sounds like Sun Devils star QB Sam Leavitt will transfer, leaving the job to Jeff Simms for this bowl. Duke should be set with Darian Mensah for another season in Durham. Unless he declares for the NFL Draft.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Duke (-122 at FanDuel)

Arizona State’s coaching staff may be more focused on the portal this December, particularly after quarterback Sam Leavitt has already reportedly made that decision. Add that intangible to the edge gained by Duke when Manny Diaz has nearly a month to prepare for Jeff Sims.

Citrus Bowl prediction: Michigan vs Texas

Andrew Caley's pick: Texas (-285 at Fanduel)

I would be shocked if Arch Manning declared for the NFL Draft. He needs to rebuild his stock, starting with a nice bowl win. And frankly, I don’t want anything to do with this Michigan program at the moment.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Texas (-192 at FanDuel)

Michigan’s offense is one-dimensional and its defense is susceptible to passing attacks.

Las Vegas Bowl prediction: Nebraska vs Utah

Andrew Caley's pick: Utah (-780 at Fanduel)

Dylan Raiola is already out for the year, and now star running back Emmett Johnson has opted out. Devon Dampier and the Utes should overwhelm the Cornhuskers in Vegas.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Utah (-800 at FanDuel)

Is this finally Kyle Whittingham’s final game? Probably not. But it is always reason to bet on Utah in the postseason, especially against a Nebraska program once again mired in transition.

Armed Forces Bowl prediction: Rice vs Texas State

Andrew Caley's pick: Texas State (-410 at Fanduel)

There should be plenty of points in this bowl, but the Bobcats’ backfield combination of Brad Jackson and Lincoln Pare will be too much for the Owls to handle.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Rice (+310 at FanDuel)

Rice’s shotgun option with as many horizontal wrinkles as vertical is an offense that demands complete focus from the opposition, and complete focus can be challenging to find in bowl season.

Liberty Bowl prediction: Navy vs Cincinnati

Andrew Caley's pick: Cincinnati (+152 at Fanduel)

The Bearcats might be one of the most underappreciated teams in college football this season. I love Blake Horvath, but if Cincy QB Brendan Sorsby plays, the wrong team is favored here.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Navy (-154 at FanDuel)

Broadly speaking, bet on service academies in bowl games. If their opponent is at all unfocused, preparing for the option offense will go awry.

Holiday Bowl prediction: Arizona vs SMU

Andrew Caley's pick: Arizona (-146 at Fanduel)

The Wildcats are another undervalued team with a veteran QB in Noah Fifita and one of the best defenses in the country, no one talks about.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Arizona (-142 at FanDuel)

The Wildcats were never properly appreciated this season, while the ACC’s comedy covered up many of the Mustangs’ flaws.

Duke's Mayo Bowl prediction: Wake Forest vs Mississippi State

Andrew Caley's pick: Mississippi State (-132 at Fanduel)

What a season it could have been for the Bulldogs. With so many close calls. OT losses to Tennessee and Texas and a two-point loss to Florida. Mississippi State is better than its 5-7 record and is getting a little undervalued against a Wake Forest team with no offense.

Douglas Farmer's pick: Mississippi State (-132 at FanDuel)

Neither of these teams looked like six-win programs in the preseason. Okay, sure, Mississippi State went just 5-7, but still, that was well beyond expectations. And the Bulldogs were even better than that in some ways, starting the season 8-1 against the spread before finishing it with three straight games against some of the SEC’s best, going 0-3 ATS in those three games.

With every matchup now listed, your best edge is finding the top price across sportsbooks. Moneyline value swings quickly in bowl season — especially with opt-outs and late injury news — so make sure you’re betting the best available number.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

What will be on the field for the 2025 Army-Navy Game is four years in the making.

It’s one of the many aspects that makes the battle of service academies one of the great traditions in college football — the uniforms.

Special uniforms for the game started modestly in 2008, but have become a spectacle with intricate designs for both sides since 2012. 

It’s a history lesson in a helmet, jersey and pants, with both branches typically paying respect to the people and moments that defined the U.S. military. Army and Navy aren’t just trying to beat each other on the field, but in the uniform game. 

Alternate uniforms are nothing new in college football; nearly every team has different looks and endless combinations to put out on the field. 

But none of them compare to Army-Navy. Because these uniforms involve years of planning, research, execution and hiding to pull off — resulting in a beautiful piece of storytelling that will again be on display when the Black Knights and Midshipmen take the field for the 126th meeting Saturday, Dec. 13 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. 

