The 2025 Mean Green concluded their season with an impressive 11-2 record under head coach Eric Morris, ranking among the nation’s top offenses. However, their campaign ended on a disappointing note with a 34-21 defeat to Tulane in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game, thwarting their hopes for a first postseason berth in the College Football Playoff.
Despite outgaining Tulane 415 to 344 yards, turnovers and five sacks hindered their performance, marking the first time all season UNT scored under 30 points.
Star Performances: Records and Rising Stars
Freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker rewrote the UNT record books, setting the American Conference freshman passing record with 3,835 yards and throwing 29 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He also delivered a historic performance with a 608-yard, four-touchdown game against Charlotte, one of the highest single-game passing totals in FBS history.
On the ground, freshman tailback Caleb Hawkins emerged as a standout, rushing for 1,236 yards and leading the nation with 23 rushing touchdowns (26 total), earning him American Conference Rookie of the Year honors. Wide receiver Wyatt Young also excelled, accumulating 1,203 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, contributing to one of the most balanced offenses in the nation.
Coaching Change: A New Chapter
In a significant turn of events, Morris, who led UNT to its first-ever 11-win season, accepted the head coaching position at Oklahoma State. On December 3, UNT announced the hiring of experienced coach Neal Brown to take the helm.
Brown arrives with a solid track record and a reputation for offensive innovation and player development, bringing both optimism and uncertainty to a roster facing critical decisions.
The Big Question: Will Key Players Stay or Depart?
With success comes risk. The combination of a coaching change and a breakout season raises questions about the future of key players, particularly those who flourished under Morris. Analysts and fans speculate whether some may follow him to Oklahoma State or seek other opportunities.
However, there is reason for optimism. UNT’s offense, anchored by young talent—a 1,000-yard rusher, a 3,800-yard passer, and a 1,200-yard receiver—could remain competitive under Brown’s leadership if retained.
The upcoming months will be pivotal in defining the program’s identity. Will North Texas maintain cohesion and build on its momentum, or will its success in 2025 trigger a wave of departures? Regardless, the Mean Green are poised for a potentially transformative offseason.
Original article
Comments