As we gear up for the 2025-2026 college football season, the landscape is shaping up nicely after a whirlwind of spring ball and transfer portal activity. With rosters finally settling down, it’s time to take a look at the top 25 teams shaping up to make some serious noise next year. From perennial powerhouses to emerging contenders, this early ranking weighs in talent, coaching stability, transfer success, and momentum, giving us a sneak peek at who might contend for a playoff spot and potentially the national championship.
Top 25 College Football Rankings for the 2025-2026 Season
25 – Louisville Cardinals
Louisville enters the season with a newly acquired quarterback in Miller Moss, and expectations are higher than their 8-4 finish last year suggests. The biggest question mark lies within their defensive backfield, as they welcome three transfer players likely starting. Early tests against Pittsburgh, Virginia, and Miami will be crucial to gauge if this team is ready to compete against tougher opponents.
24 – TCU Horned Frogs
Under the guidance of Sonny Dykes, TCU is poised to ascend the rankings. The performance of redshirt junior quarterback Josh Hoover, along with new wide receiving weapons like Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV, will be pivotal. The Horned Frogs have tough matchups early on against North Carolina, SMU, and Arizona State, which will help set the tone for their season.
23 – Texas Tech Red Raiders
Eager to claim the Big 12 title, the Red Raiders are generating excitement. With ten transfers expected to start, including solid prospects on both sides of the ball, Texas Tech’s opening games against Utah and Houston will be crucial in testing their cohesion and the capabilities of quarterback Behren Morton in high-pressure situations.
22 – Syracuse Orange
Syracuse finds itself in a challenging position as they look to replace starter Kyle McCord. Incoming transfers Rickie Collins and Jakhari Williams must adjust quickly, especially with an early-season litmus test against Tennessee looming on August 30. This match will help determine if the Orange can keep pace with high-caliber opponents.
21 – SMU Mustangs
Rhett Lashlee is back, looking for that spark to drive SMU deep into the postseason. New transfers along the offensive line signal a commitment to bolster their offensive front, setting the stage for quarterback Kevin Jennings. A pivotal opener against Louisville will show whether the Mustangs have the tools to be contenders this season.
20 – Baylor Bears
Dave Aranda is eager to bounce back, but the team’s fate rests heavily on quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s shoulders. Early games against Auburn and SMU are critical; they will dictate whether Baylor can kick off the season positively or find themselves scrambling to make a mark in the rankings.
19 – Texas A&M Aggies
With Marcel Reed settling in as the starting quarterback, Jimbo Fisher’s game plan will hinge on effectively supporting his young signal caller. An early showdown with Notre Dame will be a litmus test for the Aggies, determining their viability in a competitive SEC landscape.
18 – Miami Hurricanes
Carson Beck takes the reins for Miami, assumed to fill the significant void left by Cam Ward. With elite prospects like Francis Mauigoa and Reuben Bain Jr. lining up beside him, the Hurricanes are laden with talent. Tests against Notre Dame and Florida will quickly reveal what Miami is capable of this season.
17 – Ole Miss Rebels
Under the watchful eye of Lane Kiffin, rebuilding the offense will be a vital task this season. With quarterback Austin Simmons and a revamped receiving corps thanks to transfers, Ole Miss will face an important test against LSU on September 27, which will assess their readiness for playoff contention.
16 – Tennessee Volunteers
With Nico Iamaleava transitioning to UCLA, newcomer Joey Aguilar will step in to lead what promises to be a potent offense. Their early test against Syracuse and a crucial game against Georgia will be key to determining whether they can stay competitive in the brutal SEC.
15 – Iowa State Cyclones
The Cyclones find themselves on precarious ground, teetering between a top-25 status or falling off the map altogether. Rocco Becht’s ability to step up without key targets in Jayden Higgins and Jaylen Noel will be essential, particularly with a late-season bout against Arizona State possibly making or breaking their season.
