The 2025 CFB season is heating up—and it’s not just the players making noise. Analyst Adam Breneman spotlighted a wave of new coordinator hires that could flip the script across the country. “These could change the game completely,” he said, with Alabama’s hire of Ryan Grubb turning heads. Grubb, who helped Michael Penix Jr. shine at Washington, now brings his explosive scheme to Tuscaloosa. Over in Ann Arbor, Michigan is banking on Chip Lindsey to keep the offense rolling. “He led the ACC in passing with Drake Maye but struggled without him,” Breneman noted, hinting at a high-risk, high-reward move. Now, which game-changing call is Adam set to make next?
Well, Adam Breneman’s next spotlight lands on Auburn’s newest QB, Jackson Arnold. After 2 seasons at Oklahoma, Arnold hit the portal and found a fresh start on the Plains. The hype is real, and history might just be on his side. “Looking at the history of quarterbacks who’ve had immediate success after transferring schools, Arnold can join elite company if things pan out at Auburn,” wrote Jerry Humphrey III of AL.com. However, he even invoked legends, stating, “Cam Newton and Nick Marshall didn’t start at Auburn either… but both led the Tigers to conference titles and national championship appearances.” Honestly, now, it’s Arnold’s turn to chase that legacy.
Here, Adam Breneman is turning heads with his latest segment, unveiling five overlooked transfer stars who could flip the College Football Playoff race on its head. While most fans fixate on the usual suspects, Breneman is digging deeper, and the talent he’s spotlighting is game-changing. “Everyone’s talking about the same 5-10 names,” he said on May 20 via X. Adding, “But these transfers? They could shift the entire playoff picture — and no one’s talking about them.”
Everyone’s talking about the same 5-10 names.
But these transfers? They could shift the entire playoff picture — and no one’s talking about them.
5. Devon Dampier, QB — Utah
4. CJ Donaldson, RB — Ohio State
3. CJ Daniels, WR — Miami
2. Jackson Arnold, QB — Auburn
And my No. 1… pic.twitter.com/NljPOg2Vg0
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) May 20, 2025
Starting at No. 5, Devin Dampier, a dual-threat quarterback, reunites with his OC at Utah after racking up 4,000 total yards and 27 TDs at New Mexico. Then No. 4 is CJ Donaldson, the bulldozing back who scored 31 career touchdowns at West Virginia and now headlines Ohio State’s backfield. On top of that, at No. 3, CJ Daniels lands at Miami after a quiet LSU stint. But don’t sleep on him — he posted 1,000+ yards at Liberty in 2023 and could become Carson Beck’s top weapon in the ACC. And that’s just the start — Breneman promises the final two names are just as explosive.
However, Adam Breneman isn’t just calling plays — he’s calling shots that could define the 2025 CFB season. In his latest hot take, Breneman declared, “If you know sports like I do, you can make a bunch of money off these names.” That’s how confident he is in his Top 5 underrated transfers. However, at No. 2? Jackson Arnold, the former five-star QB who struggled at Oklahoma, now gets a second wind at Auburn — and he’s throwing to one of the nation’s best receiver duos.
But the crown jewel of Breneman’s list is Mark Gronowski at No. 1. The South Dakota State legend piled up over 10,000 yards and 130 total TDs, and now he’s ready to resurrect Iowa’s offense. Moreover, Adam’s prediction? “He’ll win Big Ten Newcomer of the Year in 2025.”
Now, while Adam revealed college football’s game-changing QBs, he didn’t hold back in unveiling Notre Dame’s key focus for a title run this season after last year’s tough loss to Ohio State.
Adam Breneman’s newest update is making waves
Adam Breneman’s latest spotlight landed on Marcus Freeman and the rising confidence in South Bend. According to Breneman, Freeman firmly believes his Notre Dame squad can stand toe-to-toe with any team in the nation. The Irish HC isn’t just dreaming of a title — he’s engineering one. “The key is to stack elite talent — and develop the hell out of them,” Freeman said. It’s not about one good season; it’s about building something that lasts. A culture that players want to be part of. One that wins.
When asked what still needs to happen for the Irish to take the final step toward a national title, Freeman laid it out clearly: “How can we improve schematically? What mistakes can we correct from that Ohio State game?” Honestly, his answer was all about control — things they can fix, not excuses. “We have to continue to increase the best players in the country… and develop you as individuals. That’s so important.” Freeman emphasized culture, too, adding, “Once NIL is taken care of, you’ve got to be a team-first guy. Your culture has to promote that.” So, in his eyes, the formula is simple: enhance talent, develop relentlessly, and build a selfless culture.
Will it be enough to reach a title run this season? That remains to be seen. But according to Adam Breneman’s prediction, transfer players — especially Jackson Arnold — are definitely turning heads.
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