Way-too-early 2025 college football Top 25: Ohio State leads, SEC and Big Ten dominate

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Way-too-early 2025 college football Top 25: Ohio State leads, SEC and Big Ten dominate

Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Wed, Jan 22, 2025 ·

13 min read

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The book on the 2024 college football season is officially closed with Ohio State taking home a national championship with a defeat of Notre Dame in the national championship game. So it's time to start looking ahead to which teams will be fighting it out for a title next fall.

Ohio State comes in ahead of the best the SEC has to offer and Big Ten rival Penn State to lead the way in the USA TODAY Sports way-too-early Top 25 for the 2025 season.

The No. 1 Buckeyes have to replace quarterback Will Howard but will be able to surround the new starter with an elite collection of skill talent headlined by star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Coming in just behind Ohio State is No. 2 Texas. The Longhorns are set to embark on the highly anticipated Arch Manning era. Rounding out the top five are No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Penn State and No. 5 Georgia. The Crimson Tide are poised for a rebound in coach Kalen DeBoer's second season.

Notre Dame comes in at No. 8 due to some uncertainty at quarterback. But a schedule devoid of any major contenders should keep the Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff mix.

The early Top 25 is dominated by the SEC and Big Ten. The two leagues have 14 teams in our rankings, including all of the top six.

The two Group of Five teams represented come from the Mountain West in No. 21 Boise State and No. 23 UNLV.

1. Ohio State (14-2)

The Buckeyes are ready to reload and make another run at the national title. QB Julian Sayin is projected to replace Will Howard and throw to what will again be an elite WR room. The defense will need to be almost completely rebuilt, which is a definite concern despite the way Ohio State has recruited the position. But there are building blocks on every level of the defense and one of the nation's best overall players in DB Caleb Downs. The opener at home against Texas will be one of the biggest games of the year.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first-down catch against Oregon during the 2025 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

2. Texas (13-3)

It's officially the Arch Manning era in Austin with Quinn Ewers off to the NFL. Expectations will be unrealistic, and the reality is that Manning has limited game experience against SEC competition. Complicating matters are some major concerns at receiver and the offensive line and defensive line. But this is a team full of talent compiled through strong recruiting classes and targeted transfers. Look for Ryan Wingo to emerge as Manning's top target and for the defense to be led by LB Anthony Hill and DL Colin Simmons.

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3. Alabama (9-4)

This is Alabama and Kalen DeBoer is under pressure after an inaugural season with four losses and the departure of quarterback Jalen Milroe . Ty Simpson is the expected replacement, and the skill positions look to be well-stocked with WR Ryan Williams likely to have more impact in his sophomore season. LB Deontae Lawson should be the anchor of a strong defense that has depth in the front seven and key returners in the secondary. This might be the best team in the SEC by the end of the season.

4. Penn State (13-3)

In QB Drew Allar and RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen , three linchpins of the Nittany Lions' offense are set to return. Penn State will lose star TE Tyler Warren, though, and need some major help at wide receiver. Defensively, the Nittany Lions lose edge rusher Abdul Carter but return senior Dani Dennis-Sutton , a likely preseason All-America pick. The expectations are that Penn State will again be right near the top of the Big Ten and in the College Football Playoff.

5. Georgia (11-3)

It was a surprising step back this season for the Bulldogs due to struggles on offense and some uncharacteristic stumbles on defense. Gunner Stockton looks set to be a solid starter at quarterback if talent around him raises its performance. Georgia added Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (Southern California) to boost the receiving room. The defense, per usual, loses significant players to the NFL but will reload behind LB CJ Allen and DB Daylen Everette. The Bulldogs won't be as dominant as their title teams but they're still good enough to make a run at a championship.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton drops back to pass against Notre Dame during the 2025 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

6. LSU (9-4)

The return of Garrett Nussmeier gives the Tigers one of the best quarterbacks in the country and was the first step in getting the Tigers into the playoff mix. Brian Kelly then went to the transfer portal to address needs at key areas. Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barrion Brown (Kentucky) arrive at wide receiver and the offensive line got some key additions. The gem addition on defense is pass rusher Patrick Payton (Florida State), but there is also help coming to the secondary. There will be no excuses for Kelly this season.

