College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025

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College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025

Steven Lassan · Athlon Sports

Thu, May 22, 2025 ·

22 min read

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The 2025 college football season officially kicks off in late August, but it's never too early to project the top 25 teams for the upcoming year. With the transfer portal closed and nearly all roster movement completed for '25, all 136 teams have a clear outlook on strengths, weaknesses, and schedule difficulty for the upcoming season.

With the College Football Preview Guide on newsstands now, Athlon Sports is unveiling its top 25, predictions, and projections for the upcoming season over the next few weeks. The top 25 teams in this list is a projection on how they will finish at the end of '25 - not how they start the year.

The Big Ten has claimed the last two national championships, but Athlon Sports projects a return to the top of college football by the SEC with Texas winning it all in '25. The Longhorns are a slight favorite over a crowded group of contenders that includes Penn State, Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson, Notre Dame, LSU, Alabama, and Oregon.

With more news to potentially analyze this offseason, this projection and prediction on the top 25 teams could look different by August. However, with the release of the Athlon Sports College Football Preview Guide, these are the projected Top 25 for next season:

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Ranking College Football's Top 25 Teams for 2025

Texas quarterback Arch Manning © Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

1. Texas

It's Arch Manning 's time at Texas. After waiting two years behind Quinn Ewers , Manning assumes full control of head coach Steve Sarkisian's offense. No player has had more hype or anticipation in recent seasons than Manning, but the sophomore is poised to meet the moment.

Aiding Manning's debut is a roster that Sarkisian has stocked with elite talent and lacks a glaring weakness. The offensive line will be under construction early in '25, but assistant Kyle Flood should have this group ready for the Week 1 showdown at Ohio State. The Longhorns are counting on a couple of transfers, along with the development of sophomore Ryan Wingo, to boost a receiving corps losing three key weapons. CJ Baxter returns from a season-ending knee injury to join Quintrevion Wisner in a deep stable of running backs.

There are a few question marks on defense, but Sarkisian and coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski bolstered the line through the portal, and end Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill are among the nation's top returning defenders. The secondary will miss NFL first-round pick Jahdae Barron , but cornerback Malik Muhammad is the next star.

If Manning meets the hype, and the offensive line and defensive holes are filled as expected, the Longhorns will bring a national title back to the Forty Acres for the first time since 2005.

2. Penn State

If the Nittany Lions are going to break through under head coach James Franklin, the 2025 season is their best opportunity. A team that fell just short of a trip to the national title game is stocked with experience. And Penn State's stoutest competitors in the Big Ten — Ohio State, Oregon and Michigan — are rebuilding in '25.

Quarterback Drew Allar passed on the NFL, and three transfer additions — Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson — upgrade the receiving corps and alleviate the loss of tight end Tyler Warren to the NFL. Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen also passed on the next level to chase a national title, a goal made easier with a stalwart offensive line returning.

The Nittany Lions owned one of the nation's top defenses last season, holding teams to 16.5 points per game. But this unit could be even better in '25, as veteran play-caller Jim Knowles left the archrival Buckeyes to take over defensive coordinator duties in Happy Valley.

An experienced roster held together through offseason roster retention paid off for Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in '24 to win national titles. The Nittany Lions could be the next team to fit that mold.

3. Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah SmithAdam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Matching last year's four-game playoff run and national championship is a tall order for head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes had 14 players selected in the NFL Draft and have new play-callers on both sides of the ball. Day handed offensive play-calling duties to Brian Hartline , while former NFL head coach Matt Patricia has taken over the defensive responsibilities. Despite all of the turnover, the upside for this team is obvious.

Former 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin takes control of Day's high-powered offense, with a Heisman candidate — and arguably the best returning player in college football — in receiver Jeremiah Smith leading the way on the outside. West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson arrives to alleviate the loss of the 1-2 punch of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson at running back.

Safety Caleb Downs headlines a defense returning only three starters, one that left spring with concerns in the trenches and doubts about overall depth. Linebacker Sonny Styles is another stalwart for Patricia to build around on the defensive front.

Key games against Texas and Penn State are in Columbus, but the annual showdown against Michigan is on the road.

