The Aztecs’ Potential to Surprise the Mountain West Conference in 2025: Insights from Coach Jerry McLaughlin

August 18, 2025

The Atlantic Coast Conference achieved unexpected success in the 2024 College Football Playoff, securing two coveted spots with SMU and Clemson. Questions now arise whether the ACC, or its counterpart the Big 12 Conference, can duplicate this feat in the upcoming 2025 season.

Jayhawks’ Optimism Fuels Big 12 Hopes

Recent discussions, including an appearance on Locked On College Football, highlight the growing optimism surrounding the University of Kansas Jayhawks.Transfer wide receiver Emannuel Henderson,formerly of Alabama,joins the team,bolstering their potential. A significant source of this optimism centers around Kansas’s head coach and their starting quarterback, both viewed as key components for a successful campaign.

This surge in confidence comes as the college football landscape continues to evolve. The transfer portal, as an example, has become a critical element in team building, allowing programs like Kansas to rapidly improve their rosters with experienced players. NCAA transfer rules continue to shape the competitive balance across all conferences.

San Diego State Faces Mountain West Challenges

Meanwhile, San Diego State is entering its second year under Head Coach Sean Lewis. The Aztecs are striving to return to the consistent 10-plus win seasons they previously enjoyed. However, analysts indicate San diego State faces a significant challenge in competing within the Mountain West Conference.

Despite a history of conference championship contention, the Aztecs have not recently achieved that pinnacle. Experts, such as Christian Rauh, are evaluating whether San Diego State can overcome these hurdles and surprise opponents in the Mountain West during the 2025 season.

Conference Performance Comparison

Here’s a speedy comparison of recent playoff performance and outlook for these conferences:

Conference	2024 Playoff Teams	2025 Outlook
ACC	SMU, Clemson	Moderate – depends on continued progress of key programs
big 12	None	Potential for improvement, particularly with Kansas
Mountain West	none	Uphill battle for consistent national contention

Did You Know? The College Football Playoff is expanding to 12 teams in 2024, increasing the opportunities for teams from various conferences to compete for a national championship.

Pro Tip: Following key player transfers and coaching changes is crucial for assessing a team’s potential success in the upcoming season.

The Evolving Landscape of College Football

The dynamics of college athletics are undergoing significant changes, driven by factors like conference realignment and the implementation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for student-athletes. These shifts are influencing recruiting strategies, player retention, and overall conference competitiveness. ESPN’s analysis of NIL and the transfer portal provides further insights.

The expanded College Football Playoff format is designed to broaden access to championship contention. However, it also introduces new challenges in terms of scheduling and competitive balance. Conferences with greater financial resources and established recruiting pipelines are likely to maintain an advantage, but the increased number of playoff spots creates opportunities for unexpected contenders to emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary driver of optimism for Kansas football? Their head coach and quarterback are seen as key assets for success.
• What challenges does San Diego State face in the Mountain West? The Aztecs are attempting to regain their previous form in a competitive conference.
• How did the ACC perform in the 2024 College Football Playoff? The ACC remarkably secured two spots in the playoff with SMU and Clemson.
• What impact does the transfer portal have on college football teams? It allows teams to quickly improve their rosters with experienced players.
• Will the expanded College Football Playoff change conference dynamics? Yes, it increases access to championship contention, but established programs still hold an advantage.
• What is NIL and how does it affect college football? NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) allows student-athletes to profit from their personal brand, impacting recruiting and player retention.
• What factors shoudl fans consider when evaluating a team’s potential? Key player transfers, coaching changes, and conference competition are all significant.

What do you think? Will the ACC maintain its playoff presence, or will the Big 12 emerge as a major contender? Share your predictions in the comments below!

What is the projected Pass Attempt Average Increase (PAAI) for the Aztecs in the 2025 season compared to their 2024 average?

Offensive Evolution Under Coach McLaughlin

San Diego State Aztecs football, under the guidance of Coach jerry McLaughlin, is poised for a perhaps surprising 2025 season in the Mountain West Conference. While traditionally known for a physical, ground-and-pound offense, mclaughlin’s strategic shifts suggest a more dynamic and unpredictable attack. This evolution is key to unlocking the Aztecs’ full potential and challenging established Mountain West powers like Boise State and UNLV.

