The ICFL 2025 Season Preview
ICFL 2025 Season Preview
After an outstanding 2024 season, the ICFL has much to look forward to for 2025. Starting in January, teams will set their quest for an ICFL title. With a league filled with heavy talent from top to bottom, fans are in for another great showing from the ten teams. Let's dive into a brief preview of each team ahead of the 2025 season, discuss a few returning players, and give an outlook on each team as they prepare for another season.
The Matadors Outlook (2024 record: 9-1)
The Matadors are coming into the new season as the defending champions. After finishing 9-1 last season on their way to a championship, the Matadors are the true juggernaut of the league. Last season saw three players lead the league in a specific statistical category, one player take home the offensive MVP honor, and a coach who displayed excellence throughout the season. James Fehlhaber (2024 coach of the year runner-up), is well-respected throughout the league and his players love playing for him. This team from top to bottom is well-balanced, they play tough and are one step ahead of their competition.
On defense, the Matadors are just as stout, with multiple players on that side of the ball finishing in the top five in tackles and sacks.
Matadors' top returning starters
QB: Jared Smith (2024 ICFL MVP and league leader in wins, passing yards, and passing touchdowns)
Quarterback Jared Smith shined in 2024 in every statistical category and showed great leadership on the field every week. His Matadors were stout all season and Smith has a lot to credit for it. A wizard in the pocket, Smith has exceptional ball placement. Next season, Smith will trade his helmet for a headset and become the Matadors' full-time offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Although his role will be different next season, Smith still has high hopes for the Matadors. "I am looking forward to seeing how our guys answer the call for another championship," said Smith in a post-season interview. "One is easy, doing it again is extremely difficult and we must work even harder".
Smith has the experience, grit, and passion for this team and will be a big part of their season, even from the sideline. You can also catch Smith on the sidelines of Boise High School football games as Smith hails as the Boise Braves' wide receiver coach.
OLB: Patrick Hamilton (2024 ICFL interception leader, 2nd in the league in solo tackles and 2024 defensive MVP-runner-up)
Linebacker Patrick Hamilton left his hard-hitting mark last season. Hamilton, one of the league's purest tacklers, almost ran away with the league's defensive MVP honors in 2024 and will likely be at the top of the award race again next season. Hamilton was the leader of the Matador defense in 2024 and chances are, he will be in the same spot going forward. Hamilton has also praised the direction of the ICFL. "The competition in the league is getting so much better, " said Hamilton. "It is fun to play in harder and closer games and makes for better football". Hamilton has the capability of taking this defense towards another championship next season.
WR: Grant Roberts (3rd in the league in receiving yards per game and 2nd in rec touchdowns)
Dynamic after the catch and a wizard in the open field, Matadors receiver Grant Roberts is easily one of the leagues’ best wide receivers. The connection between him and Smith was like a professional quarterback and wide receiver duo. The two players feed off of each other easily as Smith seems to always put the ball in the right place for Roberts to make a play.
While Smith will be on the sideline this year, Roberts’ skill set still makes many believe that he can be great regardless of who is throwing to him. It seems like Roberts knows what this team has next year. “We were able to create something special last year and we should be able to capitalize on that”, said Roberts.” With James, Coach T, and Jared, we have all the right pieces to repeat and that makes me even more excited”. Watch for Roberts to cement his status as the league’s best receiver in 2025.
The Matadors organization is the model team for the ICFL and you can bet that they will be a sought-after landing spot on signing day. However the chips fall before the 2025 season tips off, the Matadors should be heavy favorites to repeat as champions, and rightfully so. The Matadors have shown dominance over the last few years and do not show signs of slowing down.
The Aztecs (2024 record: 9-1)
There is always a “close second” in every league or a team who is “on the outside looking in”, and it seems like the Aztecs were just that. Also 9-1 in the regular season (undefeated going into the championship), in 2024, the Aztecs were the closest thing to the Matadors in terms of talent. Offensively, you could make the case that the Aztecs were the most potent in the ICFL thanks to their talented QB-RB-WR trio. Additionally, Coach Dan Brown looks to build off of his coach-of-the-year season.
A team built on a family-type atmosphere and smash-mouth football, the Aztecs look to take one step closer to becoming the team to beat in the Now, let's shed light on three of last season’s stars and what they have going for them next season.
