Way-Too-Early 2025 College Football Top 25: Ohio State Leads, SEC and Big Ten Dominate
As the 2024 college football season wraps up, it’s time to turn our attention to the future. Though teams are still licking their wounds or celebrating their victories, the early rankings for 2025 are already taking shape. With early recruiting successes, returning stars, and shifts in coaching staffs, many of the powerhouses are already positioning themselves for another national championship run. Among these, the Ohio State Buckeyes are poised to lead the pack, while the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten remain at the forefront of college football dominance.
Let’s dive into the way-too-early 2025 rankings, which showcase a powerful mix of established programs, up-and-coming teams, and a few surprise entrants. As we analyze these rankings, one theme becomes clear: Ohio State, along with perennial heavyweights from the SEC and Big Ten, is well positioned to control the college football landscape in 2025.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
After another impressive season under head coach Ryan Day, the Ohio State Buckeyes enter 2025 as the clear favorite to top the preseason rankings. Ohio State has consistently remained a juggernaut in both the Big Ten and nationally, and with the vast amount of talent returning in 2025, they will be hungry for another national title. Their 2024 success showcased an offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord, a standout wide receiver corps, and a solid defensive unit that continued to improve under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
In 2025, Ohio State will have a powerful mix of returning talent and new recruits, including highly-touted quarterback prospects and game-changing playmakers on both sides of the ball. With their deep roster, elite coaching staff, and championship pedigree, Ohio State will remain the team to beat heading into 2025.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
As the defending national champions, Georgia has solidified itself as the premier program in the SEC and in college football. Coach Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse in Athens, and despite losing some key players, the Bulldogs are still stacked with talent at almost every position. The return of standout quarterback Carson Beck and a loaded defense that reloaded with elite recruits make Georgia one of the top teams heading into 2025.
In addition to their consistently excellent recruiting classes, Georgia’s ability to develop talent and sustain success has been remarkable. Look for the Bulldogs to continue their reign in the SEC and stay near the top of the rankings for the upcoming season.
3. Michigan Wolverines
Despite a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, Michigan remains a formidable force in the Big Ten. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has cultivated a culture of toughness, and the Wolverines return a solid core for 2025. With quarterback J.J. McCarthy returning for another season, Michigan’s offense will remain potent, and their physical defense should continue to be a hallmark of their success.
Michigan may not have captured the ultimate prize in 2024, but their performance in the Big Ten and their strong recruiting classes make them a dangerous team. They will be a force in 2025, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they made a run at the College Football Playoff once again.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
While 2024 wasn’t the typical championship-caliber season for Nick Saban’s Alabama squad, the Crimson Tide remains a top-tier program with championship aspirations. In 2025, Alabama is expected to reload with some of the best talent in the country. The return of quarterback Jalen Milroe provides stability at the most important position, and Alabama’s defense, under the guidance of Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, is always one of the nation’s best.
Saban’s ability to recruit and develop talent means that Alabama will be a contender once again in 2025. With an ever-present thirst for excellence, Alabama will likely challenge for another SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth.
5. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State made major strides in 2024 and emerged as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Drew Allar, showed significant growth, and their defense remained one of the best in the conference. With key pieces returning and another solid recruiting class on the way, Penn State has positioned itself as a strong challenger to Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.
Head coach James Franklin has shown he can win big games, and if the Nittany Lions continue to develop on both sides of the ball, they will be a force to reckon with in 2025. Look for them to be a strong contender in the College Football Playoff picture.
6. LSU Tigers
LSU’s resurgence under head coach Brian Kelly has been impressive, and the Tigers are shaping up to be a contender for the 2025 season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, will be a key player for LSU in 2025. The Tigers have recruited at an elite level, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and with Kelly’s leadership, LSU should remain a major player in the SEC.
With a high-powered offense and a defense that is improving each year, LSU is poised to challenge Georgia and Alabama in the SEC and make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2025.
7. Florida State Seminoles
After an impressive run in 2024, Florida State is one of the fastest-rising programs in the country. Under head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have shown remarkable progress, and their 2024 success suggests they could be a serious national title contender in 2025. Quarterback Jordan Travis is among the top players in the nation, and Florida State’s defense has shown great improvement.
Florida State’s recruitment and overall development have placed them in a strong position for the upcoming season, and with the right pieces in place, they will be a top contender in both the ACC and on the national stage.
8. Clemson Tigers
Though 2024 was not the dominant year Clemson fans have become accustomed to, head coach Dabo Swinney’s program is still a powerhouse in the ACC. Clemson remains one of the top recruiting programs in the country, and the return of key players on both offense and defense will make them a strong force in 2025. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is expected to continue his growth, and Clemson’s defensive line remains among the best in the country.
The Tigers may not be the unquestioned kings of the ACC anymore, but they are still a top contender and will be in the hunt for the College Football Playoff.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame’s independent status doesn’t stop the Fighting Irish from competing at the highest level. With head coach Marcus Freeman leading the way, Notre Dame has been a consistent presence in the playoff race, and they are poised to return to the postseason in 2025. Quarterback Sam Hartman, who transferred to Notre Dame in 2024, is expected to be a key factor in their success, and the defense remains among the nation’s best.
Notre Dame will continue to build its program with an emphasis on recruiting, development, and execution. Look for the Fighting Irish to be competitive in 2025, especially with a favorable schedule that could set them up for a playoff berth.
10. Washington Huskies
The Pac-12 is going through a transitional period, but Washington remains a program on the rise. Head coach Kalen DeBoer has revitalized the program, and with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Huskies have proven they can compete at the national level. Washington has a potent offense that can go toe-to-toe with any team, and their defense is improving under DeBoer’s tutelage.
Washington will be looking to make waves in the new-look college football landscape and could be a sleeper pick for a playoff spot in 2025.
11-25: Additional Contenders
The list of potential contenders for the 2025 season continues with powerhouse programs such as:
- Oregon Ducks – With a top-tier recruiting class and Bo Nix leading the offense, Oregon is primed for another strong season.
- Texas Longhorns – Texas, under Steve Sarkisian, has shown promise and will look to challenge for the Big 12 title before heading to the SEC.
- Oklahoma Sooners – Brent Venables is working to rebuild Oklahoma into a national contender, and 2025 could be their year.
- USC Trojans – With Caleb Williams likely returning for one more season, USC’s offense will continue to be explosive.
- Tennessee Volunteers – Tennessee’s rise under Josh Heupel has been impressive, and they will continue to compete in the SEC.
- Utah Utes – Kyle Whittingham has built a tough, disciplined program at Utah that is always competitive in the Pac-12.
- Texas A&M Aggies – A&M is loaded with talent, and if they can finally put it all together, they will be a force in the SEC.
- North Carolina Tar Heels – The Heels have made significant strides and could challenge in the ACC with Drake Maye at quarterback.
- Kansas State Wildcats – Chris Klieman has led Kansas State to unexpected heights, and the Wildcats should continue to be competitive.
- TCU Horned Frogs – After a strong 2024, TCU remains a dangerous team in the Big 12.
- Iowa Hawkeyes – With a consistently strong defense, Iowa will be in the mix for a Big Ten title in 2025.
- Missouri Tigers – Missouri has quietly built a strong program and could surprise in the SEC.
- Wisconsin Badgers – Under Luke Fickell, Wisconsin will look to return to its winning ways with a tough, defensive-minded squad.
- UCLA Bruins – UCLA is always dangerous, especially with an offense that can score in bunches.
- Maryland Terrapins – Maryland has been improving, and with solid coaching, they could make noise in the Big Ten.
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