As we gear up for the 2025-2026 college football season, it’s that exciting time of year when rosters have mostly settled, transfer portal maneuvers are largely complete, and fans are starting to imagine what the upcoming matchups will look like. Below, we dive into an early look at the top 25 teams, highlighting the blend of established powerhouses and up-and-coming contenders poised to make their mark.
- Texas Longhorns
With Arch Manning now batting under center, the Longhorns are undoubtedly a top contender for the national championship this year. The surrounding talent is impressive, including defensive stars like Anthony Hill Jr. and Colin Simmons, who can make big plays. A critical early-season clash against Ohio State could validate Texas’ championship aspirations. - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish are transitioning to CJ Carr as their quarterback this season after Riley Leonard’s departure to the NFL. They might lean on the run game to take some pressure off the young arm, especially with Jeremiyah Love, a top prospect, in the backfield. Their early matchups against Miami and Texas A&M will be pivotal in determining if Carr is ready for the spotlight. - Oregon Ducks
With a new quarterback stepping into a critical role, Oregon’s success will depend on how quickly they adapt. The receiving corps might face challenges as one of their key players, Evan Stewart, is injured. Critical matchups against Penn State and Indiana in the early part of the season will test this team’s resolve. - Ohio State Buckeyes
With Will Howard now in the NFL, Ryan Day’s offensive strategy shifts to reliance on redshirt freshman Julian Sayin. However, with elite talent at wide receiver in Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith, Sayin seems poised to excel. Key games against Texas and Penn State will shape Ohio State’s trajectory this season. - Arizona State Sun Devils
At this point, some might consider the Sun Devils ranking too high, but the dynamic duo of Jordyn Tyson at wide receiver and Sam Leavitt at quarterback creates a high-powered offense. A challenging stretch from late September to mid-October against Baylor, TCU, Utah, and Texas Tech will be crucial in determining their success. - Penn State Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions could very well be dark horses this season if everything falls into place. With Drew Allar being touted as a potential first-round pick, and a revamped receiving corps mostly filled with transfers, Penn State has the pieces to contend. The October matchup against Ohio State will be a must-see for fans. - Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart’s squad will rely heavily on quarterback Gunner Stockton’s performance. With a strong defensive lineup available, Georgia could go far, but they need to see a quick maturity from Stockton. The early games against Tennessee and Alabama will provide insight into their playoff viability. - Indiana Hoosiers
Following a successful first year under Curt Cignetti, Indiana aims to heighten expectations. The chemistry between transfer QB Fernando Mendoza and WR Elijah Sarratt, along with defensive newcomers, will be vital. Their game against Oregon will be a significant barometer for the Hoosiers’ ambitions. - Clemson Tigers
Clemson is expecting a fierce season with a defense that ranks among the best in FBS, featuring future NFL talents T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. But the offense, led by Cade Klubnik, must become more consistent if the Tigers want to reclaim their spot among elites. Early challenges against LSU and North Carolina will be telling. - Illinois Fighting Illini
Under Bret Bielema, Illinois boasts a deep roster, including Heisman contender Luke Altmeyer. The addition of Hudson Clement from West Virginia bolsters their passing attack. They’ll need to prove themselves against Indiana and Ohio State to cement their status in the Big Ten. - LSU Tigers
The season hinges on Garrett Nussmeier and his ability to connect with his new wideouts, including transfers Barion Brown and Nic Anderson. They’ll face a test in their opener against Clemson, and a strong showing could solidify their standing as contenders. - South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers could emerge as the top QB prospect this season. With a mix of talent and transfers on defense, finding chemistry early will be essential, particularly in tough SEC matchups against LSU and Oklahoma. - Oklahoma Sooners
After a middling season, Brent Venables is under pressure to deliver. With the addition of John Mateer and Jaydn Ott, they have the tools to rise again. A pivotal early matchup against Michigan will reveal their readiness for big games. - Alabama Crimson Tide
Expectations are sky-high for Ty Simpson in Kalen Daboer’s system. With a formidable offensive line that’s top-ranked, Alabama looks to dominate games, but matchups against formidable opponents like Florida State and Wisconsin will test their limits. - Iowa State Cyclones
The Cyclones are a team that could soar or stumble. Rocco Becht’s performance will be under scrutiny, especially after losing his top receiving targets to the NFL. Late-season games against Arizona State will be critical for determining their potential in the Big 12. - Tennessee Volunteers
Following Nico Iamaleava’s transfer, Joey Aguilar steps in as the new face of the high-octane Volunteers offense. Their ability to compete in a demanding SEC hinges on how well they adapt against early rivals Syracuse and Georgia. - Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin faces the challenge of rebuilding an offense amid a flurry of transfers. With Austin Simmons at quarterback and new weapons at wide receiver, they need to hit the ground running, especially with LSU looming on the calendar. - Miami Hurricanes
Carson Beck will have big shoes to fill in Coral Gables. With high expectations around him and top talent surrounding him, the early tests against Notre Dame and Florida will be crucial to gauge Miami’s credibility this season. - Texas A&M Aggies
Entrusting Marcel Reed as the starting quarterback, the Aggies have a steep learning curve ahead in a tough SEC landscape. Early games, particularly against Notre Dame, will provide insights into their postseason viability. - Baylor Bears
Dave Aranda’s plan hinges on Sawyer Robertson’s success, particularly against tough early matchups with Auburn and SMU. If they stumble out of the gate, they risk slipping out of the playoff conversation quickly. - SMU Mustangs
Back for another season, Rhett Lashlee hopes to replicate last year’s magic with new transfers bolstering the offensive line. How they fare against their immediate competition will set the tone for their campaign. - Syracuse Orange
The Orange face a significant challenge with the departure of Kyle McCord. New recruits will need to gel quickly to navigate tough games early in the season, particularly against Tennessee. - Texas Tech Red Raiders
As a sleeper pick for the Big 12 title, Texas Tech has the talent to surprise. With crucial matchups against Utah and Houston ahead, how quickly they can adapt with ten new transfers will dictate their season’s success. - TCU Horned Frogs
Sonny Dykes is looking to elevate TCU back to prominence, with Josh Hoover at the helm. Their season will kick off with critical tests against North Carolina, SMU, and Arizona State that will be telling for their potential playoff ambitions. - Louisville Cardinals
With Miller Moss stepping in at quarterback, the Cardinals are eager to improve on last year’s mark. Early encounters against Pittsburgh, Virginia, and Miami will be vital in establishing their defensive capabilities and overall team chemistry.
As the countdown to the season’s kickoff begins, these rankings not only provide a lens through which fans can view their favorite teams but also allow for conversations surrounding potential surprises and early disappointments in the 2025 college football landscape. Each game played will surely contribute to this evolving narrative, and fans are in for another thrilling ride!
