The year 2025 holds immense potential for the world of sports, with new challenges, rising stars, and groundbreaking shifts in both professional leagues and collegiate athletics. From exciting football moments to historic career milestones, the year promises thrilling action and dramatic turns. We’ve gathered 2 b0old predictions from FOX Sports writers that could shape the sports world. Here are the predictions that might define 2025:
1. The Dynamic Sanders Duo Takes Over the Las Vegas Raiders
In 2025, the NFL may witness a major shift with Shedeur Sanders and his father, Deion Sanders, stepping into significant roles with the Las Vegas Raiders. While the Tennessee Titans are expected to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Sanders family could have a significant impact on the team’s future. With Shedeur as the starting quarterback and Deion potentially influencing key decisions, the Raiders may experience a leadership change. The combination of Deion’s strategic mind and Shedeur’s skill set could rejuvenate the Raiders, making this transition one to watch closely.
2. Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Cy Young and MVP Season
In 2025, Shohei Ohtani is poised to make history in Major League Baseball. After a brief hiatus from pitching following surgery, Ohtani is set to return to the mound in dominant form. Not only is he expected to win the National League Cy Young Award, but his outstanding performance on both the mound and at the plate will likely secure his second MVP title. Ohtani’s ability to both dominate as a pitcher and crush home runs will solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
3. Bill Belichick Leads North Carolina to ACC Glory
Bill Belichick, fresh off an unexpected but successful coaching stint with the North Carolina Tar Heels, will lead the team to the ACC Championship Game in his first season. His success at North Carolina will serve as a reminder to NFL owners of the opportunity they missed by not offering him a head coaching position. Belichick’s impressive coaching skills will make waves in college football, and rumors will swirl about his return to the NFL in 2026.
4. Duke Breaks a 10-Year Drought, Wins the National Championship
Duke Men’s Basketball, after years of heartbreak, will finally break through to claim the national championship in 2025. Under the leadership of Jon Scheyer and the outstanding play of Cooper Flagg, Duke is set to reclaim its place atop college basketball. The Blue Devils, with key contributions from Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel, will rise to the occasion and win their first championship since 2015, marking a historic moment in college hoops.
5. Arch Manning’s Impressive Texas Debut Leads to SEC Championship
Arch Manning, the highly anticipated quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, will have an immediate impact in 2025. In his first season as the starting QB, Manning will lead the Longhorns to an SEC championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Manning’s leadership, combined with a talented supporting cast, will propel Texas into the national spotlight and demonstrate that the Manning family legacy is alive and well in college football.
6. Gio Reyna’s Long-Awaited Breakout Season for USMNT
Gio Reyna, the talented yet injury-plagued American soccer player, is primed for a breakout year in 2025. After battling injuries and limited playing time, Reyna will find his rhythm with Borussia Dortmund and the U.S. Men’s National Team. With his confidence boosted by recent successes, including his first goal in over a year, Reyna will become a key player for both club and country in 2025, fulfilling the potential that many have long seen in him.
7. C.J. Stroud Takes Home NFL MVP Honors
C.J. Stroud, who has faced struggles in his second season, will bounce back in a major way in 2025. With an improved offensive line, healthy wide receivers, and a solid play-calling scheme, Stroud will lead the Houston Texans to a division title and secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed. His MVP-worthy performance will make him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league and cement his place as a future star in the NFL.
8. Steph Curry’s Trade Request After Warriors Miss the Playoffs
In 2025, the Golden State Warriors will fail to make the playoffs, and this will prompt Steph Curry to request a trade to a contender. Despite the Warriors’ inability to land a superstar in the trade market or make successful moves in free agency, Curry will remain determined to compete for championships in the final years of his career. His trade request will signal a major shift in the Warriors’ trajectory and could mark the end of an era in Golden State.
9. Travis Hunter Makes History as the No. 1 Overall NFL Draft Pick
In 2025, Travis Hunter, the dynamic two-way star from Colorado, will make history as the first defensive back ever selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Hunter’s exceptional combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability will make him the top prospect, despite a lack of standout quarterback talent in the draft. His selection will rewrite the narrative of the NFL Draft and prove that a game-changing defensive player can be just as valuable as a quarterback.