“We want everything to be perfect,” Navy athletic director for equipment operations Greg Morgenthaler told USA TODAY Sports.

Coming up with the uniform

The process to design the uniform for the Army-Navy Game begins two years before, with each academy meeting with their respective apparel company. Army has Nike and Navy has Under Armour

However, the 2025 game is special. In 2021 when planning the 2023 uniforms, Morgenthaler recalled letting Under Armour know 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the Naval Academy. So Under Armour had some time to think about this year’s uniforms, and plans were finalized around June 2024, 18 months before the game. Both teams decided on honoring 250th anniversaries of their branch.

From there, the apparel companies get to work. The first part is doing the research to determine what should be included in the uniform and is accurately depicted. Then a mood board is created with images and colors the teams want to draw inspiration from. After that, a toolkit for branding is created for other apparel.

All throughout the process, the academies are doing their own work. Army director of football equipment Thomas Cancalosi said the history department looks into its own research to make sure things are accurate. Both Army and Navy noted the apparel companies stay in touch through the entire process to not only make sure it looks good, but it makes sense. There’s been times where designs along the way were a little extreme, Morgenthaler said, but the final product always has the team excited.

For Navy, this year’s uniform is inspired by the USS Constitution, the only remaining of the six frigates that made up the first fleet. The washed blue primary color comes from the uniform of sailors and the copper helmet represents the copper sheathing of the ship, the tradition of coins being placed under the mast and the Save "Old Ironsides" Campaign in 1924 when students across the country donated pennies to fund the restoration of the USS Constitution. Those are just a few of the several elements involved in each team’s uniform.

“You want to make sure that everything you put on a uniform or in a design has a meaning and has a purpose, not just because it looks cool,” said Colby Smith, Under Armour graphic designer for team sports. “We go into the design itself and have some checkpoints along the way, and usually we'll go through about two to three revisions of the uniform before it's finally signed off.”

Once the uniform is approved, then comes arguably the hardest part: keeping it a secret.

Keeping the secret

About two miles away from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland sits a warehouse. Starting in late August, it becomes another top secret military base, but there aren’t any documents coming in. 

It’s the gear for the Army-Navy Game, but it might as well be classified files. For all of the work that goes into creating the uniform, it takes just as much — if not more — to make sure it doesn’t get out before intended. 

The circle of trust is small on the project. Smith said about eight to 10 people at Under Armour know about it and don’t reveal it with people not involved. 

“Loose lips sink ships, so we try and keep all the ships afloat,” he said.

The same goes at Navy and Army. The equipment staff has to do their best to ensure there isn’t a leak and they’re the only ones that know what the look is. In a way, they are the most powerful people in the program.

“You really got to trust the people that work with you, that they're not going to open up their mouths and not going to take pictures,” Morgenthaler said. “There's a lot of hiding.”

The players don’t help with that either. From the moment summer camp starts, Morgenthaler and Cancalosi said they are constantly asked about them. Team members want to know what the theme will be or what they look like. 

It happens at least once a day in West Point as the anticipation continues to build toward release day. 

“They'll try to get it out of you,” Cancalosi said. “But it's been seven years for me now here, and they haven't gotten out of me yet.”

The reason for it to remain kept behind closed doors is mainly neither team wants the public to get eyes on it. It's meant for the academies and for when they want to show their teams and fan base. The last thing anyone wants is someone to leak something with such a special meaning.

All of the secrecy eventually pays off. Just a few weeks before the game comes the exciting part. The teams gather and are presented the story for their uniform. After learning about it, it is revealed for the players, a moment that always draws excitement. Seeing the reactions is what Morgenthaler said is “probably the best part” of his job.

Making the military proud

While the college football world will get to see the uniforms on the field and be wowed at all the details, it’s important to remember it’s not really for them. Cancalosi said the ultimate goal is to get the approval of everyone that was, is or going to be a soldier, including those on the field. 

He noted this year’s uniforms, which are marble to represent the headstones at Arlington National Cemetery and have purple outlined numbers for George Washington’s military badge of merit, which became the Purple Heart, truly represents the ultimate sacrifice every soldier gives in their service.

This We'll Defend.https://t.co/QlUpMO8tbapic.twitter.com/1e06plwjkI

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) November 12, 2025

“The people who are in the United States Army, if they are proud of the product that we've created, then we've done our job to the fullest,” he said.