Aztecs top returning starters
QB: Colt Knigee (2nd on the league’s leaderboard in passing yards and passing touchdowns)
Aztecs quarterback Colt Knigee can throw the ball with the best of them. One of the best pure passers in the ICFL, Knigee has an 18:8 touchdown to interception ratio for 2024. The Aztecs’ undefeated regular season was led by this dynamic passing attack and pending a return from Knigge, they could have the same amount of success. With the Matadors’ Jared Smith no longer a starting quarterback in the ICFL, Knigee should be the favorite to carry the honors as the league's best quarterback, and rightfully so.
RB: Austin Barber (2024 league-leading in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns)
Running back Austin Barber brought a lot of star power to the Aztecs last season and looks to do the same in 2025. On the field, he showed during every game why he was the league’s best running back. Barber is a big-back who embraces contact, and prizes his game on being effective up the middle of the field. Often shifty, Barber’s true attribute is his power when running the ball. In a recent interview, Barber was on the record shouting his praise for the Aztecs team while claiming his spot on the team in 2025.
“There is so much to look forward to,” said Barber. “ Half of the fun with this team is the chemistry and bond we have built here. The other half is being able to play smash-mouth football and that explains itself”. It is no surprise that a player like Barber raves about smash-mouth football. Look for Barber to make a huge impact on the Aztecs again.
WR: James Hull (2024 league leader in receiving touchdowns and season offensive MVP runner-up)
When the Aztecs needed a timely conversion or that game-changing play, wide receiver James Hull was who they called upon. Hull is one of the most reliable receivers that a team could have. The league leader in receiving touchdowns in 2024, Hull also showed his versatility by scoring as a quarterback and running back on multiple occasions. Hull truly is an all-around player and will likely keep the Aztecs among the league's best teams.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Hull had this to say regarding his team. “I look forward to building off of the success we had last year and correcting the small things that held us back at times”, said Hull. You can tell that Hull has those leadership qualities that any contending team needs to stay on top.
The Aztecs have what it takes to overthrow the Matadors as the league’s best team.
The Black Tide (2024 record: 6-3)
The Black Tide fought hard all season, winning in the trenches and using their balanced running game to take them to the semi-finals last season. Just one game away from the championship title game, the Black Tide will look to rebound in 2025 and make the big game. The Black Tide have in their favor, the return of two-star running backs and a pair of standout defensive players for 2025. Let's dive in and highlight a few must-watch players in black and yellow and what this team has going forward.
The Black Tide top returning starters
RB: Kohl Proffit (2024 league leader in rushing yards per game, tied for 2nd in rushing touchdowns)
One of the league’s best rushers for most of the season, The Black Tide’s Kohl Proffit was a magician on the field. As the Black Tide’s bell-cow running back, Proffit had the perfect combination of power and speed, making him a headache to play against. A late season-ending injury forced him out of post-season play, but you could argue that if Profitt was in the lineup, the Black Tide could very well be the reigning champions. If health is on his side in 2025, Proffit could take the Black Tide to the next level. The former Mountain Home high school star has a lot to prove if he does return next year. Luckily for him, he has the skill set to do just that.
RB: Jacob Swain (2024 Athlete of the Year, tied for 4th in the league in rushing YPG and one of only five players to score a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown)
The “Lamar Jackson of the team” as his teammates describe him, Jacob Swain was an all-around force in 2024. Swain has rare talent, being effective at multiple positions, making him one of the league’s most talented players. Rumored to return in 2025, chances are that Swain could very well run away with the award once again. The Black Tide as a team made it to the semi-finals in 2024 but with the rushing attack they have and the versatility at multiple positions, you cannot deny the high chance of a deeper run in the post-season. Watch out for the former College of Idaho Yote in 2025.
DE: Ryan Carlen (Top 7 in the league in 2024 in both tackles and sacks)
For a defensive who prizes themselves on getting in opposing backfields, Ryan Carlen is your guy. Carlen, the Black Tide defensive end, was a force on the defensive line in 2024. With over 55 tackles and nearly double-digit sacks, Carlen was seemingly involved in every play. He has the size and toughness that scare teams away, but his quickness off the line is what sets him apart. Carlen, likely to return in 2025, could uplift this Black Tide defense and turn it into one of the scariest defensive units in all of the ICFL.
The Sabers Outlook (2024 record: 4-4)
When you talk about being balanced, the Sabers fit the mold. A core, that has a handful of players on both sides that produce collectively, was able to keep the team afloat finishing at the 500 mark last year at 4-4. This even record though does not explain how well the Sabers played all last season.
The Sabers were playing at their best when quarterback Emmitt Johnson was able to carve up defenses alongside a star-studded wide receiver group. Interestingly enough, Johnson and wide receiver Brig Johnson are brothers, making any sports fan cheer them on. Overall, the Sabers had the deepest wide receiver room in the ICFL last season with multiple receivers making an impact. Chances are, if the passing attack core were to return, the Sabers could sling it all over the field again in 2025.
