1. Texas Longhorns

The Horns were No. 1 on my Top-25 released after the NFL Draft and nothing has changed in the last four months or so that would alter my thinking.

The offense should be loaded for Arch Manning with Ryan Wingo and Quintrevion Wisner targets on the outside.

On defense, Texas looks stacked with All-Americans Collin Simmons on the line, Anthony Hill at LB, and Michael Taaffe at safety.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ryan Day and the Buckeyes will need to reload in 2025, but they have the tools to get back to the top for the second straight season.

They may have the best defender in the nation in Caleb Downs at safety while Sony Styles could be the next in a line of talented OSU LBs.

On offense, they have some questions, and the starting QB battle could go down to the end of camp.

The known commodity is under center, whether it’s Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz.

They will have a playmaker to work with in Jeramiah Smith at WR.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

The entire offensive backfield of QB Drew Allar and RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen all return this season, and that gives James Franklin a dynamic duo at RB along with a proven QB.

The defense will have playmakers, and Dani Denis-Sutton could be the Abdul Carter of this season.

The underlying question in Happy Valley has to be if James Franklin can finally win enough big games.

Well, if the head man is ever going to get it done, this season seems like the time.

4. Clemson Tigers

Clemson struggled at the start of 2024 but finished strong to win the ACC and make the playoffs.

That momentum should carry into 2025.

The Tiger defense was uncharacteristically bad in 2024 and that was addressed in the off season.

Cade Klubnik was stellar down the stretch last season and is poised to be one of the top QBs in the nation this fall.

5. Georgia Bulldogs

The Bulldogs struggled to an 11-3 record a season ago, and yes, I say “struggle” very tongue-in-cheek, but the truth is the 2024 campaign was a bit of a disappointment to some of the UGA faithful.

But there is no need for Widespread Panic among the denizens of Athens. It will not become the norm.

Dawg fans will not suffer any R.E.M sleep loss over an offense in which Gunner Stockton can now throw to Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch.

Defensively, they lost a lot, but they always replace the weapons and LB CJ Allen, DB Daylen Everette, and the EDGE combo of Elo Modozie and Gabe Harris will have the precision and power of a B-52.

The Dawgs will battle for the national title in 2025, and the music scene in Athens will still be good.

6. LSU Tigers

Having LSU this high gives me some caution . . . But they are loaded with talent up and down the roster.

Garrett Nussmeier might just be the best QB in the nation.

LB Whit Weeks is an All-American on the other side, and Harold Perkins and Patrick Perkins could be elite defenders.

My trepidation in ranking them is Brian Kelly, but surely even Kelly will not be able to mess things up with a roster as talented as he has? I mean, no way, right?

7. Oregon Ducks

Last season’s Big Ten Champs have a lot to replace, but Dan Lanning has done a masterful job of filling those holes. Oregon is really starting to look like a physical defense-first type of team.

They have a great offensive line and a pair of big-time running backs to carry the load.

Defensively, they are strong up the middle at all three levels.

Dillon Thieneman at the back and Bryce Boettcher give them a pair of All-Americans and Matayo Uiagalelei may be the best sackmaster in the nation this season.

Dante Moore will step in at QB, and while Evan Stewart will not be there to throw to, the Ducks will still have plenty of firepower on offense.

8. Alabama Crimson Tide

Kalen DeBoer found out how hard it is to replace a legend last season.

This season, the folks in Tuscaloosa might find out how good DeBoer is as a coach.

Jalen Milroe is gone, but Ty Simpson is more than capable and will have plenty to work with on offense, and that starts with Ryan Williams as his playmaker on the outside.

The line Simpson will operate behind might be the best in the nation, and not only can they pass protect, but Jam Miller should find plenty of holes to run through.

Defensively, Bama is still Bama, and they have plenty on that side of the ball.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish will have a redshirt freshman starting under center, but he is stepping into a good situation.