7. Clemson (10-4)

The defending ACC champions will be expected to repeat in 2025 and go even deeper into the playoff. The offense will be led by veteran quarterback Cade Klubnik and an up-and-coming receiver corps. But RB is a question mark after projected starter Jay Haynes tore his ACL in the ACC title game. Defensively, look for Clemson to rebound under new coordinator Tom Allen after falling to ninth in the ACC in yards allowed per play this past season. The pieces are in place for a run at the national tile.

8. Notre Dame (14-2)

The Irish have clearly arrived under Marcus Freeman. The first question is at QB, where Freeman could tap backup Steve Angeli or roll the dice on youngster CJ Carr. Either QB will get to play in front of top RBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The OL will benefit from the injuries that caused some in-season shakeups this past year, though the group's effectiveness may come down to how young OT Charles Jagusah takes to the blind side. The schedule is once again pretty friendly, with road games against Miami and Arkansas but Texas A&M, Boise State and USC at home.

9. Tennessee (10-3)

Nico Iamaleava's season was what one would expect from a young, heralded quarterback in his first season as a starter. There were growing pains and some highlight moments. The hope is there is more of the latter and less of the former in his third season with the program. Some reinforcements are needed at running back, receiver and offensive line to support him. The Volunteers should again be stingy on defense with LBs Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander returning and DB Jermad McCoy hopefully recovered from an offseason knee injury.

10. Arizona State (11-3)

Only a questionable targeting no-call and fourth-and-13 conversion kept the Sun Devils from the playoff semifinals. It was simply a remarkable campaign that has Kenny Dillingham looking to build on the surprising success that included a Big 12 title. While RB Cam Skattebo departs, QB Sam Levitt is ready to assume more control on the offense. Getting back WR Jordyn Tyson to full health will be critical after a knee injury ended his season prematurely. The defense has all-conference picks Xavion Alford and C.J. Fife to anchor the unit.

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) tries to avoid the tackle attempt by Brigham Young safety Raider Damuni (3) during the first half at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Nov. 23, 2024.

11. Oregon (13-1)

The defending Big Ten champs will have a new QB in former UCLA transfer Dante Moore . The offense will benefit from big transfers such as RB Makhi Hughes (Tulane) and OTs Isaiah World (Nevada) and Alex Harkey (Texas State). WR Evan Stewart is ready to be the Ducks' No. 1 target. Oregon's defense will be very strong in the secondary but does have new pieces to insert on the DL, including Southern California transfer Bear Alexander and rising junior A'Mauri Washington.

12. Florida (8-5)

There's going to be a lot of hype for the Gators after their strong finish in 2024. It's also mindful to pump the brakes and not get too high on their prospects. Momentum doesn't always carry over. That said, there are enough pieces to push for a place among the upper third of the league with QB DJ Lagway expected to improve in his sophomore season. RB Jadan Baugh will carry the running game. The defense made major strides in the second half of the season and will be led by linemen Tyreak Sapp and Caleb Banks.

13. Illinois (10-3)

Eighteen returning starters from a 10-win squad will make 2025 one of the program's most anticipated seasons in years. Whether Illinois contends for the playoff may come down to whether it can rebuild at WR without this season's top two targets and find new starters to replace three seniors on the DL. With QB Luke Altmyer back to lead the offense, an experienced OL, all-conference LBs and a very strong secondary, the Illini have a friendly schedule and are going to be a tough out in a tough Big Ten.

14. South Carolina (9-4)

The Gamecocks may have been the best team in the SEC at the end of the season, so pushing for the College Football Playoff in 2025 seems like a realistic goal. QB LaNorris Sellers showed significant progress in his first year as a starter and should be among the best at his position in the SEC. With significant returns at receiver, the offense should be more balanced and allow Sellers to showcase his throwing ability. The defense had significant losses that will require retooling, but Dylan Stewart should push for double-digit sacks as a sophomore.

15. Kansas State (9-4)

The Wildcats are looking for QB Avery Johnson to take a big step in his second season as the starter after some bumps in the road paired with some brilliant play. More consistency should make the offense better with RB Dylan Edwards ready to carry the ground attack and Jayce Brown one of the top receivers in the Big 12. LB Austin Romaine and DB VJ Payne, the team's top two tacklers, return for a defense that gets back to a level good enough to compete for the conference championship.

