With rosters set, and depth charts being finalized, the College Football landscape heading into the 2025 season has become much more digestible heading into the rest of the offseason. There are still some major areas of need for several top programs in the country, and those holes could make or break each heading into the fall. 

In a hypothetical world of trading, let’s construct some deals that could be of help to some of the better programs around the nation. College Football does appear heading towards a more NFL centric system, so let’s have some fun in this imaginary world. 

Yes, trading will more than likely never be a thing in the college landscape, but that doesn’t make it a less interesting conversation. If anything, this could at least provide some useful context about some of the better teams heading into 2025. 

Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price and offensive lineman Sullivan Absher for Clemson wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. 

The 2025 Notre Dame team is going to an extremely deep group, one of the deepest in some time. With them breaking in a new starting quarterback, this offense may be one dynamic wide receiver away from being a stellar group. Wesco is a dynamic pass catcher at 6-2 and 180 pounds. He is the Z receiver that the Fighting Irish have been lacking, and would pair well stylistically with Malachi Fields and Jaden Greathouse. 

With Clemson also returning Antonio Williams and TJ Moore, Wesco could be a loss they could stomach. The Tigers are projected to start true freshman running back Gideon Davidson, and while he’s talented, a player like Price and his proven production (746 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024) would be a major addition. Notre Dame throws in versatile offensive lineman Sullivan Absher as a sweetener in the deal. 

SMU tight end RJ Maryland for Texas pass rusher Trey Moore 

If not for the ACL injury, Maryland probably would have went relatively early in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his absence, Matthew Hibner became an outstanding player at tight end for the Mustangs. SMU is able to use that depth to find a proven pass rusher in Trey Moore, who has managed to record 46 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks in his college career. 

The Texas defensive line is very deep, and that depth allows them to find quarterback Arch Manning a new pass game weapon. The loss of tight end Gunnar Helm is a defection not enough people have talked about this offseason. Maryland would help alleviate that loss, and bring even more versatility to the table potentially. 

Miami offensive tackle Samson Okunlola for LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. 

After LSU lost both Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. this offseason, the offensive tackle position now carries major questions. Okunlola was once considered a five-star player but has been held back behind a deep offensive tackle room for the Hurricanes. He would have a chance to come in and compete immediately. 

Heading into the 2025 season, the Hurricanes projected starting wide receivers managed to make sure 54 total receptions. That unit also needs to become more dynamic. While Hilton never quite developed into what some hoped, he has been dynamic when healthy and offers a ton of speed. He has averaged 21.2 yards per reception during his career. 

Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton for Michigan offensive tackle Ty Haywood

Losing defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant in the same offseason wasn’t ideal for Michigan. That leaves a huge hole inside, and it is one that Halton can fill. The 6-2, 290-pound interior rusher quietly had 30 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and five sacks in 2024. Luckily for the Wolverines in this scenario, the Sooners have a very deep defensive line and can afford letting a talented player like this walk. 

The much bigger question about Oklahoma in 2025, and into the future, is the offensive line. Even if Haywood, a stellar true freshman talent doesn’t earn a role this season, he still has a ton of upside to work with. That room just needs to continue to add high level talent. 

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