The 2025 college football season is still several months away, but it’s never too early to talk about the top teams in the nation.
Ohio State will enter the fall with a ton of confidence, and rightfully so. Ryan Day’s squad had an incredible run in the College Football Playoff, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame en route to winning its first national title since the 2014 season.
Of course, it helps that Ohio State has a lot of firepower remaining on its roster. NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on defensive back Caleb Downs and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Although the season won’t begin until August, ESPN has already ranked the top 25 teams in college football. Not only is the Worldwide Leader In Sports extremely high on Ohio State, it seems to favor Texas as well.
Texas is currently the No. 2 team in ESPN’s rankings. As long as Arch Manning plays up to his potential, Steve Sarkisian’s squad should have success.
CFP/Getty Images
The top five in ESPN’s early rankings includes Penn State, Notre Dame and Georgia. All three programs made the CFP last season.
Here’s the top 25, via ESPN:
Ohio StateTexasPenn StateNotre DameGeorgiaOregonClemsonLSUBYUSouth CarolinaIowa StateAlabamaIllinoisArizona StateSMUKansas StateIndianaFloridaTennesseeLouisvilleMichiganTexas A&MMiamiBoise StateOle Miss
It’s a bit strange seeing Alabama outside of the top 10, but Kalen DeBoer has to prove he can win in the SEC.
As for teams that might be a bit undervalued at the moment, it seems like Florida and Michigan could be top-15 teams if they receive strong quarterback play from DJ Lagway and Bryce Underwood, respectively,
Fans should also keep an eye on LSU and South Carolina. Both teams have legitimate star power at quarterback.
By the time conference play begins this fall, ESPN’s rankings will look drastically different. You can take that to the bank.
Related: Post-Spring College Football Top 25 Poll Released
