Coaches Poll: Preseason Top 25 released ahead of 2025 college football season

The preseason top 25 rankings, via the Coaches Poll, are here ahead of the 2025 college football season. So, it’s time to pop the champagne!

The rankings will certainly change week to week and by the end of the season of course. But this is a solid indication of where we will begin in a few weeks.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 25 rankings from the preseason Coaches Poll. We start at the top!

1. Texas

Texas comes back with national championship expectations following two straight years making the semifinal. Arch Manning takes over at quarterback with the weight of the world on his shoulders, practically.

Steve Sarkisian has weapons all over the field and it’s arguably his best team during his Texas tenure. Buckle up Austin, this could be a historic year.

2. Ohio State

Can Ohio State win back to back national titles? They’re ranked in the preseason polls with a narrative that yes, they could do so.

Ryan Day can coach freely now that he has that elusive first title. Stars like WR Jeremiah Smith and DB Caleb Downs lead this group. TBD on new quarterback Julian Sayin or Lincoln Keinholz to continue the trend of high level play under center.

3. Penn State

Penn State is running it back, similar to what Big Ten foe Ohio State did last season. Drew Allar leads the charge at QB and is aided by RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

On defense, Dani Dennis-Sutton headlines an elite defensive unit, as they’ll collectively replace Abdul Carter. The Nittany Lions are on the short list of national title contenders.

4. Georgia

Georgia might not be as talked about compared to recent years. Coming off an SEC title and No. 2 seed in the CFP, the Bulldogs should be back in the thick of the title race.

New QB Gunner Stockton has a large task ahead of him: continue a high level of play. WR Zachariah Branch, who transferred in from USC, should help. Army LB transfer Elo Modozie should be a factor.

5. Notre Dame

Marcus Freeman nearly went on one of the best runs we’ve seen last year, but the Irish fell short in the national championship. But, Notre Dame brings a lot of talent back to compete for another CFP run.

CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey will come out on top in the QB race, but the offense likely runs through Heisman contender Jeremiyah Love at RB. Defensive back DeVonta Smith transferred in from Alabama and should be key in the secondary.

6. Clemson

Dabo Swinney and Clemson returned to a large national spotlight last season with their most successful year in a few seasons. Winning the ACC and returning to the CFP was just the first step.

As far as how the Coaches Poll sees them, this will be a very competitive team that could climb its way to national title contender. QB Cade Klubnik is the de facto leader, but there are first round picks, potentially, on defense with Peter Woods and TJ Parker on the defensive line.

7. Oregon

Oregon has to replace a lot of production at QB and step it up at wide receiver with the potential season-ending injury to Evan Stewart. Dante Moore is expected to step up for QB Dillon Gabriel after sitting a year.

But if there’s one thing Dan Lanning can do, it’s coach up his squad. They’ve improved each season under his watch and perhaps they could win the Big Ten for a second straight year.

8. Alabama

Year 1 for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama didn’t go as planned, not making the playoff and losing to Michigan in a bowl game. Still, DeBoer’s coaching prowess and development can’t be understated.

Ty Simpson is the expected QB and he has an all-star at WR in Ryan Williams to throw to. The defense is loaded with stars such as LT Overton. They’re back to SEC contender and have a chance to make a run in the CFP.

9. LSU

Can Brian Kelly finally get his team to the College Football Playoff? The LSU coach should have a great chance based on the preseason Coaches Poll.

QB Garrett Nussmeier is a Heisman contender going into the fall. Not only that, Harold Perkins captains the defense at linebacker and if he returns to form, that could be a scary unit for the Tigers.

10. Miami

Miami fell short last season with some missed opportunities to get to the ACC title game. To be fair, they had a little bit of Lady Luck on their side as well.

Carson Beck transferred in to replace Cam Ward at QB. That’ll be the biggest spotlight in Coral Gables this season. Mario Cristobal has a lot of talent at his disposal and the College Football Playoff should be the minimum.

Preseason Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings for 2025

11. Arizona State
12. Illinois
13. South Carolina
14. Michigan
15. Ole Miss
16. SMU
17. Florida
18. Tennessee
19. Indiana
20. Kansas State
T21. Texas A&M
T21. Iowa State
23. BYU
24. Texas Tech
25. Boise State

Others receiving votes in Coaches Poll: Oklahoma 221; Missouri 142; Louisville 126; USC 116; Utah 86; Baylor 76; Auburn 50; Iowa 49; Memphis 34; Army West Point 33; Tulane 31; Georgia Tech 27; TCU 24; Nebraska 19; Syracuse 16; Washington 15; Navy 14; Arkansas 14; Duke 12; Colorado 12; Minnesota 11; UNLV 8; Florida State 8; Kansas 6; Vanderbilt 3; Buffalo 1