The 2025 college football season kicks off with history in the making. Texas, for the first time ever, holds the No. 1 spot in the AP Preseason Top 25, edging Penn State by the slimmest margin in over two decades. With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff on the horizon, every game carries more weight, and the preseason rankings already set the stage for a thrilling year.
Team-by-Team Previews
1. Texas – Arch Manning leads a veteran offense with championship expectations. Defense is athletic and deep, but how they handle being the hunted is the real test.
2. Penn State – A punishing run game, elite defense, and playoff experience make the Lions one of the most balanced teams in the nation.
3. Ohio State – The defending champs have a nasty front seven and a deep receiver room. The question is how quickly the new quarterback can settle in.
4. Clemson – A veteran roster with improved quarterback play could bring the Tigers back to the championship game.
5. Georgia – Reloading as always, with speed and size everywhere. Expect them to be in the SEC title hunt.
6. Notre Dame – Built around a dominant O-line and an efficient QB, the Irish have the tools for a playoff run.
7. Oregon – Fast, physical, and explosive on offense. The Ducks have a favorable early schedule but tough road games late.
8. Alabama – Ranked lower than usual, but still armed with elite athletes. Expect them to rise as the season progresses.
9. LSU – One of the deepest WR rooms in the country and a dangerous dual-threat QB make the Tigers must-watch TV.
10. Miami (FL) – The ‘Canes are back in the top 10 with speed everywhere and a defense that thrives on turnovers.
11. Arizona State – Balanced, disciplined, and underrated. They could be a Big 12 dark horse.
12. Illinois – Tough in the trenches and stingy on defense. Passing attack needs to click to compete with top Big Ten teams.
13. South Carolina – Playmakers at receiver and in the secondary give them upset potential in the SEC.
14. Michigan – A ground-and-pound team with a retooled defense. Still dangerous despite roster turnover.
15. Florida – Electric offense but must tighten up on defense to be a contender.
16. SMU – First preseason ranking in 40 years. Explosive and experienced, they’re built to crash the playoff party.
17. Kansas State – Disciplined and physical, they can control tempo and frustrate high-powered offenses.
18. Oklahoma – Offense will score in bunches; defense must rise to Big 12 challenges.
19. Texas A&M – Loaded roster but plagued by inconsistency. QB stability is key.
20. Indiana – Surprising preseason inclusion with veteran leadership and an opportunistic defense.
21. Ole Miss – Lane Kiffin’s attack will light up scoreboards, but defensive improvements are a must.
22. Iowa State – Physical, disciplined, and tough at home. Always a tough out in the Big 12.
23. Texas Tech – High-tempo offense and experienced defense make them a potential spoiler.
24. Tennessee – Offense is dynamic, but the young defense will determine their fate.
25. Boise State – The Group of Five’s best hope for a playoff berth, built on discipline and strong special teams.
Teams to Keep an Eye On
USC – Unranked in the preseason for the first time in years, but still dangerous with elite QB talent and a deep receiving corps.
Wisconsin – A strong running game and improving passing attack could push them back into the rankings quickly.
North Carolina – Explosive offense led by one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks; just needs more consistency on defense.
Utah – Always physical and well-coached. Capable of taking down any ranked team, especially at home.
Missouri – On the edge of breaking into the Top 25 thanks to a stingy defense and improved quarterback play.
Florida State – A rebuilding roster, but the talent pipeline is still there. Could be a dangerous late-season spoiler.
Washington – Transitioning after losing key playmakers, but the defense remains strong enough to keep them competitive in the Pac-12.
