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The Early Buzz Preseason Composite Top 25 Setsthe Stageforthe 2025 College Football Season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 0:15 GMT by on3.com
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The anticipation is building even before a single snap has been taken. With the 2024 season underway, attention is already turning to 2025 and the landscape of college football. A newly released preseason composite ranking, compiled by On3 Sports, offers an intriguing glimpse into how teams are being perceived heading into next year's campaign, factoring in recruiting classes, coaching changes, returning talent, and projected performance. This early look reveals a fascinating mix of established powerhouses, rising programs, and potential dark horses vying for national championship contention.

At the very top sits Georgia, unsurprisingly holding the number one spot. The Bulldogs’ continued dominance on the recruiting trail, consistently landing five-star prospects and building depth across their roster, solidifies their position as the team to beat. Kirby Smart's program has become a factory for NFL talent, and that pipeline is expected to continue fueling Georgia’s success in 2025. Their ability to reload while maintaining a high level of play makes them the clear frontrunner according to this early assessment.

Following Georgia are Ohio State at number two and Alabama at three. Both programs remain perennial contenders, consistently recruiting elite talent and boasting coaching staffs with proven track records. Ohio State, under Ryan Day, is looking to reclaim its place atop the Big Ten and national conversation after a slightly disappointing 2023 season. Alabama, meanwhile, continues to adapt under Nick Saban’s successor, Kalen DeBoer, aiming to maintain their dynasty status in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.

Rounding out the top five is Texas, demonstrating the continued rise of the Longhorns program. Steve Sarkisian has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in Austin, attracting elite recruits and building a high-powered offense. Their recent success and aggressive recruiting efforts have positioned them as legitimate national championship contenders. The addition of key transfers and the development of their young talent will be crucial to maintaining this momentum.

The sixth through tenth spots showcase a mix of established programs and rising stars: Clemson, Michigan, Oregon, LSU, and Penn State. Clemson, while facing challenges in recent years, remains a force to be reckoned with under Dabo Swinney. Michigan continues its ascent after a historic 2023 season, though the departure of key players will test their resilience. Oregon, bolstered by Dan Lanning’s recruiting prowess and the allure of the Pac-12's media rights deal (now in the Big Ten), is poised for continued success. LSU, under Brian Kelly, aims to build on its recent successes and solidify its position as a SEC powerhouse. Penn State, consistently competitive but often falling short of expectations, looks to break through into the College Football Playoff picture.

Further down the rankings, several programs demonstrate significant upward mobility. Notre Dame sits at number 12, benefiting from strong recruiting and a stable coaching environment. Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, continues to build an explosive offense and attract top talent, placing them at number 14. Florida State, despite some recent setbacks, remains a program with immense potential, holding the 16th spot.

The latter half of the rankings highlights programs on the cusp of breaking into the national elite. Oklahoma (20), now also in the Big Ten, is looking to make an immediate impact and prove its worth against tougher competition. Miami (23) aims to recapture its glory days under Mario Cristobal, relying on recruiting improvements and a renewed focus on tradition. Washington, fresh off a surprising playoff run, faces the challenge of replacing key contributors while navigating the complexities of the Big Ten, landing at number 24. Finally, Oregon State (25) represents a potential surprise contender, showcasing the growing competitiveness within the Pac-12/Big Ten conference.

It's important to remember that these rankings are preseason projections based on current information and expectations. The college football landscape is notoriously unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances – injuries, coaching changes, unexpected player development – can dramatically alter team trajectories. This composite ranking serves as a snapshot in time, providing an early glimpse into the potential storylines of the 2025 season.

The impact of the transfer portal continues to reshape the collegiate game, allowing programs to quickly address roster needs and bolster their talent pool. The ongoing evolution of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals also plays a significant role in recruiting and player retention, further complicating predictions. As the 2024 season unfolds, these factors will continue to influence team performance and ultimately shape the final rankings heading into 2025. For now, however, this preseason composite provides an exciting preview of what promises to be another thrilling year of college football.