The anticipation is palpable as college football fans eagerly await the return of their beloved sport, and with it, the unveiling of ESPN’s first FPI Top 25 for the 2025 season. As summer rolls in, the landscape is set for what promises to be an exhilarating season filled with surprises and challenges. While injuries and transfers could shake things up before the season kicks off at the end of August, the current rankings provide a fascinating snapshot of the teams to watch this year.
Let’s dive into the top contenders based on the latest FPI rankings, beginning with a powerhouse poised for greatness:
- Texas
The Longhorns sit atop the rankings, and it’s easy to see why. With Arch Manning stepping in as QB1, Texas is primed for a national championship run. The return of running back CJ Baxter adds depth to an already formidable offense, and head coach Steve Sarkisian appears to have reloaded the team with talent necessary for another College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance — anything less than reaching the title game would be considered a setback for this ambitious program. - Georgia
The Bulldogs are once again a force to be reckoned with under the guidance of Kirby Smart. Georgia comes in at No. 2 in the FPI, fueled by a roster that blends experience with fresh talent. Gunner Stockton is set to take over as quarterback, and with the addition of wide receiver Zachariah Branch from USC, the Bulldogs’ offensive prowess should match their historically strong defense. Expect them to challenge for the national title once again. - Alabama
The Crimson Tide are not far behind as they claim the No. 3 spot. Under the new leadership of Kalen DeBoer, Alabama is eager to make its mark in 2025. A pivotal quarterback decision is looming, with a three-horse race to find the right fit. The stakes are high — a playoff berth is not just the goal but the expectation for the Tide, and anything short of that could lead to unrest among fans. - Ohio State
The defending national champions enter at No. 4 after experiencing some significant player departures to the NFL. However, the Buckeyes have retained key talent like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and defensive back Caleb Downs, which is promising. The spotlight now turns to Ryan Day as he searches for the right quarterback to lead this year’s squad. With their strong pedigree, Ohio State remains among the favorites in the Big Ten. - Penn State
The Nittany Lions are gaining much attention as potential title contenders, landing in the top five of the FPI. With quarterback Drew Allar and a dynamic backfield trio of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen returning, Penn State seems ready to “run it back” after last year’s CFP semifinal exit. Fans will be watching closely to see if they can take the next step towards a championship. - Oregon
Coming off a tough playoff experience, the Ducks are looking to climb higher this season under Dan Lanning. With Dante Moore anticipated to step in as quarterback and talented receivers like Evan Stewart and Gary Bryant Jr. at his disposal, Oregon has the pieces to make a significant leap in the rankings. Their defensive unit also looks solid, so expect them to be competitive this season. - Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman has already made a name for himself as an exceptional coach, and he’ll aim to return the Fighting Irish to the national championship conversation. However, the FPI has them slightly behind the leaders for now. The quest to sort out the quarterback position is crucial, with highly touted recruit CJ Carr seemingly in the driver’s seat to lead this team moving forward. - Texas A&M
Under Mike Elko’s second season, expectations are high. The Aggies finished last year strong, despite some late-season struggles, including a heart-wrenching bowl loss to USC. With significant pieces returning from a team that recorded top ten victories, Texas A&M has the foundation in place to be a playoff dark horse. - Miami
The quarterback situation is shifting as the Hurricanes transition from Cam Ward to Carson Beck. If Beck can remain healthy and limit turnovers, Miami could rise to prominence with an explosive offense. Mario Cristobal has been building a solid program, and 2025 could be the moment they make their playoff dreams a reality. - Tennessee
In the midst of a tumultuous offseason, the Volunteers still hold a top-ten ranking. After losing quarterback Nico Iamaleava to transfer, they’ll look to Joey Aguilar to step up. Josh Heupel’s offense will require new faces to contribute at running back and wide receiver, but if they can adapt quickly, a return to the playoff contention could still be in the cards.
As we look further down the Top 25, schools like Clemson, LSU, and Ole Miss are ready to assert themselves in a competitive landscape, creating an exciting environment that will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the season unfolds. The college football world is heating up, and with these rankings lighting the way, anticipation builds for what awaits come kickoff!
Here’s the rest of the field:
11. Clemson, 12. LSU, 13. Ole Miss, 14. Auburn, 15. South Carolina, 16. Oklahoma, 17. Michigan, 18. Florida. 19. USC, 20. SMU, 21. Kansas State, 22. Arkansas, 23. Missouri, 24. Arizona State, 25. Nebraska.
