College Football’s 12 Most Disappointing Players at Halfway Point of 2025 Season

The first half of the 2025 college football season has seen surprising developments, with unexpected teams like Miami, Indiana, and Texas Tech emerging in discussions alongside traditional powerhouses like Ohio State. Alabama, under Kalen DeBoer, has rebounded from an uncertain start to enter the national title conversation. Conversely, Penn State, a preseason favorite, has faltered, leading to the dismissal of coach James Franklin.

Several high-profile players have not met preseason expectations. Heisman Trophy hopefuls such as Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, and Garrett Nussmeier have struggled, impacting their teams' performances. Manning, despite recent improvements, has not consistently delivered for Texas. Klubnik's inconsistent performances have contributed to Clemson's middling 3–3 record, while Nussmeier's form has coincided with LSU's offensive struggles.

Injuries and strategic decisions have also affected player contributions. Oklahoma's Nic Anderson transferred to LSU but has not replicated his past success due to injuries and limited