In a significant start to the 2025 college football season, the city of Austin has made headlines as the Texas Longhorns secured the top spot in the AP Top 25 preseason poll for the first time in history. This momentous achievement came after they narrowly edged out Penn State by just five points, making it the tightest preseason vote since 1998. With 25 first-place votes and a total of 1,552 points, Texas leads a long list of teams eager to prove themselves this season.
Following Texas, Penn State holds the second position, marking their highest preseason ranking since 1997. Defending champion Ohio State found themselves in the third spot, which might feel like a slight given their recent success in the championship games.
This year also witnessed changes for several programs traditionally seen in preseason rankings. Notably, teams like Iowa, USC, and Utah all saw their streaks end, with Iowa unranked for the first time in two years. Meanwhile, Nebraska is stirring up interest with a revamped roster as they hope for a breakthrough year under coach Matt Rhule, especially after their first winning season in a while.
The 2024 season performances also play a major role in shaping the preseason rankings. Arizona State, after finishing strong last year, is considered a favorite in the Big 12 and set to face tough competition from teams like Kansas State and Texas Tech. On the other hand, Boise State, with an impressive record and a spot in the poll, represents the Mountain West as they strive to build on their previous success.
The opening weekend promises three exciting matchups among the top ten teams, including Texas taking on Ohio State. Both teams face the challenge of adjusting to new quarterbacks, indicating that the competition will be fierce right from the beginning.
As we anticipate the season ahead, multiple teams with rising talent and high expectations aim to make their mark. With players like Arch Manning leading the Longhorns and Cade Klubnik at Clemson, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on new faces and established stars alike.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a captivating one, not only for fans but for the future of college football, as the playoff system and rankings evolve.