10. Daniel Ricciardo Shifts to NASCAR
Daniel Ricciardo, the Formula 1 driver with a passion for NASCAR, will make the leap to the world of stock car racing in 2025. After years of speculation and a love for NASCAR, Ricciardo’s transition to the sport will energize the NASCAR fanbase and bring attention to the series. The possibility of him driving a vintage Dale Earnhardt Sr. car or joining a top NASCAR team will captivate both racing fans and casual observers alike.
11. Marquette’s Kam Jones Claims National Player of the Year
Marquette’s Kam Jones, currently one of the most exciting players in college basketball, will secure the National Player of the Year award in 2025. With incredible scoring ability and all-around playmaking skills, Jones will lead Marquette to a Final Four appearance and challenge for the national title. His talent and consistency will make him one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming NBA Draft.
12. Sam Darnold Finds New Life with the New York Giants
After a successful stint in Minnesota, Sam Darnold will return to New York, but this time with the Giants. The Giants will sign Darnold as a free agent to provide stability at the quarterback position, given their uncertain future and a potential top draft pick in 2025. Darnold will bring a new level of play to the team and help rejuvenate the Giants’ offense.
13. LeBron James Announces One Final Season
As LeBron James nears his 40th birthday, he will announce that the 2025 season will be his final one in the NBA. This announcement will come before the All-Star Game in Los Angeles, which will be a grand tribute to his legendary career. LeBron’s retirement tour will be filled with celebrations and acknowledgment of his immense impact on the game.
14. Bobby Witt Jr. Makes MLB History with 200-40-40-40 Season
In 2025, Bobby Witt Jr. will set a new standard for MLB performance by becoming the first player to record a 200-hit, 40-homer, 40-double, and 40-steal season. Witt’s combination of speed and power will push the boundaries of what is possible in modern baseball, and he will join the ranks of the game’s all-time greats.
15. Geno Auriemma and UConn End a Nine-Year Drought
In 2025, Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies will claim their first national title in nearly a decade, ending a nine-year drought. The team, led by Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong, will overcome stiff competition from teams like South Carolina to secure the championship. This victory will be a crowning achievement for Auriemma in his 40th season as head coach.
16. Deebo Samuel Joins the Washington Commanders
Deebo Samuel, the versatile “wide back” for the 49ers, will find a new home in Washington in 2025. After a few challenging seasons in San Francisco, Samuel will join the Commanders, where his skill set will be utilized in a new offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels. Samuel’s explosive playmaking ability will be a key asset for the Commanders.
17. Oregon Ducks Secure Back-to-Back Big Ten Championships
Oregon will continue its dominance in the Big Ten in 2025, winning their second consecutive Big Ten Championship. With a talented roster led by quarterback Dante Moore and a favorable schedule, the Ducks will position themselves as one of the top teams in the conference. Coach Dan Lanning’s aggressive approach to recruiting and game preparation will be pivotal in Oregon’s continued success.
18. Celtics Capture Their 19th NBA Title
The Boston Celtics will repeat as NBA champions in 2025, continuing their dominance in the league. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will prove that they are the league’s premier duo, leading the Celtics to another championship. Their play during the postseason will be unmatched, and the Celtics will once again raise their championship banner at the TD Garden.
19. Alexander Rossi Wins His Second Indy 500
Alexander Rossi will reclaim his Indy 500 crown in 2025, cementing his place among the all-time greats of the race. After years of near misses, Rossi’s return to the winner’s circle will come with the support of Ed Carpenter Racing, who will field a car capable of capturing victory. Rossi’s determination and experience will guide him to his second win at Indianapolis.
20. Sam Darnold Joins the Los Angeles Rams
Sam Darnold will return to California in 2025, signing with the Los Angeles Rams. With a solid performance in Minnesota, Darnold will secure a long-term contract with the Rams, where he will compete with Matthew Stafford for the starting quarterback job. The Rams will see Darnold as a younger, potential franchise quarterback to build their offense around.