Sabers top returning players
QB: Emmitt Johnson (2024 league leader in passing yards per game, tied for 3rd in both season total passing yards and passing touchdowns)
Sabers quarterback Emmitt Johnson comes to mind when you talk about a “unique” player. The unorthodox lefty has great ball placement and is tough as nails, both great qualities for a quarterback. After coming to the Sabers midway through the season Johnson took over a 1-3 Sabers team and helped them finish the season on a 3-1 run, to finish 4-4.
With what the Sabers have in place now and the return of this passing attack, the ICFL could be in for a world of hurt. In a post-season interview with Johnson, he showed love to his team on the record. “My brother (Brig) was already on the team so it was easy for me to join, said Johnson. “I am looking forward to having a full season with the team and we have the leadership in place giving me the peace of mind that the Sabers can do big things next season”. Watch out for Johnson next year folks as he will have a full season to operate.
WR: Brig Johnson (top five in the ICFL in rec yards, touchdowns and yards per game)
A wide receiver who has great hands and wins 50-50 balls would be a guy every team would love to have. Luckily for the Sabers, they got Brig Johnson. One of the more complete receivers in the league, he was an easy target for quarterback Emmitt Johnson (brother) last season. Seemingly all of those backyard passing sessions as kids paid off well as they became adults. With both set to return, who's going to be able to stop this lethal brotherly duo? Let's answer that, not many. Brig Johnson is a must-see football in 2025.
DB/RB: Morris Bunn (8 total touchdowns in 2024)
We have all seen Colorado’s Travis Hunter light it up on both sides of the ball the last two seasons in college football right? There might be a Travis Hunter 2.0 brewing in Meridian, ID with the Sabers. Bunn, listed mainly as a defensive back, was able to be effective on defense while scoring 4 touchdowns both as a rusher and receiver on offense. That athleticism makes Bunn one of the league’s best players and especially a player that you must keep your eyes on going into 2025.
Team Savage Outlook (2024 record: 4-4)
From the outside looking in, team Savage went through a “savage” type of season. Of their four losses, three of them came where they were shut out. Seemingly their defensive struggles hindered them throughout the season, but it cannot get any worse. It is only up from here. With no real No.1 at any skill position, team Savage had a pair of players at each position that made an impact. If this could improve next season and with a little help from the defense, team Savage could have a much better season.
Team Savage top returning starters
WR: Brandon Park (Savage team leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns)
Last season, it seemed that Brandon Park was always doing the right things on the field. As the team leader in most receiving categories, Park made it look easy on the field. He was a solid route-runner and he had the speed to turn it upfield after the catch. A complete “Dawg” as his teammates called him, Park was a “Savage” on the football field. After discussing with Park regarding the upcoming season, he too knows that he and his team could leap into improvement. “We have players on this team that deserve more recognition for what they do,” said Park. Guys like McCray, Cole, and Clay were great for us all year and with all of us back together again, we can make things happen”. It is safe to say that this team has the right mindset, they just need to put it all together.
DB: Tre McCray (Savage team leader in interceptions, pass deflections, and 2nd in tackles)
Team Savage’s Tre McCray is the ultimate pest on the defense. The quickness and toughness during coverage McCray possesses gives him an advantage over most opposing wide receivers. In a league that is filled with feisty defensive backs, McCray makes his case for one of the best.
Next season, McCray could uplift this team and if that happens, team Savage can improve their win total from last season.
Team Savage will need players to step up and lead this team as their collective approach last season kept them in the middle of the pack last year. While this is a fair approach, the best teams in this league all had three to four guys that carried the team. If team Savage can recruit new talent effectively and develop some returning starters, you could see a complete 180 with this team.
The Alphas (2024 record: 4-4)
In 2024, the Alphas were a respectable team. They had an outstanding running game and a dominant front seven on defense. However, although they were never shut out during the season, they usually could not stay consistent for a full game, leading to close losses. Their season record could look a lot different had they played effectively for a whole game some weeks. They could have easily been a 6-4 team if not for late-game letdowns at times. Still, they were able to crack into the playoff before losing to the mighty Aztecs in the semi-finals. Pending return confirmations from their stars, the Alphas could surprise many in 2025. The signing day could also bring a lot to the team. Pay attention to the Alphas!
