Several FBS teams experienced a remarkable turnaround in their college football seasons this year, posting impressive wins over the course of the year.
One team that exemplified this transformation is Kennesaw State. After finishing 2-10 as a member of Conference USA in 2024, Jerry Mack's new team went on to achieve a resounding 10-4 record in 2025, fueled by quarterback Amari Odom's impressive performance. Odom, who transferred from Wofford, threw for 26 touchdowns and led the Owls to an 8-1 conference mark, including a thrilling win over Missouri State.
The Cougars of Houston also experienced an astonishing turnaround this year. Under coach Willie Fritz, who brought in several new players through portal acquisitions, Houston went from a 4-8 record in 2024 to a 10-win season in 2025. The team's new quarterback, Conner Weigman, threw for 36 touchdowns and led the offense to an average of at least 30 points per game.
North Texas, too, made significant strides under coach Eric Morris. With Drew Mestemaker leading the way, the Mean Green became the nation's top-scoring team with a 45.1 points-per-game average. Caleb Hawkins, another freshman standout, rushed for 25 touchdowns and helped propel the team to an 12-2 record.
San Diego State also experienced a surprising resurgence under coach Sean Lewis. With a revamped defense that showed considerable improvement, the Aztecs became one of the stingiest teams in the country, allowing less than 10 points seven times. Meanwhile, quarterback Braylon Braxton and receiver Elijah Metcalf had significant impacts on offense.
Finally, Southern Miss enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under coach Charles Huff, who brought several players with him from his previous stint at Marshall. The Golden Eagles went from a 1-11 record in 2024 to a 7-6 mark this year, thanks in large part to quarterback Braylon Braxton's impressive performance.
These teams demonstrate that it is never too late for a team to turn their season around and achieve success. With the right combination of players, coaches, and strategy, even the most unlikely programs can experience an astonishing turnaround and make a deep run in the postseason.
One team that exemplified this transformation is Kennesaw State. After finishing 2-10 as a member of Conference USA in 2024, Jerry Mack's new team went on to achieve a resounding 10-4 record in 2025, fueled by quarterback Amari Odom's impressive performance. Odom, who transferred from Wofford, threw for 26 touchdowns and led the Owls to an 8-1 conference mark, including a thrilling win over Missouri State.
The Cougars of Houston also experienced an astonishing turnaround this year. Under coach Willie Fritz, who brought in several new players through portal acquisitions, Houston went from a 4-8 record in 2024 to a 10-win season in 2025. The team's new quarterback, Conner Weigman, threw for 36 touchdowns and led the offense to an average of at least 30 points per game.
North Texas, too, made significant strides under coach Eric Morris. With Drew Mestemaker leading the way, the Mean Green became the nation's top-scoring team with a 45.1 points-per-game average. Caleb Hawkins, another freshman standout, rushed for 25 touchdowns and helped propel the team to an 12-2 record.
San Diego State also experienced a surprising resurgence under coach Sean Lewis. With a revamped defense that showed considerable improvement, the Aztecs became one of the stingiest teams in the country, allowing less than 10 points seven times. Meanwhile, quarterback Braylon Braxton and receiver Elijah Metcalf had significant impacts on offense.
Finally, Southern Miss enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under coach Charles Huff, who brought several players with him from his previous stint at Marshall. The Golden Eagles went from a 1-11 record in 2024 to a 7-6 mark this year, thanks in large part to quarterback Braylon Braxton's impressive performance.
These teams demonstrate that it is never too late for a team to turn their season around and achieve success. With the right combination of players, coaches, and strategy, even the most unlikely programs can experience an astonishing turnaround and make a deep run in the postseason.