It’s the same mindset at the apparel companies, which is why Smith calls it an “honor and a privilege” to be part of such a unique project. It’s a long process with so many details to execute, but it’s rewarding to see how proud the players and academies are of it.

It won’t be long after the game is over when the process starts all over again. The uniforms and theme for the 2026 game are already set, so it’s 2027 currently being worked on. Just like all iterations of the game, no one plans to reveal any detail of what will come, other than Smith noting Under Armour always tries to one up itself.

But we do know it will be an extraordinary way to tell the story of Army and Navy. There’s no other game like it, and the long journey it takes for the uniform to appear on the field is what makes Morgenthaler call it “the coolest looking show on TV.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Army-Navy Game uniforms are kept secret, take years in making

Indianawon its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and was rewarded with seven players on the 2025 USA TODAY Sports Network All-Big Ten team.

Big Ten runner-up Ohio State was next with six selections.

Ten players earned unanimous first team All-Big Ten honors, led by Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (Offensive Player of the Year), Ohio State DB Caleb Downs (Defensive Player of the Year) and Iowa kick returner Kaden Wetjen (Specialist of the Year).

Mendoza also won Big Ten Newcomer of the Year with his coach Curt Cignetti the unanimous pick for Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Here is the rest of the 2025 postseason All-Big Ten team as determined by beat writers who cover the league for USA TODAY Sports Network.

USA TODAY All-America team: Indiana, Ohio State headlines nation's best of the best

Opinion: Indiana's turnaround of the century isn't ending any time soon

USA TODAY Network All-Big Ten team

* denotes unanimous selection

OFFENSE

• QB: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana*
• RB: Emmett Johnson, Nebraska*
• RB: Kaytron Allen, Penn State*
• WR: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State*
• WR: Makai Lemon, USC
• TE: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon*
• OL: Carter Smith, Indiana*
• OL: Logan Jones, Iowa
• OL: Beau Stephens, Iowa
• OL: Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
• OL: Vega Ioane, Penn State

DEFENSE

• DL: Derrick Moore, Michigan
• DL: Caden Curry, Ohio State
• DL: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
• DL: Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
• LB: Sonny Styles, Ohio State*
• LB: Aiden Fisher, Indiana
• LB: Arvell Reese, Ohio State
• DB: Caleb Downs, Ohio State*
• DB: D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
• DB: Louis Moore, Indiana
• DB: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

SPECIALISTS

• K: Nico Radicic, Indiana
• P: Ryan Eckley, Michigan State*
• Returner: Kaden Wetjen, Iowa*

Also receiving first team votes

• WR: Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
• OL: Caleb Tiernan (Northwestern), Iapani Laloulu (Oregon), Gennings Dunker (Iowa), Austin Siereveld (Ohio State), Trevor Lauck (Iowa), Matt Gulbin (Michigan State)
• DL: Gabe Jacas (Illinois), A'mauri Washington (Oregon), Stephen Daley (Indiana)
• LB: Rolijah Hardy (Indiana), Isaiah Jones (Indiana)
• DB: Bishop Fitzgerald (USC), Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State), Zach Lutmer (Iowa), Brandon Finney Jr. (Oregon)
• K: Drew Stevens (Iowa), Sean O'Haire (Maryland), Mateen Baghani (UCLA)

Big Ten postseason award winners

• Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana*
• Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year: DB Caleb Downs, Ohio State
• Big Ten Specialist of the Year: KR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
• Big Ten Coach of the Year: Curt Cignetti, Indiana*
• Big Ten Newcomer of the Year: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY 2025 All-Big Ten football team, awards

It was four days ago Michigan football announced it had accepted its fifth consecutive bowl invitation to the Citrus Bowl against Texas.

In the time since, the 17th-ranked Wolverines have experienced a significant coaching change for that bowl game on New Year's Eve in Orlando, Florida with head coach Sherrone Moore being was fired with cause by the school Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Michigan said it found in an investigation that Moore had "engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member."

SHERRONE MOORE UPDATES: Latest updates as fired Michigan coach arrested

Shortly after being fired, Moore was detained and booked at the Washtenaw County Jail in Michigan with law enforcement says it is investigating "for the purposes of investigating an alleged assault."

Moore is expected to be in court for arraignment on Friday, Dec. 12, according to an update from the Pittsfield Township Police Department on Thursday.

As the legal situation plays out, there is a question whether the Wolverines, who finished tied for fourth in the Big Ten this season, will still play in their bowl game.

