The North Texas Mean Green enter the 2025 season with both excitement and urgency. After finishing 6-7 in 2024 and dropping a close 28–30 contest to Texas State in the First Responder Bowl, UNT has the tools to turn promise into production—especially with the program’s most home games in school history on the schedule.
A Historic Home Advantage
This year, UNT will host seven games at DATCU Stadium, a first for the program. With that many opportunities to play in front of their home crowd, the Mean Green have a unique chance to stack wins and build momentum in the latter half of the season.
Offense: Still an Elite Threat
Under third-year head coach Eric Morris and offensive coordinator Jordan Davis, North Texas boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in college football last year. The Mean Green finished 3rd nationally in total offense (488.8 yards per game) and 23rd in scoring (33.5 points per game). With much of that system returning, fans should expect plenty of high-scoring performances again in 2025.
Defense: A Full Reset
Defense was the glaring weakness in 2024, ranking 127th in total defense and 118th in scoring defense. This offseason brought change, with Skyler Cassity—formerly at Sam Houston—taking over as defensive coordinator. Cassity is known for an aggressive style that produced turnovers and kept opponents under 21 points per game at his previous stop. Joining him are several defensive transfers, including linebacker S’Maje Burrell, defensive backs David Fisher and Richard Outland Jr., and linemen Quincy Wright and Briceon Hayes.
Quarterback Battle: Two Contenders
The most intriguing storyline on offense may be the quarterback race.
- Drew Mestemaker, a redshirt freshman, lit up the First Responder Bowl with 396 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a highlight 70-yard run.
- Reese Poffenbarger, a graduate transfer from Albany and Miami (FL), brings experience and a proven track record at the FCS level, where he was one of the most productive passers in the country.
Morris hasn’t named a starter, making this one of the most-watched competitions in fall camp.
Key Storylines to Follow
- Defensive Overhaul: New DC Skyler Cassity and a wave of transfers aim to fix last year’s struggles.
- QB Competition: Drew Mestemaker vs. Reese Poffenbarger for the starting job.
- Historic Home Slate: Seven games at DATCU Stadium give UNT a rare advantage.
- Roster Overhaul: 34 transfers and a whole recruiting class add depth and competition.
The Mean Green have the offense to beat anyone in the AAC on a good day. If the defense can elevate from its 2024 struggles and the quarterback position settles quickly, North Texas could surpass last year’s six wins and challenge for a top-tier conference finish. With a record-setting home schedule and fresh defensive energy, optimism in Denton is running high.