4. Georgia

Kirby Smart's Bulldogs enter 2025 with more preseason question marks than the program has experienced in recent years. But as always in Athens, talent and the next wave of superstars aren't in short supply.

New quarterback Gunner Stockton gained valuable experience in a Sugar Bowl start against Notre Dame, and the arrival of Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (USC) bolstered a receiving corps that was inconsistent in '24. The Bulldogs uncharacteristically struggled to run the ball last year and return only one starter up front. Talent isn't lacking in the trenches and this unit could be one of the best in the SEC by the end of '25. Expect sophomore running back Nate Frazier to deliver a breakout season.

Georgia's usually stout defense is also in transition with key losses at every level. Up front, junior Christen Miller and linebacker CJ Allen headline the key returners for Smart's group. And in the secondary, cornerback Daylen Everette and safety KJ Bolden are poised to rank among the nation's best at their respective positions.

How quickly Smart and his staff develop Stockton and all of the promising young players on both sides of the ball will decide how high Georgia can climb in '25.

5. Clemson

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Any doubts surrounding Clemson's ability to win at a high level in the transfer portal era were answered in '24. The Tigers won the ACC championship and returned to the playoff after a three-year absence. Not only is Dabo Swinney's program a heavy favorite to win the ACC again, but another national title is also within reach.

Cade Klubnik developed into one of the nation's top quarterbacks last year, with receivers Bryant Wesco and Antonio Williams filling Clemson's need for more big-play ability. True freshman Gideon Davidson could be a breakout star at running back. The Tigers also return four starters up front.

The defense has regressed since Brent Venables left for Oklahoma. However, Swinney is hoping for improvement under new coordinator Tom Allen, who was previously at Penn State. This unit is loaded with talent at all three levels, starting up front with standouts TJ Parker and Peter Woods anchoring the line.

With 14 returning starters and an upgraded defense, the Tigers have all of the necessary pieces to return to the top tier of college football.

6. Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish got a taste of high-level success last season with a trip to the national championship game. Now, the next mission is simple: bring a title back to South Bend.

Coach Marcus Freeman's team is poised for another deep run this fall and can hoist the big trophy if unproven quarterback CJ Carr delivers on his 5-star hype. But Notre Dame won't have to lean on Carr to win games, thanks to a rushing attack powered by Heisman candidate Jeremiyah Love and an offensive line that ranks among the best in college football. The Fighting Irish also have an improving receiving corps thanks to the emergence of Jaden Greathouse in the College Football Playoff and the arrival of Malachi Fields (Virginia) from the transfer portal.

New defensive coordinator Chris Ash has holes to fill with only five returning starters. One of those, though, is shutdown corner Leonard Moore, who returns to anchor the secondary, and there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings.

A road trip to Miami (Fla.) is a tough way to start '25, but Notre Dame could be favored in its other 11 contests.

7. LSU

LSU quarterback Garrett NussmeierMaria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Entering a crucial fourth year in charge, head coach Brian Kelly has all of the pieces aligned for a deep playoff run. Roster retention was an offseason priority, and the Tigers spent millions to sign the SEC's best transfer class.

Included in that haul was help for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at receiver and along the offensive line. Nussmeier ranks among the SEC's top signal-callers for '25 and should be even better in his second season as the starter after throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Transfers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky) join Aaron Anderson and Chris Hilton to form a deep group of playmakers at receiver. The emergence of running back Caden Durham should bring more balance to this offense.

In addition to the portal additions on offense, LSU landed impact players on the defensive line and the secondary. Standout linebacker Whit Weeks is on track to return to full strength following a significant leg injury suffered in the Texas Bowl win over Baylor. The Bayou Bengals hope the combination of improved personnel and the second year under defensive coordinator Blake Baker will transform a unit that has slipped from the top of the SEC.

LSU opens with a monster showdown at Clemson but plays swing games against Florida, South Carolina and Texas A&M at home.

8. Alabama

Last season's nine wins in Kalen DeBoer's debut were a notch below the standard at Alabama. However, DeBoer took steps with roster retention, portal additions and coaching moves to return the Crimson Tide to the playoff.

