Spring practice is upon us, and for college football enthusiasts, that means a golden opportunity to dive into a whirlwind of evaluations and predictions for the 2025 season. With all 136 teams taking the field, we’re gearing up for an exciting offseason full of transfers, freshmen debuts, and coaching changes—all of which could reshape the landscape of college football.
Leading the charge in our pre-spring rankings is Texas, claiming the top spot as we get a first glimpse of what quarterback Arch Manning can do as the undisputed starter. However, with four new faces along the offensive line, establishing that protection will be crucial for Texas to meet their lofty expectations.
Coming in at No. 2 is the reigning champion, Ohio State. The Buckeyes have a tough road ahead if they want to defend their title; while they boast star power with quarterback Julian Sayin and standout players like receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, filling key gaps across the roster won’t be straightforward.
Penn State is closely nipping at their heels at No. 3. The Nittany Lions seem ready to make a serious push for the Big Ten title, courtesy of a rebuilt receiving corps that shines bright this spring.
Moving to the fourth spot, Georgia has got its eyes on new quarterback Gunner Stockton, whose performance will be pivotal as the Bulldogs look to integrate fresh talent across their lineup. Similarly, Notre Dame sits at No. 5, with a quarterback battle heating up between CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey, and Steve Angelo. The Irish feel confident, especially with a top-tier offensive line and dynamic playmaker Jeremiyah Love in the backfield.
In the sixth spot, Clemson aims to continue its dominance in the ACC thanks to returning quarterback Cade Klubnik, who dazzled with 36 touchdown passes last season. New defensive coordinator Tom Allen will be key in reinforcing a unit that welcomes back six starters and aims to bolster its effectiveness.
Oregon rounds out our top tier at No. 7. The Ducks have an impressive roster of young talent but will need to iron out some personnel questions on both sides of the ball.
LSU checks in at No. 8, where growth on defense is the mantra for coach Brian Kelly’s squad. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s return and a strong transfer portal influx position the Tigers as potential SEC contenders.
Alabama sits at No. 9, with all eyes on a fierce quarterback battle between Ty Simpson, true freshman Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack. Each player brings unique qualities that could significantly impact the Crimson Tide’s offensive dynamics.
Finally, at No. 10, Miami’s focus is primarily on defense as transfer quarterback Carson Beck recovers from elbow surgery. With new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman at the helm, it will be interesting to see how the Hurricanes mesh their personnel for a successful 2025.
Now let’s walk through the entire pre-spring rankings from No. 11 all the way to No. 136:
Pre-Spring College Football 136 Team Rankings for 2025:
No. 1-10
- Texas
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Clemson
- Oregon
- LSU
- Alabama
- Miami
No. 11-20
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- Arizona State
- Kansas State
- Florida
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Texas A&M
- BYU
- Indiana
No. 21-30
- Ole Miss
- SMU
- Iowa State
- Boise State
- Missouri
- Louisville
- Auburn
- Oklahoma
- Nebraska
- Texas Tech
No. 31-40
- Utah
- Baylor
- Iowa
- Washington
- USC
- TCU
- Vanderbilt
- Arkansas
- Georgia Tech
- Kansas
No. 41-50
- Colorado
- Duke
- Minnesota
- Tulane
- Pitt
- Florida State
- Michigan State
- Rutgers
- Wisconsin
- James Madison
No. 51-60
- North Carolina
- Virginia Tech
- Syracuse
- Boston College
- Kentucky
- NC State
- Navy
- Houston
- South Florida
- UNLV
No. 61-70
- Army
- UTSA
- Memphis
- West Virginia
- Cincinnati
- Arizona
- California
- UCLA
- Virginia
- Northwestern
No. 71-80
- Maryland
- Oklahoma State
- Mississippi State
- Liberty
- UCF
- Wake Forest
- Stanford
- San Jose State
- Toledo
- Air Force
No. 81-90
- UConn
- South Alabama
- Texas State
- Georgia Southern
- Ohio
- East Carolina
- Buffalo
- Fresno State
- Colorado State
- Oregon State
No. 91-100
- Washington State
- Miami (Ohio)
- North Texas
- Western Kentucky
- Hawaii
- Arkansas State
- Appalachian State
- Purdue
- Old Dominion
- Wyoming
No. 101-120
- Troy
- Southern Miss
- San Diego State
- Louisiana
- Coastal Carolina
- Jacksonville State
- Northern Illinois
- Utah State
- Marshall
- Sam Houston
No. 111-120
- Bowling Green
- Louisiana Tech
- Florida Atlantic
- Eastern Michigan
- UTEP
- Western Michigan
- Georgia State
- ULM
- Middle Tennessee
- New Mexico State
No. 121-136
- Nevada
- Central Michigan
- Delaware
- Temple
- UAB
- Charlotte
- Akron
- New Mexico
- Missouri State
- Tulsa
- Rice
- FIU
- Kennesaw State
- Ball State
- UMass
- Kent State
As spring practices unfold, these rankings will serve as a foundation for discussions leading into the 2025 season, but expect the landscape to shift dramatically as teams finalize their rosters and strategy. Each team’s journey begins now, and it’ll be fascinating to see who rises to the occasion and who will need to regroup. Buckle up, college football fans—2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year!
