The SEC landed nine teams in the USA Today 2025 preseason college football Coaches Poll to lead all conferences, with Texas holding off two Big Ten powerhouses to open as the preseason No. 1.
The Longhorns, which finished No. 3 last year after a College Football Playoff semifinal exit, earned 28 first-place votes, just ahead of defending national champion Ohio State (20 first-place votes) and Penn State (14 first-place votes). The rankings set up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup on Aug. 30, with Texas visiting Ohio State in Columbus as the marquee game of college football’s first full weekend.
Other SEC teams joining the Longhorns in the inaugural 2025 poll include Georgia (No. 4), Alabama (No. 8), LSU (No. 9), South Carolina (No. 13), Ole Miss (No. 15), Florida (No. 17), Tennessee (No. 18) and Texas A&M (tied for 21st).
The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions opened No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, to pace the Big Ten’s six ranked squads. Also ranked in the top 25 were Oregon (No. 7), Illinois (No. 12), Michigan (No. 14) and Indiana (No. 19).
CFP runner-up Notre Dame opens at No. 5, while defending ACC champion Clemson (No. 6) and Miami (No. 10) round out the top 10. SMU (16) joined the Tigers and Hurricanes as ranked ACC teams.
Five Big 12 teams landed in the top 25, led by defending champion Arizona State (No. 11). Kansas State (No. 20), Iowa State (tied for 21st), BYU (No. 23) and Texas Tech (No. 24) joined the Sun Devils. The Wildcats and Cyclones open the season on Aug. 23 in Dublin, Ireland.
CFP participant Boise State (No. 25) was only the member of a Group of 5 conference to make the top 25.
Season-opening polls often reflect the previous year’s final ranking and amplify program perception. Last year, only 12 of the preseason top 25 finished in the final Coaches Poll.
Last year, Georgia opened the season at No. 1 and finished sixth in the final poll. Ohio State, which won the CFP title, was ranked No. 2.
Among the top 25 teams not qualifying for a bowl game were Florida State (started 10th, finished 2-10). Utah (started 13th, finished 5-7), Oklahoma State (started 18th, went 0-9 in the Big 12), Arizona (started 21st, 4-8) and Kansas (started 24th, went 5-7).
Here’s the full top 25:
2025 Preseason Coaches Poll
Who’s underrated?
No. 6 Clemson: The Tigers feature two of the top elements necessary for not only winning a conference but contending for a national title: elite quarterback play and a dominant defensive line. Cade Klubnik is perhaps the nation’s top returning quarterback (and sits No. 1 in The Athletic’s rankings of every projected FBS starter) after throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge T.J. Parker are among the best players at their position.
No. 12 Illinois: With 16 returning starters from a 10-win season, including quarterback Luke Altmyer, who threw three game-winning touchdown passes in the final minute of regulation or overtime, the Illini have the resume of a top-10 team.
No. 20 Kansas State: The Wildcats return perhaps the Big 12’s most dynamic quarterback in Avery Johnson and a strong defensive line. An early test against No. 21 Iowa State in a Week 0 “Farmageddon” showcase at Dublin, Ireland, could propel Kansas State into conference title favorite status.
Who’s overrated?
No. 2 Ohio State: There’s no denying the Buckeyes’ talent, which includes the nation’s best offensive player (receiver Jeremiah Smith) and defensive player (safety Caleb Downs). But Ohio State returns only six starters and had 14 players selected in the NFL Draft this spring, including the entire starting defensive line. Uber-talented redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has thrown just 12 career passes. Starting at No. 2 is a little rich based on the resume.
No. 21 Texas A&M: The Aggies perpetually sneak into the preseason top 25 and usually slip out with a nonconference loss or an SEC skid. This year feels different with QB Marcel Reed at the helm behind a strong offensive line, but Texas A&M is in show-me mode until it proves otherwise.
No. 14 Michigan: The Wolverines won eight games last year with an elite defense and the nation’s worst passing offense. Without first-round defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant and likely to start five-star true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, Michigan should start a little lower.
(Photo: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
