Earlier this week, I highlighted 3 teams I’m avoiding for the 2025 fantasy season. Now, let’s flip the script and focus on 3 teams I’m definitely drafting. If you’re new to Squad Blitz, it’s a fantasy app where you draft teams, not individual players. You’ll start two teams for passing, two for rushing, and two for defense. You could start Ohio State as your passing team in Week 1 and as your defense in Week 2, but remember you can only start them in one slot per week. Make sure to sign up before the season kicks off and select Walk-On Redshirts as your referral!
1 – Oklahoma: Oklahoma was primarily a defensive play in 2024, finishing 97th in passing, 98th in rushing, and 19th in defense. While the offense struggled, Brent Venables has been hard at work revamping it for 2025. With quarterback John Mateer transferring from Washington State, along with his former offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, there’s significant reason to believe the Sooners can make a major leap. Last year, Washington State ranked 10th in passing and 34th in rushing, showcasing the effectiveness of Arbuckle’s system. Now that Mateer joins Oklahoma, we can expect an offense that’s more dynamic and capable of competing at a higher level.
Though it’s unlikely Oklahoma will crack the top 10 in passing, they have the potential to push into the top 40 in both passing and rushing categories. With Arbuckle leading the charge, the offense will be more efficient and balanced, offering more fantasy points. In addition to the offensive changes, Venables’ defense remains strong and will give you versatility when selecting Oklahoma for your lineup. Whether for passing, rushing, or defense, the Sooners will be a reliable fantasy asset in multiple slots throughout the season.
2 – Florida: Florida presents a bit of a gamble, but if DJ Lagway can stay healthy and continue developing as a true freshman, the Gators could be in for a big season. In 2024, Florida finished 92nd in passing, 50th in rushing, and 25th in defense, largely due to the quarterback carousel between Lagway and Graham Mertz, who is now in the NFL. With Mertz out of the picture, Lagway is the clear starter, and his performance as a true freshman showed promise. Lagway averaged 10 yards per attempt and completed 60% of his passes, giving hope for substantial growth in the coming year.
In addition to Lagway’s development, running back Jadan Baugh is back after a solid freshman season, where he averaged over 5 yards per carry. Florida will also need to see its receiving corps step up after losing top wideouts to the NFL, but Eugene Wilson, who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, will likely see an expanded role in the offense. Florida’s offense could surprise this season, and with Lagway under center, there’s potential for a significant jump in performance. With the right matchups, this team could become a valuable fantasy option for your roster.
3 – Minnesota: When it comes to Minnesota, I’m not looking at their passing game. Instead, the focus should be on their powerful rushing attack and stingy defense. Darius Taylor is one of the most underrated running backs in the Big Ten, and his performance last season was outstanding. Taylor averaged nearly 5 yards per carry and surpassed 100 yards on five occasions, making him a reliable workhorse for the Gophers. Along with Taylor, Minnesota strengthened its backfield by adding experienced transfers like AJ Turner, who averaged over 8 yards per carry at Marshall, and Cam Davis, a Washington transfer with over 1,000 career rushing yards. These additions will give Minnesota a well-rounded, deep rushing attack capable of wearing down defenses all season.
On the defensive side, Minnesota ranked 26th last year, and with the return of key players like Koi Perich, Anthony Smith, and Kerry Brown, this defense is only expected to get better. The defense will remain a major asset for fantasy, particularly in matchups against lesser teams. The Gophers’ emphasis on the run game and strong defense makes them one of the most balanced teams in the Big Ten. Outside of Ohio State and Oregon, Minnesota should be competitive in every game this season, making them a reliable fantasy pick for both rushing and defense slots.