CJ Carr will operate behind a stout offensive line and have an AA lining up behind him, as Jeremiyah Love could be the best back in the nation this season.

Leonard Moore will anchor a talented defense.

The Irish schedule is never a gauntlet, and this season is no different.

If they can navigate road tests at Miami and Texas A&M along with a pair of home games against Boise State and USC, the Irish will be dancing in the playoffs.

10. Arizona State Sun Devils

Sam Leavitt is going to be an elite quarterback with a host of talented pass catchers to deliver the football to, and it starts with an All-American on the outside in Jordyn Tyson.

Defensively, CJ Fite is a star in the making along the line, while Xavion Alford is a playmaker at the back end.

Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils may not sneak up on anyone this season, but the head coach is building a program with staying power.

11. Miami Hurricanes

Every year, it seems that I buy into the fact that the Canes are back, but every year that hype bites me a bit.

Last spring, I ranked them 10th and asked to check back in August to see if I am still that high on The U. Well, I am.

Carson Beck leads an offensive unit that has an outstanding line and tough runners—yes, I am still in on that.

Miami has a secondary that should be able to put the clamps on lethal passing attacks, and yeah, I’m still here for that.

The D-line is young and will need to develop quickly, and a receiver will need to step up as Beck’s go-to.

But this Miami team looks every bit the part.

12. Illinois Fighting Illini

Bret Bielema and his Fighting Illini have got 18 starters coming back from a 10-win team that finished 2024 as hot as any squad in the country.

Luke Altmyer is about as efficient as a QB can be, and he has an experienced offensive line to work behind.

The back half of the defense is loaded with talent, led by Xavier Scott at cornerback.

The Illini will need a WR to step up, and the defensive line has some holes to fill around Gabe Jacas.

If they can get those pieces in place this is a playoff team, if not then they will settle for a New Years Day bowl again.

13. Oklahoma Sooners

Will there be a more improved team than the Sooners this season? If there is, then that will be a stout unit!

Oklahoma’s defense was good last season, despite the team’s struggles, as the unit consistently held opponents to well below their average yards per game.

That defense should be even better in 2025.

Offensively, the Sooners bring in Ben Arbuckle as OC to right the ship, and he has some toys to work with, notably John Mateer at QB and Jaydn Ott running the ball.

14. Florida Gators

Illinois has a lot of momentum heading into this season, but the Gators sure did finish 2024 heading in the right direction.

DJ Lagway had a great first year in Gainesville and should be healthy and ready for an improved sophomore season.

The Gators should be much improved with Tyreak Sapp and Caleb Banks leading the way on the line.

UF is very deep and very good across the board.

15. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan lost a ton between 2023 and 2024.

Last season, the Wolverines were a shell of the national champs from two years ago. They still came on strong at the end of the season, and the biggest offensive problem in ‘24 was at QB.

This season, that should not be an issue. There is a lot of excitement in Ann Arbor surrounding freshman QB Bryce Underwood, and rightfully so.

The defense will be good again, and the offense will be a lot better.

The schedule is also favorable, with Penn State and Oregon not on it and Ohio State making the trip north this season.

16. South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina finished 2024 with a flurry, making a late playoff push. This season, the Gamecocks will not surprise anyone.

LaNorris Sellers is a stellar QB and was extremely sharp in 2024.

The defense has playmakers with Jalon Kilgore at corner and Dylan Stewart coming off the end.

USC is going to be good in 2025, the question is if Shane Beamer’s troops have enough on offense to be a playoff team or once again find themselves on the outside looking in.

17. Indiana Hoosiers

As good as Indiana was a season ago, they might be even better this fall.

The record may not produce 11 wins again, but the talent seems to be even better.

As good as Kurtis Rourke was last season, Fernando Mendoza might be an upgrade at QB. The receivers he will work with are on par with anyone in the country and the offensive line will be much better.

The defense is loaded with physical playmakers and that side of the ball should be the strong point of the team this season.

18. Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State’s defense was good last season, and this year the Wildcats could have the best defense in the Big 12.

The linebackers are elite, the line is a veteran group, and the secondary was upgraded in the offseason.

But while the defense was great, the offense was—eh. Look, last season the ‘Cats were 9-0 when scoring 21 points or more and 0-4 when failing to. Not a lot was asked, but not a lot was given, either.

This season, the offense should produce far more.

The offensive line was good last season and will be once again. The RBs will be much improved. KSU needs more steady play out of QB Avery Johnson.

19. Ole Miss Rebels

Jaxson Dart is gone, and in steps Austin Simmons to the QB role. Lane Kiffin has lost great quarterbacks and replaced them many times over, and the head coach generally finds success at the position.

He knows how to get good QBs to play great.

The line will be good, but we will have to see how good the playmakers at Simmons’ disposal are.

One issue for the Rebel offense is consistency in the Red Zone. Last season, in their wins, they scored on 44 of 47 trips. In their losses, they were only five of 14 in the red zone.

20. SMU Mustangs

The Mustangs stepped up in the ACC last season, and they owned it, quite literally, with a perfect 8-0 mark en route to the regular season title.

Kevin Jennings returns at QB, and that is a pretty good spot for the Ponies to build off the success from a year ago.

This program is built for success and staying power in the ACC.

The offense will be explosive, and the defense has some playmakers. Jeffrey M’ba should be a force in the middle of the line and along with Terry Webb, who will make it difficult to run between the tackles against SMU.

21. Texas A&M Aggies

Mike Elko has the Aggies moving in the right direction. He did wonders at Duke and has A&M in position to make noise in the SEC and on a national level.

KC Concepcion will be a weapon on offense as the NC State transfer has huge potential.

Now, Marcel Reed will step in at QB, and his ability to get the ball in the hands of Concepcion and his fellow receivers will be a factor in how good the Aggies end up being.

Defensively, the unit has a lot of talent, but they need to create more pressure.

22. Boise State Broncos

Boise State no longer has Ashton Jeanty, but the offense is in very good hands with Maddux Madsen at the helm.

The line is excellent, and the pass-catchers will be better than they were last season.

While Jeanty is gone, the RB room is still deep with a lot of talent. Madsen could be ready to take off as a star.

The defense is solid at the back, and they have an elite pass rusher in Jayden Virgin-Morgan.

A second playoff appearance should be there for the taking.

23. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Joey McGuire is taking the Red Raiders to new heights.

Tech has gone 23-16 in McGuire’s three seasons at the helm, with a winning record in each campaign.

This season, they have gone in heavy in the portal to take the next step this fall. As many as eight transfers could be starting on defense and as many as 12 could be key contributors on that side of the ball.

On offense, they line has been upgraded through the portal. This could be a special season in Lubbock.

24. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Yellow Jackets are the Power 4 team that I think could surprise people and make a big splash this season.

Tech is led by a very good QB in Haynes King, who might be the most underrated player in the nation at his position. Jamal Haynes is a talented running back, and the offense returns a lot on the line.

Defensively, the Jackets have a lot of guys who can disrupt things. Brent Key has Georgia Tech moving in an upward trajectory, and this could be the season they make a big splash.

25. San Jose State Spartans

Now hear me out on this one.  San Jose State is going to be good, are they the 25th best team in the nation? Perhaps not, however, the offense will be explosive and should be able to score a lot of points.

Walker Eget is a very good QB and will make good decisions, and he’ll make plays both with his arm and his legs.

The defense has some studs on it in the form of Gafa Faga, Jordan Pollard and Jalen Bainer.

But, really, hear me out this point: SJSU will be good, but the schedule sets up that they could very well be 11-1 heading into the MW Championship with the lone loss coming at Texas…remember them, #1 Texas?

No Boise on the Schedule, no UNLV, Fresno and Air Force at home. So, if there is a team that is 11-1 on December 1st and the lone loss is at Texas, you better believe that team is ranked!