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Countdown to College Football: Preseason Rankings and Top Contenders

8/14/2025
As college football season approaches, excitement builds with the release of the 2025 preseason rankings. Discover which teams are primed for success and who holds the top spots ahead of the kickoff!
Countdown to College Football: Preseason Rankings and Top Contenders
Get ready for the 2025 college football season! Check out the latest preseason rankings and see which teams are expected to dominate the field this year.

Countdown to the 2025 College Football Season

As college football fans eagerly await the kickoff, Saturday marks exactly one week until the start of the 2025 college football season. The regular season officially kicks off at 12 PM ET on August 23 from Dublin, Ireland. In the spotlight, No. 17 Kansas State will face off against No. 22 Iowa State in a thrilling Top 25 matchup that could have significant implications for the Big 12 Conference. This highly anticipated game will be broadcast live on ESPN, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Preseason Rankings Heat Up

The excitement extends beyond the field, as ranking season continues to generate buzz. The Associated Press recently released its 2025 Preseason Top 25 Poll, naming Texas the nation’s consensus No. 1 team. This designation aligns with the findings of USA Today’s Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll, which also crowned the Longhorns as the top-rated program heading into the new season.

Not all rankings are created equal, however. ESPN provided a unique perspective with the release of its final 2025 Preseason SP+ Rankings. This ranking system, created by Bill Connelly, uses an analytically derived method that adjusts for tempo and opponent strength, focusing on the sustainability and predictability of football performance rather than past resumes.

ESPN's Final Preseason SP+ Rankings

Here’s a closer look at the top teams in ESPN’s final Preseason SP+ rankings ahead of the 2025 college football season:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (26.1)

The reigning College Football Playoff national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, claim the No. 1 position in ESPN’s SP+ rankings with an average projected win total of 10.0. The Buckeyes are anticipated to have the No. 3 defense and No. 8 offense, despite losing key players from last year’s championship roster. With standout sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and top junior safety Caleb Downs returning, Ohio State's potential hinges on finding a reliable starting quarterback, either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (25.5)

Following closely is the Alabama Crimson Tide, sitting at No. 2 in the SP+ rankings, despite a challenging previous season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Alabama is projected to achieve 9.4 wins in 2025, bolstered by a strong offense expected to average 39.3 points per game. With key defensive players returning, including fifth-year linebackers Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson, Alabama is positioned for a strong season.

3. Georgia Bulldogs (24.2)

The Georgia Bulldogs, reigning SEC champions, secure the No. 3 spot with a projected win total of 9.3. They boast the nation’s top-ranked special teams and a formidable defense expected to allow just 13.5 points per game. However, the transition to junior quarterback Gunner Stockton presents a challenge, especially after the departure of two-year starter Carson Beck.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions (24.2)

Just behind Georgia are the Penn State Nittany Lions, who nearly clinched the top spot in the AP Preseason Poll. With a projected win total of 10.0, Penn State features the nation’s fourth-best offense, led by seasoned players like senior quarterback Drew Allar and a powerful running back duo, Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.

5. Texas Longhorns (23.1)

Despite being ranked as the consensus No. 1 team by both the AP and USA Today, the Texas Longhorns fall to No. 5 in the SP+ rankings. Transitioning to new quarterback Arch Manning, the Longhorns will need to prove their offensive capabilities, especially given their second-best defense, which includes potential first-round draft picks.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (22.0)

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, last season's national runner-ups, rank just outside the Top 5 with a projected win total of 9.8. While they boast a strong defense expected to allow only 14.8 points per game, questions remain about their overall strength of schedule.

7. Oregon Ducks (22.0)

Completing the list of top contenders, the Oregon Ducks finished their inaugural Big Ten season undefeated. With a projected win total of 9.6, Oregon's success will largely depend on their powerful offense, led by former five-star quarterback Dante Moore.

8. Michigan Wolverines (20.9)

The Michigan Wolverines are expected to bounce back after a challenging first season under head coach Sherrone Moore, with projections indicating they could have the nation’s best defense.

9. Ole Miss Rebels (20.7)

With a projected win total of 9.0, the Ole Miss Rebels are looking to improve their performance this season, featuring a revamped roster and a new starting quarterback.

10. Clemson Tigers (20.2)

Finally, the Clemson Tigers, reigning ACC champions, are set to compete for another conference title and national championship, thanks to a strong roster led by senior quarterback Cade Klubnik.

As the countdown to the 2025 college football season continues, fans can look forward to a thrilling lineup of games and fierce competition among the nation's top programs.

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