A defense that held teams to 17.4 points per game last year will be stingy again with seven returning starters. Led by cornerback Domani Jackson and safety Keon Sabb , Alabama could have the No. 1 secondary in college football this season. Replacing standout edge rusher Jihaad Campbell is the biggest priority for coordinator Kane Wommack.

Despite losing quarterback Jalen Milroe , the offense could improve in '25. Longtime DeBoer assistant Ryan Grubb takes over as offensive coordinator and will oversee a three-man quarterback battle with Ty Simpson in the lead after spring practice. Wide receiver Ryan Williams is back after a dynamic freshman season, while three returning starters anchor a standout offensive line.

9. Oregon

Only six starters return from last season's team that earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Dan Lanning's program has major retooling to do on both sides of the ball, but the Ducks should remain in contention for the Big Ten title.

New quarterback Dante Moore is ready to direct Oregon's high-powered attack after sitting behind Dillon Gabriel last year. Lanning restocked Moore's supporting cast through the portal, including top pickups in offensive lineman Isaiah World (Nevada) and running back Makhi Hughes (Tulane). Evan Stewart and touted true freshman Dakorien Moore provide a standout duo in the receiving corps

With the defensive line and secondary in rebuild mode, Oregon will need Moore and the offense to carry this team early in '25.

A road trip to Penn State on Sept. 27 is an opportunity to see how far along the Ducks are in the reloading process.

10. Miami

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Hurricanes won the offseason thanks to the arrival of another standout recruiting class, along with a transfer portal haul that addressed several weaknesses.

The biggest acquisition was Georgia's Carson Beck to replace No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Cam Ward at quarterback. Beck suffered a significant elbow injury in the SEC Championship Game but is on track to return for the opener. With a young receiving corps, Miami may need to lean on its offensive line and ground game led by a deep stable of running backs to carry the team early on. Expect the arrival of transfers CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU), and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati) to ease the transition to the younger receivers for Beck.

Improving the defense was head coach Mario Cristobal's biggest offseason priority. New coordinator Corey Hetherman directed one of the Big Ten's top defenses at Minnesota, and transfer reinforcements are coming to bolster a leaky secondary. Additionally, standout defensive end Rueben Bain is back to full strength after playing in nine games due to injury in '24.

11. Florida

The Gators have momentum after ending 2024 on a four-game winning streak. The late surge helped ease the pressure on head coach Billy Napier, especially with quarterback DJ Lagway's emergence into superstar status.

However, the Gators will be holding their breath all offseason after Lagway was limited in spring practice due to a shoulder injury. Center Jake Slaughter is back to anchor one of the SEC's top lines, and Lagway has plenty of support at the skill spots with running back Jadan Baugh and receiver Eugene Wilson III.

After a slow start, Florida's defense improved late in the year and held its last four opponents to 13 points per contest.

The Gators could play seven preseason Top 25 teams on a daunting schedule. Lagway's recovery and development will shape just how successful the '25 season will be.

12. South Carolina

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers© Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

The emergence of quarterback LaNorris Sellers in the second half of 2024 carried South Carolina to the doorstep of the College Football Playoff. For the Gamecocks to take the next step, Sellers will have to be even better after the departure of running back Rocket Sanders and three starters on the offensive line. Additionally, coach Shane Beamer's squad needs more consistency from its receiving corps to help Sellers reach his potential.

South Carolina's defense is also retooling some at every level, but end Dylan Stewart returns after a standout freshman debut. The Gamecocks suffered heavy losses at defensive tackle and linebacker. Safety Nick Emmanwori is also off to the NFL.

Road games against LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M will make or break the Gamecocks' 25 season.

13. Kansas State

The Wildcats have won at least nine games in each of the past three seasons and have the pieces in place to return to the top of the Big 12 for the first time since '22.

Head coach Chris Klieman's offense is powered by dynamic quarterback Avery Johnson, with big-play threat Dylan Edwards taking over for DJ Giddens at running back. The Wildcats must break in three new starters along the offensive line.

Kansas State's defense has holes to fill in the secondary, but the front is loaded with depth and experience. Linebacker Austin Romaine returns to anchor a unit that ranked second in the Big 12 against the run and limited opponents to 5.3 yards a snap last year.

