Way-Too-Early Top 25 College Football Rankings for 2025
We’re still a few months from kickoff, but with spring practices wrapped and the transfer portal reshuffled, it’s the perfect time to look ahead. Here’s our projection for the Top 25 teams entering the 2025 college football season.
- Ohio State Buckeyes (2024: 14-2)
The defending champs are early favorites to repeat, though some are backing Penn State or Texas. Ohio State boasts arguably the best receiver in the nation in Jeremiah Smith and has star safety Caleb Downs leading the defense.
However, there are some legitimate question marks. Both coordinators (Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles) are gone, and several starters headed to the NFL. The biggest issue? Quarterback. With Will Howard out, the Buckeyes need to choose between five-star Alabama transfer Julian Sayin and Lincoln Keinholz. Spring didn’t offer clarity, and until that decision is made, their championship hopes hang in the balance.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions (2024: 13-3)
Drew Allar returns for his senior season alongside RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who combined for 2,200+ yards and 20 TDs in 2024.
The wild card is Penn State’s influx of wide receiver transfers. Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross, and Trebor Pena all bring potential, with Pena a breakout candidate after a strong season at Syracuse. If the new weapons mesh, Allar could be in for a huge year.
3. Texas Longhorns (2024: 13-3)
Arch Manning takes the reins in Austin. Rumor has it Texas pushed Quinn Ewers out to get Manning on the field before he could consider transferring. That move sets up the biggest question in the country: Can Arch live up to the hype?
Texas is loaded on defense, led by LB Anthony Hill Jr. and pass-rusher Colin Simmons. But Manning’s supporting cast on offense is unproven, and the offensive line took a hit with Kelvin Banks Jr. heading to the NFL.
4. Clemson Tigers (2024: 10-4)
Cade Klubnik returns for his third year as Clemson’s starter, and some project him as the top QB in the country. He’ll need to elevate a mediocre WR group once again.
Defensively, Clemson is elite. TJ Parker and Peter Woods are first-round talents anchoring the D-line. With that kind of support, Klubnik doesn’t need to be perfect – just better.
5. LSU Tigers (2024: 9-4)
This might be a slight reach, but LSU has serious upside. Garrett Nussmeier finally gets the keys to the offense, and he’s got help: Nic Anderson and Barrion Brown arrive via transfer, while Aaron Anderson looks to build on a 61-catch breakout season.
On defense, Harold Perkins Jr. is an athletic freak and Whit Weeks is as solid a linebacker as you’ll find. Add in transfer help from Patrick Payton (EDGE) and Mansoor Delane (DB), and LSU has all the tools—they just need to put it together.
- Georgia Bulldogs (2024: 11-3)
Carson Beck is off to Miami, leaving Gunner Stockton as the likely starter. He’s talented but unproven.
Georgia went hard in the portal for WR help, and while the defense loses key pieces to the draft, guys like KJ Bolden (S) and Christen Miller (DT) give the Dawgs a strong core. If Stockton settles in, they’ll contend.
- Oregon Ducks (2024: 13-1)
Dante Moore replaces Dillon Gabriel at QB, but the real difference-maker might be OT Isaiah World, a top-20 NFL prospect who will protect Moore and anchor the run game.
Defensively, All-American Matayo Uiagalelei leads a fearsome front. Oregon will run the ball and get after the QB, which should be a winning formula for this squad.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2024: 14-2)
RB Jeremiyah Love (15 TDs last year) is the focal point of the offense. Redshirt freshman CJ Carr likely takes over at QB, and he’ll benefit from Virginia transfer Malachi Fields, a massive target with soft hands.
Defensively, DB Leonard Moore will lead a unit looking to return to the CFP.
- Illinois Fighting Illini (2024: 10-3)
A bold pick, but Illinois returns nearly every starter from a strong 2024 team. That continuity could give them a huge early-season advantage.
QB Luke Altmeyer is a steady hand, and LB Gabe Jacas (8 sacks last year) is a beast on defense. They might not wow you, but they’ll win games.
- Miami Hurricanes (2024: 10-3)
Georgia transfer Carson Beck comes in to replace Cam Ward. He’s coming off a UCL injury, but Miami offers plenty of support, including OT Francis Mauigoa and DL Rueben Bain Jr., who could become one of the ACC’s best defenders.
New DC Corey Hetherman has plenty of tools to work with. If Beck returns to form, this team will be dangerous.
- Florida Gators (2024: 8-5)
Sophomore QB DJ Lagway might be the most dynamic player in college football. He’s surrounded by experience, with four O-line starters returning and RB Jadan Baugh in the backfield.
