The 2025 college football season is heating up, and fans already have something to cheer about. Five standout Bears football players have officially been named to the 2025 Conference USA Preseason Watch List, a major recognition that puts them on the radar of scouts, analysts, and fans alike.
This preseason honor highlights players expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. For the Bears, it’s not just about individual talent it’s a sign that the team is ready to compete at a high level in Conference USA.
Here’s a detailed look at the five Bears who made the list, what this means for the program, and what fans can expect in the months ahead.
What Is the Conference USA Preseason Watch List?
Each year, Conference USA selects top players from across its member schools to be recognized for their skill, leadership, and potential. These athletes are placed on a Preseason Watch List, which identifies them as ones to watch throughout the season.
Being named to this list does not guarantee postseason awards, but it sets the stage. It’s often a sign of strong performances from previous years and big expectations for the future.
Bear #1: Quarterback Jordan Mitchell
Jordan Mitchell, the Bears’ returning quarterback, is one of the most talked-about names on this year’s list. After a breakout 2024 season with over 3,000 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, Mitchell has shown he can lead the offense with poise and precision.
Coaches have praised his decision-making, mobility, and ability to read defenses. With another offseason of training and film study behind him, Mitchell is expected to be the central figure in the Bears’ offensive push this year.
Mitchell’s presence on the watch list confirms what many fans already believed: he’s a rising star in college football.
Bear #2: Linebacker Tyrese Coleman
On the defensive side, Tyrese Coleman brings energy, aggression, and discipline. The junior linebacker led the team in tackles last season and consistently disrupted opposing offenses with his speed and smart play.
Coleman has been working on improving his coverage skills, making him a dual-threat linebacker who can stop the run and defend against the pass. He’s also taken on more of a leadership role during spring camp, helping younger players adjust to the team’s scheme.
Expect Coleman to be one of the anchors of the Bears’ defense in 2025.
Bear #3: Wide Receiver Malik Sanders
Malik Sanders is another explosive talent on the list. Known for his speed and route-running, Sanders had a breakout year in 2024 with over 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
His chemistry with quarterback Jordan Mitchell has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success. Sanders is expected to be even more dangerous this season, especially with new offensive schemes designed to create more one-on-one matchups down the field.
Scouts have noted his potential for the NFL, and 2025 could be his final college campaign before going pro.
Bear #4: Offensive Lineman Ethan Reyes
Every great offense starts with a solid line, and Ethan Reyes is the heart of that foundation. The senior offensive lineman is known for his strength, footwork, and ability to hold off some of the top defensive linemen in the conference.
Reyes has started every game for the last two seasons and is a vocal leader in the locker room. His consistency and reliability earned him a spot on this year’s watch list and made him a top candidate for end-of-season honors.
With Reyes protecting the pocket, the Bears’ offense is in safe hands.
Bear #5: Defensive Back Jalen Moore
Jalen Moore rounds out the list with his exceptional play at cornerback. Moore had 5 interceptions and 14 pass breakups last season, showing his instinct and athleticism on the field.
He’s been called one of the most underrated players in Conference USA, and this preseason recognition may finally give him the attention he deserves. Moore has also bulked up during the offseason to improve his tackling and physical presence.
In a league that favors high-powered offenses, having a shutdown corner like Moore is a major advantage.
What This Means for the Bears in 2025
Having five players on the Conference USA Preseason Watch List is a big deal for the Bears football program. It shows the team is developing talent across all areas offense, defense, and the trenches.
It also sends a message to the rest of the conference: the Bears are serious contenders. With leadership from seasoned players and rising stars, the team looks ready to compete for the Conference USA title.
Coaches and analysts believe the Bears have one of the most balanced rosters in the league this year.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The Bears will face a tough schedule in 2025, including several top-ranked conference rivals and a couple of challenging non-conference matchups. But with key players like Mitchell, Coleman, Sanders, Reyes, and Moore leading the charge, expectations are high.
Fans are hopeful that this group of standouts will not only perform well individually but also help the Bears return to postseason play. The synergy between these players will be critical, especially in tight games where leadership and experience can make all the difference.
The coaching staff has emphasized team chemistry and focus as the foundation of their 2025 campaign.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of the 2025 Conference USA Preseason Watch List has given fans a preview of what’s to come, and the Bears have plenty of reasons to be excited. These five standout players represent the strength, skill, and potential of a team on the rise.
Whether it’s scoring touchdowns, stopping offenses, or holding the line, each of these athletes brings something special to the table. If they live up to their potential, the Bears could have one of their most successful seasons in recent years.
As the season gets closer, all eyes will be on these five Bears and rightly so.
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