The schedule includes a Big 12 season-opening showdown in Ireland against Iowa State, along with road games at Utah, Kansas and Baylor.

14. Arizona State

Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Sun Devils exceeded all preseason expectations in 2024 with a Big 12 championship and a near-upset of Texas in the Peach Bowl playoff quarterfinal. Repeating as the champion of the wide-open Big 12 won't be easy, but head coach Kenny Dillingham's team returns the most starters (16) (and arguably the best setup of any team) in the conference.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt and receiver Jordyn Tyson are back, with a committee of backs slated to fill the void left by All-American Cam Skattebo.

A defense that held teams to 22.6 points a game last year could be even better this fall.

The only downside for Arizona State is a road schedule featuring games at Baylor, Utah and Iowa State.

15. Michigan

After closing out the 2024 season with wins over Ohio State and Alabama, along with the commitment of 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, second-year coach Sherrone Moore has Michigan back on track.

If Underwood develops as expected, a return to the College Football Playoff is within reach. But the freshman won't have to carry this team. The backfield features a promising one-two punch of Jordan Marshall and Justice Hayes, while optimism is high for an improved offensive line. Developing playmakers at receiver is crucial for new coordinator Chip Lindsey.

The Wolverines bring back six starters from a standout defense. Safety Rod Moore is slated to return after missing all of '24 due to a knee injury, and edge rusher Derrick Moore is among the Big Ten's top returning linemen.

The schedule breaks in Michigan's favor. Ohio State comes to Ann Arbor, and Moore's team won't play Oregon or Penn State.

16. Indiana

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Making another trip to the playoff against a tougher schedule won't be easy. But the Hoosiers have staying power with transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza in control of head coach Curt Cignetti's high-powered offense. Mendoza will be throwing to an underrated group of receivers that includes Elijah Sarratt (957 receiving yards in '24) and Omar Cooper (21.2 yards per catch last year).

All-America defensive end Mikail Kamara leads a defense that limited teams to 4.3 yards a play in '24. He's joined by linebacker Aiden Fisher at the second level, with lockdown corner D'Angelo Ponds back in the secondary.

17. Illinois

The Fighting Illini return 16 starters from a squad that quietly won 10 games last year. If coach Bret Bielema's team is able to find answers for a couple of preseason question marks, Illinois can contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer and a strong offensive line are back to headline an offense that averaged 28.3 points a game last season. Despite losing Josh McCray (609 yards) as a transfer to Georgia, the backfield is in great shape with the return of Aidan Laughery (589) and Kaden Feagin (306). Finding replacements for receivers Pat Bryant (984 yards) and Zakhari Franklin (652) is Bielema's top priority.

Improving a line that ranked 14th in the Big Ten against the run is a must if the Fighting Illini want to contend for a playoff spot. The secondary should rank among the best in the conference, while linebacker Gabe Jacas (13 TFL in '24) will create plenty of havoc off the edge.

18. Ole Miss

Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Just four starters are back, but optimism is high in Oxford.

Quarterback Austin Simmons is a rising star, and head coach Lane Kiffin once again dipped into the portal for instant help all over the offense. A revamped line is arguably the biggest concern on this side of the ball, but receiver Tre Harris will be missed.

Ole Miss has made significant progress on defense under coordinator Pete Golding. Continuing that trend in '25 won't be easy with just two returning starters, but a solid foundation is still in place thanks to Kiffin's work in the portal.

The schedule is backloaded, giving Kiffin time to find the right answers.

19. Texas A&M

The Aggies ended head coach Mike Elko's debut season with four losses over the final five games.

However, Elko took steps to address last year's short-comings by taking on a larger role on defense. Replacing three standouts in the trenches - Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner - is one of the offseason's biggest question marks in College Station. Additionally, the Aggies must improve against the pass after a shaky '24 season.

Adding playmakers to aid in the development of quarterback Marcel Reed was a top offseason priority for Elko. The arrival of Kevin Concepcion (NC State) and Mario Craver (Mississippi State) check the box for two talented playmakers to deploy under coordinator Collin Klein. With a standout offensive line and ground game in place, how Reed performs holds the keys to A&M's '25 season.