Here's what to know on Michigan's postseason situation:

Will Michigan play in a bowl game?

Yes, aside from a change announced by the university, Michigan is set to still play in the Citrus Bowl against Arch Manning and No. 14 Texas.

When is Michigan's bowl game?

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Fla.)

Michigan is set to compete in the Citrus Bowl against Texas on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Who will coach Michigan if it plays in bowl game?

Michigan appointed associate head coach Biff Poggi to be the Wolverines' interim head coach in their bowl game against Texas.

The Citrus Bowl will mark the third game this season that Poggi will serve as the program's interim head coach. He previously served in that role in the team's third and four games of the season against Central Michigan and Nebraska, respectively, while Moore served a self-imposed two-game suspension from the Wolverines.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Michigan play in bowl game following Sherrone Moore's firing?

The Michigan Wolverines will have to find a new football coach after firing Sherrone Moore on Wednesday.

The Moore situation leaves Michigan with a shocking vacancy that the program will want to fill as soon as possible, particularly given how the transfer portal window works now. Who will Michigan hire?

SHERRONE MOORE: Does Michigan owe him money after firing with cause?

Well, we feel like Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer will give the Wolverines the "thanks, but no thanks" when asked. We have no doubt Michigan would love to hire DeBoer at this point, but it just doesn't feel likely.

Where else could Michigan turn? Does the school have many viable options right now? Well, we can think of a few.

We've compiled our best list of realistic Michigan targets after Moore's firing. These guys could feasibly stabilize a program in massive disarray and get it back on the path of national title contention. Don't worry, we're not including Brian Kelly. We wouldn't wish him on you, Michigan fans.

Washington HC Jedd Fisch

It wouldn't shock us if Fisch was Michigan's top realistic choice for its coaching vacancy. The former Wolverines assistant turned around Arizona during his first official coaching stint before taking over for DeBoer at Washington in 2024. While his 14-11 record as head coach might not wow you, Fisch is regarded as a bright offensive mind who could provide stability for a Michigan program that sorely needs it. If the Wolverines can pay out his Washington deal, we imagine Fisch might make the jump to Ann Arbor and take over as head coach.

L.A. Chargers DC Jesse Minter

Minter is one of the brightest branches from the Jim Harbaugh tree, and he's likely to follow in Mike Macdonald's footsteps as a future NFL head coach. However, what if he's intrigued by the idea of returning to Michigan, where he won a national title under Harbaugh in January 2024 as the team's defensive coordinator? Minter would be a slam-dunk hire from an Xs and Os standpoint for Michigan who also knows the program quite well.

Indiana DC Bryant Haines

If you want to beat your arch nemesis Ohio State, why not hire from the Indiana coaching staff that just beat the Buckeyes in the Big Ten title game? Haines should land a head coaching job sooner than later after his stellar work with the Hoosiers defense. Michigan would be smart to at least interview him and see how he'd lead the program.

Maryland OC Pep Hamilton

Hamilton is one of the most respected minds in football, particularly in quarterback development. If the Wolverines want to take quarterback Bryce Underwood's development to the next level, bringing back Hamilton to Ann Arbor would make a ton of sense. He worked as the assistant head coach and passing game coordinator under Harbaugh from 2017-18. He's not been a college head coach before, but he might just be waiting for the right opportunity.

Michigan alumnus Charles Woodson

Think about it. Few Michigan alumni are as beloved as Woodson, who is probably the best defensive player to ever wear the Wolverines jersey. In an era where schools are hiring former players as first-time coaches, hiring Woodson would probably be the biggest public relations win the school could land. Of course, he'd have to be interested in the job, but he would arrive to Ann Arbor a returned hero. If he could land the right coaching staff around him, we imagine Woodson could dominate in recruiting and get Michigan back in the contending conversation in no time.

Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi

Poggi has worked as an interim coach for Michigan in the past, and he's reassumed those duties in response to Moore's firing. We're wondering if Michigan might wait a year to find a long-term replacement and give Poggi a one-year trial run with the job to see how he does. He's technically the most experienced candidate for this specific job.

Michigan DC Wink Martindale

Martindale is a former NFL defensive coordinator who joined the college ranks. If Michigan wants an in-house option, it could also turn to Martindale and his impressive body of work. He would provide continuity and might help in keeping defensive transfer candidates in particular in Ann Arbor for the 2026 season and beyond.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Michigan coaching candidates when Kalen DeBoer says no