RB: Logan Bowers (Tied for third in the league in rushing yards, yards per game, and touchdowns)
In an ICFL that features a wide range of good running backs, the Alphas’ Logan Bowers could be the most complete. Accounting for eight total touchdowns, Bowers also had an impact lined up as a wide receiver. At many points during the season, the Alphas had to turn to Bowers to carry them in games and he did just that. Bowers has that “do-it-all” aura and that showed as Bowers also collected over 40 tackles on defense. Bowers can run, catch, and play defense making him one of the most complete players in the ICFL.
LB: Wyatt Anderson (team leader in tackles)
With Wyatt Anderson on your team, you always have a chance to win games. Anderson was one step ahead of everyone else on the field last season and he has the high motor and speed to do it again next year. Watch out for Anderson to lead the team in tackles again in 2025 and maybe even the whole league.
DE: Bryson Hammer (2024 league leader in sacks, tied for four in defensive MVP voting)
Bryson Hammer was fierce on the defensive line. With double-digit sacks (10) and over 30 tackles, nobody wanted to be lined up across Hammer on the defensive line. Hammer can be counted on to cause problems for opposing defenses and with this reliability, the Alphas have a chance to improve.
The Warhawks Outlook (2024 record: 2-6)
The Warhawks might have had a losing record (2-6) in 2024, but they have a pair of players that can make some noise next year, making them a better team overall. With four of their six losses also coming in a shut-out, the Warhawks are an afterthought by many. However,
any bright spot from this season was easy to notice. Due to many games being over quickly, the junk time or the “stat-padding” period in games only sheds a brighter light on the good parts of games that the Warhawks were a part of. Record aside, this team could be a sought-after team for players waiting to sign as the possibility of standing out quickly is high.
Warhawks' top returning players
RB: Jordan Parham (340 rushing yards for three touchdowns in 2024, team leader in carries)
Jordan Parham was the workhorse for the Warhawks in 2024. Taking in over 110 carries had to put a toll on the runner but Parham was still able to produce. With hefty experience with professional football in recent years, Parham knew what it took to try and carry his team. While the record might show that he came up short, the season record could have been a lot worse had Parham not been there. With him there again in 2025, who's to say that this team could be better?
WR: Isaiah Schilling (team leader in receiving yards)
Mr dependable as he can be called, Warhawks receiver, Isaiah Schilling can be counted on to make the big play. Schilling is athletic and his leaping ability gives him the edge when going up for a catch over smaller defensive backs. There were many times last season when Schilling came down with a ball that most receivers would not.
LB: Garrison Roach (league defensive MVP, 2024 league leader in total tackles, )
The league’s best tackler, Garrison Roach was a monster on defense all season. 73 tackles, multiple sacks, and even a defensive touchdown are a part of Roach’s 2024 stat line. His toughness trumps all and makes him a must-watch every game. Chances are that Roach’s play on the field could ignite his teammates especially with signing day approaching. Many incoming players would love to play alongside Roach and rightfully so. Roach would be a great player to learn from.
Pending a return confirmation, Roach can build off his award-winning season in 2025 and make a name for himself beyond the ICFL.
The Guardians (2024 record: 1-7)
One of the league's worst teams, the Guardians (1-7 in 2024) have a lot to build on. Simply put, the Guardians were tough to watch. Over eight games, they scored a total of 22 points and lost by 70 points on two occasions. To make matters worse, the Guardians saw a negative per-game rushing yards total by season's end. It seems like only a handful of players could be credited for solid production but even then, it is not by much. But as many football fans know, “any given Sunday” is a valid statement. This means that the Guardians could still have a fighter's chance in 2025. That alone could validate players who want to join the Guardians come signing day.
Guardians' top returning player
RB/QB/WR: Jake Tolman (team leader in passing yards, rushing attempts, league leader rin interceptions)
The all-around player for the Guardians, Jake Tolman was the main factor in anything good that came from the team in the 2024 season. Tolman played snaps at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. Of the three, Tolman played spent majority of his team at quarterback. While it did not go well, league-leading 19 ints, Toleman cannot be to blame for the Guardian’s offensive struggles. It is very possible that with the right adds (signing day) and more time developing, Tolman can put together a better season than before.
The talent is there for him and he shows the willingness to do whatever it takes for his team, making Tolman and the Guardians respectable. Interestingly enough, Tolman also racked up double-digit tackles in 2024, proving his importance even further. In 2025, watch for Tolman to bring that same versatility to the ICFL.
The talent is there league-wide and so are the right coaches that will keep developing these players, keeping the ICFL an exciting attraction in 2025. Fans must try and catch as many games as possible as this league can reach newer heights in 2025. First up, ICFL signing day is less than a month which will be the first tipping point towards next season.