20. Oklahoma

Oklahoma QB John Mateer© NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After injuries wrecked Oklahoma's offense last season, the arrival of a new play-caller (Ben Arbuckle) and quarterback (John Mateer) from Washington State should provide a much-needed spark. A healthy year from receiver Deion Burks gives Mateer a clear No. 1 target, and transfer Jaydn Ott (California) is a dynamic addition to the backfield. The Sooners need the line to take a big step forward for this offense to take off in '25.

Head coach Brent Venables took over play-calling duties for a defense returning six starters. Standout linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman will be missed. However, the Sooners should have one of the SEC's top defensive lines with R Mason Thomas, Damonic Williams, and Jayden Jackson back to anchor the trenches.

21. Tennessee

The Volunteers' hopes of a return to the playoff took a hit when quarterback Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA. Former Appalachian State/UCLA signal-caller Joey Aguilar arrived in Knoxville after spring practice to replace Iamaleava. He will be pushed by Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre. In addition to breaking in a new quarterback, coach Josh Heupel's squad must replace running back Dylan Sampson, identify a couple of playmakers at receiver, and restock a line returning only one starter.

Tennessee's defense held teams to 16.1 points a game last year and should be solid once again despite losing edge rusher James Pearce. Top cornerback Jermod McCoy is on the mend after suffering a torn ACL in January.

Although Tennessee has question marks, the schedule is manageable. Outside of road games at Alabama and Florida, along with the showdown against Georgia in Knoxville, the Volunteers should be favored in the rest of their matchups in '25.

22. Texas Tech

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton© Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Thanks to an NIL war chest, Texas Tech landed arguably the nation's best transfer portal class to close the gap to the top of the Big 12. Included in that haul were several additions to improve a struggling defense, including edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height, along with Lee Hunter to bolster the interior. Also, head coach Joey McGuire hired coordinator Shiel Wood away from Big 12 rival Houston to fix this unit.

As always, expect the Red Raiders to score plenty of points. Quarterback Behren Morton is expected to be at full strength this fall following offseason shoulder surgery. He should also have an improved offensive line to work behind thanks to McGuire's work in the portal. Running back Tahj Brooks will be missed.

23. Iowa State

Quarterback Rocco Becht is back, but Iowa State must replace receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. East Carolina transfer Chase Sowell (19.9 yards per catch in '24) was a key addition from the portal to restock the weapons around Becht.

The Cyclones are usually one of the top defensive teams in the Big 12. But last season, this unit slipped a bit, ranking 15th in the conference against the run and 6.1 yards per play to conference opponents. Injuries to the linebacker unit were a key reason for the regression. Coordinator Jon Heacock has holes to fill at every level but should get this unit back on track in '25.

The schedule is favorable; BYU, Arizona State and Kansas all come to Ames.

24. SMU

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

SMU has plenty of staying power in the ACC. However, a return trip to the College Football Playoff won't be easy in '25.

Not only do the Mustangs have a tougher schedule, but a defense that limited teams to 22.1 points a game returns only two starters.

Dynamic quarterback Kevin Jennings is back to lead the offense. Tight end RJ Maryland's return from injury helps to alleviate the loss of running back Brashard Smith and a couple of key weapons at receiver.

25. Boise State

Running back Ashton Jeanty will be missed, but quarterback Maddux Madsen's return ensures that the Broncos are still the team to beat in the Group of 5. Although Jeanty's production and overall value to the team is tough to replace, Sire Gaines and Fresno State transfer Malik Sherrod is still a potent one-two punch in the backfield.

Coach Spencer Danielson returns six starters off a defense that allowed only 22.6 points a game last year. Edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan (10 sacks) is a force off the edge, and tackle Braxton Fely's return after entering the spring transfer portal is huge for the rush defense.

Showdowns versus South Florida and Notre Dame loom large.

The Next Tier

Auburn
Baylor
BYU
Georgia Tech
Iowa
Kansas
Louisville
Missouri
Nebraska
TCU
USC
Utah
Washington

College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025 first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025

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