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Sporting News preseason top 25 for 2025: Texas, Ohio State Lead the Pack | Sporting News

Sporting News Preseason Top 25 for 2025 College Football: Texas and Ohio State Headline a Loaded Field

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with conference realignments, the transfer portal, and the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, the Sporting News has unveiled its preseason Top 25 rankings for the 2025 season. This year's projections highlight a mix of perennial powerhouses, rising contenders, and programs poised for breakthroughs, with the SEC and Big Ten dominating the upper echelons. Leading the pack is Texas, followed closely by Ohio State, setting the stage for what could be an epic clash of titans in the expanded playoff format. The rankings reflect a deep analysis of returning talent, coaching stability, recruiting hauls, and schedule challenges, painting a picture of a season brimming with parity and high-stakes matchups.

At the top spot sits Texas, a program that has rapidly ascended under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns are coming off a strong campaign and are loaded with offensive firepower, particularly at quarterback where Quinn Ewers returns for what could be a Heisman-caliber season. Ewers' poise and arm talent make him a centerpiece, but the real strength lies in a revamped offensive line and a receiving corps that includes dynamic playmakers like Isaiah Bond, who transferred in to add speed and versatility. Defensively, Texas has bolstered its front seven with key additions, aiming to improve on last year's solid but occasionally vulnerable unit. The move to the SEC brings tougher competition, but with games against Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas A&M on the docket, the Longhorns are built to handle the grind. Sarkisian's emphasis on physicality and depth positions Texas as the team to beat, with expectations of not just a conference title but a deep playoff run.

Right behind at No. 2 is Ohio State, a team hungry for redemption after falling short in recent postseason appearances. The Buckeyes boast one of the most talented rosters in the nation, headlined by a defense that could be the best in college football. Standouts like edge rushers Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau return to anchor a unit that promises to be disruptive and opportunistic. Offensively, the quarterback battle between Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, and Devin Brown adds intrigue, but whoever wins out will have elite weapons at their disposal, including wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate. Running back TreVeyon Henderson provides a reliable ground game, and the offensive line's experience should mitigate any growing pains. Under Ryan Day, Ohio State faces a brutal Big Ten slate with Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State looming large. The program's recruiting prowess and transfer acquisitions make them a playoff lock, but the pressure is on to finally capture that elusive national championship.

Georgia claims the No. 3 position, a testament to Kirby Smart's dynasty-building acumen. Even without some key departures, the Bulldogs remain a juggernaut, led by quarterback Carson Beck, whose accuracy and decision-making evoke comparisons to past greats. The offense features a potent running back tandem and a deep tight end group, while the defense—Smart's hallmark—returns playmakers like safety Malaki Starks and linebacker Smael Mondon. Georgia's schedule includes marquee non-conference tilts and SEC battles against Alabama and Texas, testing their mettle early. With a track record of reloading rather than rebuilding, the Bulldogs are primed for another SEC title push and a spot in the playoff semifinals.

Oregon ducks into No. 4, thriving in their new Big Ten home under Dan Lanning. The Ducks' offense is explosive, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel bringing veteran savvy from his time at Oklahoma. Wideouts like Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart form a nightmare matchup for defenses, complemented by a sturdy offensive line. Defensively, Oregon has invested heavily in the trenches, with transfers bolstering the pass rush. Facing Ohio State and Michigan in conference play, the Ducks' speed and athleticism could make them a dark horse for the national title.

Alabama rounds out the top five under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who inherits a program in transition but rich with talent. Quarterback Jalen Milroe's dual-threat ability is a game-changer, supported by running back Justice Haynes and a revamped receiving group. The defense, while losing some stars, retains edge rusher Que Robinson and a secondary eager to prove itself. DeBoer's offensive ingenuity, proven at Washington, should keep Alabama competitive in the SEC, with key games against Georgia and LSU defining their season.

Notre Dame sits at No. 6, buoyed by a stout defense and the addition of quarterback Riley Leonard from Duke. Marcus Freeman's squad emphasizes physicality, with a defensive line that could dominate. Offensively, Leonard's mobility pairs well with running back Jeremiyah Love, and the schedule avoids some traditional pitfalls, setting up a potential playoff berth.

Ole Miss claims No. 7, thanks to Lane Kiffin's portal mastery. Quarterback Jaxson Dart leads a high-octane attack with receivers like Tre Harris and Juice Wells, while the defense has been fortified with transfers like Walter Nolen. The Rebels' SEC schedule is daunting, but their talent suggests a breakthrough is possible.

Michigan, at No. 8, navigates life after Jim Harbaugh with Sherrone Moore at the helm. The Wolverines' identity remains rooted in a punishing ground game and elite defense, featuring running back Donovan Edwards and defensive tackle Mason Graham. Big Ten clashes with Ohio State and Oregon will test their resolve.

Penn State is No. 9, with Drew Allar at quarterback and a defense led by Abdul Carter. James Franklin's team has the pieces for a Big Ten title run, especially with running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

Tennessee occupies No. 10, powered by quarterback Nico Iamaleava's potential and a speedy offense. Josh Heupel's system thrives on tempo, and defensive improvements could propel them higher.

LSU at No. 11 features quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and a talented skill group, but defensive questions linger under Brian Kelly.

Miami (Fla.) is No. 12, with quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez headlining Mario Cristobal's resurgence in the ACC.

Missouri claims No. 13, building on last year's success with quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden III.

Oklahoma at No. 14 adapts to the SEC with quarterback Jackson Arnold and a revamped offensive line.

Utah is No. 15, led by quarterback Cam Rising's return and a tough defense in the Big 12.

Clemson sits at No. 16, relying on quarterback Cade Klubnik and a strong front seven.

Florida State is No. 17, with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei aiming to stabilize the Seminoles in the ACC.

Oklahoma State at No. 18 features running back Ollie Gordon II and a veteran offense.

Kansas State is No. 19, with quarterback Avery Johnson and a balanced attack.

USC at No. 20 transitions to the Big Ten with quarterback Miller Moss and defensive upgrades under Lincoln Riley.

Iowa claims No. 21, known for its defense and now with quarterback Cade McNamara healthy.

Kansas is No. 22, led by quarterback Jalon Daniels and a potent offense.

NC State at No. 23 boasts quarterback Grayson McCall and a solid defense.

Texas A&M is No. 24 under Mike Elko, with quarterback Conner Weigman and defensive talent.

Boise State rounds out the Top 25 at No. 25, highlighted by running back Ashton Jeanty and a Group of Five powerhouse status.

This preseason ranking underscores the depth of talent across conferences, with the expanded playoff offering more opportunities for upsets and Cinderella stories. As rosters finalize and fall camps begin, these projections set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling 2025 season, where traditional powers like Texas and Ohio State aim to assert dominance amid a field of hungry challengers. (Word count: 1,128)

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