The Gridiron Gold Rush: July's College Football Shake-Up

Welcome back, degenerates, dreamers, and data-heads!

It's Monday, July 7th, and the college football off-season has officially stepped into its next chaotic phase. The calendar has flipped to July, meaning the amateur-slash-professional line has blurred even further, and the conference realignments are still throwing curveballs no one saw coming.

This newsletter is for anyone who's tired of recycled takes, boring breakdowns, and the same 3 teams getting all the love. Whether you're deep into college fantasy, living for upsets, or just need smarter game-day picks, we've got you covered.

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Fourth & Long: Off-Season Oddities & Overreactions

The cash registers are ringing (or at least, they're supposed to be), conference maps are getting redrawn in crayon, and players are officially back to sweating in the summer sun. Grab your beverage of choice, because this week's phantom football headlines are particularly... lucrative?

The Cash Register Rings (Sort Of)

Revenue Sharing Officially Begins! Happy July 1st, everyone! That's right, the day college football officially (finally!) acknowledged its players are worth more than a scholarship and a free T-shirt has arrived. As of this week, schools are now officially permitted to directly share revenue with athletes. That monumental $2.8 billion House v. NCAA settlement we've been tracking was granted final approval by Judge Claudia Wilken, clearing the path for money to hit player accounts. The settlement provides $2.85 billion in damage claims to athletes who participated between 2016 and 2024, with football players expected to receive 75% of those claims. Starting this academic year (2025-26), schools can share up to an annual cap of $20.5 million, a figure expected to rise by about 4% annually.

The Pac-12's Last Stand (Literally)

Welcome to the Texas State Experiment. Just when you thought conference realignment couldn't get any more bizarre, the Pac-12 continues its desperate quest for survival, officially adding Texas State to its dwindling roster. This addition, announced on June 30th, gives the Pac-12 the eighth football-playing school it needed to maintain its FBS conference status. They join holdovers Oregon State and Washington State, along with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and non-football member Gonzaga. The reconfigured league's official launch is set for July 1, 2026.

Notre Dame O-Lineman Injured in UTV Accident

In unfortunate news over the Fourth of July weekend, Notre Dame offensive lineman Charles Jagusah suffered a fractured left humerus in a UTV accident in Wyoming on July 5th. Jagusah, a highly touted sophomore expected to start at right guard, has undergone surgery. The initial prognosis is favorable, but his availability for the start of the 2025 season remains uncertain. This is a significant blow for the Fighting Irish, as Jagusah was poised to be a key piece of their offensive line after returning from a torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him for most of 2024.

Quarterback Carousel: Our Top 5 for 2025

The quarterback position is always central to college football success, and 2025 boasts a formidable class of returning talent. Here are our early picks for the top 10 QBs to watch this fall, all still in college and eligible to light up scoreboards:

1. Carson Beck (Georgia - SEC): Despite earlier NFL draft buzz, Beck is back for the Bulldogs, giving them a seasoned leader under center. He finished 2024 with 3,738 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, showcasing his precision and poise.

2. Cade Klubnik (Clemson - ACC): Klubnik continues to mature, and with another year in Clemson's system, he's poised for a breakout. He posted 3,219 yards and 22 TDs last season and his dual-threat ability makes him a constant threat.

3. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU - SEC): Nussmeier is heading into his fifth season and second as LSU's starter, after a promising 2024 campaign where he threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. He's primed to take the next step.

4. Nico Iamaleava (UCLA - Big Ten): After transferring from Tennessee, Iamaleava is set to become the Bruins' starter. With his five-star pedigree and raw talent, he's a player with immense upside, and the change of scenery could unlock his full potential. Expect him to be a flashy addition to the Big Ten.

5. Arch Manning (Texas - SEC): The wait is over. After patiently waiting his turn behind Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning is now set to be the full-time starter for the Texas Longhorns. The hype is immense, and he's got all the tools to live up to it with a stacked offensive supporting cast.

Can't-Miss Kickoff: Game to Watch

LSU vs. Clemson in Arlington, Texas (Week 1 - August 30th)

This Week 1 showdown is absolutely loaded. This new matchup pits two traditional powers against each other on a neutral stage. LSU, with the dynamic Garrett Nussmeier at the helm, will look to start strong, especially after Brian Kelly's struggles in season openers. Clemson, led by the developing Cade Klubnik, will aim to prove they're back in the playoff conversation.

Expect high tempo, aggressive play-calling, and an abundance of fireworks in what could easily turn into a high-scoring affair. This game isn't just about a win; it's about setting the tone for the entire 2025 season and proving that offense truly reigns supreme. LSU and Clemson last met in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship, with Clemson winning 42-25. Can Nussmeier reverse the tide for the Tigers?

That’s a wrap on this week’s fourth-down gamble through the chaos of college football. Hope you found the edge, laughed at the absurd, and maybe even got smarter (or at least smugger).

We’ll be back soon, going for it again — because punting is for cowards.

— The Converting on Fourth Down Team

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