Preseason AP Poll: First Top 25 revealed ahead of 2025 College Football Season

The preseason AP Poll is here as the top 25 rankings were revealed ahead of the 2025 college football season. It’s time to gear up for the regular season.

There are plenty of national championship contenders near the top of the AP Poll. This could very well be a wide open college football season.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the AP Poll Top 25 ahead of kickoff. We start at the top!

1. Texas

Texas is geared up to win a national title this season with what they have at their disposal. Arch Manning steps in at quarterback and, arguably, he’ll be the most responsible.

Steve Sarkisian has led this program to the CFP semifinals twice but it’s time to take the next step. They’re all in to become kings of the college football world.

2. 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.

3. Ohio State

Ohio State comes in as the defending national champions but can they win back to back? Georgia did it recently of course, but the Buckeyes have to replace their QB.

Even with someone new like Julian Sayin under center, WR Jeremiah Smith can make him look like a superstar. On defense, DB Caleb Downs is back and captains a very solid defense, despite the unit losing NFL-talent to last year’s draft.

4. 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 AP 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.

5. Georgia

Georgia HC Kirby Smart — (Joshua L. Jones | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Georgia comes into the season, perhaps, more under the radar than in recent seasons. The AP Poll has them high up considering this team just won the SEC and had the No. 2 seed.

Kirby Smart is arguably the best coach in college football, so thinking this team’s time at the top is done would be foolish. But a lot hinges on Gunner Stockton at QB. Good thing he has new WR Zachariah Branch (USC transfer).

6. Notre Dame

Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame nearly won it all last year. If that was the case, maybe this team could’ve been No. 1 in the AP Poll!

Still, RB Jeremiyah Love is back, and he’s a Heisman contender. The defense is veteran-heavy as well. They added DB transfer DeVonta Smith (Alabama).

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7. Oregon

Oregon had a massive opportunity to make a run for a national title last year, but were picked off by Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals. Still, the Ducks went 13-0 and won the Big Ten.

Now how do you follow that up? Dan Lanning ushers in a new quarterback in Dante Moore, keeps attacking the recruiting trail and transfer portal and hopes it all breaks right. The AP Poll is a bit of a believer.

8. Alabama

Alabama WR Ryan Williams — Ryan Williams (Courtesy of Alabama Athletics)

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

LSU gets preseason respect from the AP Poll and now it’s time to prove their worth. Brian Kelly goes into Year 4 with the Tigers and the CFP has to be the requirement right?

Garrett Nussmeier is back at QB and is firmly in the Heisman Trophy race. Harold Perkins, should he return to form, could be one of the best linebackers in the country.

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.