PGF 2025 College Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With elite quarterbacks, loaded defenses, and rising programs across every conference, this Top 25 captures the national landscape heading into Week Zero.

1. Texas
The Arch Manning era officially begins, and expectations couldn’t be higher. With elite skill position talent and a favorable SEC schedule, the Longhorns enter 2025 as the most complete team in college football.

2. Ohio State
The defending national champs return the best wide receiver corps in the country and reload on defense. Former five-star QB Julian Sayin steps into the spotlight, and all eyes will be on how the new coordinators keep the Buckeyes at the top.

3. Penn State
Drew Allar returns at quarterback with one of the top running back duos in the nation. Having Jim Knowles on staff gives the defense a significant edge — he's arguably the top defensive coordinator in the nation.

4. Georgia
QB Gunnar Stockton takes the reins of a reloaded roster. Georgia’s defense remains stacked with NFL talent, but a tough SEC slate will put this team to the test.

5. Clemson
Quarterback Cade Klubnik leads a dynamic offense with the most returning production in the country. A revamped defense under a new coordinator could be the final piece for a title run.

6. Notre Dame
Notre Dame returns a balanced, playoff-ready roster. With Marcus Freeman emerging as one of the nation’s top head coaches, the Irish are well-positioned for another deep postseason run.

7. Oregon
Speed, depth, and experience define this Ducks squad. With elite athletes across the board and a favorable schedule, Oregon is a true Playoff threat.

8. LSU
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is back to lead an offense stacked with transfer talent. If the Tigers can navigate a tough SEC schedule, they’ll be in the title mix.

9. Alabama
Whether it’s Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, or five-star freshman Keelon Russell, Alabama needs one to emerge as a star — the Tide have the pieces, but a title run depends on elite quarterback play.

10. Illinois
A surprise riser after a strong spring, Illinois enters 2025 with major momentum. The defense is elite, and belief is building in Champaign as the Illini aim for their best season in decades.

11. Texas A&M
Dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed headlines a team looking to finally meet its high expectations. Consistency remains the key to unlocking this roster’s true potential.

12. Tennessee
The Volunteers boast a strong defense and a potentially explosive offense, though they’ll need to settle the quarterback transition quickly to keep pace in the SEC.

13. Michigan
A new era begins with 5-star Bryce Underwood at quarterback. The Wolverines still possess an elite defense and the overall talent to stay in the Big Ten hunt.

14. South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers leads an offense brimming with upside. The Gamecocks face a tough schedule, but there’s growing belief this could be a breakthrough year.

15. Miami (FL)
The addition of QB Carson Beck gives Miami stability at QB. Still plenty of talent on hand to fuel another strong run at the program’s first-ever ACC championship.

16. Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin continues to work his magic in the transfer portal. The Rebels are loaded with offensive firepower and have legit College Football Playoff aspirations.

17. Arizona State
Fresh off a Big 12 championship, the Sun Devils return a dangerous QB-WR duo and have breakout potential once again.

18. Kansas State
Led by dynamic quarterback Avery Johnson, the Wildcats enter the season as Big 12 favorites. Head coach Chris Klieman has built a program rooted in toughness, discipline, and week-to-week consistency.

19. Florida
The Gators boast a deep, experienced roster capable of competing with anyone — but their true ceiling hinges on DJ Lagway emerging as a next-level quarterback.

20. USC
USC has to capitalize on a soft schedule this season. While this isn’t a team built to win the Big Ten just yet, there’s enough talent on the roster to finish 10-2.

21. Washington
The Huskies could be a surprise team this season. Quarterback Demond Williams flashed serious potential last year. Head coach Jedd Fisch is building the program with a core of promising top-end talent.

22. Boise State
Boise State should dominate the Mountain West. But to reach the College Football Playoff, they can’t afford more than one loss—especially with tough road games at South Florida and Notre Dame.

23. Oklahoma
Oklahoma upgraded its QB position with John Mateer and added RB Jadyn Ott, while Brent Venables leads a talented defense. The big question: can they meet the 2025 expectations?

24. Nebraska
Highly touted quarterback Dylan Raiola returns to lead a revamped offensive system. After an offseason of momentum and national buzz, the Cornhuskers are aiming to return to national relevance in 2025.

25. Iowa State
​Iowa State is a legitimate Big 12 contender, returning 12 starters led by standout junior QB Rocco Becht. Led by three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year Matt Campbell, expectations are high.