14 – Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide have significant adjustments to make this year, with Ty Simpson stepping in as the triggering mechanism in Kalen Daboer’s offense. With a strong offensive line, Alabama’s season will hinge on early-season showdowns against Florida State, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
13 – Oklahoma Sooners
With Brent Venables facing mounting pressure following a 6-6 season, the Sooners are banking on new talent at key positions. The addition of quarterback John Mateer and running back Jaydn Ott adds optimism, but how they perform in a high-stakes opening contest against Michigan will be telling.
12 – South Carolina Gamecocks
With quarterback LaNorris Sellers potential as a top overall pick and standout receiver Nyck Harbor at his disposal, South Carolina will be dynamic. As four transfers enter the defense, their ability to gel quickly will be crucial in SEC battles, especially a two-week stretch featuring LSU and Oklahoma.
11 – LSU Tigers
Garrett Nussmeier’s ability to elevate the surrounding talent will dictate LSU’s season journey. With critical matchups against Clemson and Florida early on, the Tigers are likely to face their share of hurdles but aim to be serious contenders if they can navigate those challenges successfully.
10 – Illinois Fighting Illini
Bret Bielema has amassed considerable talent in Champaign, led by the signaling prowess of Luke Altmeyer. A promising group of pass-catchers, including transfer Hudson Clement, positions Illinois for success, but crucial matchups against Indiana and Ohio State will test their resolve.
9 – Clemson Tigers
Clemson boasts one of the top defenses in the country this season, brimming with talent such as T.J. Parker and Cade Klubnik who will spearhead their offense. Early contests against LSU and North Carolina will be indicative of whether Clemson can maintain its elite status or sees its title hopes wane.
8 – Indiana Hoosiers
Curt Cignetti has his eye on national championship discussions, propelled by the connection between transfer QB Fernando Mendoza and WR Elijah Sarratt. The strength of their defense, bolstered by fresh talent, will be tested in an important matchup against Oregon.
7 – Georgia Bulldogs
As Kirby Smart seeks to reestablish Georgia at the summit of college football, the performance of quarterback Gunner Stockton will be imperative. With a talent-rich defense, their early games against Tennessee and Alabama will test their potential and readiness for a title pursuit.
6 – Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State possesses a dangerous mix of talent this season, especially if all goes well. Drew Allar, a potential first-round pick, needs to shine with new transfers at WR stepping up in the wake of Tyler Warren’s departure. Key games against Oregon and Ohio State are on the horizon, serving as potential conference title previews.
5 – Arizona State Sun Devils
The Sun Devils could be a dark horse, with Jordyn Tyson and Sam Leavitt promising a potent offensive attack. Head coach Kenny Dillingham faces the challenge of conjuring last year’s success again, especially during a critical stretch against Baylor, TCU, Utah, and Texas Tech.
4 – Ohio State Buckeyes
With Julian Sayin expected to fill the void left by Will Howard, the pressure mounts on Ohio State’s young quarterback. However, with elite weapons like Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith surrounding him, he’s poised for success. Matchups against Texas and Penn State will dictate the Buckeyes’ title aspirations.
3 – Oregon Ducks
Oregon faces a transition as they prepare to replace quarterback Dante Moore. The momentum will hinge on the emergence of either a star or a reliable middle-tier option to lead an experienced team. Games against Penn State and Indiana will be crucial in establishing their national title credentials.
2 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Already in a transition period themselves, Notre Dame has a new quarterback in CJ Carr. Alongside a top NFL draft prospect running back in Jeremiyah Love, expect the Irish to rely heavily on the ground game. Their early encounters with Miami and Texas A&M could pose significant challenges for the young Carr.
1 – Texas Longhorns
With Arch Manning taking the reins, Texas is the team to beat this year. The depth of talent around him establishes them as a pre-season favorite for the National Championship. An early showdown versus Ohio State promises to be a tantalizing clash with potentially massive implications for both teams.
Final Thoughts
With the college football season just around the corner, anticipation is building. As teams prepare to take on a grueling schedule, these rankings provide a framework for fans to understand where their squads stand and what to watch for. While the journey may lead to unexpected twists, it’s clear: the competition will be fierce, and the quest for glory is about to kick off!
