Football Top 25 rankings for the 2025-26 season.

This list mixes predictions, excitement, and talent assessments. For the 2025-26 season

College football never sleeps. Just days after they crown one champion, fans and analysts dive into next year’s madness. Welcome to the very early college football Top 25 rankings for the 2025-26 season. This list mixes predictions, excitement, and talent assessments.

Why “Way-Too-Early” Rankings Matter

Think it’s too early? Think again. These rankings set the narrative, influence preseason polls, and drive offseason recruiting. They’re like the first trailer of a blockbuster—you don’t get the whole story, but it sets the hype on fire.

What has changed since the 2024-25 season?

Oh, a lot! New coaches, NFL departures, fresh talent, and of course—the transfer portal chaos. If 2024 was wild, 2025 might just break the internet.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Key Criteria Considered

We looked at more than just last year’s record. Our rankings weigh

Returning starters (especially QBs)
Talent depth
Recruiting class strength
Coaching stability
Schedule difficulty

Transfer Portal and Returning Starters

Constant quality matters more than hype.

Coaching Changes and System Updates

A new coach can spark or sink a program. We factored in not just head coaching hires, but coordinators too—especially offensive minds.

Top 25 Teams Overview

Let’s dive into the Top 25 rankings for the 2025-26 college football season:

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Key Returning Players: QB Gunner Stockton, LB CJ Allen
2024 Recap: SEC champs, CFP semi finale
2025 Outlook: Kirby Smart’s machine keeps rolling—stacked on defense, more balanced on offense.

2. Michigan Wolverines

Key Returning Players: RB Donovan Edwards, DL Kenneth Grant
2024 Recap: National runner-up
2025 Outlook: Physical dominance remains, and the offense might be scarier than ever.

3. Oregon Ducks

Key Returning Players: QB Dante Moore, WR Tez Johnson
2024 Recap: Rose Bowl winners
2025 Outlook: Explosive and deep—ready to push for a title.

4. Texas Longhorns

Key Returning Players: QB Arch Manning, WR Isaiah Bond
2024 Recap: SEC debut was electric
2025 Outlook: Arch is settled in—watch out, world.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

Key Returning Players: WR Carnell Tate, DE Jack Sawyer
2024 Recap: Lost a couple heartbreakers
2025 Outlook: Defense leads the charge while the offense retools.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide

7. Penn State Nittany Lions

8. Florida State Seminoles

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

10. LSU Tigers

11. Utah Utes

12. Ole Miss Rebels

13. Washington Huskies

14. Clemson Tigers

15. Kansas State Wildcats

16. Missouri Tigers

17. Oklahoma Sooners

18. Tennessee Volunteers

19. North Carolina Tar Heels

20. Texas A&M Aggies

21. Arizona Wildcats

22. Louisville Cardinals

23. Miami Hurricanes

24. Wisconsin Badgers

25. Boise State Broncos

Teams That Just Missed the Cut

Honorable Mentions

Nebraska
South Carolina
UCLA

What Held Them Back

Each has promise, but questions at QB or defensive depth cost them a spot.

Potential Dark Horses to Watch

Mid-Tier Teams With Upside

Auburn (Watch their freshman QB)
Iowa (Elite defense always helps)

Possible Breakout Programs

SMU: Could dominate a wide-open ACC
Duke: Rising under solid coaching

Power Five Conference Outlook

SEC

Still the king. Texas and Georgia might run the table.

Big Ten

Deep and dangerous. Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State are all legit.

ACC

FSU and Clemson bounce back, but dark horses lurk.

Big 12

Wide open. Kansas State or Utah could surprise.

Pac-12 (or whatever remains)

Oregon’s world. Everyone else is playing catch-up.

Heisman Hopefuls for 2025

Front-Runners

Arch Manning (Texas)
Donovan Edwards (Michigan)

Sleepers

Dante Moore (Oregon)
Tez Johnson (Oregon)

Coaching Carousel Impact

New Head Coaches to Watch

Michigan State brought in an offensive wizard.
UCLA’s hire could revamp their identity.

Assistant Changes That Could Be Game-Changers

Alabama’s new OC brings tempo and flair.

Key Matchups That Could Shake Up the Rankings

Early Season Showdowns

Texas vs. Georgia
Oregon vs. Ohio State

Rivalry Games

Michigan vs. Ohio State (as always)
Iron Bowl: Alabama vs. Auburn

Predictions for the College Football Playoff

Projected in the semi finale

Georgia
Michigan
Oregon
Texas

Early Pick for National Champion

We’re calling it: Texas Longhorns. Arch Manning leads a Hollywood ending.

Recruiting Classes That Matter

Top 5 Recruiting Hauls

Georgia
Texas
Alabama
Michigan
Oregon

Instant Impact Freshmen

WR Malik Franklin (Alabama)
LB Trey Owens (Texas)

The Role of NIL and the Transfer Portal

How It’s Reshaping Rosters

Players chase opportunity—and the bag. Teams that adapt win.

Key Transfers to Know

QB Jalen Ricks to Florida
WR Deon Bradley to Clemson

Conclusion

The 2025-26 college football season promises fireworks, upsets, and new legends. The game’s changing fast—NIL, transfers, wild coaching swings—but one thing’s the same: every Saturday will be electric. Strap in. It’s going to be a ride.

FAQs

Q1: Who is the No. 1 team in the 2025-26 early rankings?

A1: Georgia takes the top spot with a loaded defense and experienced offense.

Q2: Which team is the biggest surprise in the Top 25?

A2: Boise State cracks the list with veteran leadership and momentum.

Q3: Which coach has the most to prove?

A3: Texas A&M’s head coach—this year is boom or bust.

Q4: What impact will the transfer portal have?

A4: Huge. Expect at least 10 starters on Top 25 teams to come via transfers.

Q5: Which freshman could shine the brightest?

A5: Alabama’s Malik Franklin is a game-changer at wide receiver.