he 2025 college football season is still months away, but with the dust settling from the 2024 campaign and teams retoolingT for the future, it’s never too early to speculate about who could be the top contenders. College football fans and analysts alike are already debating which teams are poised to make their mark in the coming season, and while rankings can shift dramatically over the next few months, here’s an early look at the way-too-early 2025 Top 25 teams.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has consistently been one of the elite programs in college football, and after another strong season in 2024, they’re primed to return to the College Football Playoff (CFP) hunt in 2025. Head coach Ryan Day continues to recruit at an elite level, and with a strong mix of returning talent and new faces, the Buckeyes should be able to reload for another championship run.
Quarterback development is crucial for Ohio State, as they’ll need to find a replacement for the departing signal-caller. The 2024 season featured solid quarterback play, but Ohio State’s success was also predicated on a stellar defense and an explosive receiving corps. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by players like linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive lineman JT Tuimoloau, will be formidable again in 2025.
Ohio State’s ability to continue recruiting elite talent, especially at key positions like quarterback, running back, and the offensive line, ensures they remain one of the best teams in the country. With a stacked roster, the Buckeyes will be one of the favorites to make a deep playoff run.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has transformed into the premier program in college football. With back-to-back national titles in 2022 and 2023, the Bulldogs were arguably the most dominant team in the country. While they may lose a few key players from the 2024 season, Georgia’s recruiting and development pipelines are stronger than ever.
The Bulldogs will face the challenge of replacing some star players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. However, they’ve shown the ability to reload and stay competitive year in and year out. Quarterback Carson Beck, should he return for his senior season, will be a key player to watch as Georgia attempts to maintain its elite status. The Bulldogs’ ability to dominate in both the trenches and in the secondary means they will be tough for any team to contend with.
3. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan’s rise under head coach Jim Harbaugh has been one of the most notable storylines in college football over the past few seasons. The Wolverines won back-to-back Big Ten titles in 2022 and 2023, and while they came up just short in the 2024 College Football Playoff, Michigan is positioned to make another run in 2025.
The Wolverines boast a deep roster with talented players on both sides of the ball, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will likely be back for his senior season. Michigan’s power running game, led by running back Blake Corum (if he returns), and physical defense will continue to be the backbone of their success. The Wolverines are likely to be one of the most complete teams in the nation, and their ability to dominate on both sides of the line of scrimmage will make them a formidable opponent in 2025.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban’s Alabama program has been one of the most consistently successful in college football history. While the Crimson Tide had a down year by their standards in 2024, finishing outside the CFP picture, Alabama will undoubtedly be a contender again in 2025. Saban’s relentless recruiting and commitment to developing talent means the Tide will reload, especially in key positions like quarterback and defensive line.
Alabama has talent at nearly every position, including a returning defense that will look to be one of the most dominant in the country. With a potential star at quarterback (depending on who wins the job), Alabama could find its way back to the top of the SEC and be a major factor in the playoff race.
5. LSU Tigers
LSU has been a consistent contender in the SEC under head coach Brian Kelly, and the 2025 season looks to be no different. The Tigers have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, thanks to playmakers like quarterback Jayden Daniels and an abundance of talented receivers.
Defensively, LSU has recruited well in recent years, and while they may lose some key pieces, the defense should remain one of the better units in the SEC. The Tigers are well-positioned to contend for both an SEC title and a playoff berth in 2025, especially if they can continue to play at a high level in key matchups, including games against Alabama and Georgia.
6. Penn State Nittany Lions
Under head coach James Franklin, Penn State has consistently been one of the better teams in the Big Ten, but the Nittany Lions haven’t been able to break through into the CFP just yet. However, 2025 could be the year that changes. With a stout defense and an improving offense, Penn State could make a significant push for a playoff spot.
The return of key players on both sides of the ball will help the Nittany Lions compete at a high level. The biggest question for Penn State is whether they can get consistent quarterback play and whether their offense can score enough points to keep up with the high-powered offenses in the Big Ten and national landscape.
7. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has been steadily rebuilding under head coach Mike Norvell, and by 2025, the Seminoles could very well be one of the top teams in the nation. With a strong recruiting class and significant development on both sides of the ball, FSU will be in the mix for a playoff berth.
Quarterback Jordan Travis, assuming he returns, will be the key player for Florida State’s offense. He’s proven to be a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who can make plays both through the air and on the ground. If Florida State can continue its upward trajectory and dominate in a relatively weaker ACC, they will be one of the top contenders in the nation.
8. Washington Huskies
Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Washington has quickly become one of the top teams in the Pac-12. With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who could return for his senior season, Washington will be a dangerous team in 2025. The Huskies’ offense is one of the most potent in the country, and with an improving defense, Washington has the potential to be a top-tier contender in the playoff race.
The Pac-12’s competitive nature means Washington will have to navigate tough conference games, but their high-scoring offense and strong quarterback play will make them a tough out for any opponent.
9. Texas Longhorns
Texas has made significant strides under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and 2025 could be the year they finally make a serious playoff push. With a talented roster, including running back Bijan Robinson (if he returns) and a strong quarterback in Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns have the pieces in place to be a national contender.
Texas has been recruiting at a high level, and with a defense that continues to improve, the Longhorns will be one of the teams to watch in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
10. USC Trojans
The Trojans, led by head coach Lincoln Riley, are a force to be reckoned with on offense. With a dynamic quarterback like Caleb Williams, USC’s offense is capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country. However, USC’s biggest question remains on the defensive side of the ball, where they’ve struggled to stop high-powered offenses.
If USC can improve defensively and maintain their offensive dominance, they’ll be a contender in the Pac-12 and potentially the playoff race.
11-25: Other Top Contenders
- Clemson Tigers: Despite a somewhat down year, Clemson’s recruiting and coaching under Dabo Swinney keep them in the national conversation.
- Oklahoma Sooners: With an improving defense and a potent offense, Oklahoma will be a tough team to beat in the Big 12.
- Oregon Ducks: Bo Nix and a strong defense give Oregon the potential to compete for a Pac-12 title.
- Tennessee Volunteers: With one of the SEC’s most exciting offenses, Tennessee will be a team to watch in 2025.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish: With a balanced attack and solid defense, Notre Dame is always a threat in the playoff conversation.
- Kansas State Wildcats: A surprise contender in the Big 12, Kansas State could challenge for a conference title in 2025.
- North Carolina Tar Heels: With Drake Maye back, North Carolina’s offense will be a serious threat.
- Utah Utes: A well-coached team that always competes, Utah will be in the mix in the Pac-12.
- Arizona State Sun Devils: Under new leadership, Arizona State could surprise as a top team in the Pac-12.
- Iowa Hawkeyes: Known for their defense, Iowa could be in the mix for a Big Ten title.
- Mississippi State Bulldogs: With an improving offense and strong defense, Mississippi State could be a sleeper team.
- Wisconsin Badgers: Wisconsin’s power running game and defense will keep them competitive in the Big Ten.
- Miami Hurricanes: With a revamped coaching staff, Miami is on the rise and could make noise in the ACC.
- UCLA Bruins: Led by head coach Chip Kelly, UCLA could surprise with a potent offense and improving defense.
- TCU Horned Frogs: After a strong 2024 campaign, TCU is a team to watch in the Big 12 in 2025.
As always, rankings can change drastically over the course of the offseason, but these are the teams most likely to contend for national titles and playoff spots as we head into the 2025 season. The SEC and Big Ten continue to dominate, but programs across the country are building their own competitive squads, making the future of college football look more exciting than ever.
