1 Team That Could Change Everything

By: Mac Brown, @SSN_GSU

We’ve finally reached our last stop of the countdown and this week it’ll cover one team that could set a precedent going forward for this young program. With it being the second season under Dell McGee, the highest rated recruiting class in the Sun Belt coming in, and an experienced coaching staff, expectations are certainly higher than this time last year inside GSU’s building. The outside noise around the Panthers may not be buzzing too much at the moment, but no one is necessarily bothered by that. This team knows it has something to prove and if they’re able to do just that, the foundation they could continue to build on could be transformative. McGee and company have this program ascending and now the wins must follow to further that trajectory. 2025 is shaping up to be an upward slope for the Panthers but there’s a considerable amount of work that needs to be done. Have faith, Panther Family. Let’s begin…

1.  2025 Georgia State University Panthers

When you’re coming off a 3-win season and essentially every outlet is predicting for you to win 2 or 3 games this year, truthfully how transformative can that season be? Even if GSU were to double their win projections, that would hardly be considered a historical season. That’s kind of the point though. If this team is able to pull off 8 or 9 (or more) wins, then it could signify something a little grander. That would likely mean some big wins over heavily favored opponents, some Panthers having some big years statistically, and potentially even a bowl win. It’s probably a bit of stretch without double digit wins, but there could even be potential for a Sun Belt Championship berth. If the Panthers are able to have that type of season with this HC and this incoming recruiting class, then it will undoubtedly prove that there really is a #NewAtlanta.

Even with all of the speed bumps and barriers, there’s no denying that the 2024 season ended as a disappointment for GSU. When you start the season 2-1 with one of the wins being over a SEC school, even with said speed bumps and barriers, expectations get raised a tad. You never want to say that you wish you wouldn’t have beaten a team, but perhaps a loss to Vanderbilt last season may have made the season win total not sting a much. But the flip side of the coin is that the Vandy win turned out to be essentially the only thing worth celebrating last year. Beating the Commodores a second time, and this time in their house, would be a massive win for the Panthers. But if it’s accompanied by only two additional wins for the rest of the season, then it may end up being viewed as fools’ gold. Simply put, the Panthers can’t afford to only win three games in 2025. Even if one of those wins is against the biggest dog on the schedule.

What could be one of the biggest differences for the Panthers this upcoming season? How about the return of the run game. It’s been highlighted many times in this countdown how successful the Panthers have been in the past, predominantly under HC Shawn Elliott, at running the ball. The best seasons in program history have included a hefty amount of pounding the rock. With the talent the running backs room has in 2025, there’s no reason to think they can’t return right back to those glory days. But it won’t just happen because of the immense talent in the backfield. Just about every coach has spoken on the size of the offensive line this year. In almost every press conference there’s been at least one comment made about how much bigger the offensive line is compared to last year. Having a group of hog mollies up front and a talented running back group should bode well for the Panthers. And if the Panthers could get back to their bread and butter, then everyone could start to eat again.

What will be one of the biggest differences for the Panthers this upcoming season? That will be the proficiency of the passing game. With Veilleux being named the starter and having the most experience with the program, one could believe that he’ll remain the starter for the entire season. He’ll be throwing to one of the best receivers in the country, regardless of conference, in Ted Hurst too. These two huge factors have all signs pointing to the Panthers passing game being one of the best in the Sun Belt. Additionally, the TE room just might be one of the deepest in the G6 and Hurst’s fellow WRs have all shown promise.  The running game may still be a bit of a question mark and may be something that becomes more and more established as the season progresses. But the connection of Veilleux of Hurst will be a staple of success for the Panthers in 2025.

If you’ve been paying attention at all, you know that Dell McGee and his staff are doing everything they possibly can to show that there’s a new standard and culture building on Hank Aaron Drive. The best way for them to prove it to everyone paying attention, and especially those that are not, is to win meaningful football games and win a lot of them. That’s what 2025 could be. 2024 is in the past and gone. The future is now and if the Panthers are able to capitalize on this season and blow expectations out of the water, then it could have immeasurable lasting effects. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will a top tier program. But the size of the building block that is the 2025 season will be determined by a group of men who are ready to seize their moment.

If things sway in the favor of the Panthers more often than not in 2025, then it truly could go down as one of the more important seasons in program history. Proving you can recruit is one thing, proving you can win with those recruits is a completely different thing. That’s why this season can be so crucial for the Panthers. It won’t just be about winning another bowl game or beating a rival, it will be about setting a standard. A standard that if established could be looked back on years from now with 2025 being the origin. Expectations may be low on the outside but that doesn’t mean they are inside of the building. This team knows how good it can be and what it could mean for them and the future of this program. Talking season is over though and now it’s time to put it all out on the field. GSU hasn’t had back-to-back losing season at the FBS level since their first two seasons at this level in 2013-14. With history and talent on their side, this season just might be one for the books.