AP Top 25: College Football Rankings & What They Mean
Texas Makes History With No. 1 Spot
The 2025 AP Top 25 preseason poll has made headlines today, with Texas capturing the No. 1 ranking for the first time in program history . In a dramatic and rare outcome, Texas edged out Penn State by just five points—the tightest preseason margin since 1998 . Behind Penn State sits the defending national champion, Ohio State, firmly holding the No. 3 position .
This historical achievement has generated buzz across the college football landscape. Arch Manning, Texas’s highly anticipated quarterback, leads the charge, backed by a deep roster of top-tier talent and praised coaching from Steve Sarkisian . The Longhorns are set for a high-stakes Week 1 showdown—an immediate rematch versus Ohio State in Columbus—adding yet more weight to their top billing .
Breakdown of the Poll – Strategic Insights
Let’s dive into what this preseason ranking reveals:
025 Preseason AP Top 25 Rankings
| Rank | Team | Conference | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | SEC | First-ever No. 1 in preseason AP; led by Arch Manning |
| 2 | Penn State | Big Ten | Narrowly behind Texas; loaded defense |
| 3 | Ohio State | Big Ten | Defending champions; QB battle ongoing |
| 4 | Clemson | ACC | Returning QB Cade Klubnik leads strong roster |
| 5 | Georgia | SEC | Two-time champs in recent years; looking to rebound |
| 6 | Oregon | Big Ten | High-powered offense; new conference alignment |
| 7 | LSU | SEC | Led by QB Garrett Nussmeier; strong playoff hopes |
| 8 | Michigan | Big Ten | Big Ten contender despite staff turnover |
| 9 | Alabama | SEC | Rebuilding year under new coaching regime |
| 10 | Notre Dame | ACC (affiliated) | Independent in name; strong returning core |
| 11 | Florida State | ACC | CFP hopefuls; solid on both sides of the ball |
| 12 | Washington | Big Ten | Solidified spot as a national contender |
| 13 | Tennessee | SEC | Looking to build on 2024 success |
| 14 | Oklahoma | SEC | Strong offensive potential |
| 15 | Utah | Big 12 | One of the Big 12’s toughest programs |
| 16 | SMU | ACC | First time ranked since 1985; historic moment |
| 17 | Kansas State | Big 12 | Defense-heavy team; quietly dangerous |
| 18 | Texas A&M | SEC | Hoping for a bounce-back season |
| 19 | Wisconsin | Big Ten | Returning core on defense; new OC could help |
| 20 | USC | Big Ten | Can the defense catch up with the offense? |
| 21 | Ole Miss | SEC | QB Austin Simmons creates buzz |
| 22 | Iowa State | Big 12 | Coach Matt Campbell’s work continues to pay off |
| 23 | North Carolina | ACC | Underrated skill players; could climb higher |
| 24 | Miami (FL) | ACC | On the rise again after years of struggle |
| 25 | Boise State | Mountain West | Only non–Power Four school in the rankings |
Storylines from the Poll:
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SMU's resurgence: The Mustangs appear in the preseason Top 25 for the first time since 1985—a historic revival .
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Ole Miss making moves: Entering at No. 21, the Rebels’ ranking reflects confidence in Coach Lane Kiffin’s strategy and quarterback Austin Simmons .
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Iowa State’s national relevance: Ranked No. 22, the Cyclones sustain their recent climb in the AP poll under Matt Campbell .
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Boise State’s standout status: Representing the Mountain West, Boise State is the lone non–Power Four team on the list .
Why This Poll Matters and What to Watch
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Preseason hype vs. season realities
The AP poll has long set expectations, but this week’s rankings are exceptionally significant. Texas’s top spot galvanizes a season filled with high-impact showdowns—including a blockbuster opener against Ohio State . -
Impact on playoff scenarios
The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format emphasizes early success. Texas’s high ranking could translate to a favorable playoff path—if they prove themselves early . -
Conference representation and power shifts
The SEC leads with 10 ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with 6, underscoring shifting conference dynamics entering 2025 . -
Quarterback questions and Heisman buzz
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Arch Manning of Texas headlines early Heisman conversations.
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Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (receiver) are on the early radar .
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Ohio State, despite QB uncertainty, remains a heavy hitter thanks to its title pedigree .
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Highlights to Watch as the Season Unfolds
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Texas vs. Ohio State Week 1: A marquee opening matchup with national title implications.
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SMU’s story of resurgence: Can they back up their historic ranking?
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Ole Miss as potential sleeper: With strong recruiting and coaching, they could surprise.
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Boise State’s grit: As the lone non‑Power Four team in the Top 25, will they upset expectations?
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Conference battles shaping CFP: Particularly in the SEC and Big Ten, as rankings translate into playoff positioning.
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QB narratives: Manning’s rise, Klubnik’s consistency, and Ohio State’s search for stability all carry weight in the Heisman and national championship races.
Conclusion: The 2025 Season Starts with Historic Expectations
The release of the 2025 AP Top 25 preseason poll has set the tone for what could be one of the most thrilling college football seasons in recent memory. With Texas making history as the No. 1 team for the first time, the spotlight is brighter than ever on the Longhorns. Yet, close competition from Penn State, Ohio State, and other traditional powerhouses like Clemson and Georgia ensures this will be a year of fierce battles and high-stakes drama.