On defense, DL Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp give Florida strength up front. If Lagway hits, this team will skyrocket.
- South Carolina Gamecocks (2024: 9-4)
QB LaNorris Sellers could be the No. 1 overall draft pick next year. He’s that good. DE Dylan Stewart is equally elite on the other side of the ball.
Depth is a concern, but when you have the best player on each side of the ball, you have a chance every week.
- Alabama Crimson Tide (2024: 9-4)
The post-Saban era is off to a rocky start. Jalen Milroe is gone, and likely successor Ty Simpson is unproven. WR Ryan Williams must carry the passing game.
The defense still has talent. EDGE LT Overton and CB Domani Jackson are future pros. But overall, this program feels like it’s in flux.
- Michigan Wolverines (2024: 8-5)
QB is a question mark – freshman Bryce Underwood vs. injured Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Underwood has higher upside, but Keene is more experienced.
RB Justice Haynes transfers in from Alabama to bolster the run game, and the defense brings in several talented D-linemen via the portal. This season could be a bit of a mystery, but we’re betting on a return to the top tier of the Big Ten and a fighting chance for a playoff spot.
- BYU Cougars (2024: 11-2)
QB Jake Retzlaff and most of the skill players are back, but the O-line is a concern. The defense has holes too, especially with LB Harrison Taggart gone.
This is a good team, but not a great one without serious improvement in the trenches.
- Arizona State Sun Devils (2024: 11-3)
QB Sam Leavitt will try to take over star status from departed Mr. Everything Cam Skattebo. WR Jordyn Tyson’s return helps, but ASU needs more targets to emerge.
The defense is experienced and well-rounded, with S Xavion Alford leading a strong veteran unit. If the offense holds up, this team is dangerous.
- Kansas State Wildcats (2024: 9-4)
QB Avery Johnson returns with high expectations, and transfer RB Dylan Edwards brings big-play potential. The WR group got a boost via the portal.
LB Austin Romaine and DB VJ Payne return on defense, but questions remain on the D-line. This is a high-variance team.
- Iowa State Cyclones (2024: 11-3)
QB Rocco Becht returns, but must build chemistry with a new WR group. WRs Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend are the top candidates.
The D-line was rebuilt through the portal. Run defense was an issue in 2024, and Iowa State hopes the new faces fix that.
- Indiana Hoosiers (2024: 11-2)
Transfer QB Fernando Mendoza (Cal) joins forces with WR Jonathan Brady (also Cal), but the O-line is a mystery. It will need to click for this ranking to hold true.
Defensively, Indiana has some promising new pieces, including DL Dominique Ratcliff and DB Ryland Gandy. Success hinges on how fast they mesh.
- Louisville Cardinals (2024: 9-4)
USC transfer Miller Moss steps in at QB. He’s capable but unproven. RB Isaac Brown is the offensive centerpiece.
The defense has questions in the front four and secondary. If Brown can control the clock, Louisville could surprise.
- Ole Miss Rebels (2024: 10-3)
Jaxson Dart is gone, and Austin Simmons steps in. He’s talented but raw. There’s turnover at WR and questions on defense.
Lane Kiffin needs to prove he can reload quickly. If not, this team could slip out of the Top 25 fast.
- SMU Mustangs (2024: 11-3)
QB Kevin Jennings returns, but he’s lost his top three receivers. The offense has no identity right now.
Defensively, the Mustangs are relying on transfers like DJ Warner and Trey Wilson. If that doesn’t provide a quick fix, things could unravel.
- Oklahoma Sooners (2024: 6-7)
After a disastrous SEC debut, Brent Venables brought in QB John Mateer (Wazzu) and OC Ben Arbuckle.
The defense returns plenty of starters, but that might not be a good thing. This team is a wait-and-see, but Mateer could be bringing something special to Norman.
- Tennessee Volunteers (2024: 10-3)
Joey Aguilar (UCLA) takes over at QB. The O-line is shaky, and the WR room is gutted.
There’s talent on defense, but not enough to carry a struggling offense. Tennessee is rebuilding.
- Texas A&M Aggies (2024: 8-5)
QB Marcel Reed is back, and RB Le’Veon Moss is a difference-maker. The offense should be solid.
But the defense took a huge hit with multiple NFL departures. This team has Top 15 potential – or could finish unranked.
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1 Comment
by Bill Sanders
Great breakdown Tyler but I think you are forgetting a team up here in the Northwest! Go Dawgs!