As of January 2025, college football rankings for the 2025 season are beginning to take shape. Though the season itself won’t officially start until late summer, early rankings serve as a prelude to the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that college football is known for. These rankings are based on a mix of returning talent, recruiting success, program history, and early performance in the 2024-2025 bowl games and other offseason activities. Here, we will break down the early positioning of key teams, particularly Texas and SMU, both of which are under significant national spotlight heading into the new season.
Texas Longhorns: A Strong Contender
The University of Texas Longhorns have been one of the most storied programs in college football history, and heading into the 2025 season, they find themselves in a promising position. Texas is ranked in the top 10 of the early 2025 college football rankings, largely due to their impressive performance throughout the 2024 season. The Longhorns made their mark under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has continued to stabilize the program since taking the reins.
Key Players and Positions of Strength
A significant part of Texas’ appeal heading into 2025 is their talent at key positions. The Longhorns boast one of the most impressive rosters in the nation, with returning stars and several high-level recruits. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who showed flashes of brilliance in the 2024 season, is expected to take another step forward as a leader. Ewers has already demonstrated his potential and, with a year of experience under his belt, should be poised for a breakout season.
Texas also benefits from a solid offensive line and an elite defensive front, both of which were major contributors to their success in 2024. With running back Bijan Robinson departing to the NFL, Texas will look to their next wave of ball carriers to maintain an effective ground game, but there is confidence in their depth at that position.
On defense, Texas has several returning stars, including defensive linemen and linebackers who are expected to anchor the front seven. The defensive backfield, led by standout cornerbacks and safeties, should also be a strength, giving the Longhorns a balanced and dangerous defensive unit. These factors combined position Texas as a serious threat for the 2025 season.
Recruiting Success and National Expectations
Texas’ recruiting class for 2025 is one of the best in the country, consistently ranking near the top in national recruiting rankings. Coach Sarkisian has shown a unique ability to attract top-tier talent from all over the country, and with recruits coming in at nearly every position, the Longhorns are expected to not only contend in the Big 12 but also make a strong push for a College Football Playoff berth.
Given the program’s rich history, Texas’ return to national prominence in 2025 is anticipated by fans, analysts, and experts. Their place in the top 10 reflects a widespread belief that this team is capable of winning the Big 12 and potentially competing for a national championship.
SMU Mustangs: Rising Contender from the Group of Five
While the University of Texas is expected to dominate the early part of the 2025 season, another team in Texas, the SMU Mustangs, is generating significant buzz. SMU is one of the most exciting teams in college football, especially in the Group of Five, and they are ranked among the top teams outside of the Power Five conferences in the early 2025 rankings.
A Program on the Rise
SMU has been steadily improving over the past few years, with their 2024 campaign representing a breakthrough season under head coach Rhett Lashlee. With a dynamic offense led by quarterback Preston Stone, SMU has gained national attention as one of the most exciting teams in the Group of Five. Stone, a talented dual-threat quarterback, has the ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs, which makes the Mustangs’ offense incredibly difficult to stop.
Alongside Stone, SMU possesses a number of dangerous skill players, including wide receivers and running backs who can break games open. The offensive line is solid, allowing SMU to establish their tempo, which has helped them rise to the top of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in recent years.
On the defensive side of the ball, SMU has made significant strides under Lashlee’s direction. Though not as dominant as some Power Five defenses, the Mustangs’ defensive unit is effective and opportunistic, consistently making big plays when needed.
SMU’s 2024 Success and Momentum
In 2024, SMU finished with an impressive record, competing fiercely in the AAC and earning a spot in a major bowl game. Their success against higher-ranked teams demonstrated their ability to compete on a national level, and as the 2025 season looms, they are considered one of the top teams in the Group of Five. Their early ranking in the top 25 shows the respect they have earned and the growing national awareness of their program.
Recruiting and Potential for Future Success
SMU has invested heavily in recruiting, focusing on bringing in players who can contribute immediately. Though they don’t have the financial power or brand recognition of the Power Five programs, the Mustangs have shown that they can still land top-tier talent, especially with a coaching staff that emphasizes player development. The growing strength of the program and the presence of a quarterback like Preston Stone make SMU a very attractive option for recruits looking for a pathway to success in college football.
Looking ahead to 2025, SMU’s ability to compete for an AAC championship is all but assured. Whether they can break through and secure a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl or even crack the College Football Playoff rankings will depend on how they perform against tougher competition. However, their inclusion in the early rankings signals that they are well on their way to establishing themselves as a powerhouse outside of the Power Five conferences.
The Road Ahead: Texas and SMU in 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, both Texas and SMU will face challenges, but they are also in positions to make significant noise on the national stage. Texas has a chance to reassert itself as a dominant force in college football, with the potential to not only win the Big 12 but also contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. SMU, while not on the same level as Texas in terms of raw resources, is emerging as one of the top teams in the Group of Five and is looking to continue building on their success from 2024.
For Texas, the stakes are high. With the talent on the roster and a favorable position in the rankings, expectations will be through the roof. Anything less than a Big 12 title and a playoff appearance will be seen as a disappointment, and the Longhorns will need to capitalize on their talent to meet those lofty goals.
For SMU, the 2025 season presents another opportunity to prove that they belong on the national stage. A solid regular-season campaign, combined with a strong finish in the AAC, could see SMU earn an invite to a New Year’s Six bowl, where they could further showcase their talent against some of the best teams in the country.