Passing Game Emphasis: McLaughlin has publicly stated a commitment to developing a more sophisticated passing attack. This isn’t a complete abandonment of the run, but a calculated move to exploit defensive weaknesses and create more offensive balance. Expect to see increased use of play-action and RPOs (Run-Pass Options).

Quarterback Development: The success of this offensive overhaul hinges on quarterback play. Incoming recruits and current players are undergoing intensive training focused on accuracy, decision-making, and reading defenses. A notable leap in quarterback performance will be a major indicator of the Aztecs’ offensive progress.

Utilizing Tight Ends: A subtle but critically important change is the increased integration of tight ends into the passing game. This provides a versatile receiving threat and creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties. This is a key component of modern offensive schemes and a potential area where the Aztecs can gain an advantage.

defensive Adjustments and Key Returners

The Aztecs’ defence,historically a strength,will undergo adjustments to complement the evolving offense. Maintaining a strong defensive presence is crucial for competing in the Mountain West.

Hybrid Defensive Schemes: McLaughlin is implementing more hybrid defensive schemes, blending elements of 3-4 and 4-2-5 formations. This adaptability aims to confuse opposing offenses and create more opportunities for pressure.

Linebacker Corps Strength: The linebacker corps remains a significant strength for the Aztecs. Returning starters bring experience and tackling prowess, anchoring the defense against both the run and the pass.

Secondary Development: While the defensive line is solid,the secondary is an area of focus for improvement. Coach McLaughlin has emphasized improved coverage skills and tackling in space. The development of young defensive backs will be critical.

Mountain West Conference Landscape & Key Matchups

Understanding the competitive landscape of the Mountain West is vital to assessing the Aztecs’ potential.

Boise State Remains the Benchmark: Boise State continues to be the program to beat in the Mountain West.A win against the Broncos would be a statement victory for the Aztecs and a clear sign of their progress.

UNLV’s Offensive Firepower: UNLV’s high-powered offense presents a significant challenge. The Aztecs will need to contain their passing attack and control the clock to secure a victory.

Colorado State as a Rising Threat: Don’t underestimate Colorado State. They’ve been steadily improving and could be a dark horse contender in the conference.

Air Force’s Unique Challenge: Facing Air Force’s triple-option offense requires a specific defensive strategy.The Aztecs will need to be disciplined and assignment-sound to limit their rushing attack.

Recruiting Success and Program Momentum

Recent recruiting success is fueling optimism surrounding the Aztecs’ program.

Local Talent Acquisition: McLaughlin has prioritized recruiting top local talent, strengthening the team’s connection to the San Diego community.

National Reach Expansion: While focusing on local recruits, the Aztecs are also expanding their national recruiting reach, attracting promising players from across the country.

Transfer Portal Strategy: Utilizing the transfer portal strategically has allowed the Aztecs to address immediate needs and add experienced players to the roster. This is a crucial aspect of modern college football recruiting.

Special Teams Considerations

Often overlooked, special teams can be a deciding factor in close games.

Punting and Kickoff Consistency: Consistent punting and kickoff coverage are essential for controlling field position.

Placekicking Reliability: A reliable placekicker can be the difference between a win and a loss. The Aztecs are focusing on improving their kicking accuracy and range.

Return Game Potential: Developing a dynamic return game can provide a significant boost to the offense and special teams.

Coaching Staff depth and Expertise

Coach McLaughlin has assembled a strong coaching staff with expertise in various areas of the game.

Offensive Coordinator’s Vision: The offensive coordinator’s ability to implement McLaughlin’s vision for a more dynamic offense will be crucial.

Defensive Coordinator’s Adaptability: The defensive coordinator’s ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and create effective game plans is essential.

Special Teams Coordinator’s Focus: A dedicated special teams coordinator can maximize the team’s performance in all phases of special teams.

Potential Breakout Players to Watch in 2025

Identifying potential breakout players can provide insight into the Aztecs’ future success.

Wide Receiver X: A highly touted recruit with exceptional speed and hands.

Linebacker Y: A returning starter poised for a breakout season.

Defensive back Z: A young player with the potential to become a lockdown corner.

Utilizing Data Analytics for Game Planning

Modern football relies heavily on data analytics.

* Opponent Tendencies: Analyzing opponent