16. Miami (10-3)

There's a lot that hinges on the availability of Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck , who was injured in the SEC title game and may not be able to throw until after spring ball. On paper, though, Miami's talent level will have it ready to rival Clemson in the ACC if Beck is healthy. The strong points are a terrific OL, a deep stable of RBs and a reworked defensive backfield. But the Hurricanes need to identify production at WR and have to get the most out of a young DL.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) runs the ball against Tennessee during their 2023 game at Neyland Stadium.

17. Brigham Young (11-2)

If how you finish impacts how you start next season then the Cougars should again be in the playoff mix after blowing away Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Jake Retzlaff is back for his second full season starting at quarterback and will lead an offense that should be among the best in the Big 12 with quality depth at running back and receiver. The key area to address is the defensive line, which lost several key contributors. But there's strength in the back of the unit to be good enough to push for double-digit wins again.

18. Michigan (8-5)

If the home stretch of the 2024 season is to be believed, Michigan is poised to reclaim its place as one of the top teams in the Big Ten. One reason for optimism is the clear upgrade at QB, whether it's Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene or five-star freshman Bryce Underwood under center. The Wolverines should be strong on both lines even as the defensive front loses a star in tackle Mason Graham . Michigan still needs to find playmakers at WR to raise its offense to a level needed to be Big Ten contenders.

19. SMU (11-3)

The Mustangs will still be one of the favorites in the ACC but won't sneak up on anyone in 2025. QB Kevin Jennings will be a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite after his breakout 2024 season. The OL and secondary look strong but there are depth concerns at WR and on the DL. SMU gets Miami at home but whether it can be a playoff factor hinges on road games against TCU and Clemson.

20. Iowa State (11-3)

In any other year, the Cyclones would have been the story of the Big 12 but were overshadowed by the emergence of Arizona State, BYU and Colorado. Still, they put up a school-record 11 wins and look to contend for a playoff berth in a conference race that should be wide open. QB Rocco Becht will be at the forefront of things, though he loses his top two receivers. Matt Campbell was aggressive in the portal to deal with those losses and address other areas. The defense, notably, must get better stopping the run to stay in contention.

21. Boise State (12-2)

There's just no way the Broncos replace running back Ashton Jeanty, though the offense could try a by-committee approach to match his impact during a brilliant 2024 season. Boise will also need to retool at wide receiver to help returning quarterback Maddux Madsen. But the OL and DL will help the Broncos control the line of scrimmage and the schedule has fellow Mountain West contenders Colorado State, Fresno State and UNLV at home.

22. Nebraska (7-6)

After making a two-win leap into bowl play in Matt Rhule's second season, the Cornhuskers are prepared to move into Top 25 territory behind sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola and a very strong transfer class. Nebraska will also benefit from an entire offseason under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. There's still a talent gap between Nebraska and the best of the Big Ten, but this is a team and program ready for the next step.

23. UNLV (11-3)

UNLV looks to build on a great two-year run with Barry Odom under new coach Dan Mullen. The Rebels have been very active in the portal, where they've signed maybe the best class in the Group of Five. To get to the top of the Mountain West and reach the CFP, Mullen has to get the most out of Michigan QB transfer Alex Orji and rebuild at WR around several Power Four transfers. The defense played very well down the stretch of 2024 and looks to build on that strong close.

24. Mississippi (10-3)

The Rebels are always going to have a lot of incomings and outgoings with Lane Kiffin using the transfer portal so prominently in his roster building. The first order of business is the change at quarterback with Austin Simmons taking over. The heralded recruit flashed against Georgia and brings a different dimension to the offense. Running back, wide receiver and offensive line also need rebuilding. The story is the same with the defense. LB Suntarine Perkins, who notched 10½ sacks, is one key holdover. There will be growing pains but time to sort things out with a home schedule that has eight home games.

25. Louisville (9-4)

Southern California transfer Miller Moss joins an experienced OL, terrific young RB Isaac Brown and senior WRs Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy for what should be one of the top two or three offenses in the ACC. Louisville will need this offense to offset personnel worries on the DL and at CB. While the linebacker corps looks solid, an iffy pass rush and coverage concerns could keep the Cardinals from the ACC title game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football Top 25 rankings for 2025 leads with Ohio State, SEC

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