Chestnut Hill—-The 2025 season will mark the true start of the Bill O’Brien era at Boston College. After spending the offseason reshaping the roster to fit his vision, O’Brien now faces the challenge of turning his rebuild into results on the field. However, this new-look squad also comes with some growing pains — most notably, the loss of several key contributors along both the offensive and defensive lines. Departures to the NFL, graduation, and the transfer portal have left critical positions up for grabs, setting the stage for intense competition heading into fall camp.
In this series, we’ll break down the most intriguing position battles, starting with the one that always draws the most attention — quarterback.
Quarterback Battle Heating Up
No position stirs more conversation — or concern — among a fanbase than quarterback, especially for a program like Boston College that’s struggled to maintain consistency at the position. In fact, the Eagles haven’t had the same starting quarterback last an entire season since 2018. That trend could continue in 2025, as O’Brien oversees a fierce battle between Grayson James and Dylan Lonergan.
James entered last season as a rising contender, reportedly overtaking Thomas Castellanos before suffering a shoulder injury in fall camp. Now, Lonergan appears to be following a similar script, pushing James hard for the starting role.
With months to go before the Eagles kick off their season against Fordham in late August, this competition is far from settled. Don’t be surprised if O’Brien uses that opener as a final test or even a public audition before making a definitive decision at quarterback. Given Boston College’s recent instability at the position, caution and patience may rule the day.
Frankly, after missing on predictions at quarterback the past two years, I’m holding off on making any bold calls just yet.
Looking Ahead:
As spring practice winds down, all eyes are on the final sessions. Coaches will be focused on player evaluations, refining schemes, and gauging roster depth. Additionally, feedback from visiting recruits will provide further insight into how O’Brien’s vision is resonating beyond the current roster.
Final Takeaway:
The energy around Boston College football is unmistakably trending upward. Strong spring practices, spirited competition, and a clear direction under O’Brien are generating excitement heading into the summer. The eventual starting quarterback — whether James, Lonergan, or even someone else — will play a pivotal role in how far this team can go in 2025. With key performers like Kye Robichaux and the quarterback duo leading the charge, Boston College is positioning itself for a fresh start and a chance to exceed expectations this fall.
