"Bill Connelly is one of college football's best observers. He sees the same things we all do but pulls on threads that most of us wouldn't grab. And that's how we got this book, which is a great distillation of the current state of college football. It reveals, in plain English, how we got here, why things are so messy at the moment, and where it all might go--and where it definitely won't go. This book is a must-read for any college football fan who wants to actually understand the business of college sports and how that backdrop explains just about everything that happens on the field."

--Nicole Auerbach, NBC Sports

"To determine the optimum course for the future, understanding the path traveled is imperative. Bill thoroughly and thoughtfully maps out both and offers smart, tangible plans for the Forward Progress of college football. Bill is more than an expert at devising formulas to evaluate the relative strength of teams. His passion for the sport permeates every incisive corner of this book. To borrow from a Connelly statistical staple, Forward Progress delivers an off-the-chart success rate for every college football fan."

--Rece Davis, College GameDay

"Bill Connelly always does a great job of viewing college football through different lenses, from the analytical to the historical. In his latest book, he deftly guides college football fans through a turbulent time when the sport has never had so many major changes. Bill captures the mix of anxiety, excitement, and confusion many who love college football are experiencing, and explains what to expect as another important period begins. A must-read for CFB fans in 2025."

--Adam Rittenberg, ESPN senior writer for college football

"In this book, Bill has created an absolute master class for fans grappling with the past, present, and complex future of college football. Ever a student of the game, Bill offers thoughtful context for the moment while never losing sight of what makes our fandom tick. The sport's power brokers would be wise to embrace Bill's perspective while shaping its uncertain future."

--Ty Hildenbrandt, The Solid Verbal