Way-Too-Early Top 25 College Football Rankings for 2025

The Top 25: A First Look at 2025

College football never truly sleeps. While the echoes of the 2024 season still linger, it’s time to look ahead. For further analysis, see our full 2025 rankings. Here’s our way-too-early Top 25 for 2025, a glimpse into the potential powerhouses, dark horses, and everything in between. Expect high-octane offenses, stifling defenses, and of course, plenty of drama.

The Contenders: Projecting the Top 10

The Usual Suspects

Some programs simply reload. Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia, with their elite recruiting and player development, likely won’t stray far from the top. The question isn’t if they’ll be good, but how good? Can they maintain their dominance? Early indications suggest these powerhouses will remain forces to be reckoned with.

Texas: Arch Manning’s Time?

Texas, a program steeped in tradition, is on the cusp of a revival. With Arch Manning entering his junior season, the Longhorns’ potential is undeniable. An explosive offense and an improving defense could propel them into the top five. A deep playoff run? It’s certainly within the realm of possibility.

Other Top 10 Hopefuls

Several other teams are vying for a spot in the top 10. Penn State, with a returning Drew Allar, looks poised for a Big Ten title run. Notre Dame, boasting a strong defense and manageable schedule, is a potential playoff contender. Clemson, expecting a return to form, and Oregon, with transfer quarterback Dante Moore, also have high hopes. Can they live up to the hype?

Teams 11-25: Playoff Hopefuls and Dark Horses

The Pac-12’s Uncertain Future

The Pac-12 faces uncertainty. Can USC and Oregon maintain momentum amidst conference realignment? New rivalries and changing dynamics present considerable challenges. Will they adapt and thrive?

Surprise Contenders on the Horizon

Every season has its Cinderella stories. Could a Group of Five team crash the party in 2025? Programs like Tulane and UTSA have the talent and coaching to compete with the big boys. Could we see another TCU-like run?

The SEC Battleground

The SEC remains college football’s most competitive conference. While Alabama and Georgia are the favorites, LSU, Tennessee, and others are ready to pounce. The battle for SEC supremacy promises another thrilling season.

Way-Too-Early Top 25 Predictions

Rank	Team	Rationale	Key Players	Key Matchups
1	Texas	Arch Manning’s potential and a loaded roster make them a serious threat.	Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers	Ohio State
2	Ohio State	Elite quarterback play and a dominant recruiting pipeline suggest another strong year.	Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr.	Texas
3	Penn State	Drew Allar’s experience and a powerful running game could lead them to a Big Ten title.	Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton	TBD
4	Notre Dame	A strong defense and a favorable schedule position them for a playoff run.	Sam Hartman, Benjamin Morrison	Miami, Texas
5	Clemson	A return to form is anticipated with Cade Klubnik at the helm.	Cade Klubnik, Peter Woods	Florida State, LSU
6	Oregon	Dante Moore’s arrival could ignite their already potent offense.	Dante Moore, Matayo Uiagalelei	TBD
7	Georgia	Rebuilding after significant losses, but never count out the Bulldogs.	Gunnar Stockton	TBD
8	Alabama	Nick Saban and a wealth of talent make them perennial contenders, but questions remain.	Caleb Downs, Justice Haynes	TBD
9	USC	Lincoln Riley’s offense is always dangerous, but can they navigate a tough schedule?	Malachi Nelson, Zachariah Branch	TBD
10	LSU	Returning talent and strong recruiting suggest a possible SEC title run.	Jayden Daniels, Harold Perkins Jr.	TBD
11	Tennessee	Maintaining momentum after a breakout season will be key.	Joe Milton III, Squirrel White	TBD
12	Washington	Michael Penix Jr.’s return gives them a chance to repeat their success.	Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze	TBD
13	Utah	Consistent performers in the Pac-12, aiming for another strong season.	Cam Rising, Brant Kuithe	TBD
14	Oklahoma	Rebuilding continues, but they have the potential to surprise.	Dillon Gabriel, Jackson Arnold	TBD
15	Michigan	Replacing key players is crucial for continued success.	J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum	TBD
16	Wisconsin	A new coaching staff and a strong running game could lead to a Big Ten West title.	Braelon Allen, Tanner Mordecai	TBD
17	Iowa	A stout defense is their trademark, but offensive improvement is needed.	Cade McNamara, Kaleb Johnson	TBD
18	UCLA	Replacing Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a major challenge.	Dante Moore, Ethan Garbers	TBD
19	Oklahoma State	A potent offense needs defensive support to contend in the Big 12.	TBD	TBD
20	Texas A&M	Can they finally live up to the hype in a loaded SEC West?	Conner Weigman, Evan Stewart	TBD
21	North Carolina	Drake Maye leads a potentially explosive offense, but defensive questions linger.	Drake Maye, British Brooks	TBD
22	Florida State	Continued improvement under Mike Norvell is expected.	Jordan Travis, Jared Verse	TBD
23	Ole Miss	Lane Kiffin’s offense will be exciting, but defensive improvement is crucial.	TBD	TBD
24	Arkansas	A strong running game needs a more balanced offensive attack.	TBD	TBD
25	Troy	A Group of Five powerhouse with New Year’s Six bowl aspirations.	TBD	TBD

The X-Factors: Transfers, Early Matchups, and Coaching Changes

The transfer portal continues to reshape college football. Players like Dante Moore moving to Oregon can have immediate impacts. Early season matchups, such as Texas vs. Ohio State, can set the tone for the entire year. Coaching changes, as seen at Wisconsin, introduce new dynamics and potential for improvement.

A Season of Uncertainty

These are just early projections. Injuries, breakouts, and coaching adjustments can drastically alter a team’s trajectory. The beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability. This way-too-early Top 25 provides a starting point, but the journey to the championship is paved with uncertainty. Buckle up for another exciting season!